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September 5 2001: New photos (Thanks to Michael C)
The new sign for the new One Man's Dream attraction.
The new access paths from the Great Movie Ride area to Mickey Avenue.
September 3 2001: One Man's Dream
The sign for the new "One Mans Dream" attraction is now in place. It reads "Walt Disney, One Man's Dream, from Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdom".
August 29 2001: Latest Hat construction photos (thanks MrPromey)
August 15 2001: New Parade Information
For the first time ever, a parade spectacle will unfold daily in all four Walt Disney World theme parks during the 100 Years of Magic celebration beginning Oct. 1, 2001. And that’s exactly as it should be, according to Disney entertainment experts.
“The 100 Years of Magic celebration is a tribute to the
imagination of Walt Disney,” says John Haupt, managing producer for
the parades. “We have tried to tie our live entertainment to his
penchant for creativity.”
That creativity, according to Marty Sklar, vice chairman and principal
creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, often involved
parades. “Walt loved parades,” says Sklar, who worked with Walt for
many years. “Parades were important at Disneyland from ‘day one’.”
Adds Haupt, “Nothing beats a parade when we want to create an entertainment spectacular for lots of people.”
So during the 100 Years of Magic celebration, Disney milestone moments are presented in parade units inspired by snow globes in the Magic Kingdom. Motorcars take on the visual personality of Disney characters in Disney-MGM Studios. The jungle beat is a pageant of party animals in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The dreams of children float on the evening air in Epcot.
The magic of the four parades is brought to life by legions of entertainers -- a total of more than 300 -- plus nearly 60 parade-unit drivers and other support personnel.
Then there’s the “supporting cast” -- thousands of theme park guests who are invited to take a role in the fun. Some are selected to actually ride along. Some have the chance to step off the curb and join the Disney characters in a brief activity. Others help make the magic happen when the characters musically invite them to shout a special phrase.
All four parades incorporate the new “Suite of Dreams” music written especially for the 100 Years of Magic celebration.
Here’s a peek at the parade fun that’s in store in each of the four theme parks.
“Share a Dream Come True” Parade
Mickey Mouse and 100 Disney characters star in the Magic Kingdom
parade, “Share a Dream Come True,” highlighting favorite moments from
the early days of Mickey Mouse cartoons to the newest animated Disney
characters.
Vignettes are captured in giant snow globes with live Disney characters inside. The spectacular opening float features Mickey Mouse waving from inside his snow globe atop a “Mouse-ument” of Mickey statuettes depicting Mickey through the years.
Each float is “a moment to remember,” said producer Bill Anoka, from the charming “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Pinocchio” to the adventure of flight in “Mary Poppins,” “Dumbo” and “Aladdin.” The parade stops momentarily along the route to invite guests into the street to celebrate with the characters. The finale is a magnificent castle floating on clouds, with Tinker Bell’s magic wand revealing a character carousel rising from the clouds inside the final snow globe.
“It’s heartwarming and playful,” said Haupt. “Disney fans are going to love this tribute.”
“Tapestry of Dreams” Parade
The “Tapestry of Nations” street festival at Epcot has been
transformed into “Tapestry of Dreams,” a parade celebrating children,
dreams and the legacy of Walt Disney.
“This parade surrounds World Showcase with enormous drums, fanciful puppets and spectacular pageantry,” says Haupt. “It celebrates the dreamer in all of us.”
Throughout the day at Epcot, Kidcot Fun Stop activity kiosks around World Showcase will offer children cardboard compasses illustrating the 11 World Showcase countries with a press-out “coin” in the center of the compass. As the nightly procession begins, recorded voices of children tell their dreams for the world as three “dream spinners” dance along. During the parade, young guests can make a wish as they toss their “coins” into a dream catcher that passes by in the procession.
“The dream spinners call upon guests to imagine a vision of the future where all of our best dreams come true,” says producer Taz Marosi. The dreams are woven into a tapestry of vibrant sights and sounds as the parade, with brilliant puppets that conjure up sprites, angels, birds and other ethereal creations, encircles World Showcase.
“The parade explodes with rhythm, color and music,” says Marosi. “It’s a brand new experience.”
“Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” Parade
The new parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a traveling, interactive
island street party that features Disney characters “on expedition”
and a tribute to their animal friends. As the procession winds through
the park, a menagerie of abstract animals comes to life in handcrafted
theatrical designs -- “bursts of living color,” says producer Paul
Nichols.
During each parade presentation, nearly two dozen guests get in on the action in customized rickshaws that accompany the Disney characters traveling in safari vehicles. Minnie Mouse, for instance, appears as if she brought all the comforts of home along on her safari, with steamer trunks, wardrobe cases, hat boxes, even a bathtub (with bubbles continuously floating out).
Party Animals and energetic Party Patrols coax the audience into a sing-a-long music fest as the parade winds throughout the park.
“Disney Stars and Motor Cars” Parade
In the shadow of a shimmering blue, 12-story tall Sorcerer Mickey hat
that has been created as a visual centerpiece for the celebration, all
the resident stars at Disney-MGM Studios participate in a celebrity
cavalcade worthy of a red-carpet event, the “Disney Stars and Motor
Cars” parade.
“We bring the stars to you,” says producer Taz Marosi. The luminaries -- Aladdin and Jasmine, Luke Skywalker, Rolie Polie Olie, Miss Piggy, Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse and more -- all are on hand for a Hollywood celebration honoring Walt Disney’s career in motion pictures.
More than a dozen stars ride in customized cars, many of them vintage models: the “Aladdin” car is outfitted to look like the Genie, the “Toy Story” car is in the shape of Andy’s bed. The final car, a 1929 Cadillac, will carry Mickey, Minnie and friends.
Walt Disney, who got his start in motion pictures, is honored in a pre-show that pays homage to his pioneering creativity. Commentators along the parade route will share Walt wisdom as the parade makes its way through the park.
The History of Walt and Parades
Walt Disney was infatuated with parades from the time of his youth in
Missouri. “When the circus came to [Kansas City],” chronicles author
Bob Thomas in Walt Disney: An American Original, “Walt followed the
parade from beginning to end, his sister Ruth striving hard to keep up
with him. He devised his own circus parade, enlisting Ruth and the
neighborhood children to help decorate floats atop play wagons.”
More than 40 years later, Walt’s love of parades had a whole new “stage”: Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland in California.
“On ‘day one,’ Walt read a dedication and then the parade started,” says Disney historian Dave Smith. That was July 17, 1955. The Disney characters -- Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Snow White and others -- took on a new, three-dimensional life in a procession that marched to the beat of the Disneyland Band. Actors Fess Parker (Davy Crockett) and Buddy Ebsen joined in the fun. The parade featured TV commentary by Ronald Reagan.
On Thanksgiving Day in 1955, Walt introduced a circus parade. The following Easter, there was an antique automobile parade. In December 1957, the "Christmas in Many Lands Parade" premiered. Then came Cavalcade of Bands. And "The Parade of Toys." Then the Christmastime extravaganza "Fantasy on Parade." And "Tencennial Parade" in 1965 to salute Disneyland’s first decade.
August 13 2001: Latest construction photos (thanks JayRod)
August 7 2001: New Details on 100 Years of Magic Attraction
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream’ Brings Guests Up Close and Personal With Entertainment Heritage
Did you know that Walt Disney once played the role of Abraham Lincoln? That at the age of 16, he was an Ambulance Corps driver in France? Would you like to hear him talk about what it felt like to create Mickey Mouse -- in recorded words that the public has never before heard him speak?
Are you curious to see the office in which this great
20th-century visionary worked? Would you like to control one of the
sophisticated Disney Audio-Animatronics® figures featured in theme
park attractions? Would you like to play the role of a cameraperson,
circa 1966, taping Walt Disney as he announces to the world his vision
for Walt Disney World Resort?
Treats for the eyes, the ears and the imagination -- memorabilia from
the Disney archives that never has been available to the public before
about the career and heritage of Walt Disney and the company he
founded -- will be showcased in a new attraction at Disney-MGM
Studios.
“Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream” will take 21st-century visitors to Walt
Disney World Resort on an emotional journey that starts with Disney’s
birth in 1901 and ends with the company’s vision for the future. The
interactive gallery and new film, located on Mickey Avenue at the
Disney-MGM Studios, are being readied for the yearlong 100 Years of
Magic celebration that begins Oct. 1, 2001.
“When we were researching the attraction, we found that many of our
guests under the age of 15 did not know Walt Disney was a real
person,” said senior show producer/director Roger Holzberg of Walt
Disney Imagineering. “They thought it was just a company name.”
Throughout the gallery, scenic pieces and props create an experiential
trip through each era of Disney’s life, beginning with a brief look at
Disney’s early years, from his birth in Chicago and his formative
years in Marceline, Mo., a period that was crucial to his development
as an artist and storyteller. Throughout, “connection cards” thread
the stories of his creations, from boyhood dreams to reality.
And in one of the attraction’s most exciting features, Walt Disney
himself talks about the most meaningful and emotional moments of his
life through a rare collection of audio interviews, many heard
publicly for the first time, which are triggered when guests approach
the various sections of the gallery.
The attraction includes a short film of Walt Disney’s life that
explores the extraordinary hardships he overcame to achieve what he
did in his lifetime. “He is an individual, not an icon,” said Holzberg.
“This tells the story of Walt the man, and we hope that guests will be
moved by the scope of his imagination, what he accomplished, and what
he inspired.”
“It’s important to note that ‘One Man’s Dream’ is in no way a
retrospective,” said Holzberg. “Walt always said he had one foot in
the past and one in the future. We want to inspire the young creative
minds of today to help invent the future.”
August 7 2001: First-Ever Walt Disney World Pin-Trading Festival Features Artists, Limited Editions, Workshops Aug. 9-12
Disney’s Pin Celebration - “Pins Around Our World” - will feature Disney artists who create the colorful collectibles -- and the release of more than 30 new limited-edition pins during the four days. Enthusiasts will have a chance to meet the artists and have favorite pins signed. The celebration will be centered at the Epcot World Showplace, between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions.
There also will be an interactive guest experience that will send visitors on a mysterious international pin adventure throughout the 11 countries of Epcot World Showcase.
“Pin trading is one of the fastest-growing pastimes among our guests at Walt Disney World,” says Jim Greene, merchandise manager for global projects at the Vacation Kingdom. “They come from across the country and around the globe to meet other pin fans, make trades and see what new pins have been issued since their last visit. So this festival seems like a perfect event for us.”
Additional highlights of the festival include:
- A fast-paced auction of one-of-a-kind pins and artwork.
- A “Kids Trading Area” for younger traders and a special “Traders Lounge.”
- Pins from other Disney theme parks around the world.
- Artist workshops where guests can learn pin making from master artisans and hands-on workshops where they can create pins of their own.
- A special premiere of Disney’s Photo Pins featuring photo images of guests.
- A sneak preview of Disney’s Magical Moments pins, twinkling interactive pins that premiere across Walt Disney World Resort Oct. 1 in conjunction with the yearlong 100 Years of Magic celebration.
About Pin Trading
Although guests have been buying and trading commemorative Disney pins for years, the pursuit of pins intensified during the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration. The resort offers a huge collection of “core pins” featuring attractions, resorts and favorite Disney characters. Walt Disney World Resort also releases limited-edition pins to commemorate holidays and to mark events in resort history.
Pin-trading stations are located at each of the four theme parks, the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment complex and Walt Disney World resort hotels. At scheduled times throughout the day, the stations have pin-trading sessions where guests gather and trade pins with other enthusiasts.
Leading up to the celebration, Walt Disney World Resort has featured several pin-trading mini-festivals where traders take over part of a theme park for the day.
For information about pin trading at Walt Disney World Resort and the “Pins Around Our World” celebration, guests can call 407/827-7600.
August 7 2001: Latest Hat Construction photos (thanks MArc)
August 2 2001: Latest Hat Construction photos (thanks Jason)
July 13 2001: More Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade Concept Art
July 12 2001: Latest Hat Construction photos
Thanks to Ben Tolman for the photos above
June 29 2001: Official 100 Years of Magic Information
FedEx Delivers Historical Walt Disney Memorabilia To Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (June 25, 2001) -- One hundred
years of Walt Disney memorabilia left California for the first time
ever today aboard a FedEx Express airplane bound for the Walt Disney
World Resort.
The artifacts -- many never before seen publicly -- will be displayed
at the Walt Disney World Resort as part of the 100 Years of Magic
Celebration commemorating the centennial of Walt Disney’s birth. The
celebration begins October 1.
“Talk about ‘precious cargo’,” said Walt Disney World Co. President Al
Weiss. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime shipment that carries significant
historical meaning to our company and our guests from around the
world. We turned to FedEx to ensure the safest and most reliable
transport of these items.”
FedEx Express provided air and ground transportation as well as
logistical support to move the artifacts from California to Florida.
“It has taken 100 years to assemble this sentimental and priceless
collection of artifacts,” said David J. Bronczek, president and chief
executive officer of FedEx Express. “It will take just a few hours for
the safe, coast-to-coast FedEx delivery of valuable cargo that
represents so many years of colorful Disney history.”
The priceless collection of memorabilia for Disney’s 100 Years of
Magic Celebration was shipped cross-country early this morning from
Los Angeles to Orlando, Fla. For the historically rich delivery, the
Airbus A300 that carried the cargo was designated Spirit of
Imagination.
Items in the collection, many dating to the early years of Disney,
include:
Walt Disney’s office desk, chair and cabinet
1954 Special Effects Oscar from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” animated feature-film props circa
1939-40
“Pinocchio” film props circa 1941
Sleeping Beauty castle model
Mickey Mouse Club guitar
Peter Pan’s Flight attraction model
Tree of Life model from Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The memorabilia, more than 400 items in all, also include Mickey Mouse
Club ears from the original television show; the mask, sword and hat
from the television program “Zorro,” and other items from Walt
Disney’s complete working office.
All items will be on display at Disney-MGM Studios inside a new
attraction called “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream,” a multi-sensory
entertainment experience based on this man who was willing to bet
everything on his own dreams. The venue will open Oct. 1, when the
Walt Disney World Resort kicks off the 100 Years of Magic Celebration,
which runs through Dec. 31, 2002.
FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and
a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX), is “the official
express delivery service of the Walt Disney World Resort.”
With annual revenues of $20 billion, FedEx Corp. is the premier global
provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain management
services. The company offers integrated business solutions through a
network of subsidiaries operating independently, including FedEx
Express, the world’s largest express transportation company; FedEx
Ground, North America’s second largest provider of small-package
ground delivery service; FedEx Freight, a leading provider of regional
less-than-truckload freight services; FedEx Custom Critical, the
world’s largest provider of expedited, time-critical shipments; and
FedEx Trade Networks, a provider of customs brokerage, consulting,
information technology and trade facilitation solutions.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For the first time ever, a
parade spectacle will unfold daily in all four Walt Disney World theme
parks during the 100 Years of Magic Celebration beginning Oct. 1,
2001. And that’s exactly as it should be, according to Disney
entertainment experts.
“The 100 Years of Magic Celebration is a tribute to the imagination of
Walt Disney,” says John Haupt, managing producer for the parades. “We
have tried to tie our live entertainment to his penchant for
creativity.”
That creativity, according to Marty Sklar, vice chairman and principal
creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, often involved
parades. “Walt loved parades,” says Sklar, who worked with Walt for
many years. “Parades were important at Disneyland from ‘Day One’.”
Adds Haupt, “Nothing beats a parade when we want to create an
entertainment spectacular for lots of people.”
So during the 100 Years of Magic Celebration, Disney milestone moments
are presented in parade units inspired by snow globes in the Magic
Kingdom. Motorcars take on the visual personality of Disney characters
in Disney-MGM Studios. The jungle beat is a pageant of party animals
in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The dreams of children float on the
evening air in Epcot.
The magic of the four parades is brought to life by legions of
entertainers -- a total of more than 300 -- plus nearly 60 parade-unit
drivers and other support personnel.
Then there’s the “supporting cast” -- thousands of theme park guests
who are invited to take a role in the fun. Some are selected to
actually ride along. Some have the chance to step off the curb and
join the Disney characters in a brief activity. Others help make the
magic happen when the characters musically invite them to shout a
special phrase.
All four parades incorporate the new “Suite of Dreams” music written
especially for the 100 Years of Magic Celebration.
Here’s a peek at the parade fun that’s in store in each of the four
theme parks.
“Share a Dream Come True” Parade
Mickey Mouse and 100 Disney characters star in the Magic Kingdom
parade, “Share a Dream Come True,” highlighting favorite moments from
the early days of Mickey Mouse cartoons to the newest animated Disney
characters.
Vignettes are captured in giant snow globes with live Disney
characters inside. The spectacular opening float features Mickey Mouse
waving from inside his snow globe atop a “Mouse-ument” of Mickey
statuettes depicting Mickey through the years.
Each float is “a moment to remember,” said producer Bill Anoka, from
the charming “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Pinocchio” to the
adventure of flight in “Mary Poppins,” “Dumbo” and “Aladdin.” The
parade stops momentarily along the route to invite guests into the
street to celebrate with the characters. The finale is a magnificent
castle floating on clouds, with Tinker Bell’s magic wand revealing a
character carousel rising from the clouds inside the final snow globe.
“It’s heartwarming and playful,” said Haupt. “Disney fans are going to
love this tribute.”
“Tapestry of Dreams” Parade
The “Tapestry of Nations” street festival at Epcot has been
transformed into “Tapestry of Dreams,” a parade celebrating children,
dreams and the legacy of Walt Disney.
“This parade surrounds World Showcase with enormous drums, fanciful
puppets and spectacular pageantry,” says Haupt. “It celebrates the
dreamer in all of us.”
Throughout the day at Epcot, Kidcot Fun Stop activity kiosks around
World Showcase will offer children cardboard compasses illustrating
the 11 World Showcase countries with a press-out “coin” in the center
of the compass. As the nightly procession begins, recorded voices of
children tell their dreams for the world as three “dream spinners”
dance along. During the parade, young guests can make a wish as they
toss their “coins” into a dream catcher that passes by in the
procession.
“The dream spinners call upon guests to imagine a vision of the future
where all of our best dreams come true,” says producer Taz Marosi. The
dreams are woven into a tapestry of vibrant sights and sounds as the
parade, with brilliant puppets that conjure up sprites, angels, birds
and other ethereal creations, encircles World Showcase.
“The parade explodes with rhythm, color and music,” says Marosi. “It’s
a brand new experience.”
“Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” Parade
The new parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a traveling, interactive
island street party that features Disney characters “on expedition”
and a tribute to their animal friends. As the procession winds through
the park, a menagerie of abstract animals comes to life in handcrafted
theatrical designs -- “bursts of living color,” says producer Paul
Nichols.
During each parade presentation, nearly two dozen guests get in on the
action in customized rickshaws that accompany the Disney characters
traveling in safari vehicles. Minnie Mouse, for instance, appears as
if she brought all the comforts of home along on her safari, with
steamer trunks, wardrobe cases, hat boxes, even a bathtub (with
bubbles continuously floating out).
Party Animals and energetic Party Patrols coax the audience into a
sing-a-long music fest as the parade winds throughout the park.
“Disney Stars and Motor Cars” Parade
In the shadow of a shimmering blue, 12-story tall Sorcerer Mickey hat
that has been created as a visual centerpiece for the celebration, all
the resident stars at Disney-MGM Studios participate in a celebrity
cavalcade worthy of a red-carpet event, the “Disney Stars and Motor
Cars” parade.
“We bring the stars to you,” says producer Taz Marosi. The luminaries
-- Aladdin and Jasmine, Luke Skywalker, Rolie Polie Olie, Miss Piggy,
Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse and more -- all are on hand for a Hollywood
celebration honoring Walt Disney’s career in motion pictures.
More than a dozen stars ride in customized cars, many of them vintage
models: the “Aladdin” car is outfitted to look like the Genie, the
“Toy Story” car is in the shape of Andy’s bed. The final car, a 1929
Cadillac, will carry Mickey, Minnie and friends.
Walt Disney, who got his start in motion pictures, is honored in a
pre-show that pays homage to his pioneering creativity. Commentators
along the parade route will share Walt wisdom as the parade makes its
way through the park.
The History of Walt and Parades
Walt Disney was infatuated with parades from the time of his youth in
Missouri. “When the circus came to [Kansas City],” chronicles author
Bob Thomas in Walt Disney: An American Original, “Walt followed the
parade from beginning to end, his sister Ruth striving hard to keep up
with him. He devised his own circus parade, enlisting Ruth and the
neighborhood children to help decorate floats atop play wagons.”
More than 40 years later, Walt’s love of parades had a whole new
“stage”: Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland in California.
“On ‘day one,’ Walt read a dedication and then the parade started,”
says Disney historian Dave Smith. That was July 17, 1955. The Disney
characters -- Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Snow White and others -- took
on a new, three-dimensional life in a procession that marched to the
beat of the Disneyland Band. Actors Fess Parker (Davy Crockett) and
Buddy Ebsen joined in the fun. The parade featured TV commentary by
Ronald Reagan.
On Thanksgiving Day in 1955, Walt introduced a circus parade. The
following Easter, there was an Antique Automobile Parade. In December
1957, the Christmas in Many Lands Parade premiered. Then came
Cavalcade of Bands. And The Parade of Toys. Then the Christmastime
extravaganza Fantasy on Parade. And Tencennial Celebration Parade in
1965 to salute Disneyland’s first decade.
100 Years of Magic Celebration to Feature New Spectacles in All 4 Walt Disney World Parks
The legacy of Walt Disney -- his creativity and spirit of adventure -- will inspire a year-long celebration featuring special events, new attractions and sparkling new live entertainment at all four Walt Disney World theme parks beginning Oct. 1, 2001.
The 100 Years of Magic Celebration marks the 100th
anniversary of Walt Disney’s birth on Dec. 5, 1901.
“The emotional connection that our guests have to the Disney legacy of
innovation, imagination and family entertainment, combined with new
entertainment and attractions, will make this our most magical
celebration ever,” said Walt Disney World President Al Weiss.
Paying homage to the extraordinary show-business contributions of Walt
Disney, 100 Years of Magic will be centered at Disney-MGM Studios,
which will unveil The Sorcerer’s Hat, a new 122-foot-tall icon
celebrating Disney magic and entertainment wizardry.
Major entertainment spectacles also are planned for all four Walt
Disney World parks:
Disney-MGM Studios guests will be treated to “Disney Stars and Motor
Cars” -- a daily parade of outrageously customized cars loaded with
favorite characters. And for the first time ever, cherished
memorabilia from the Disney archives will be open to viewing by the
general public at “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream,” a multi-media
tribute to Walt Disney, the man.
Life-sized snow globes will capture the magic and charm of Disney
characters from a child’s point of view in “Share a Dream Come True,”
a new Magic Kingdom parade.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be alive with color and pageantry during
presentations of “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” -- the first true Disney
parade created for the newest Walt Disney World theme park.
New characters called dream-spinners and a colorful new float called
the Dream Catcher will be part of the makeover that transforms the
hugely popular Epcot procession “Tapestry of Nations” into “Tapestry
of Dreams.”
The celebration also will feature new theme park attractions and shows
such as The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in the Magic Kingdom; Chester &
Hester’s Dino-Rama!, featuring TriceraTop Spin and Primeval Whirl, in
Disney’s Animal Kingdom; and “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play
It!” in Disney-MGM Studios.
As the celebration draws closer, more attractions and entertainment
will be announced.
All four theme parks will feature the fascinating stories behind the
Disney magic at computerized kiosks. Guests can play their way through
a treasure trove of information that shows the heritage behind the
family-entertainment fun of today’s Disney parks.
Even special merchandise being created for the 100 Years of Magic
Celebration will carry on the Disney legacy of innovation. Disney’s
Magical Moments pins, available for purchase by guests, will put on a
mini-light show -- like magic -- at surprise moments, interacting with
live entertainment, attractions and interactive kiosks.
Walt Disney was born in Chicago on Dec. 5, 1901. His motion picture
milestones were many, beginning with the “birth” of Mickey Mouse in a
1928 short titled “Steamboat Willie,” which included synchronized
sound on film for the first time in an animated motion picture. He
pioneered animation as a form for feature-length motion pictures with
the creation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and turned animation
into a cinematic symphonic concert through “Fantasia.” He pioneered
creation of the multi-plane camera, which recently earned him a place
in the Inventors Hall of Fame.
Disney’s landmark family-entertainment ventures also included classic
television programming such as “The Mickey Mouse Club,” “Davy
Crockett” and “The Wonderful World of Disney,” which continues today.
With the opening of Disneyland in California in the 1950s, Disney
began a theme park empire that now spans the globe. Through animated
films, live-action features, television, theme parks and even
Broadway, Disney’s legacy of imagination and entertainment lives on.
“Nearly everyone can remember when they were first touched by the
magic of Disney,” Weiss said. “Here at the resort that bears Walt
Disney’s name, we’ll give them a chance to share those memories and
make new ones.”
Sorcerer Mickey Hat, 122 Feet Tall, Crowns Disney-MGM Studios As Newest Icon at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As Walt Disney World Resort prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of its visionary founder Walt Disney, construction is underway on a giant new icon at Disney-MGM Studios.
A 122-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey hat will crown
Disney-MGM Studios as its new icon, representing the magic of show
business and the entertainment wizardry of Disney that is captured
throughout shows and attractions at the park.
When finished, this giant showpiece, made from composite fiberglass
and shaped like the pointed hat worn by Mickey in the animated classic
“Fantasia,” will weigh 156 tons. It will be a brilliant blue, and
decorated with moon and star shapes of glittering gold.
As designed, an equally great Mickey hand tips the hat, which rests on
two shimmering ribbon loops that are stylized versions of Mickey’s
ears. The hat and ears will sit atop a solid foundation that uses
enough concrete to cover the length of a football field.
With a message under its brim, the park’s new icon also alerts guests
that Disney-MGM Studios is the center of Disney’s property-wide 100
Years of Magic celebration. The year-long observance, which begins
Oct. 1, will celebrate Walt Disney’s legacy of innovation, imagination
and family entertainment. The event will feature new entertainment and
attractions across the Walt Disney World Resort. More details will be
released as they become available.
Construction for the new icon is underway and will take about nine
months. It will stand at the end of Hollywood Boulevard directly in
front of the Chinese Theater.
The exciting Sorcerer Mickey Hat at Disney-MGM Studios follows
Disney’s icon tradition of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom,
Spaceship Earth at Epcot and The Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal
Kingdom.
Disney-MGM Studios immerses guests in the glamour of show biz 365 days
a year with thrilling attractions, incredible Broadway-style shows,
world-class entertainment and interactive film, television, radio and
animation production facilities. The theme park is part of the
30,500-acre Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.
Disney-MGM Studios Icon Facts
Head Measurements: The hat size is 605 7/8.
On Top of the Mouse: Mickey would have to be 350 feet tall if he were
to wear this giant hat.
The Hat: The hat itself is 100 feet tall. The interior space equals
nearly 60,000 cubic feet. It can hold 444,744 gallons of water. Six
stars and two moons adorn the hat.
Paint Job: The hat will be painted with a custom technique called
“chameleon paint” which shifts color as guests move around it.
Painting the hat will require enough paint to cover 500 Cadillacs.
Mickey Ears: The Mickey ears feature a new special effect called
“Light Ribbons,” which change color and sparkle with internal pixie
dust lighting.
Holding it All Together: There are 13,493 bolts that hold the hat
together; 26,986 washers; and 17,000 feet (or 57 football field) of
underground utility piping.
June 28 2001: Latest Sorcerer Hat Construction
June 25 2001: Toy Story Float from the "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade at D-MGM for 100 Years of Magic
25 June 2001: Concept Art for floats from the
"Mickey's Jammin' Jungle
Parade' from AK for 100 Years of Magic
25 June 2001: Concept Art - Float from Tapestry of Dreams for 100 Years of Magic at Epcot
June 24 2001: Latest Sorcerer Hat Construction
June 6 2001:More Studios Icon Details
Hat Height - The hat itself is 100 feet tall. Since it is
resting atop the ears and canted to the side, the summit of the Icon
will settle at 122 feet.
Icon Weight - 156 tons
Hat Weight (the brim and hat only, excluding the ears and
support structure) - 27 tons
Foundation Concrete - If poured on a 1' depth, the amount of
concrete in the base would cover an entire football field.
Hat Size (as wardrobe) - The hat is a size 605 and 7/8
Mickey Size (if he were to wear it) - For a proportional
perspective, Mickey, wearing this hat, would be 350 feet tall. (Based
off of scaling the real-life entertainment characters in the park)
Hat Paint (Chameleon Paint) - The hat is painted with a custom
pain technique called "chameleon paint" which will cause the hat to
shift in color as guests move closer and around it. We are using enough
of this "automotive type paint" to cover 500 Cadillac's.
Mickey Ears (Light Ribbon) - The faces of the ears are new
special effect called "Light Ribbons" (by Walt Disney Imagineering).
The ears will appear to change colors, surface shapes and sparkle with
internal pixie dust lighting.
91 panels for the hat
18 sections for the brim
18 spirals
6 stars
2 moons
13 total air vents
13,493 bolts holding the hat together
26,986 washers
17,000 feet (or 57 football fields) of underground utility
piping
HAT interior space = 59,458 cubic feet
HAT can hold 444,744 gallons of water
HAT can hold 3,704,720 pounds of water
Ring Beam = 56-1/2 feet in diameter
Mickey Hand height = 39'-6" high
Mickey Hand width= 32'-8 1/4"
Left Ear height - "to top of ear" = 61'-3"
Right Ear height " to top of ear" = 39'-2-1/4"
June 1 2001: Latest Mickey
Hat Construction
(Thanks Marc H)
May 24 2001: Latest Mickey
Hat Construction
(Thanks Noel)
May 13 2001: Latest Mickey
Hat Construction
(Thanks Fudgie)
Thanks to SteveD for the photo above
May 12 2001: Complete 100th Anniversary Details!
The WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort will celebrate the creativity and imagination of Walt Disney with the 100 Years of Magic celebration beginning property-wide on October 1, 2001.
The 100 Years of Magic celebration commemorates the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney’s birth on December 5, 1901.
All four theme parks will share Walt’s legacy with guests by presenting new entertainment and special events.
Paying homage to Walt’s contributions to show business, the celebration will be centered at the Disney-MGM Studios, which will unveil a new icon celebrating Disney magic and entertainment wizardry: a 122-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey hat, which is under construction at the end of Hollywood Boulevard.
"The [Sorcerer Mickey Hat] icon plays a role as the place where the magic begins," said Roger Holzberg, Walt Disney Imagineering senior show producer-director of the icon. "As soon as guests see it, whether on television or in person, they’ll know something special is happening at WALT DISNEY WORLD."
Major entertainment spectacles are planned for all four theme parks.
At the Disney-MGM Studios, "Disney Stars and Motor Car," a new Hollywood motorcade, will feature customized cars loaded with characters. The Lights! Camera! Action! Theater will be home to "Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream," a multimedia tribute to Walt Disney with authentic memorabilia of Walt’s life and career from the Walt Disney archives in California. "It is always exciting to share Walt memorabilia from the archives with people on the east coast," said Dave Smith, director of the Walt Disney Archives." Everyone has grown up with Disney, and these displays on Walt and his accomplishments at WALT DISNEY WORLD will give them the opportunity to recall fond memories from their childhood."
Larger-than-life snow globes featuring classic Disney movie scenes will make up a new Magic Kingdom parade called "Share a Dream Come True."
"Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade" will roll through Disney’s Animal Kingdom with new safari vehicles, Disney characters and new oversized animal puppets designed by artist Michael Curry, who also created puppets for Tapestry of Nations at Epcot and The Lion King on Broadway.
New characters called dreamspinners and a colorful new float called the Dream Catcher will be part of an enhancement that will transform the Epcot procession Tapestry of Nations into Tapestry of Dreams.
Inside each theme park, guests will "Discover the Stories Behind the Magic" at interactive kiosks that will reveal a wealth of information about the heritage behind all four theme parks.
Special merchandise being created for the celebration will carry on the Disney legacy of innovation. Disney’s Magical Moments Pins, which guests will be able to purchase, will put on a mini-light show at surprise moments, interacting with live entertainment, attractions, and "Discover the Stories Behind the Magic" kiosks.
May 9 2001: Latest Mickey Hat Construction
Thanks to Mr Promey for the photos above
March 22 2001: News on the Studios NEW Parade - Cavalcade of Stars
The following comes to us from the Studios Entertainment Dept. It is not official information, but comes from a reliable source.
The Mulan parade closed 2 weeks ago - look for the costumes to be on E-bay starting next month.
In mid May 2001 the parade base will receive the first of 18 old fashioned motorcade cars which will be transformed into mini floats. All in all 100 characters are supposed to be in each parade. To accommodate that large number, no characters will do meet and greets in the park during the parade.
Most of the Characters will be walking and only 2 or 3 will ride in each car. Floats that have been confirmed to us already are as followed.
- Mulan
- Atlantis
- Muppets
- Aladdin
- Toy Story
- Playhouse Disney (featuring bear in the big blue house)
- VIP which will have Mickey Minnie and all the gang
- Further floats still in design
The name of the parade is Cavalcade of Stars and is scheduled already to run for 5 years, with new floats being introduced as new movies are released. Training starts in August with a soft opening scheduled towards the end of September 2001 - ready for official opening October 1 2001.
March 15 2001: Latest Sorcerer Hat Construction Photos
Thanks to Adam for the photos below
March 12 2001: Latest Sorcerer Hat Construction Photos
Thanks to Jason for the photos below
March 2 2001: Details of the new Parades for the 100th Celebrations
We have details of tentative names for the 100th Parades
Magic Kingdom - "Once Upon a Dream"
Studios - "Showbiz Magic"
Animal Kingdom - "Mickey's Jungle Safari" - this will consist of about 4 vehicles, so it's a small parade, carrying various characters. Parade route is to be around Harambe to Discovery Island (Safari Village)
Epcot - "Tapestry of Dreams" - based on the current Tapestry of Nations - with additional dancers in between the current parade.
February 3 2001: Concept Art for the Mickey Sorcerer Hat
We have been sent this concept art of the new Studios Icon, currently under construction (see photos below for construction status)
January 17 2001: Work on the 120ft Sorcerer Mickey hat is in progress
(Thanks Fudgie for the photos)
January 8 20001: Studios to be the center of the Walt Disney 100th Anniversary
While it has yet to be confirmed, it seems almost certain that the Studios will be the centerpiece of the year long celebration.
A 100ft + Sorcery Mickey hat is being installed infront of the Great Movie Ride, construction walls went up this week.
Other rumors suggest that Tower of Terror will get another profile change. Random drops perhaps?