With a "bang" heard 'round the world -- Walt Disney World -- the Vacation Kingdom ushered in the year 2000 on Friday night with countdown parties, big-name bands and pyrotechnics that painted the Central Florida skies from six locations. More than 13,000 shells exploded over Disney's vast entertainment venues and resort hotels in the largest New Year's Eve sky show in the resort's 28-year history. The festivities also took to the sea, as Disney Cruise Line marked the milestone in grand fashion with guests aboard Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
Guests arrived at Walt Disney World so early that capacity conditions were declared at Epcot at 7:49 a.m. (a record), limiting entry after that time to resort guests and holders of multi-day tickets and annual passes. The Magic Kingdom followed suit at 12:40 p.m., then Disney-MGM Studios at 1:34 p.m.
Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox