The millennium celebrations have started three months early at Walt Disney World in Florida. Around 4,000 guests from all over the world were invited to witness the first night of Disney’s 15-month millennium activities, centred on the discovery park at Epcot.
The four-night celebrations kicked off at Spaceship Earth, the multi-storey golf ball-shaped icon that has graced the entrance to Epcot for years.
This gigantic ball has the figure 2000 sparkling against a star-topped wand held in Mickey Mouse’s hand, that towers more than 100ft into the air.
Visitors also experienced the Millennium Village, an indoor pavilion that houses cultures and traditions of 24 countries. From meandering through an Amazon rainforest in Brazil and learning about Scottish history through a round of miniature golf, to taking a bumpy ride back in time and tracing the history of Jerusalem, visitors could spend hours in the village.
The Israeli exhibit, for example, revealed how scientists had successfully grown 12 different types of fruit on one tree and created square tomatoes. But it was early evening when the most impressive attractions were unveiled.
The Tapestry of Nations is a dramatic 30min parade featuring scores of 20ft high-dancing puppets that are controlled by performers in costume. It was a colourful and theatrical performance which saw drummers beating music into the night air. It is a procession worth seeing.
Disney, however, left the best for the last. The fireworks display, Illuminations 2000 – Reflections of Earth, is a combination of laser lights and colourful blasts of fire synchronised perfectly to thundering music in the lagoon. It was, according to Disney, 30% bigger than Epcot’s traditional fireworks display.
The final part of the spectacle saw a giant revolving video ball featuring images of the earth and countries around the world to project unity and harmony.
The ball made its way across the lagoon to powerful music before opening up into a flower and emitting fire that sparked off flames around the lagoon. On millennium night itself, Disney has special events planned at each of its theme parks.
Guy Novik, managing director, USAirtours
“I think the whole Disney message and millennium feel-good factor will appeal to grown-ups as well as the young. Disney has a reputation for quality, being thorough and impressing people, and that is reflected in its products.”
Anna Ward, product manager Florida, First Choice Holidays
“Disney always throws a good party. We will be using photography from Disney to get the message across about the celebrations for our next edition brochures.”
Nicky Herrington, marketing and tactical manager North America, British Airways Holidays
“There has been so much hype about the millennium, but there is something really special about Disney. Florida has a lot of repeat visitors and I am confident many of them will come to Disney because of the celebrations.”
Robin Colbeck, assistant manager sales and marketing, Virgin Holidays
“It’s breathtaking to think this will be repeated every night for 15 months. We are already devoting a double-page spread to Disney’s millennium activities, but it’s possible we will develop tactical promotions in future brochures to push the celebrations.”