LPWire: Stars Draw Fans to Disney's California Adventure(TM) For ABC Primetime Preview Weekend

Stars Draw Fans to Disney's California Adventure(TM) For ABC Primetime Preview Weekend
Star-Studded Two-Day Event Sets New Attendance Record This Year

More than seventy stars from ABC's upcoming fall season drew crowds of fans to Disney's California Adventure for the ABC Primetime Preview Weekend, setting a new attendance record for the park this year.

"This special event was an exciting success for both Disney's California Adventure and ABC," noted Cynthia Harriss, Disneyland Resort president. "It was the most attended weekend this year at Disney's California Adventure, and Sunday was the biggest day of this year.

It was a tremendous opportunity for our guests to meet their favorite ABC television stars, and we're thrilled by the response," Harriss continued. "ABC Primetime Preview Weekend was a perfect example of the synergy between the Disneyland Resort and the ABC Network, a real 'alignment' of stars in more ways than one."

"This event exceeded all our expectations and is a testament as to what we can accomplish when everyone works toward the same goal," said Susan Lyne, president, ABC Entertainment. "The excitement in the park was palpable, and everyone -- from our ABC stars to the enthusiastic park visitors -- seemed to be having the time of their lives."

Given the weekend's success, plans are being considered for an ABC Primetime Preview Weekend next year.

The weekend featured sold out performances of ABC's hit improv show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway -- LIVE?," hosted by Drew Carey; stand-up comedy from George Lopez; and live music from Jim Belushi and his band, Sacred Hearts.

Among the stars attending were: Dylan McDermott and Kelli Williams, "The Practice;" John Ritter and Katey Sagal, "8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter;" Al Michaels, Melissa Stark, Dan Fouts and Michelle Kwan, ABC Sports; Dennis Franz, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Esai Morales, "NYPD Blue;" Damon Wayans and Tisha Campbell-Martin, "My Wife and Kids;" Bonnie Hunt, "Life with Bonnie;" Eric Roberts and Sara Rue, "Less Than Perfect;" Victor Garber and Ron Rifkin, "Alias;" Jeffrey Tambor and Bess Armstrong, "That Was Then;" and, William Fichtner and Jane Lynch, "MD's."

--Posted August 27, 2002
Source: Disneyland Resort