Forever Magical
Page 1 of 1

There's Magic in the Stars

Disneyland attracts the young and the old and the famous. Over the years Disneyland events have been attended by many well-known people including Randy Travis who sang Happy Birthday to the Park from the top of the Matterhorn, Kathy Ireland who introduced the new Autopia vehicles, and even former President Ronald Reagan who was at Disneyland's opening day long before he had been bitten by the political bug. Actress Elizabeth Taylor once rented out the Park for an after hours birthday party.

But sometimes the celebrities simply visit the Park. Sure they have their Guest Relations escort and may even receive special treatment by being escorted to the front of attraction queues but they generally just blend in. There have been many times that if were not for the escort I would not have even noticed the celebrity in question. These instances included Linda Hamilton, Rob Reiner, and Stephen Baldwin. Wally George self-proclaimed father of combat TV was spotted enjoying ragtime melodies one summer afternoon last year and we saw Paige O'Hara leaving the Disney-MGM Studios Brown Derby during lunch there last Fall.

The first celebrity sighting I remember was back in 1997. While waiting in line for the Matterhorn a small group of individuals passed by escorted by several security officers. The person standing in the center of the group was cloaked in red turban with only a single lock of black hair and a pair of sunglasses showing. People all around were discussing the mystery man. The crowd consensus was legendary pop star Michael Jackson. Yet no one rushed the group or even approached them. Disneyland Park guests continued to dash from attraction to attraction. Some paused for a moment, took a long look, and then continued past the entourage. Later that day during the Festival of Fools performance Clopin incorporated various song titles Jackson had made famous into his remarks.

While walking down Main Street late last year I came face to face with a familiar older gentlemen. He was about my height (5' 4") with silver hair and thin-rimmed glasses. I knew I knew him but I just couldn't quite place him. We stood there for a moment only inches apart then he continued past me and down Main Street. I turned and watched him toward the Candy Palace still trying to place him. A little farther down the street a petite woman joined him. I recognized her immediately as Judge Judy and then realized the man I'd been gawking at was her husband Judge Sheidlin whom I recognized from the People's Court. They walked down Main Street hand in hand, what an adorable couple! Guests said hi as they strolled toward the hub but I didn't see anyone request an autograph and they didn't have any security or Guest Relations escorts.

Sometimes the celebrities we spot in the Park are not from television, music or movies. Rather they are the people who have created the wonderful attractions and experiences of the Disney Theme Parks.

This past Sunday afternoon word began to spread around that there would be a special showing of "Believe...There's Magic in the Stars" on Monday evening for Michael Eisner. An opportunity to see the fireworks for a third time in four nights was a good enough for me to head to the Park but we were also hoping to meet up with some regulars from the Disney Information Station website. Strolling down Main Street around 6:50p we passed lots of guests sitting on the curb waiting for the 45 Years of Magic parade which was scheduled for 8p. As we neared the Hub I began scanning the crowd for a roped off area. Much to my surprise there in the middle of the street stood Michael Eisner and many other high level Disney Company officials.

Doobie, with much encouragement from our new friend Marc, ventured over and got Eisner's autograph. We found a spot behind the gathered executives and waited for the fireworks. We noticed Timur Galen, Marty Sklar, Paul Pressler and Steven Davison among many other executive-looking people. Moments later an announcement came over the speakers that the show had been postponed because of strong winds. About 10 minutes later the executives filed out and another postponement announcement was made. The show finally went on about 10 minutes later but the executives didn't return.

After the show's conclusion a few of us had a chance to speak with Steven Davison, the show's Creative Director. Meeting the man behind this magical display has only cemented in my mind how magical it is. It is a reflection of the inner child that obviously resides within Steven's heart. His eyes widened and the energy just began to flow. He talked about the dynamic nature of working with fireworks. They don't always do exactly what they are supposed to and so each show has its own quirky personality. It is hard to imagine but this is his first pyrotechnic show. When asked which projects he'd been involved with before working on "Believe..." he mentioned, "it's a small world holiday." Steven described his initial visions of the pyrotechnic display as painting the sky. He stated that he was completely confident that long-time fans would embrace this display. While it has a lengthy title Steven once again, with great confidence, expressed his feeling that fans will call the "skytacular" by its title's first word "Believe" During our brief conversation Steven was informed that Eisner had left the Park and had not seen the display. His disappointment was immediately apparent and yet in true Disney fashion he stated simply they would be back to see it during the summer months and returned the discussion to what is quite obviously his passion. It was interesting listening to Steven discuss tapping into the inner child - that part of the Disneyland guest that feels the same way as the small boy you hear at the beginning of the display exclaim, "I wish I never had to leave this magical place." I look forward to the projects that Steven works his magic on in the future.

So whenever you're walking around one of the Disney Theme Parks keep your eyes peeled, chances are Mickey Mouse and his crew aren't the only celebrities in the Park.

-- Rebekah Moseley (March 22, 2000)