Mission: Space Grand Opening
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Note: Five videos from the event are available. All are in QuickTime format.

• Clip 1: Introduction (4 mintues, 2 seconds)

• Clip 2: Disney CEO Michael Eisner (3 minutes, 22 seconds)

• Clip 3: HP Chairman and CEO, Carly Fiorina (2 minutes, 51 seconds)

• Clip 4: NASA Administrator, Sean O'Keefe (3 minutes, 24 seconds)

• Clip 5: Space Station Link and Finale (2 minutes, 48 seconds)

We Chose To Go!

Personally, the focus for my enthusiasm and passion for Disney has stemmed predominantly from the theme parks. Naturally, growing up, the movies were an integral aspect of my childhood, but they remained wholly two-dimensional in my world. However, my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1981 (an immense luxury for those of us on the other side of the Atlantic) confirmed my fascination for the three-dimensional, constantly evolving, self-contained world of Disney in Florida. Now, as an adult, virtually every vacation involves a new Disney experience. Lindsay and I have attended every theme park inauguration, major attraction debut and significant celebration for much of the Eisner era. Therefore, our arrival in October was for the unveiling of the latest offerings in WDW. What unfolded on October 9 2003 will be remembered (by me, at least) as the most spectacular commemoration I have ever witnessed.

That day, EPCOT closed at 3pm. The handling of this early closure was far superior to previous attempts to hold massive media events. One particular day was October 1 1996, the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World, where management opted to encourage people to visit either MGM or EPCOT on that day. Those that ignored those warnings were led through the backstage area from Town Square to Tomorrowland. No guests were allowed within sight of the Central Plaza, where the main ceremony was to take place. In the drizzling rain, guests crowded around JumboTrons, watching Michael Eisner & Roy E. Disney open the celebrations. The whole affair felt muted and subdued and lacked the carnival atmosphere that Disneyland (and in particular, its cast members) created for the wonderful 40th anniversary on July 17 1995.

WDW had notified guests weeks in advance of the early closure. "A� frame boards were outside the parks, flyers were delivered to every WDW guest room and given to all those purchasing passports. Guests, who chose to visit in the morning, were entitled to park hop on any ticket. Overall, the handling was highly impressive and there seemed to be very few disgruntled guests. The park was quiet and swept clean of guests by closing. Invited guests were not due to arrival at EPCOT until 7pm, but Lindsay and I were asked to arrive back at 5pm in order to watch the live video feeds and talk with imagineers and executives present for the festivities.

Two separate staging areas had been assembled in the days before the event. The first was in front of the fountain, in Millennium Central, facing World Showcase. The second was the actual presentation platform, directly in front of the new E-ticket. On arrival, huge balloons were being tethered to the roof of Innoventions East and West. These giant orbs were coloured like planets, with examples showcasing the fiery red of Mars and the deep blue hues of Pluto. As we wandered around Future World, event co-ordinators and staffers were busily setting up the food and drink stands throughout Millennium Central.