I miss Dick Cook already.

Internet sites have only in recent years been accorded any status (and not necessarily great status at that) with the major film studios. And since Disney is a major among the majors, for a web site devoted only to Disney, access wasn’t always an automatic thing.

Back in May of 2006 the newest Disney-Pixar film Cars was given a lavish world premiere at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since it was the first big premiere since the Disney Pixar merger, we decided that LaughingPlace just had to be there. So off we went, on the fastest, cheapest trip we could swing.

Once there, we had some time to kill, and explored the grounds, noting the tent set up for the pre-premiere party, a benefit for a couple of children’s charities. We knew it would be attended by studio executives, stars of the film, and local celebrities.

Outside, final preparations were being made. The red carpet was being (literally) rolled out…

...and massive balloon towers were being inflated and put into place.

There were a LOT of these towers, carefully spaced along the entire length of the fairly long red carpet, which ran from the party tent to the entrance of the Speedway.

Eventually, crowds gathered under the dazzling blue skies.

But, as the time for the premiere approached, crowds were replaced by clouds. Rather ominous black clouds at that.