Forever Magical
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5. Nunis Window
Often times these special dedication ceremonies occur before Park hours. So it was with great anticipation that we came to Disneyland to watch as Dick Nunis received his window on Main Street. Looking over the small audience gathered to honor Dick Nunis I spotted many faces from Disneyland history. Men like Jack Lindquist, John Hench, Ron Dominguez, Morgan “Bill” Evans, and Marty Sklar as well as the now deceased Disney Legend Van Arsdale France, the man who created Disney University. I’m so glad that I had the chance to see him in person before he passed away.
Related Links: Dick Nunis Window Dedication Ceremony, Rick West Remembers Van France, Our Readers Remember Van France

4. Rock n Roller Coaster
In the early 1990’s I lived in Texas for a few years near Six Flags Over Texas. While it didn’t satisfy my Disneyland cravings I often wondered how Disney would compete against these monster coaster parks. Rock n Roller Coaster was the answer. The queue leads guests into G-Force Records. The large entry way is decorated with posters of music artists and groups. The next hallway features a display of the recording equipment that has been used other the years and the following hallway has a display of music media such as records, 8-tracks and CDs. Finally guests enter the recording studio where Aerosmith has finished their session. The images of Aerosmith are so crisp it is hard to believe it is not them in person. They leave for a concert and invite us to join them. We exit the studio out to a back alley with brick walls, graffiti, old posters and chain link fences. A stretch limo awaits us. The launch is from 0-60 into a roll in the pitch black dark. Aerosmith tunes pump up the energy level as the limo speeds around the dark that is periodically illuminated with various scenes of California such as the Hollywood sign, various freeway exits and palm trees. The ride concludes at the backstage of their concert where guests exit onto a red carpet.

3. WDW Millennium Entertainment
We were about to enter American Adventure when the cast member suggested we wait for Tapestry of Nations. We heard the drums off in the distance and slowly a colorful parade of puppets marched and danced toward us. The inverted marionette paused briefly to shake my hands. The music filled the air all around the World Showcase. Many of the guests along the parade route began to sway and sing along with the parade. A voice booms over them, “Let us reach out and touch the stars as they light the way to tomorrow and bring us hope for a better world.” The music again fills the air all around the World Showcase and many of the guests along the parade route began to sway and sing along with the parade. Illuminations carried this same energy and passion in its fireworks and large globe which displayed a graphical overview of earth's history was accompanied by a fabulous score. While I watch the video I am still brought to tears as the choir sings, "We Go On.'
Related Link: WDW Millennium: Tapestry of Nations and Illuminations 2000

2. Chance meeting with Illene Woods
I attended my first NFFC convention in July of this year. There were many Disney Legends and magic makers in attendance including Wally Boag, Betty Taylor, Marc Davis, X Atencio and others. During the luncheon I stepped out to the bathroom and while washing my hands had the amazing opportunity to meet Illene Woods. As the voice of Cinderella she had accompanied me to sleep throughout my childhood.  And here she was standing beside me. We had a lovely chat walking back to our separate tables. In meeting Ms. Woods, I realized that the animators not only gave life to their sketches, but in some cases placed a life in them. In watching Cinderella now I will see Illene Woods. I know now that her gesturing and mannerisms must have inspired their sketches. It was an incredible experience I will never forget.
Related Link: Forever Magical: NFFC Report

1. ...
My number 1 memory of 1999 is hands down the moment when Cynthia Harriss appeared on the Fantasyland stage in a lovely black gown and dramatic black cape for the Haunted Mansion event. While her entrance is my favorite moment of the evening there are many other special memories from that night such as the Dapper Dans performance of Grim, Grim, Grinning Ghosts, the question and answer session with the legendary men involved with the creation of the Haunted Mansion and concluding with a special ride through the Mansion where new surprises awaited guests.
Related Links: Haunted Mansion Part I and Part II

-- Rebekah Moseley (December 16, 1999)