Perhaps one of the most poignant photos from Lindsay’s collection from October 9 2003, is that of Roy E. Disney, exiting the attraction. He walked straight past us with his personal assistant, and Lindsay sprinted after him to take his photo. Roy looked relaxed and smiled for Lindsay as they briefly spoke, before he had to excuse himself. This was the last official image that we have of Roy as a Walt Disney Company officer. His involvement in the media events of that week had been somewhat subdued, suggesting that his fellow officers had already sidelined him, as Roy was often the host for these attraction inaugurations. Bob Iger was chosen as the host for the Mickey’s PhilharMagic debut the night before and the following day, Jay Rasulo and WDW President Al Weiss preceded over the launch of Disney’s Pop Century Resort and the announcement of Stitch’s Great Escape and Moteurs….Action! stunt show for 2004 and 2005 respectively. We will both miss Roy.

Roy Disney after riding Mission:Space
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The remainder of the evening was centred on Millennium Central. Although both Mission:Space and Test Track were open for business, the rest of Future World was closed to guests. Performances by Sugar Ray and the B52s (the latter regulars at Pleasure Island’s New Year’s Eve celebrations) entertained the crowds on the purpose-built stage in front of the fountain. Sugar Ray in particular, performed a lively and enjoyable set for the hundreds of guests gathered. Canapés and drinks were available throughout the area, and as 9pm approached, we were invited to move towards the World Showcase Lagoon for a special performance of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and a lavish dessert buffet. We have both seen the show on numerous occasions, but oddly, never from the Future World side of the lagoon. It was refreshing to see the performance in a different light and reinforced our fascination for this waterborne spectacle.