Disneyland 2002 Christmas Tree Lighting,

Disneyland 2002 Christmas Tree Lighting
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by Rebekah and Doobie Moseley
November 26, 2002
Coverage of the 2002 Christmas Tree Lighting at Disneyland with Anaheim Angel manager Mike Scoscia

On November 25th, the Disneyland Resort officially kicked off its holiday season with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring the manager of the World Champion Anaheim Angels Mike Scioscia. Our coverage below includes a transcript, pictures and video from the ceremony.

Videos
There are four videos which together cover the entire ceremony. Each video is available in RealVideo format for low bandwidth and high bandwidth connections. The videos are linked here and at the relevant places within the article.

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2002 Disneyland Resort Ambassador Matt Ebeling talks about the various holiday activities at the Disneyland Resort
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RealVideo: Matt Ebeling introduces Mike Scioscia (3 minutes, 55 seconds)
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Disneyland Resort Ambassador Matt Ebeling
Good Evening everyone and happy holidays! We are so excited and delighted that you’ve decided to join us tonight as the Disneyland Resort begins one of the most magical season’s of them all, the holidays. This is a time of year that the whole world feels brighter, when dreams comes true and when one brief moment can turn into a treasured memory for years. Each year our cast members look forward to celebrating this merry season with you. And this year is more magical than ever at the Disneyland Resort, Disney’s California Adventure is decked with sparkling lights and an new array of festive sights and sound, Disney characters ice skate, sand sculptures rise up from Disney’s holiday beach and music fills the air with our new Holiday Pep Band. How about ‘em guys?! (audience applause)

Along with our newest attractions in "a bug’s land" guests of all ages may enjoy previews of our brand new Broadway caliber production Disney’s Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular before its official debut in January 2003.

Here at Disneyland the Merriest Place on Earth sparkles with colorful decorations and our traditional 60 foot Christmas tree, A Christmas Fantasy Parade has returned with Mickey and his pals and Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, resounds with music by Danny Elfman. And every night, if you Believe in Holiday Magic, our most spectacular fireworks show ever will light the sky and cover you with snow.

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Mickey and Minnie cheer the arrival of special guest Mike Scioscia
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All around us thousands of holiday lights are just waiting to make their debut so this evening we’ve invited a very special friend to officially illuminate the Disneyland Resort. This gentleman truly understands the power of believing in dreams. Just a few weeks ago the world watched as he lead a dedicated group of athletes to become a world-renowned team of champions. He knew that the passion and commitment of his ballplayers could make any dreams come true, even winning the World Series. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to a man of great inspiration and admirable leadership, the manager of the World Champion Anaheim Angels, Mike Scioscia.