Disneyana Convention 1999 Report,

Disneyana Convention 1999 Report
Page 4 of 4

After that it was time for more seminars and signings. After a quick trip to the Marketplace, it was time to get ready for the convention banquet. Entitled Jungle Jamboree, we had been instructed to wear jungle formal (whatever that meant). Some people took this to heart. There were people dressed as Indiana Jones, Jane from Tarzan, jungle prints, a jungle tribal medicine man and my favorites, three guys dressed in top hats, morning coats, ties and jungle print boxer shorts!! A menu for the night was at everyone’s place and the centerpieces were Mickey, Minnie, or Pluto plushes dressed in safari attire amidst flowers and greens. Dinner was accompanied by films of famous Disney jungle-themed cartoons and nature films.

We were surprised by the arrival of our banquet gifts before the entertainment for the evening started. It was a great pewter piece of Mickey Mouse as Indiana Jones finding the golden idol. But this time, the golden idol was the Bow-Wows’ Pluto-look-alike idol holding a red jewel. Several people left at that point thinking that was the end of the evening as it had been in previous years. It was not. Cruella came onto the scene again but this time Mickey and Pluto were able to discover the claim check for the real crate containing the Bow-Wow idol. As Disneyana Smith tied his shoes, the crate was opened to reveal Disney Anna holding the Pluto-like idol. Mickey and Pluto’s honor was saved as they could now return the idol to the Bow-Wows. As for Disney Anna, she took one look at Disneyana Smith, was smitten and off they went together. Then a man in shadow, looking and sounding suspiciously like Walt, spoke to a keyboard musician talking about his love of animals and their importance in his life and work. The singers and dancers took it from there with music from all of the different Disney films, live action as well as animation. Then the man, still in shadow, went over to Mickey Mouse. He emphasized that “it all started with a mouse” and they walked off together. With tears in our eyes, the disc jockey started playing music and the party animals began to dance. We said our reluctant good-byes and headed back to our rooms.

The next day was public day. What a fiasco! Special Minnie Mouse beanies were being offered and the line had formed at 5:30 a.m. It was a zoo! Tempers flared when many people cut into the line and the Disney crowd control people did nothing to prevent or control it. By the time we picked up our public day posters, ornaments and beanies, it was noon.

Did we mention the Company Showcase, Collectible Dealers, Artist’s Room, Mickey’s Attic, Silent Auction, or the dozen plus book signings and appearances of special Convention guests? No? Good. There is no way to convey the nearly overwhelming flood of diversions that an Official Disneyana Convention offers without experiencing it for yourself. Does all that I’ve described make for a highly fulfilling, unique Disney experience? Absolutely. Is there still room to go to an even greater level? No question. The most glaring omission this year was a lack of Disney celebrities performing or attending the Banquet party. At least Richard Sherman was on hand to announce the theme of “It’s a Small World” for next year’s event. This evening cries out for something along the lustrous past performances of Jody Benson or Susan Egan. How about Judy Kuhn or Lea Salonga or Paul Kandel or Nathan Lane or Rosie O’Donnell or…the list is endless. Please return this night to its magical once in a lifetime status. Mickey’s Attic was noticeably sparse again this year, don’t save everything for the auction. Good work on keeping the limited editions truly limited and the seminars and workshops fresh and interesting. These elements are a crucial base for building the more lavish convention events. There can be little doubt that Disneyana now truly “works”.

-- Story and Photographs by John-Michael Hensley and Linda Yatsko

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