Regis Philbin Makes Million Dollar Entrance to Open “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!�?

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Regis Philbin Makes Million Dollar Entrance to Open “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!” at Disney-MGM Studios

Armored trucks loaded with collectible prizes, Mickey Mouse and Regis Philbin himself arrived at Disney-MGM Studios today to launch the opening of the “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!” live-show attraction at Walt Disney World Resort.

Philbin handed the “keys to the hot seat” to six new theme park hosts charged with recreating the drama delivered in the ABC-TV game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” Theme park guests will enjoy the “Millionaire” experience in exacting detail -- seated in a replica of the famous high-tech set, complete with its dramatic lighting and hot seat. Disney-MGM Studios guests, however, will play for points, not dollars, winning unique prizes along the way. Prizes range from collectible pins and hats to a grand-prize trip to New York City to view a taping of the ABC-TV game show.

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“We’re thrilled to combine one of America’s top television shows with the world’s most popular studio theme park,” said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Co. “At Disney-MGM Studios guests will find out for themselves what it’s like to sit in the hot seat.”

The live show will run continuously throughout the day in a 600-seat studio located in Soundstages 2 and 3 at the Disney-MGM Studios.

Like the television show, the fastest finger determines the first contestant to sit in the coveted hot seat. All audience members play along by using individual keypads as their scores are tallied throughout the session. They also get involved when players use the “ask the audience” lifeline. Other guests could be called upon for help with the “phone a complete stranger” lifeline.

“The company that produces ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ worked hand-in-hand with Walt Disney Entertainment to make sure that the ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It!’ attraction at the Disney-MGM Studios is just as gripping, entertaining and exciting as the real thing,” said television executive producer Michael Davies.

Disney-MGM Studios immerses guests in the glamour of show biz 365 days a year with thrilling attractions, incredible Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, television, radio and animation production facilities. The theme park is part of the 30,500-acre Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.

Premiering as a regular ABC series in January 2000, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” soared in popularity to become the most watched television series of the 1999-2000 season. Proving its broad viewer appeal, “Millionaire” also finished the season as a Top 10 television program among adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, as well as among teens and kids. “Millionaire” is truly appointment television, regularly building on its lead-in audience and consistently delivering on each of the nights it airs.

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-- Posted April 10, 2001

Source: Company Press Release