LPWire: WDW Rings in a Happy New Year With Fireworks, Musical Acts and New Tower of Terror Thrills

Walt Disney World Resort Rings in a Happy New Year With Fireworks, Musical Acts and New Tower of Terror Thrills
B-52’s, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Headline New Year’s Eve Lineup at Pleasure Island

Walt Disney World Resort ushers in 2003 with a dazzling display of entertainment, parades, fireworks, thrills and extended hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom.

And, in the spirit of the “dropping ball” in Times Square, Disney-MGM Studios guests riding The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ will experience new, more heart-pounding surprises, starting Dec. 31.

Live performances from The B-52's, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Chris Botti will transform Downtown Disney Pleasure Island into the hottest New Year’s Eve celebration going on Dec. 31.

Throughout the final evening of 2002, Pleasure Island will become a high-energy street party for revelers 21 and older: a six-hour gala filled with live music, champagne toasts, delicious desserts, spectacular fireworks and much more.

Headlining the festivities on the West End Stage will be The B-52’s, whose hits include “Love Shack,” “Roam” and “Rock Lobster.” Motion, the newest nightclub at Pleasure Island, will feature Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, whose chart-toppers include “I Love Rock ‘N Roll,” “Crimson and Clover” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Former Sting jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, whose albums include “Night Sessions” and “December,” will perform at Pleasure Island Jazz Company.

The party will take place from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., and will include a countdown to 2003 and a dazzling fireworks show only Disney can deliver. Each guest on New Year’s Eve will welcome 2003 with festive hats and noisemakers, plus a dessert buffet and a midnight champagne toast -- as part of the admission price.

Admission to the night-long New Year’s Eve gala is $79 plus tax, and includes entry to all eight uniquely themed nightclubs at Pleasure Island. Annual passholders can purchase up to two tickets at $59 each plus tax. For more information or to order tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY.

--Posted December 9, 2002
Source: Walt Disney World