Forever Magical
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All In All ... A Fabulous Year

As we prepare to greet the year 2000 I thought I would take a moment to list my ten favorite Disney memories from 1999. I’d like to begin with a couple of  honorable mentions. On October 5th over 70 people gathered in Irvine, California to celebrated Rod Miller’s 30th Anniversary as piano player on Disneyland's Main Street. During the evening Rod told many stories from his years at Disneyland and shared his excitement over his upcoming CD Four Hand Piano. Also in 1999 Disneyland celebrating its 44th birthday by showcasing the Four Mountains. Guests could purchase a passport and get it stamped at each mountain, Splash Mountain, the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain. Unfortunately the passport and memorabilia for this event will mostly be remembered by the fact that mountain was spelled mounatin and several other errors.
[Ed Note: Many of these stories were covered by LaughingPlace.com. Where appropriate, a link has been added to the related, complete story.]

10. Theme Park Adventure releases the Pirates of Caribbean issue
As a friend of Rick West I was able to follow this issues production. It was a long and arduous process. At over 160 pages and chock full of interviews including ones with Marc Davis, Bob Baranick, Tony Baxter, and Marty Sklar it was well worth the wait and is a very interesting and easy read for anyone interested in Disney history. (I have recently been added to the staff of TPA but was not involved in the creation of the Pirates issue.)
Related Link: A Good Time To Be A Pirates Fan

9. DVD Announcement
In August Disney announced that DVDs of nine classic tales would be released. Having purchased a DVD player in late 1998 I fell in love with the format and its amazing capabilities. While these initial releases do not take full advantage of the medium by offering such gems as audio commentary and "making of" documentaries this first step is very encouraging.  In fact the special edition A Bug's Life offers audio commentary as will the special edition Tarzan to be released early next year.
Related Link: Disney Announces Classics on DVD

8. Toad Event
On October 28 Disneyland hosted An Enchanted Evening, an incredible event celebrating the Misadventures of Mr. Toad and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This after normal park hours began with the retirement of the Walt Disney Classics Collection's 101 Dalmatians scene thanks to Cruella DeVille and her cohorts. Festivities continued in Fantasyland with food and drink. In fact the second course was apples and cheese served throughout the Snow White queue and enjoyed during the journey through the attraction. The evening concluded with the surprising appearance of the Headless Horseman.
Related Link: Mr. Toad's Enchated Eventing - A Report

7. Tarzan
Thanks to a friend I was able to watch Phil Collins rehearse at the El Capitan for the live telecast of Tarzan’s premiere. Listening to Phil Collins performing the songs he specially wrote for the film was amazing. I was overwhelmed by the energy and passion of the music. I had deliberately veered away from reading anything about the upcoming movie. After watching the rehearsal I wondered if the pop style songs would distract from the film. But the deep canvas animation provided beautiful scenes that pulled me into the movie's story immediately. Within the first few moments of the movie I felt as if the entire audience had been taken on journey into Africa and were emotionally attached to the characters that were introduced in those opening moments. I knew Disneyland Imagineers were transforming the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse into Tarzan’s Treehouse. I was unsure if it could capture the humor, life and energy of the film. Boy was I wrong. Tarzan’s Treehouse is an amazing creation. My little brother age 9 will not go to Disneyland without visiting the Treehouse. From the infant in the crib who cries and then hollers the Tarzan yell to the critters such as millipedes and cockroaches that Cast Members allow the guests to touch to the trashing the camp setup with pots and pans to bang on Tarzan’s Treehouse offers the same opportunity to explore that the film encourages.
Related Link: Tarzan Treehouse Grand Opening

6. Toy Story 2
Once again the film’s creative opening had the audience instantly drawn into the film. The film’s insider elements and humor made this film a delight. The LaughingPlace staff saw it together. Since we are all Disney fans there were certain moments we laughed and no one else did. I’d say more but I’m sure there are those of you reading this who haven’t seen Toy Story 2 yet and I don’t want to spoil it.
Related Link: Toy Story 2 Guide