Forever Magical
Page 2 of 4

The Disneyland Millennium team enjoys the music at the 45th Celebration kick-off

Over the past year as LaughingPlace.com has expanded it’s coverage of Disneyland events we’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk with the Disneyland Millennium Ambassador Team of Dorell Mitter and Jennifer Simis. I knew that their term was coming to an end soon and the new Ambassadors would be announced. Recalling how memorable their annoucement had been I travelled to Disneyland on the morning of May 12, 2000 for the ceremony. It was a warm summer day and a cool breeze rustled through the trees at Town Square. Bleachers were set-up at the bottom of the Main Street train station and several rows of folding white chairs were in front of them also facing down Main Street toward Sleeping Beauty Castle. A podium with the Disneyland Ambassador shield was placed at the base of the Town Square flagpole. Slowly the familiar refrains of the Main Street melodies faded and the equally familiar Disneyland voice announced, “The Disneyland Resort rededicates itself to bringing to joy and inspiration to the world.” The Dapper Dans began a beautiful rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star. After the first chorus, the voice of Walt Disney reciting his opening day speech filled the air as the Dapper Dans softly continued humming. As Walt’s remarks concluded, the Dapper Dans voices once again filled the air with the final verse of the song.

Mickey Mouse and DIsneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss are
followed in the red engine by the Millennium Ambasador team and Minnie Mouse.

The Disneyland Band led the Disneyland Ambassador Millennium Team of Dorell Mitter and Jennifer Simis, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Cynthia Harriss who arrived in the fire engine and electric car. Ms. Harriss approached the podium and addressed the crowd, “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and all our honored guests. I’m thrilled to be here today because this is a very special occasion. Today we perform one more step in becoming ready for the expansion of the Disneyland Resort by announcing our next Disneyland Resort Ambassador Team. Because of the significance of the 18 months ahead we wanted this to be a hometown celebration with our Cast Members gathered all around us. That’s why we chose to assemble here where it all began under the flagpole of Main Street, USA, where Walt Disney originally dedicated his Magic Kingdom on July 17, 1955. Just as Walt himself envisioned, the resort has continued to grow and grow. And with our big premiere just right around the corner, the new team of Ambassadors will be asked to shoulder more responsibility than ever before…So please join me now in welcoming the six final candidates for our 2000 - 2001 Disneyland Ambassador team.”

The six Disneyland Ambassador Candidates

A horse drawn carriage decorated with balloons carried the finalists and Disney characters. Their entrance was accompanied by the Dapper Dans and Disneyland Band performing Walkin’ Right Down the Middle of Main Street USA. The six finalists included Cici Cornejo, David Lay, Trisha Tallman, Doina Roman-Osborn, Kim Jamieson and Eddie Garcia.

Ambassador Candidates David Lay and Kim Jamieson

Following their entrance Dorell and Jennifer approached the podium. They once again highlighted the upcoming expansion to the Disneyland Resort including the opening of a new theme park, entertainment district and a new hotel, emphasizing that the Ambassador team will have the responsibility of representing the expanded resort to the world.

Harriss thanks the program's founder and current administrator