Fantasia 2000 New Year's Eve Gala

Disney to Ring in the New Millennium With Magical
"Fantasia/2000" Black-Tie Gala At Pasadena Civic Auditorium

The countdown has begun to the most memorable New Year's Eve celebration of the century. Tickets are now available for Walt Disney's "Fantasia/2000" Gala at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and Exhibition Hall, it was announced today (8/11) by Roy E. Disney, vice chairman of The Walt Disney Company and head of Walt Disney Feature Animation, and Richard Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group. Highlighting the evening will be the unveiling of Disney's magnificent new animated feature "Fantasia/2000," which will be accompanied live by the 120-piece Philharmonia Orchestra of London under the direction of conductor Derrick Inouye.

"Fantasia/2000" includes seven exciting new visual interpretations of classical pieces as well as two returning favorites from the original 1940 release. Using breakthrough animation technology along with the time-honored traditions of Disney craftsmanship, the film showcases the talents of a new generation of animators and filmmakers as they push the boundaries of their imaginations and visually interpret the classical compositions of such music masters as Beethoven, Shostakovich, Respighi, Saint-Sa`ns, Elgar, Gershwin and Stravinsky.

The 2000-guest magical black-tie affair begins with an Epicurean feast specially created and prepared by the celebrated chef Joachim Splichal and Patina Catering. Following dinner, gala festivities will kick off with a special screening of "Fantasia/2000" with live orchestral accompaniment in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. After the film, the evening's party shifts into high gear with dancing and music, featuring live performances by legendary band Chicago and the swing sensation, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Of course, there will also be a spectacular midnight countdown complete with pyrotechnics and confetti to ring in the New Year.

Commenting on the announcement, Roy E. Disney said, "`Fantasia/2000' is the culmination of all the hard work and devotion that's gone into bringing Walt's fondest wish into reality. What better way to recognize the vision of one man who began building on a dream in the 20th century, than by sharing the magic with everyone as we enter the new millennium. This is truly the celebration of a lifetime."

Cook added, "No other work of art has captured the imaginations of so many the world over. We're pulling out all the stops to make this a once-in-a-millennium event. Seeing and hearing `Fantasia/2000' with live orchestral accompaniment is exciting enough and when you add in all these other entertainment elements, you have the makings of a truly spectacular evening. This is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and entertaining millennium parties anywhere and an event that movie and music lovers won't want to miss."

For additional information about the event or to make reservations, please call 818/238-1095. Tickets for the event are $2000 each. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the California Institute of the Arts.

Following its special New Year's Eve presentation, the celebration continues as "Fantasia/2000" makes its debut on January 1, 2000 in IMAX theaters all over the world. On that same date, Roy E. Disney will act as the 2000 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshall presiding over the 111th Rose Parade and 86th Rose Bowl Game.