Report: Walt Disney World Kicks Off It's 100 Years of Magic Celebration
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Walt Disney World Resort President Al Weiss
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Walt had another vision for his parks. They would never be finished but continue to grow as long as there was imagination left in the world. And that brings us to the point of departure I was talking about. Toady we invite guests to join us for the newest adventure of Walt Disney World, an exciting yearlong celebration of Walt Disney and his imagination that we call 100 Years of Magic. December 5, 2001 will be the 100th anniversary of Walt’s birth and during 100 Years of Magic we will celebrate not only Walt but all things Disney. It’s a chance to remember when the magic of Disney first touched you and to share those memories with your family and your friends. Maybe it was your first Disney film, maybe you were gathering over TV dinners in the living room as Walt Disney introduced this week’s episode of the Wonderful World of Disney or maybe it was your first hug from Mickey Mouse right here in the Magic Kingdom. 100 Years of Magic will be the celebration of two lifetimes, Walt Disney and yours. We’ve plussed up our parks, to use a favorite expression of Walt’s, with new entertainment and attractions across all four of our theme parks making this the grandest celebration yet.

Here at the Magic Kingdom you are going to find a procession of giant snow globes in the instant classic "Share a Dream Come True" parade. At Epcot our Tapestry of Dreams parade celebrates the hopes and dreams of children. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Mickey’s Jamming Jungle Parade sends favorite characters on a colorful safari. And because Walt Disney got his start in film, the Disney-MGM Studios will be the heart of the celebration. There you’ll find a new attraction Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, a moving tribute to Walt the man. You’ll also see the Disney Stars and Motorcars parade featuring our beloved Disney characters. In the center of the Studios you’ll see our new celebration icon a glimmering 12 story Sorcerer hat just like the one Mickey wore in Fantasia and you’ll find other just opened attractions and shows throughout our parks giving guests more chances than ever to get up close and personal with their favorite Disney characters.

You know though Walt Disney never stepped foot in this resort that bears his name. He called his Florida project the most exciting and challenging assignment he had ever tackled and he left a challenge for all of us who would follow. "There is enough land here," Walt said, "to hold all the ideas and plans that we could possibly imagine." Today we officially launch 100 Years of Magic celebrating Walt Disney and all the ideas and plans that his imagination continues to inspire.