Happy 35th Anniversary Walt Disney World!
A First Hand Event Report
by the MFL's Event Reporter, Jane Jones

I must admit, I went to the Magic Kingdom today with high expectations....the big build up of the new "Where Dreams Come True" promotion kick off, the actual birthday of WDW, and the fact that my 1st visit was 35 years ago tomorrow (we stayed away the 1st day in fear of crowds!)....and I must admit, I was sadly disappointed. I was expecting to see those new 'Dream Makers' running around all over the place!! I didn't even see one....maybe they start tomorrow ;)

There was no fanfare, no pomp, no circumstance. It was just a regular day at the Magic Kingdom. And we ASKED....and asked and asked what was being done to commemorate THE day. Sadly, we even met cast members that didn't even realize what day it was. OK, so you may think my expectations were too high. Maybe they were. I just couldn't believe that there was not at least a 'surprise pin' issued! Shoot, they issue surprise pins for 'unofficial' events such as Gay Day, why not for THE OFFICIAL kick off/birthday of WDW!

Now that I'm off my soap box, let me tell you a little about the new sights and sounds at WDW, specifically the Magic Kingdom:

• The new theme 'banners' that are hung around the park are in pinks, purples and blues. They reminded us of fairy wings! I didn't love them, but I'm sure they tested well. :)
• There are new shows, like in front of the castle. It was cute. It uses the same stage set up as Cinderellabration. Be sure to check out the 'High School Musical Pep Rally' in Tomorrowland! A group of CMs are dressed as students from Eastside High (you'll recognize the similarities) where they sing, dance, and include the crowd in the show. It was lots of fun, and they hit all your HSM favorites:) This was on nearly every hour throughout the day.
• The castle is being painted, but the crane is now hidden during the day.
• The 3PM parade has new music and some changes. I'd like to see a bigger difference from the last parade, but I am willing to give it another look now that I am over the disappointment of the lack of 35th anniversary recognition!
• There are new pins- a whole slew of them for the year long celebration! There was not a lot of other themed merchandise available.

Don't get me wrong- we had a great day! My inner 7 year old (that's was me 35 years ago tomorrow) wanted to experience the same magic that I felt then. My 42 year old self knows 'you can't go home', so accept the way it is! Well, my own 7 year old DD had a BLAST today, and we did a 'nook and cranny' exploration and found lots of fun new things we never noticed before. We found our own way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of our happiest place on earth. :)

Jane in FL
MFL Event Reporter

Updated October 02, 2006