Judson C. Green Chairman,Walt Disney Attractions

But Asia wasn’t the only new addition to the Animal Kingdom. Over fifty mammals were born at the park during the year, including four hippos and one western lowland gorilla.

At Disney-MGM Studios, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror became even more terrifying as Imagineers reprogrammed the elevators after testing 27 different drop sequences to find the most heart-stopping plunge down the deserted elevator shaft. And the new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith took guests from 0 - 65 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds, speeding through three inverted loops to a synchronized soundtrack by the legendary rock group.

Fantasmic! also debuted at Disney-MGM Studios. Modeled after the popular night-time spectacular at Disneyland, Fantasmic! is presented nightly in a specially designed 6,500- seat outdoor amphitheater.

Another high-octane attraction debuted last spring at Epcot. Test Track, presented by General Motors, is the longest, fastest ride ever created by Walt Disney Imagineers, sending drivers through hairpin turns, steep hills, arctic cold and desert heat on a high-intensity journey that reaches 65 miles per hour.

The original Disneyland Main Street Electrical Parade opened at The Magic Kingdom last spring, treating a whole new generation to the most popular nighttime spectacle in Disney theme park history. Also opening at The Magic Kingdom last year were The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

The “buzz” at Downtown Disney has been about the Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba, which features gymnasts, acrobats, dancers and clowns in a new 1,600-seat theater.

At Walt Disney World, the new millennium will be greeted with much more than a one-night party. Centered at Epcot, the Millennium Celebration festival kicked off on October 1st, with nightly spectacles, parades and exhibits celebrating cultures from around the world.

The Millennium Celebration will run for 15 months. It includes:

-- The Tapestry of Nations, a musical cavalcade highlighted by 120 giant figures accompanied by percussionists, puppeteers and performers along the torch-lit World Showcase Promenade.

-- IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth, the most technically complex production in Walt Disney World history. It centers on the huge steel-ribbed Earth Globe, which spins with images of human diversity and ultimately becomes the centerpiece of a spectacular fireworks show.

Aerosmith celebrates the opening of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney-MGM Studios.		The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride opened in June at The Magic Kingdom.