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Walt Disney World Resort The Walt Disney World Resort had many reasons to celebrate in 2000, including a sixth consecutive year of record attendance and hotel occupancy, and the Millennium Celebration, a 15-month special event centered at Epcot. The Millennium Celebration brought excitement to every corner of Epcot. Spaceship Earth was crowned with giant, glittering "2000" numerals. Perched on a star-topped wand held by Sorcerer Mickey, the whimsical symbol offered guests a larger-than-life welcome to "celebrate the future hand in hand." Inside Epcot, guests found a grand and gala celebration every day and every night through December 2000. With lavish Disney spectacles, show-stopping entertainment, groundbreaking technologies and sights, sounds and tastes from around the globe, it was a party for the ages.
The coming year brings more new attractions. Disney's Animal Kingdom will expand in 2001 with the addition of a new "mini-land" adjacent to DinoLand U.S.A., Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama! Paleontologists of all ages can enjoy Triceratop Spin, a Cretaceous takeoff of the beloved Dumbo Flying Elephants ride. Primeval Whirl, a unique "wild mouse" roller coaster featuring spinning cars careening down switchback tracks, will debut in spring 2002. Also in 2000, Walt Disney World took the millennium show on the road, producing the halftime entertainment for Super Bowl XXXIV on ABC-TV. Seen by nearly one billion people worldwide, the extravaganza featured the pageantry of Tapestry of Nations. Performers such as Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton and Edward James Olmos added star power. In May, Walt Disney World joined with McDonald's to create Millennium Dreamers. Disney and McDonald's searched the world to find young people remarkable for their community service. For three days, these 2,000 Millennium Dreamers Ambassadors, representing nearly 90 countries, were recognized for their good deeds as their inspiring stories were shared with the world. The coming year brings more new attractions. Disney's Animal Kingdom will expand in 2001 with the addition of a new "mini-land" adjacent to DinoLand U.S.A., Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama! Paleontologists of all ages can enjoy Triceratop Spin, a Cretaceous takeoff of the beloved Dumbo Flying Elephants ride. Primeval Whirl, a unique "wild mouse" roller coaster featuring spinning cars careening down switchback tracks, will debut in spring 2002. In 2001, Aladdin makes his debut with a flying carpet ride in Adventureland at The Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, at Disney-MGM Studios, America's number-one game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, will debut as a new attraction. Guests will play along in the audience for the chance to sit in the hot seat on an exact duplicate of the ABC set. In 2003, Epcot guests will venture into deep space when Mission: SPACE lifts off. The pavilion will offer guests a one-of-a-kind astronaut experience, launching them into a simulated space adventure that will feature a pulse-racing liftoff and outer space weightlessness. The attraction is being designed in association with NASA advisors, former astronauts and scientists, and is sponsored by Compaq. Disneyland Resort The year 2000 marked the 45th anniversary year of Disneyland, and the park's theme of "Magic in the Stars" was celebrated with classic characters, favorite attractions and new offerings. The magic at Disneyland culminated each evening in a spectacle designed especially for the park's 45th year. Titled Believe… There's Magic in the Stars, the nighttime fireworks spectacular, powered by Compaq technology, combined an exciting original script and musical score with fireworks and other effects. Believe… was three times larger than any fireworks show ever presented at Disneyland. Running through New Year's Day 2001 was a special holiday version of Believe…, the first time Disneyland has ever presented fireworks as part of its daily holiday entertainment. Believe… will return this summer for nightly performances. A completely redesigned Autopia attraction opened in July, highlighted by new visual show elements, restyled car bodies and an entertaining new pre-show area. This latest version of the classic Autopia is presented by Chevron. During the summer, Disneyland Resort announced it was beginning the entitlement process for a proposed third Disney park in Anaheim, which would be built on properties the company controls adjacent to Disneyland Park. Currently in the conceptual design stage, the new park would complement Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure and may include a theme park, water park, hotels and integrated retail, dining and entertainment outlets. Some of the best new Disney concepts for rides, shows and attractions will serve as inspiration for Disney Imagineers to create an all-new venue. The first design phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2003, with final completion of the project envisioned in 2010. In November, The Disneyland Pacific Hotel took on a new name and new theme as Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. The hotel overlooks Paradise Pier, one of the most dynamic and colorful sections of Disney's California Adventure, making the hotel's name and theme a natural fit.
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