Trip to the fantasy world

THE WALT Disney World Resort in the United States has specially designed a package of fun and enjoyment for the new millennium. The programme features grand spectacles, breathtaking entertainment, and a treat of sights, sounds and tastes from around the globe, according to its manager, marketing and sales, Asia-Pacific, Mr. Shane Hunt.

Mr. Hunt was in the city recently to train Indian travel personnel to help build momentum for the coming summer, jointly with Globotel-TM of Caravan Travels.

One of the biggest theme parks in the world, Walt Disney World, has four major entertainment centres - 'Magic Kingdom', 'Epcot', 'Animal Kingdom' and Disney-MGM Studios.

"Every day we think of making something new. In 'Animal Kingdom', "Tarzan Rocks" is a new stage spectacle which is held daily in the theme park. This 30-minute extravaganza was first staged in July 1999 and is at the amphitheatre which can seat 1,500 persons," Mr. Hunt said when asked about the special additions this season.

"Asia" features Kali river rapids, white water rafting and Maharajah jungle trek through dense forests inhabited by animals.

Mr. Hunt said, Magic Kingdom has added four new adventures last year - 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' offers the guests encounters with Pooh, Eeyore and several other exciting characters. 'Main Street Electrical Parade' which lights the night, captivates the guests with more than five-lakh twinkling lights.

Epcot has 'Millennium Celebrations', 'Imagination' to increase ones I.Q.; 'Test Track' where the rider is taken on 'hill climbs'; a wildly out-of-control brake test, hairpin turns and high-speed sequences. Innovations are made everyday. To put it in a nut shell, "it is tomorrow's technology today."

In Disney-MGM Studios they have Rock'n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. Here soundtrack resonating from 120 on-board speakers have been synchronised. The 'Fantasmic' is a spectacle at night, where one can see the mickey mouse and his magic, creating dancing waters, dazzling lasers, shooting comets, animated fountains swirling stars and other wonders. 'Mulan Parade' is the story of a young girl who saves her father's life by disguising herself as a man.

This story is shown daily in a parade sequence.

Flower and garden festival, Night of Joy, where one can hear Christian music performance, golf, food and wine festival, a marathon race through all the four Disney parks and last but not the least, Holiday Splendour, (to celebrate thanksgiving day) and a special candle light procession are other attractions lined up for the millennium celebrations.

Disney World has also come out with a Fast Pass which entitles visitors to participate in the entertainment without waiting.

S. R. ASHOK KUMMAR

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Section  : Entertainment
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