| Later in the evening, conventioneers
went to the Magic Kingdom. After the fireworks display around 9 pm, the park closed and
the conventioneers were led into the Hall of the Presidents. The conventioneers were first
addressed by the ambassador of Walt Disney World (pictured at the left above). She then
introduced Tom Park, who gave his farewell as vice president of the WDAC and passed the
torch to Audrey Finci (pictured above at the microphone). The introductions were followed
by a trivia contest held by Craig Hodgkins. The conventioneers did so poorly at the trivia
that it became a recurring source of humor throughout the convention, but all had a good
time and good fun. Those fortunate to answer one of the questions received a gift bag. The
items included a cassette (Walt Disney Records Archives sampler) , a CD (Mannheim
Steamroller meets the mouse), and the Cinderella crystal glass slipper (a
gift with purchase from the 1996 "dreams
come true" Fairy Godmother event).
After the official welcome by the WDAC staff, conventioneers were
unleashed into Liberty Square, where there was outdoor refreshments, including multiple beautiful "convention cakes"
(shown above). In
addition, the Haunted Mansion ride was running exclusively for the guests. Within the ride
were hidden classics sculptures and retirement ribbons, making for a fun game of trivia.
Conventioneers answered questions on a small answer card and submitted them into a ballot
box later in the evening for a chance to win a special gift. One of the questions asked
was "Who was it that greeted you in the Haunted mansion?"
Have a look by clicking HERE. What a great
moment!
Next, a booth was set up for a new
Walt Disney Classics Collection sculpture retirement. It was the Little Mermaid Sculpture Scene,
Ariel's Grotto, and the enchanted places miniature Ariel. The whole thing was announced by
"Major Lee Loud" (you had to be there). To see Major Loud and the whole retirement scene,
click HERE.
Following the retirement, the pieces of the
molds were made available to conventioneers as they exited the park.
What a night....and the whole thing ended with the
headless horseman riding down main street USA.......
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