26 April 2001: Here is what's left of the 2000 sign!

Thanks to Donickco for the photo above

3 February 2001: Removal of the 2000 sign

Thanks to Dave for the photos

29 January 2001: The closed Millennium Village

Thanks to Keith for the photos

22 January 2001: Latest photos of the removal of the 2000 sign (Thanks Fudgie)

17 January 2001: Removal of the 2000 continues

The photos below are taken in the Wonder parking lot, where the new "Epcot" sign is being test assembled, prior to be installed over Spaceship Earth.  Thanks to John for the photos.

15 January 2001: Removal of the 2000 sign has begun (Thanks Fudgie)

29 December 2000: New look Epcot Icon

Spaceship Earth, the Epcot icon, is getting a new script. It is simple, direct and the fiery color of a Florida sunrise: “Epcot,” it will say, in shimmering script letters as much as 36 feet tall.

The makeover will turn the 15-month Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration icon created for Spaceship Earth into a new and lasting beacon to a magical Disney world.

According to Roger Holzberg, a senior show producer with Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), the intent of the icon design is “to wed a core Disney element -- the Sorcerer Mickey hand and wand -- with the futuristic vision of Spaceship Earth” in an effort to better identify the spherical entryway to Epcot.

During the highly successful millennium celebration, the whimsical, 25-story-high icon of Sorcerer Mickey’s arm and hand holding a gigantic magical wand featured “starfetti” raining down over a giant “2000.” Now the wand will “pixie-dust” the “Epcot” name spelled out in huge script letters created from a shimmering array of 250,000 metallic eye-catchers.

Altering the icon won’t be as simple as running an eraser over a chalkboard and writing in the new characters. It is estimated the project will take almost five months, beginning with the removal of the huge “2000” numerals in January.

When completed by the end of May, the steel structure will still weigh 500,000 pounds and extend 257 feet -- the tallest theme park structure at Walt Disney World Resort.

Spaceship Earth Icon by the Numbers

• 257 feet: Height to the sparkles above the tip of Sorcerer Mickey’s wand
• 250 tons: Weight of steel frame supporting the icon
• 100,000 pounds: Weight of Mickey’s gloved hand, the wand and the “Epcot” lettering
• 250,000: Number of shimmering metallic eye-catchers used to spell “Epcot”
• 36 feet: Height of the tallest letters in “Epcot”
• 5 months: Duration of the construction changeover from “2000” to “Epcot”
• 180 feet: Height above ground level of the top of Spaceship Earth
• 16 million pounds: Weight of Spaceship Earth
• 11,324: Number of aluminum/plastic-alloy triangles comprising Spaceship Earth exterior

5 December 2000: Millennium Village changes

Published in The Orlando Sentinel on December 04, 2000

The Millennium Village, the cultural epicenter for Epcot`s 15-month celebration, will turn into something more mundane next year: meeting space. The Village -- which showcases the people and cultures from more than 25 different countries through a series of interactive exhibits, entertainment and "ambassadors" -- will be converted next summer into a 40,000-square-foot group meeting center called World ShowPlace.

Disney said the building, in World Showcase between the United Kingdom and
Canada pavilions, will be the largest ever inside a theme park. The complex
will accommodate 4,000 people and have a banquet kitchen and a backstage
entrance with a private guest drop-off.

"Epcot provides a truly unique setting for this one-of-a-kind facility,"
said George Aguel, vice president for Disney Vacation Development. "There is
no better place for a forum dedicated to meetings, entertainment and
memorable occasions."

4 December 2000: Almost over!

To miss it would be like, well, missing New Year’s Eve itself.

A grand and gala celebration of the millennium continues every day and every night at Walt Disney World Resort. With lavish Disney spectacles, show-stopping entertainment, groundbreaking technologies and sights, sounds and tastes from around the globe, it’s a party for the ages.

Only this party won’t last forever. Before the curtain comes down on Jan. 1, 2001, guests have a last chance to get into the fun and mark the milestone. After all, it’s another thousand years until the next one.

The spectacle, centered at Epcot, takes the theme "Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand."

In Disney style, a spectacular line-up of daily entertainment dazzles Epcot guests of all ages. "Tapestry of Nations" is a new spectacle for the new millennium featuring larger-than-life figures ablaze in vibrant colors. Soaring nearly 20 feet and controlled by performers dressed in elaborate costumes, these enormous figures (120 in all) dramatically prance, dance and interact with Epcot guests.

To the sounds of an Emmy-winning musical score, the puppet-like figures are joined by 15 gigantic percussion units, designed to resemble colossal timepieces. A global celebration builds as cultures from around the world join together for an unparalleled extravaganza.

This street festival breezes past the global pavilions of World Showcase twice daily.

For Disney's Millennium Celebration, Epcot is also introducing "IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth," an all-new nighttime spectacular filled with the fiery glow of torches, a high-energy soundtrack, sky-piercing lasers and thunderous fireworks. More than a simple update, the show has been created from scratch, with more than 30 percent more fireworks than any prior Epcot show.

Skies above World Showcase Lagoon transform into a kaleidoscope of colorful pyrotechnic bursts. Comets streak across the sky as video images displayed across a giant sphere tell Earth's incredible tale. Then, the sphere blossoms like a flower, exposing a brilliant ball of fire and setting up the show's emotional finale. Dreams of hope for a better tomorrow are cast as the music soars, lasers shoot skyward, fireworks light the night and flames leap across the surface of the lagoon.

This breathtaking new show is presented nightly during Disney's Millennium Celebration.

Dozens of nations and international presenters join in the multicultural festivities at Millennium Village, an all-new World Showcase pavilion created especially for the celebration. Once they enter the attraction, guests become immersed in a collection of exotic smells, sights and sounds from this exciting "new world." Within its borders are no borders, making it easy for guests to wander freely and discover its rich content including exhibits from 24 countries, the United Nations and World Bank. Guests journey through a Brazilian rainforest, experience first hand the four seasons of Sweden and meet artisans from across the globe.

At the front of the park, Future World welcomes Epcot guests to themes of science and technology.

For the millennium celebration, Disney Imagineers have completely reinvented Innoventions, where guests preview the future of technology today in a showcase of the latest products for the home, work and play.

At the new Future World pavilion, Imagination!, presented by Kodak, guests on Journey Into Your Imagination expand their own imaginations in a ride-through adventure of sights, sounds and senses. Rooms turn upside down and normal turns inside out as guests are challenged to increase their I.Q. -- Imagination Quotient.

Guests also can literally leave their mark as a memory of their millennium visit at Leave a Legacy. Their photo is captured on a limited edition commemorative tile, then mounted on one of 30 sculptured granite megaliths near Spaceship Earth. Leave a Legacy tiles can be purchased at one of the five Photo Capture Stations located in the Epcot Entrance Plaza.

Reminiscent of other world-class celebrations, guests can interact with other guests and Disney cast members through pin-trading. Guests can purchase pins at several Walt Disney World locations, including inside each of the four major theme parks and Downtown Disney, or choose to trade pins they've brought from home.

Soaring dramatically above the whole scene, Epcot's Spaceship Earth is crowned with giant, glittering "2000" numerals. Perched on a star-topped wand held by Sorcerer Mickey's unmistakable gloved hand, the whimsical symbol offers guests a larger-than-life welcome.

"With the international cultures of World Showcase and the technological attractions of Future World, Epcot is the natural setting for an event that draws together all humankind in a celebration of what lies ahead," said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort.

In time for its millennium celebration, Walt Disney World Resort has added great new attractions and unique entertainment in all four of its theme parks and beyond.

Guests will find something new in every corner of Walt Disney World Resort: at the Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the return of the "Main Street Electrical Parade"; at Epcot, the high-speed thrills of Test Track and the multi-sensory Journey Into Your Imagination; at Disney-MGM Studios, the nighttime magic of "Fantasmic!", "Disney's Doug Live!" and the high-volume fun of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith; at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a whole new land -- Asia -- including Kali River Rapids, a white-water rafting attraction, and a high-energy stage musical inspired by Disney's theatrical release of "Tarzan"; at Downtown Disney, the incredible theatrics and acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil®; plus the launch of a second cruise ship, Disney Wonder; and the opening of Disney's All-Star Movies Resort.

For its most popular attractions, Walt Disney World Resort has introduced FASTPASS, a free and exclusive service enabling Disney guests to avoid standing in line in favor of an appointed return time designated for them. More free time means more opportunities to enjoy the rest of the Vacation Kingdom. FASTPASS is offered at 16 Disney attractions in all four parks.

For reservations, including special vacation packages designed specifically for the 15-month millennium celebration, guests should visit a local travel agent or call 407/W-DISNEY. Guests can also call Walt Disney World Guest Information at 407/824-4321. Or they can visit the disneyworld.com web site, part of GO Network and newly enhanced for easier navigation, better search capabilities and vacation-planning assistance, including buying theme park tickets and vacation packages on line.

9 September 2000: Millennium Balloon reaches New York

2 September 2000: Millennium Balloon

To mark its year-long millennium celebration, Walt Disney World Resort is bringing a spectacular sky show to American cities -- a giant, 80-foot-tall hot-air balloon in the shape of Spaceship Earth, Epcot’s breathtaking icon for the Florida celebration.

The balloon, featuring a giant 35-foot wand held aloft by the hand of Sorcerer Mickey and 30-foot-tall numbers spelling out “2000,” is flying above 15 U.S. cities in September and October, including a Sept. 1 liftoff at Walt Disney World Resort. The balloon is scheduled for dawn and dusk launches.

“America has been coming to our celebration,” said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We thought this was a way to bring our celebration to America. To remind people that our millennium celebration is not over -- that the party continues right through Jan. 1, 2001.”

The millennium celebration features grand Disney spectacles, showstopping entertainment, groundbreaking technologies, and sights, sounds and tastes from around the globe.

Scheduled stops for the “Walt Disney World Millennium Balloon Tour” include New York City, Chicago, Boston, Houston and Atlanta -- even a drift above Niagara Falls.

Created in Sioux Falls, S.D., the one-of-a-kind balloon features enough Ripstop Nylon fabric to cover half of a football field. More than five miles of thread were used to stitch it together. It can accommodate three riders and a pilot.

Hot-air balloons are a Disney World tradition. In 1986 there was “Ear Force One,” a giant Mickey Mouse, followed in 1987 by “Zipp-a-dee-doo-Duck,” an airborne Donald Duck. And in the fall of 1991, Cinderella Castle took to the skies as the “Castle in the Sky” balloon.

 

Cities and dates for Walt Disney World’s Millennium Balloon Tour*: 1-2 -- Walt Disney World Resort Sept. 7-8 -- New York City Sept. 11-12 – Niagara Falls Sept. 14-15 -- Boston Sept. 18-19 -- Philadelphia Sept. 21-22 -- Cleveland Sept. 25-26 -- Detroit Sept. 28-29 -- Chicago Oct. 2-3 -- Indianapolis Oct. 6-7 -- Dallas/Ft. Worth Oct. 11-12 -- Houston Oct. 16-17 -- Atlanta Oct. 19-20 -- Jacksonville Oct. 23-24 -- Miami Oct. 26-27 -- Tampa

* Liftoffs are scheduled around sunrise and sunset. All flights are weather permitting.

30 January 2000: UK News clip on Epcot 2000

Better late than never.  This clip aired on UK TV around the millennium.  Interviews with Roy Disney and George Kalogridis.
Download 2mins 37 seconds, 2MB, Microsoft ASF.

Requires the latest version of Microsoft Windows Media Player which will play all content on this site.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/en/download/default.asp

For easier download we recommend right clicking the link, and select SAVE AS...
Alternatively, use a download manager such as www.getright.com
Once downloaded you may then play the video from your hard disk as many times as you like.

2 December 1999: News from Alex

Illuminations 2000:
IS AWESOME! The show starts with a male voice saying something to the effect that the shows is a story, "as a old as time", but "is still being written". There is this really neat effect where he "blows" and all the pavilion lights go out. The music then begins, a series of spaced out drum beats. When they end, all the lights go off, and this really high paced music starts. This act is called Chaos, and features the ever popular fire barge. That thing is awesome! The fountain barges also shoot out fireworks horizontally, in a sort of fan shaped manner. It's really well done, as the music and fireworks are perfectly synchronized. The whole point of this section is the formation of the planet.

Then begins the act called "Order", at which point the Earth Globe enters the center of the lagoon from its parking space next to the American Adventure. The continents turn from red to white to blue, symbolizing their formation. They then begin to show images of water, which in turn leads to vegetation, and the animals. Finally, humans appear. This is all set to very slow paced music, which picks up as the planet gets more and more complex. The fountains are also doing their thing during this time.

Next, images of humanity's accomplishments begin to emerge: cities, technologies, planes, etc. Then the pavilion lights turn on, symbolizing the rise of nations. This is followed by images of famous people, set to very uplifting music and a helluva lot of fireworks.

The final scene is called "Meaning", which is set to the song "We Go On" (available on the Millennium CD). This is when the Earth Globe opens up, and fireworks and later flames shoot out of its central torch. The torches around the promenade also turn on, as well as several bursts from the sea wall pyros.

Overall, I'd say it's the best version of IllumiNations, although a tad short.

Tapestry:
Very, very well done. It pops out in 3 places (Mexico, Germany, and Morocco) so that it can quickly cover the entire Promenade. The music is very uplifting, and the puppets are incredible. The neat thing is that they bend down to touch the guests (and the little kids go CRAZY for that). It's very colorful, and you can't help but dance a bit...

Village:
The Village is excellent in terms of content and balance. The have a good geographic representation (Venezuela, Peru, Greece, Thailand, South Korea, Egypt and Lebanon in the marketplace; Denmark, Brazil, Sweden, Israel, Chile, Eritrea, Scotland, and Saudi Arabia as main exhibitors; and Indonesia, Kenya, Namibia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa as Expo 2000 exhibitors). The exhibits are very energetic, sort of like Innoventions. It has a very vibrant and energetic feeling. The problem: SPACE. There is none! It's very, very claustrophobic! I'd consider adding a warning to the pavilion! Granted I went during a very busy night, there is still not much walking room. I'd suggest to hit that as early as you can, else your enjoyment of the Village will go down considerably. Still, it is great! I really feel it adds some needed excitement to the World Showcase.

15 October 1999: Tapestry of Nations Update

The Tapestry of Nations Parade is now only running the Unity version, but it is showing twice nightly at 6:25 and 8:10.  (Thanks Brian for the update)

11 October 1999: Millennium CD

The official Disney site has added a track listing and some samples from this new CD.  Point your browser to http://disney.go.com/DisneyRecords/millennium/index.html

6 October 1999: Changes to Tapestry of Nations

Following guest surveys, the twice daily parade is set for some changes.  Instead of running two parades (Diversity and Unity) there will now only be the one parade, Unity, running in the evening.  Unity will also be reduced in length by several minutes.

1 October 1999: Dedication Gala

In a nighttime dedication at Epcot featuring Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, hundreds of swirling images and fireworks filling the sky, Walt Disney World Resort Wednesday opened its 15-month Millennium Celebration with the theme "Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand."

Likenesses of cars, trains, great works of art like the Mona Lisa, cultural icons like Elvis and great thinkers like Einstein seemed to fly around Epcot's Future World. Then to propel everyone into the new era, Sorcerer Mickey led the lighting of Disney's millennium icon -- an enormous red "2000" suspended above Spaceship Earth, the grand symbol of Epcot.

Sorcerer Mickey was joined by Paul Pressler, president of Walt Disney Attractions, and Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort.

"Spaceship Earth is the perfect symbol to welcome guests from around the world for a terrific celebration of global proportions," Pressler said.

1 October 1999: New Millennium CD track listing (Thanks James)

1.Reflections Of Earth: Prologue: Acceleration / Chaos / Life / Adventure /
Home / Celebration / Meaning
2. We Go On
3. Tapestry Of Nations: Sage Of Time Prologue, The / Millennium Heartbeat /
Great Millennium Walk, The / Reach For The Stars / Human Spirit, The
4. Promise
5. Celebrate The Future Hand In Hand / When You Wish Upon A Star

29 September 1999: New 2000 Official Album Now Available (Thanks WDWGUY)

WALT DISNEY RECORDS PRESENTS

Walt Disney World Resort 2000
The Official Album

1. Friend Like Me - THE ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM-UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
2. Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me) THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
3. Bear Band Serenade - COUNTRY BEAR JAMBOREE
4. Ev'rybody Has a Laughing Place - SPLASH MOUNTAIN
5. Grim Grinning Ghosts - THE HAUNTED MANSION
6. It's a Small World - IT'S A SMALL WORLD
7. There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow - THE CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS
8. Fantasy in the Sky - FIREWORKS SHOW 1999
9. Test Track Medley - TEST TRACK
10. Canada - (You're a Lifetime Journey) - O CANADA
11. Impressions de France - IMPRESSIONS DE FRANCE
12. Golden Dream - THE AMERICAN ADVENTURE
13. Tower of Terror Theme - THE TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER OF TERROR
14. Finale - FANTASMIC!
15. The Tree of Life Theme - THE TREE OF LIFE
16. Beauty and the Bees (Beauty and the Beast) - IT'S TOUGH TO BE A BUG
17. Diggin' in Dinoland - DINOLAND
18. Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand - MILLENNIUM CELEBRATION

I was over at Epcot this afternoon and they were still selling the previous official album. The Emporium at the Magic Kingdom is the only place I saw it..I am sure it will gradually show up elsewhere.

There will also be a new 2000 CD featuring the soundtracks to Reflections of Earth and Tapestry of Nations.

28 September 1999: Update on Tapestry of Nations from Greg

Until further notice, Tapestry of Nations will run at 6:20pm and 8:10pm, and it is a long parade.  The 8:10 performance ends and there are only 10-15 minutes until Illuminations: Reflections of Earth begins...although it has been starting a little late.

The parade runs at three different places, the same parade at each location.  The 8:10 one begins in UK, Morocco, and Germany.  It's fairly easy to get a curbside seat 20 minutes or so before the show.  With three going on at once the parade routes aren't half as congested as at the MK or MGM.

The parade itself is great, and the puppeteers interact with guests along the route, bringing out people to dance with them, shaking hands with these 20ft tall puppets, etc.  I had a videocam, and did they ever mug it up for me!  Almost every single puppeteer came right up into the lens smiling, or stuck the puppet an inch from the camera!

Epcot will close at 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday for International Press events.

27 September 1999: Celebrations are GO!

It seems that WDW has pulled off the transformation of Epcot just in time for the official October 1 opening.  All of the major parts of the Millennium Celebrations are complete, and all are in soft opening.

26 September 1999: Food

Epcot's world of culinary imagination -- already growing with the addition of the Millennium Village created especially for Disney's Millennium Celebration -- has been spruced up with changes in Future World and World Showcase. There's a new dining option in the Morocco showcase and fresh new food ideas in the Canada and Germany showcases plus The Living Seas.

Tangierine Café, located on the right side at the entrance of the village-like Morocco showcase, specializes in quick-service specialties such as shawarma -- sandwiches made from shaved chicken, beef or lamb that is slow-roasted on a rotisserie. Hummus and taziki sauce keep the meat company on a bun. Vegetarians may want to try the lentil salad or babaganush (eggplant salad).

Canada's Le Cellier is welcoming guests to a cozy restaurant environment featuring a fireplace and lighter woods plus "Canadian steakhouse" fare created by Chef Gary Patterson -- favorites such as wild mushroom-stuffed filet or buffalo ribeye served up with parmesan smashed potatoes. For fish-lovers, there's maple-glazed Canadian salmon. And for desert at this full-service restaurant, how about butterfinger mousse with raspberry sauce?

At the Germany showcase Biergarten, Chef Christine Weissman is unveiling an up-to-date buffet concept with "modern German" cuisine. Style of the dining experience is a home-cooked family banquet that guests serve up from skillets and crockpots, then enjoy in the surroundings of an Octoberfest celebration with musical entertainment. Chef Weissman is doing seasonal veggies such as snow peas and string beans "to change the perception that Germany is only about sauerkraut." Salmon trout and trout in a lemon caper sauce seasonally swim onto the dinner menu along with lighter, more flavorful sauces.

Chef John Clark has a whole new fresh seafood menu in store at the Coral Reef Restaurant at The Living Seas. For a starter, try lobster and corn beignets with a sweet chili sauce. As an entree, how about fennel-stuffed whole snapper, deboned and pan-seared? The refurbished restaurant includes stunning mosaics that interpret the journey from the sea shore to the ocean floor.

25 September 1999: Shopping

Epcot World Shopping Spree Better Than Ever

The first-class world shopping spree of World Showcase has grown by the world-acclaimed names Armani, Guerlain, Helly Hansen and Roots:

• Canada's pre-eminent outerwear company, Roots, now is a featured shop in the Canada showcase. Heavy winter jackets, shoes, boots, hats, watches and Roots' fragrance are offered. It adds up to make Epcot possibly the best destination for Roots merchandise outside of Canada.
• The popularity of Guerlain, which has been offered at Epcot since 1982, has grown to the extent that the Guerlain shop in the France showcase has been doubled in size.
• The elegant, refined collectible figurines and decorative sculpture pieces of Armani are offered in a new shop in the Italy showcase.
• The Norway-inspired clothing designs of Helly Hansen are now featured in their own shop in the Norway showcase.

Meanwhile, Mickey Mouse and all his Disney character colleagues are featured in grand style at MouseGear, a new 19,000-square-foot character shop in the heart of Future World. There's even an area to meet the Mouse and his pals, who have taken a break from the chores at their on-site "factory." MouseGear is located in the southeastern quadrant of Innoventions.

19 September 1999: Update from Rob

• All the walls around the Leave a Legacy sculptures are down.
• The picture-taking area for Leave a Legacy is being built on the right side of the entrance plaza.
• The light blue supports for Spaceship Earth are being repainted on the
  entrance plaza side to match the sculptures.
• There is a large piece on the Mickey wand tower that appears to be interior
  supports for the Mickey arm.

13 September 1999: Journey into Your Imagination Update

See the Imagination page

Cast previews September 18th?

11 September 1999: Update

The 2 has been installed on top of Spaceship Earth.  Crews are awaiting the arrival of the worlds largest crane to install the Mickey hand.

Figment from the old Journey Into Imagination ride will be making an appearance in the new ride in computer animation form.

7 September 1999: Update

There are 3 zero's on top of Spaceship Earth.  The "2" can be see off to the
side on a crane waiting installation.

There are new signs for Mouse Gear, Centorium's new name.

There are decorations on the lampposts at the Magic Kingdom.

IMAGINATION! has a new sign out front.

Much of the canopy at Innoventions Plaza is installed.

4 September 1999: Update

Not long to wait now!  October 1 is approaching rapidly, and there still seems a lot of construction going on at Epcot!  A few updates:

• The Journey into Imagination pavilion will be renamed to IMAGINATION!
• The new ride through attraction will be called Journey into Your Imagination.
• The pin trading booths are now in position around the park.

25 August 1999: Complete list of the Millennium Pavilion countries

21 August 1999: Nations news

The following regions are confirmed to be present in the new Millennium Pavilion, which will contain 24 nations and organizations.

Chile, Denmark, Ethiopia, Kenya, Scotland, New Zealand, Israel, World Bank, United Nations, Sweden, Brazil, Eritrea and Easter Island! 

18 August 1999: Construction Update

The building of Journey into Imagination is now being repainted in a bright blue.  The covered entrance to Honey I Shrunk the Audience has been removed.

UPDATE from Paul - yesterday the building was partly being painted red.  Not sure whether some of these are undercoating, or whether the building will be multi colored?

A large crane has been brought in next to Spaceship Earth to assist with the final installation of the Mickey Wand.

13 August 1999: Israel

Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) - Disney's Florida theme park is putting Israel at the center of its millennium exhibit. Displaying a model of the Israel Pavilion that will highlight Epcot Center's Millennium Village in Orlando, Walt Disney World Corp. Vice President George Kalogridis said the 2400-square-foot exhibit will display Israel's history as well as its technology, agriculture and Hebrew language.

Through a pathway lined with white Jerusalem stones, guests will enter a huge stone structure replicating the walls of Jerusalem's old city. Theater seats that move in coordination with video presentations will take visitors on a simulated tour of Jerusalem through different historical periods.

Israel's foreign ministry, which contributed $1.8 million to the project, said it hoped the exhibit would encourage visitors to come to Israel in the year 2000.

Disney said in a statement that the video presentations will highlight Jerusalem's importance to Judaism, Islam and Christianity ``while at the same time emphasizing the centrality'' of the disputed city to the Jewish people.

27 July 1999: Update

Things are progressing well for the October deadline with most projects.  Work appears to have started on the interior of the Spaceship Earth exit show, by AT&T.  Guests now exit the ride from an emergency exit, and the whole exit area has been boarded off.

The El Rio rehab has just started, set for completion October.  Horizons has also been cleared for rehab, to open with the original show in time for October.

The one project that doesn't look like it will be ready is the new Restaurant in the American Adventure.

15 July 1999: New photo section

Due to the rapidly growing number of construction photos for Epcot, there is a new dedicated section.  Please select the new page from the button on the left (2000 Construction).

The top part of the Mickey wand has been under construction for some weeks in the Epcot parking lot.  It is clearly visible to guests, and is almost complete.

12 July 1999: Official Millennium Press Release

1 July 1999: News in from Eric

* The first 2 or 3 of the steel structures in the turnstile/entryway of EPCOT has been completed.

* A MASSIVE blue steel structure (VERY abstract looking) is popping up over beyond the east side of EPCOT's main parking lot, just beyond the trees. Guest relations said they could only tell me it was preparation for the Millennium Celebration.   They could tell me no more.  You have GOT to see that thing!

* The Mickey's wand is beginning to show.  The first 25 to 30 feet of tower has been erected in front of the former-restrooms on the east side of Spaceship Earth.

* Cables for the Millennium Central coverings in Innoventions Plaza are almost complete.

* The former Centorium, which will be called "Mouse Gear" when it re-opens, has been completely closed again.  Remnants from the old shop have been scattered all though the park including other parts of Innoventions, and areas around World Showcase Lagoon.

* The "test torch", which appeared by the United Kingdom and disappeared a week later, is back.

* The kid's play fountain on the bridge from Future World to World Showcase has been closed.  No word as to why.

* No work has begun on the toll plaza.

* No evidence of the "father time" sculpture has emerged.

29 May 1999: Further construction news on Millennium Central

As of May 28, Innoventions Plaza is starting to be covered.  There are 3 tall purple columns - one near the Centorium, one in the large walled-off area in front of the fountain, and one on Spaceship Earth's North side.  They are all connected by one thick cable.

This seems to be following the plans in the photos below for a new area called Millennium Central.

There is still no confirmation of the Mickey wand - anyone know/seen anything?   

25 May 1999: Epcot Construction

The photos show the new look areas around Spaceship Earth, thanks to Bogie66@aol.com for taking the shots!

One interesting point, on the Spaceship Earth shot where is the Mickey wand?

Click each picture for a larger version.

14 May 1999:  News in from inside Disney

Marketing Management at WDW are currently visiting England, Scotland, Denmark and Israel about country represenation at Epcot and Millennium events.  Could we be looking at 3 new countries and a renewal for England?  Scotland and Israel have previously been rumoured for Epcot, but Denmark is fresh news.  Surprisingly, and to many peoples relief, there is no sign of Brazil joining the World Showcase at this moment.

11 May 1999: News in from Dan on Epcots Millennium events.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS (N) Every night after the Caravan of Giants, and before the individual World Showcase parties, the Festival of Lights would take place.

Here's the breakdown:

Thirty large flaming torches light the water's edge of World Showcase Lagoon.

One hundred floating glass buoys flood the surface of the lagoon with colored lights.

The three islands in the Lagoon come to life as they are electrified to represent the Taj Mahal, A pyramid and the great columns of Greece.

Small fountains outline the the three islands. The fountains will have lights too.

The banners installed for the Caravan of Giants are illuminated.

Huge Electrical Lanterns are hung from the eleven pavilions.

Sporadic bursts of fireworks throughout the evening give the ambiance of shooting stars.

All watercraft and land transportation will be electrified.

And last, all of the above effects will continue throughout the night till the end of the World Showcase parties.

Thanks to http://www.arkstar.com/dreamfinder/e2000plans.htm

25 April 1999: Rumours suggest that Eisner has rejected the Millennium logo, and it is currently being reworked.

17 April 1999: Audio-Animatronic to go in by Spaceship Earth

Appears that the new sculpture to go in front of Spaceship Earth will be an Audio-Animatronic called "Father of Time".  Each hour the figure will perform a show relating to the Millennium theme.  The area is currently under construction.

7 March 1999: New IllumiNations news

Click here to go to the IllumiNations news section

29 March 1999: Scotland join Epcot for the Millennium

Scotland announced an alliance with Walt Disney World in Florida that will include a Scottish exhibit at Epcot and jobs at the park for Scots.  No official comment on what the presence will be, but most likely they will be in the new multi-country pavilion.

2 March 1999:  News of Lord of the Dance at Epcot

As reported by: Orlando Business Journal On 03/01/99

Walt Disney World is hammering out a deal calling for the popular Lord of the Dance troupe to perform at Epcot for the four months leading up to the theme park's millennium celebration. It's an unusual deal for Disney, which traditionally has shied away from signing extended performance deals with groups as popular as Lord of the Dance. But spokesman Dan Higgins says the international flavor of the troupe is a perfect fit for Epcot. "Lord of the Dance fits right in with Epcot in that it is very popular and an international show," he says. In fact, it has been a major draw. Now touring Canada, the show's average gross per stop is $384,885. The show, which will feature material choreographed specifically for Disney, is slated to begin in June and run through September.

23 February 1999: Construction update from Greg and Raechel. 

The wand construction around Spaceship Earth has begun, but as yet they've just closed off the left-hand route around Spaceship Earth with green construction walls.  We hopped on the monorail to get an airborne view, and all there was were two mounds of earth that I presume will be the foundation for the crane(s).

The roof of the Millennium pavilion is now complete. [Click photos to zoom]

[Below left]  One of the Gas Torches has been installed, just by the UK.   Expect to see another 15 of these installed around the lagoon ready for Millennium, the new night-time show.

[Above Right]  New hardware being installed into the lagoon.  This is the site of some of the laser reflection mirrors used in the current show, IllumiNations.

22 February 1999: Reports in that gas torches are being installed around the World Showcase Lagoon.  The 30ft high gas burners are to be used during the Millennium Show which replaces IllumiNations.

18 February 1999: Shot of the new Pre-show to Innoventions.  [click photo to zoom]

Thanks to Greg and Raechel for the photo

16 February 1999: New construction shots of the Millennium pavilion. [Click photos to zoom]

Innoventions under construction below. [Click photo to zoom]

• Millennium Central in Innoventions Plaza
• New or updated exhibits for all of Innoventions including a new pre-show to the attraction

 

Thanks to Flotsam and Jetsam for the photos!

13 February 1999: Construction began last night on Spaceship Earth to transform it into the Mickey wand. (See model photo below)

1 February 1999: Construction of the new 80,000 sq, ft Millennium pavilion next to the UK pavilion.

Click for a larger version.

Below:  The Blue Star on Spaceship Earth is part of the Epcot 2000 logo.   Thanks to Flotsam and Jetsam for the photos.

This is a model of how Epcot will look for the celebrations.  Notice the star from the above photo on the model.  It looks as though there will be hundreds of these little stars as they fall from Mickey's wand!

13, December 1998: Check out the new WDW 2000 Logo!

5, December 1998: George Kalogridis, vice president of Epcot, says the park has tried for some time to secure a pavilion for a South American country. But even though South American tourists are frequent visitors to the park, Kalogridis says it has been difficult to get a government to cooperate in the venture. That, in turn, has led to another idea for the park, adding a pavilion spotlighting a region, such as the Middle East, or a "cradle of civilization" exhibit, rather than focusing on any one country.

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