Thank you for visiting 30 Days to 30 Years– our homage to the upcoming 30th Anniversary of Epcot. Beth and I are so thankful that veteran blogger Deb has turned her focus on the series today, and the year 1991.
1991 was an amazing time to experience Epcot as a family. My son was 4 1/2 years old and full of excitement to see “Ep-i-cot” (think apricot) his favorite park. So much so that he could barely sleep the night before thinking of all the things he would be doing the next day. There was the star of Journey Into Imagination, Figment who sometimes could be seen around the parks meeting guests with Dreamfinder. The World Showcase countries and characters, like Donald in his Mexican outfit and Minnie in her Japanese costume wandering around signing autographs and if you arrived at the World Showcase entrance for the opening you got to see all the characters arrive on a double-decker bus. Later in the day the same bus would transport guests around the World Showcase.
It was also great time for celebrations throughout all the Walt Disney World parks which was celebrating it’s 20th anniversary. The newspapers headlines read “20 New Reasons To Visit Disney World”. Of course Disney fans didn’t need 20 new reasons to visit but very much appreciated them anyway;)
One of the most spectacular of the 20 new surprises for 1991 was “Surprise In The Skies”, a daytime fireworks extravaganza with Mickey, Goofy and Donald flying planes and gliders in an aerial stunt show along with brightly colored kites all centered around the World Showcase. There was stirring patriotic music synchronized with the aerial stunts. It was exciting to see planes coming across the lagoon (they took off from an air strip by Pop) flying dangerously low over the lagoon doing synchronized stunts and then as they got closer you could spot Mickey flying in his pilots outfit or Goofy waving wildly before zooming away. Toward the end of the show giant character balloons appeared in the countries around the lagoon. The fireworks were spectacular and completed the show, making “Surprise In The Skies” the best daytime show in Walt Disney World from 1991-1992.
You MUST also tune into Deb’s blog on Wednesdays for her famous Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop; she has assembled a wonderful and growing community of Disney bloggers and fans. Don’t forget to link up!
1992 is coming- and so is @DisneyGeekDad, of WDW Fan Zone fame- tomorrow!
Thanks Beth and Didi for having me here today! I'm loving this series and am so looking forward to reading more!! Happy 30th Birthday Epcot!
I love the idea of the fab five in traditional costumes! I'd love to see Minnie in a kimono – wish they'd bring that back!!
Great article, Deb, although I expect nothing less from you! I remember the double-decker busses, but I don't remember the characters showing up on them. Do they still do that?
From your description Deb, this show must have been some sight! I wish they would bring back a daytime show (like California Adventure did). You never know… I DO remember watching the character bus, but haven't seen it since 2000 maybe? Thank you for such a terrific look back!
Wow! Never in my life, have I ever even heard of "Surprise in the Skies." What a sight that must have been. Very, very cool!