Join WDWNT as we celebrate 30 years of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Pleasure Island, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Delta Dreamflight, Wonders of Life, and more! “Stage 89: An Unofficial Celebration of All Things 1989 at Walt Disney World” will take you back to a time where you could take an amazing journey into the movies, fly through the history of air travel, learn to surf without an ocean in sight, or maybe even celebrate New Year’s Eve every night.
Register now and peruse the full event schedule at Stage89.com! Just click the “Register Now” button on the homepage, or go to https://stage89.com/register/.
Tickets are also now on sale for “The Hollywood That Was – Stories from the Making of the Studios”!
This is a private lunch, exhibition, and presentation event at Stage 89, on Sunday, April 28. Enjoy stories from the creation of favorite attractions and shows at the Disney-MGM Studios and Pleasure Island from those who created the magic! This event includes the following panels and presentations:
- “Backstage Pass” with former Imagineer Brian Collins
As a Disney Cast Member and Imagineer in the early 1990’s, Brian helped create the magic for some of the most beloved attractions throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, including show concepts for such attractions as The Great Movie Ride, Studio Backlot Tour, Jungle Cruise, and Epcot’s World Showcase. After leaving Disney, he continued to earn his stripes in a variety of creative positions within the ranks of corporate America. A passionate educator, Brian has served on the faculty of several colleges and universities where he has developed and taught courses on entrepreneurship, marketing, innovation, and even “Product Development for Theme Parks.” Through it all, he has always maintained a “dotted line” relationship with Disney and has continued to work for them in a variety of freelance and contractual projects over the years.
- “Special Effects Workshop” with former Imagineers Jack Gillett and James Mulder
Jack Gillett, a 26-year Imagineering veteran, was a Principal Special Effects Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering. In that role, he took the creative lead on developing, designing, and installing special effects for Walt Disney Imagineering projects spanning from the opening of EPCOT Center and continuing up to recent special projects and opportunities. Beginning as Cinetechnician at Walt Disney Studios, Jack quickly transitioned to WED/MAPO in order to bring his one-of-a-kind technical know-how and creativity to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Among the highlights of Jack’s portfolio is his work as lead on projection effects for Horizons at EPCOT Center, work on projection technology for Star Tours, field installation for Euro Disney, design and installation of special effects for Space Mountain Paris, work on projection and interactive effects for Mickey’s Philharmagic 3-D show, effects work on Expedition Everest, and effects work on Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Jack worked closely with WDI R&D and was part of the “hit squad” that was responsible for the design, implementation, and installation of special effects as part of the Disney-MGM Studios project. As part of this team, Jack lent his expertise to the classic early Studios attractions including the Backlot Tour, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and The Great Movie Ride. Jack and his team are three-time TEA award winners for outstanding achieve for Special Effects for Space Mountain in Paris, Expedition Everest, and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
James Mulder, a 30-year veteran of the themed entertainment industry, was a Senior Principal Designer and Principal Special Effects Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering for more than twenty years.In that role, he took the creative lead on developing, designing, and installing special effects for Walt Disney Imagineering projects beginning with the opening of EPCOT Center and continuing up to recent opening of Shanghai Disneyland.Among the highlights of James’s portfolio is his work on visual effects for Journey Into Imagination, The American Adventure, Spaceship Earth, the Living Seas, and the Norway pavilion’s Maelstrom attraction at Epcot Center; management of design, production, and installation of visual effects and theatrical systems for Mickey’s Philharmagic 3-D show at Disney parks around the world; and management of design, production, and installation of visual effects and theatrical systems for It’s Tough to Be a Bug at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.As part of the Disney-MGM Studios project, James contributed extensively to the design, fabrication and installation of visual effects for The Great Movie Ride and MuppetVision 3-D. For their efforts, James and his team won the TEA award winners for outstanding achieve for Special Effects for It’s Tough to be a Bug.James continues to work at the vanguard of visual effects technology in the themed entertainment industry for a variety of clients including work on the Shanghai Disneyland project and with Universal Studios Creative.
- “Star Conversation” with former executive vice president of Walt Disney Entertainment Ron Logan
As executive vice president of Walt Disney Entertainment, Ron Logan was responsible for creating, casting, and producing all live entertainment products for The Walt Disney Company, including the Disneyland Resort, the Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris, The Disney Institute, Disney Business Productions, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Entertainment Productions, and Walt Disney Entertainment Worldwide. Logan also was executive vice president of the Walt Disney Special Events Group, executive vice president of Disney Special Programs, Inc. and the founder and first president of Disney Theatrical Productions, which produced Beauty and the Beast on Broadway and around the world. He was also involved in the following productions which he will be talking about at Stage 89: Disney-MGM Studios Grand Opening, Sorcery in the Sky, The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure, Aladdin’s Royal Caravan Parade, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage!, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Fantasmic!, Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and multiple offering from Pleasure Island.
The event also includes:
- Special catered lunch with iconic Studios treats
- NEW! – Disney character appearances
- Displays filled with rare park props, merchandise, and more from the past
Tickets are also still available for our other add-on activities for Stage 89 attendees:
Private Screening of “Avengers: Endgame” at AMC Disney Springs
A private screening of Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame will be held for attendees on Friday, April 26 at AMC Disney Springs! Get your tickets now!
“Pleasure Beach – Celebrating 30 Years of Party and Adventure”
Celebrate 30 Years of Party and Adventure with WDWNT at this radical beach party! Event includes classic Pleasure Island cocktails, special appearances by many famous Adventurers from the past, a live DJ spinning tunes from all of the PI Clubs, a commemorative gift, and a few surprises! Admission includes 3 drink coupons per guest. This event is taking place on Shipwreck Beach at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort from 7-10pm on Monday, April 29. Tickets are on sale now at this link!
A portion of the event registration fees from all Stage 89 attendees will go to one of our favorite charities, Give Kids the World.