Hippo death, Animal Kingdom preparation, castle cake gone: Walt Disney World 25 Years Ago
Walt Disney World headlines from March 1 to 7, 1998
March 1
Bryant Gumbel/Walt Disney World Celebrity Golf Tournament wraps up its two-day schedule. Over these nine years, it raised nearly $7 million for the United Negro College Fund.1
Fifteen confirmed tornadoes hit Kissimmee in February 1998, leaving 42 dead and more than 259 injured. Wanda Oliveras, 31, was a cashier at both Orlando International Airport and at Pleasure Island. Born in New York City and previously a resident of a suburb of San Juan, The Orlando Sentinel shared her story in their March 1 issue, along with the other victims.2
With Florida’s legislative session about to begin, the Sentinel reports that Disney will by lobbying for funding for the southern leg of the Western Beltway. They will join cities in west Orange County and the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority on the $80-million matter. “We’ve been… having our government-relations team working, communicating with the expressway authority and trying to make sure this gets the attention,” said spokesman Bill Warren.3
March 2
The opening for Twister… Ride It Out is delayed indefinitely, The Orlando Sentinel reports, citing the deadly tornado strike. It was to open in April, to counteract the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It would eventually open in May.
The same article reports that the “Castle Cake” decor for Cinderella’s Castle is no more, photographing painter repainting the last patch of pink. Mid-March will be the re-opening of The Enchanted Tiki Room Under Near Management. And Animal Kingdom is expected to soon announce plans for a safari lodge.4
Roughly 4000 “practice meals” will be served at Rainforest Cafe, during an invitation-only run this week. The restaurant already had a location at Downtown Disney. The official opening will happen April 22, with Animal Kingdom itself.5
March 4
Matilda, a 48-year-old hippopotamus died en route to Animal Kingdom, the Sentinel reports. The heart failure happened near Tallahassee.6
Staff previews of Animal Kingdom have started, despite some show and attractions being unfinished.7
Johnny Rivers “opened dozens” of restaurants “for Walt Disney World, and served as executive chef of the Contemporary Resort.” At age 51, he opened three restaurants in partnership with Orlando Magic guard Penny Hardaway and T. C. Chen, the owner of Ming Court.8
March 6
Disney Casting Center had a casting call from March 6 to 14, focusing on Disney’s Animal Kingdom and DisneyQuest.
Entertainment
Epcot: Illuminations at 9 pm nightly
Disney-MGM Studios: Goosebumps Fright Show, 9 am to 7 pm daily, Hercules parade at 2 pm daily
Magic Kingdom: Magical Moments Parade at 3 pm daily, Spectomagic parade at 7:30 and 9:30 pm most days, fireworks at 8:30 pm
Death notices
Virgnia Mae Smith, 61, who worked administration at WDW, died February 24, published March 4, 1998.
Ronald V. Parris, 61, food and beverage manager for Walt Disney World, died March 2.
Emma L. Elkins, 69, a retired prep chef for Walt Disney World, died March 4.
Jeff Babineau, “Top players will attend Bay Hill birthday bash,” The Orlando Sentinel, 1 March 1998.
“A Night of Fury: Those Who Died,” The Orlando Sentinel, 1 March 1998.
Sandra Pedicini, "Central Florida searches for legislative largess," The Orlando Sentinel, 1 March 1998, pages G-1, G-6.
Cory Lancaster, “Unexpected twist: Delaying attraction earns Universal kudos,” The Orlando Sentinel, 2 March 1998, CFB 9.
Susan G. Strother, “By invitation only,” The Orlando Sentinel, 2 March 1998, CFB 6.
“Briefly,” The Orlando Sentinel, 4 March 1998.
Joe Burbank, “A first look,” The Orlando Sentinel, 5 March 1998, B-5.
Susan G. Strother, “Ex-Disney chef gets smokin’ with string of new eateries,” The Orlando Sentinel, 4 March 1998, pages C-1, C-4.