disvaca

Disney World, Still Lots of Fun
Originally posted to my FORUM on August 5, 1998

I was calling Chris Smith at MagicSmith to order some magic items a couple of weeks ago, when I asked him if David Copperfield's Magic Underground, in Disney World, was open yet. I hadn't seen any new updates about it in the Internet Group Set that I frequent. He didn't know either, and it seems that many other Magicians are looking forward to its opening.

CMU the store, at Disney's Downtown Westside on August 1st, 1998
On its doors it promises to be open by the Fall of '98.

On August 5th, I sent the following to Chris, and I'll place it here, as well...

Chris,

I just returned from Disney World. And, the news is that Copperfield's Magic Underground is NOT open yet. There is a relatively small building in Disney Westside that has its windows covered with CMU logo, and promo. ( Adjacient to Planet Hollywood ). They promise to be open by Fall 1998. This is a change from the July 1998 that I was originally hoping for.

Additionally, there is a large billboard at the entrance to Disney's MGM Theme Park which is a promo for Copperfield's Magic Underground to be opened in MGM for Summer of 1999. This dual-location construction is not unique in Disney World... The Rainforest Cafe is located both at the entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Downtown Marketplace. ( And you were right, it was a hoot! Thanks for the tip. )

More news at Disney... the Magic Kingdom, Main Street Magic Store is no longer in business. It has been replaced with an Athletics Store. So, there is NO magic store of any kind at Disney World. Bummer! :o(

Jungle Cruise Magic

But, nevertheless, Disney was, as always, a real treat. Just to have the opportunity to study some of their staging techniques, and pathway graphics is always worth the trip. It fires the imagination, and limbers up the creative juices.
I also found some neat things that I will put into my performance materials... you know, things that add flavor, adventure, and mystery to any magical work.

Even though all was not as I would have liked, the Disney trip was very cool. I'm also looking forward to having the CMU in New York open sometime in my lifetime. Since I'm only a couple of years older than David Copperfield, this might actually happen.