The first WDAC Convention was enjoyed by all.  Friday morning was Registration
and finding out when you would be able to purchase the exclusive Convention
items. When you approached the registration counter, you were given your
registration gift, auction paddle, convention information and your form to
fill out for Convention items. The gift was a 5×7 mirror with each ghost
etched in a mirror with the Convention date.  Once registered, we were able to
view all the Logo merchandise and the auction items and then head upstairs to
check out the Summer releases.  The balance of the day was free to do as you
pleased.  We all met at the Contemporary and by 7:15pm where on our way to the
backstage entrance of the Magic Kingdom. We arrived at the park in time to
catch the SpectroMagic Parade and Fireworks in the Sky before heading to the
Hall of Presidents.  We were greeted by the WDAC and had a fun time playing
trivia

…. Giclee’ became the buzz word throughout the Convention.

Then we were off to the Haunted Mansion.  The park closed at 9:00pm and we
had the Park to ourselves.  I think everyone felt the same thrill as we
entered the Haunted Mansion ride and were greeted by Disney Legend Marc Davis
and his wife Alice.  A trivia contest was held with answers throughout the
ride, which meant we could ride as many times as we liked searching for clues.
 At 11:30pm we gathered around Liberty Square for the first of two retirement
announcements this Convention weekend.  The entire Little Mermaid scene
(except for opening title) and the Enchanted Places Grotto and Ariel miniature
were honored with retirement and the molds were broken by fellow
conventioneers.  As we were leaving Liberty Square, out from Cinderella’s
Castle came the Headless Horseman.  He went up Main Street and circled Town
Square.  We weren’t sure if this was a hint of a future piece or a climatic
ending to a very magical night.

Saturday began with some very interesting seminars.  The first seminar we
were treated to highlights from the upcoming Fantasia2000, Toy Story 2 and
Tarzan hosted by Zoe Leader.  The second scheduled seminar was a takeoff of
Good Morning America with cutup host Craig Hodgkins who interviewed Disney
artists David Pacheco and Patrick Romandy-Simmons.  At the close of this
seminar they announced the 1999 Disneyana Convention piece … Maleficent as
the Dragon.  This piece was the hit of the Convention.  The detail was out of
this world.  It has an edition size of 1,350 and a SRP of $795.00.  The final
seminar was an interview with Disney legend Marc Davis on the creation of the
Haunted Mansion and his career with Disney.

Saturday evening was the banquet, “An Evening in Wonderland” which
consisted of a dinner and auction.  We were entertained by the characters from
Alice in Wonderland and special guest Kathryn Beaumont announced the
retirement of the White Rabbit Enchanted Places House and miniature.  At the
close of dinner we were all presented with a lithograph that was matted and
framed of Alice sitting amongst the flowers.  Alice on the mushroom, a pansy,
bread & butterfly and rockinghorse fly were done in cloisonné  All were 1 of
700 .  Was rather funny at some peoples first reaction thinking they got
the #1 piece .

Sunday started out with two seminars.  The first was with Kathryn Beaumont
(voice of Alice and Wendy from Peter Pan).  This was followed by one with Mary
Costa (voice of Sleeping Beauty).  Both shared their stories of how they were
chosen for their roles and their relationship with Walt himself.  At the close
of the Mary Costa seminar they announced the late summer release of the LE
Pink Dress under Dome from Sleeping Beauty.  This will have an editi on size of
5,000 pieces.  No SRP has been set. This marked the close of the convention.

Sunday afternoon they had an artist signing at MGM with Marc Davis and
Patrick Simmons.  At the close of their signing … Marc Davis, Kathryn
Beaumont and Mary Costa were brought to the Chinese theater in a parade to put
their names and handprints in cement.  This was followed by a signing session
with Kathryn Beaumont and Mary Costa.

It was a very fast three days.  I for one enjoyed seeing old friends and
meeting new ones.  Would like to thank the folks at WDAC for taking the time
to talk to us collectors.  Also would like to extend a special thank you to
Mary Costa for making this a very memorable trip for me.  I am very much
looking forward to next year’s convention which will be held in either
February or March.

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