From: michael.bergman@aimla.com (Michael B.)
Subject: DL:  Backstage Party for CMs & Families (long)
Date: 6 Apr 1995 01:12:15 GMT

Went last night to the CM Backstage Party last night courtesy of my sister
and it was incredible!  I'll give a brief rundown:
When you first entered you were issued a commemorative pin.  There was a
table set up by the train station where you could buy t-shirts and
sweatshirts of the event.  Also, there were displays for upcoming
merchandise available to CMs including commemorative cloissone pins and
name badges for rides of the past (such as Flying Saucers, 20,000 Leagues
exhibit, etc.) and the Indiana Jones watch which looks pretty nice and
comes in a wood (carved?) box.  Finally there were several raffles.  You
could choose to put your stub in one of the boxes (there was a different
one for each possible prize).  Prizes included lunch at Club 33 with some
company bigwig (Paul Presser), a chance to co-pilot the Monorail, Jungle
Cruise skipper for a day and a "four hour encounter" at Circle D Ranch.
There were barely any people there (walked through Fantasyland without
seeing a single soul).  All the shops were closed as were most of the
rides and restaurants.  Several restaurants were open but only serving
this chicken nugget dinner (that was only $2.50) and a complimentary piece
of cake and beverage.  Popcorn stands were open throughout the park
serving free popcorn.
First off we hit the Indiana Jones walk-through. They brought us in
through the exit and let us walk in through the door to Mara (showing us
how they did the multi-door effect), past the first Indy animatronic and
into the mummy room where we saw the giant wind machine and were allowed
to touch the dummies (mmmm-rubbery!)  Then we were led out to the garage
area for the transports where they let us play with the stereo systems and
demo-ed the transports hydraulic system (it's amazing how much those
things tilt).
Next we took a walking tour of Club 33 where they had a dessert chef
demoing his creations and sample menus.  From there we took a walking tour
of the entire Haunted Mansion.  It's amazing how....cheap...it really
looks with the lights on.  The figures in the ballroom are pretty thrashed
up as are the hitchhikers you see in the mirrors.  Interesting note:  All
the figures in the graveyard scenes have *white* clothes on.
Also viewed: Star Tours from beneath the attraction with the soundtrack
going so you could see what the simulator does at various points in the
ride;  Space Mountain ridden with the lights on (looks like a big, dingy
warehouse); Security Dispatch (a desk);  Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin.
Missed:  Splash Mountain tower, Main Street Electrical Parade rehearsal,
Fantasmic! rehearsal, Costume shop and storage, Train and Monorail
Roundhouse.  Did get to see the Custodial Services video
presentation--rivals Fantasmic!, let me tell you.
If the Enchanted Evening 2 thing is anything like this, you don't need me
to tell you to do whatever you can to go!
Thanks to the Disney staff for a great evening!

-- 
                                         michael.bergman@aimla.com

"You moved the gravestones BUT YOU DIDN'T MOVE THE BODIES!!!"