The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World Part 4 – Julie Andrews Seems a bit eager

We head back to the Magic Kingdom and see a ton of empty chairs around the hub. The camera zooms in to one chair with Julie Andrews on it.

“If I seem a bit eager it's because a warm and wonderful event is about to take place. From every part of the world some 140 musicians representing the major symphony orchestras of their respective cities have journeyed here to join in a special tribute to Walt Disney and the opening of Walt Disney World. Under the baton of Arthur Fieldler they have already performed before members of the United Nations at the Philharmonic Hall in New York City and Tomorrow evening they give a final performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. But at this moment these outstanding musicians have assembled here to join their hearts and musicianship in one glowing message for all.”

PROGRAM

Fanfare for the Common Man Copeland 3 minutes

Festive Overture, Op. 96 Shostakovitch 6 minutes

Prelude and Love-Death, from "Tristan and Isolde" Wagner 16 minutes

"Pines of Rome", Symphonic Poem Respighi Respighi 20 Minutes

I. The Pines of the Villa Borghese

II. Pines near a Catacomb

III. The Pines of the Janiculum

IV. The Piaes of the Appian Way

Final Dance (Malambo), from "Estancia" Ginastera 4 minutes

Suite from "Gaite Parisienne" Offenbach 12 minutes

Overture - Allegro Brillante - Polka -

Galop - Valse - March - Can-Can – Finale

A. Encore #1 (To be announced)

B. Encore #2 "It's a Small World" To be introduced by the conductor as a special

thank you by the orchestra for the hospitality and guidance given by Walt Disney World to make this event possible.

At the Rubato of "It's a Small World", cue to be given to fire special aerial pyrotechnical display from behind Cinderella's Castle signaling the close of the performance.

Following the performance Donn Tatum presented a plaque to be permanently placed in the castle forecourt. It reads:

On this Site

The World Symphony Orchestra

Performed a Gala Dedication Concert

In Tribute To

WALT DISNEY

Celebrating the

Grand Opening Of

Walt Disney World

October 23, 1971

"It's a Small World"

Then a few words by Arthur Fiedler and Roy O. Disney who then invited everyone to a Champagne Farewell Reception Honoring the World Symphony Orchestra.

A side note: I can't find a photo of this plaque anywhere. Was it moved when the stage was built out in front of the castle or was it removed? If anyone knows anything or has a photo I would love to find out. Please message me with what you discover thanks.

The following pages show the schedule for October 23 1971 showing the busy day the orchestra had. Take a close look at page A-11 you'll see that two and a half minutes were to be used for the opening special which they were. But this is a good time to talk about time. This all went down on October 23, The Contemporary and Polynesian dedications on the 24 and the later segments with the big parade on the 25. This special aired on October 29. This whole special was edited within 4 days. That's an amazing feat but when you think how fast the park was built and some of the Disneyland projects the years leading up to this, it seems right on track with the Disney way.