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Disneyana Convention: 1999

(Convention Theme '99: Disney Safari!)

A Review by Techtite

Okay; so "Disney Safari" as a convention theme was a bit too commercial. So what? From the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular to the Magic Kingdom Jungle Cruise; who didn't love the thought of a safari theme this year? The logo merchandise and free gifts more than made up for it. Still, it seemed a bit too coincidental that we would have a "safari" theme on the same year that Disney World's Animal Kingdom needed more publicity. Hey; we're Disneyana Conventioneers. We can handle that! While some people I talked to were a little concerned as to how this would pan out, the convention planners behind the scenes made it worth everyone's while.

I guess I was just a bit more analytical of the convention this year than in earlier years. Trying to make the convention more of a family vacation than usual, my vacation group included my 85-year-old grandmother. We had tried to coax her to come along with us on this trip for years, and she finally agreed to do it. With the theme being a "jungle safari," I don't know if this was the best year for her to come along or not. Remaining objective, I must admit that in any other circumstance, this fan of Indiana Jones would've had a swell time. Still, it was a shame that I could not have coaxed my Grandmother to come with us on, say, last year's "love and laughter" year. It's just one of those things.

I must admit, it isn't as if the convention registration package wasn't worth it. The itinerary/notebook for the '99 convention looked just like the diary of a Safari adventurer; a cute touch. Maps of the convention halls even looked like treasure maps (complete with scribbled "memos" on the sides). This and all pre-registration items were packed inside the tour-de-grace this year; an actual, useable backpack(!), with the convention logo on it, to use throughout the convention week. While this backpack wasn't as rugged as those you'd find in a sports store, it was an excellent enhancement of the overall "safari" theme. It was also free for registering. Cool.

As with all Disneyana conventions since 1997, there was an underlying story, that began during the welcome reception and concluded on the final banquet night. The reception stage show began with Mickey and Pluto finding a lost tribe in the vast jungle. These tribesmen felt that Pluto was a part of legend, based on their priceless, canine idol at the center of their village (shown at left; FYI, this same idol would later be auctioned off next year). They agreed to give Mickey this idol, for his Disneyana guests to admire, as a sign of peace. However, the evil Cruella De Ville steals the idol at the last moment. Can Mickey get it back in time? The actors playing these roles (particularly Cruella) were all well cast, and it made for a cute prelude to the whole week.

"Theme Night" was held at Animal Kingdom (of course). While some did not like the way this was a repeat of the prior year --and to be honest, very few attractions were open-- it did have saving graces. For one, the all-you-can-eat food tables were as great as they always were: freshly made pasta (including Tortellini, my favorite), Roast Beef, Chicken, ke-bobs, and numerous cold cuts and salad stations. Soft Drinks and Bottled Water were in giant, iced coolers near the food. After the food stations were closed, an exclusive showing of Animal Kingdom's Tarzan Rocks! attraction was shown. This musical stage show is really, in my opinion, one of the best attractions added to the Animal Kingdom theme park, and capped off the evening nicely.

Here's where I may sound a bit cruel, but...well...I'm just saying. Limited Edition items this year were a slight disappointment. Artists were apparently told that the theme this year was a Jungle Safari, and did a good job with what they had to work with, but what they had to work with wasn't much. How much jungle themed items are there in Disney lore? Nearly everyone made items based on The Jungle Book or Lion King, and that's about it. Sure, they were good films, but the theme should've encompassed more Disneyana lore than just that. I don't mean to complain but I'm just being honest. I didn't buy many limited items this year compared to prior years. I'm just saying.

The final banquet, however, was as excellent as always. They had a quick show, solving the mystery of the missing idol (A cameo of 1997's "Disney Anna" character was a real hoot that led to applause all around). Afterwards, guests opened their final gift for the 1999 convention, which to be honest, was the best item offered in the entire convention. To make matters even better; it was free! The parting gift this year was a pewter miniature of Mickey, a la Indiana Jones, overlooking a strange treasure chest. Opening the removable lid on the chest revealed a miniature of the Pluto Idol, fake gem eyes and all, just like the one seen in the convention's "story". This was one of the best parting gifts in all my years at Disneyana. It made the dinner afterwards --and a stage show of classic Disney Songs-- all the more fun.

In the end, this was admittedly a Disneyana I entered with minimal expectations, and was pleasantly surprised. While the unveiling of Next year's theme was even better --"It's a Small World"-- the folks behind the magic this year did their best to make the convention as much of a blast as possible. For me, it was better than I expected...although not everyone can be as impressed. That said: my grandmother decided to stay home next year (awww!). In the end; it is no detriment to confess that this convention was not as good as last year's. That was a tough act to follow. Maybe next year's will be better.

	Final Rating : Large Crater. Hey; "large crater" is hardly a shabby rating! It just wasn't as good as earlier conventions. That isn't to say it wasn't "good" though. A solid thumbs up!
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