February 28, 1997

Disney Shows Off

The Hollywood Reporter

Florida's Walt Disney World has put on a royal bash to help celebrate its silver anniversary and turned out a rather self-conscious mad dash on TVto show off its achievements.

As a telecast, the party is a nonlinear, passably entertaining spectacle.

There is no shortage of celebrity.

Melissa Joan Hart ("Sabrina, the Teenage Witch") and Will Friedle ("Boy Meets World") host while Donna Summer, Gloria Estefan and the Village People perform onstage.

Later on, Michael J. Fox, Drew Carey and Rosie O'Donnell take viewers behind the scenes for a look at high-tech special effects used to create the park's attractions.

The telecast packs in a good deal of partying but little amusement.

Only when Jeff Daniels recounts Walt and Roy Disney's grand dreams _ way back when _ does the celebration deliver some emotional punch.

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