
"This is the first Disney character parade we've ever had here," says Walt Disney Entertainment Managing Producer John Haupt. "It's an interactive street party with Mickey and friends on an expedition. They'll be joined by our new 'party animal' characters, and many of our Guests will be invited to participate." The parade also includes animal puppets by Michael Curry, who created the puppets for The Lion King on Broadway.
What would the Disney characters take with them on safari? John Haupt's team of Disney artists have been dreaming up the answers to that one for the past year. "We've created comical expedition vehicles that look like handcrafted toys," John told us. "In Minnie's vehicle, she's taking everything she can possibly think of on safari -- her make-up mirror, her trunks, bath tub, crates and crates!"
"Goofy's also taking everything, including his kitchen sink. He's hauling a big grill that will smell like roasted hot dogs. Donald Duck's expedition vehicle has an inflatable dinghy on the top filled with water, so he'll be able to kick water onto people as he goes by!
The head explorer himself, Mickey, is in a super deluxe vehicle," John continues. "He has every piece of communication equipment you can imagine - radios, and even a satellite dish."
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