Disney World fetes the 2010 International Pow Wow

Mickey and Minnie welcome the International Pow Wow guests from the train station.

Before I return to Harry Potter, I want to flash back one night prior to Disney’s party to welcome the participants of the 2010 International Pow Wow. It was an amazing affair with Disney really going the distance to make everyone feel welcome.

Disney rolled out the Royalty with Cinderella, her coach, and coachmen.

As soon as you were into Town Square you knew this was going to be a different event. First of all, there were no children present. Since everyone was an adult that meant adult drinks. Yes sir, drinks with alcohol were much in evidence.

These dancers were just some of the entertainment for the evening.

The park opened Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and parts of Liberty Square for the evening. A great bounty of food and beverage stations dotted the landscape to tempt the passer by. And they were delicious. Why don’t they offer that food in the parks on a daily basis?

One of the many food stations, also with a preview of the new fantasyland behind it.

Also in Fantasyland were 6 Imagineers at stations with HDTVs and a slide show explaining the coming Fantasyland expansion. It was all pretty much what has been discussed online.

Disney has moved the 120 ton tree from the playground to the front of the attraction.

The one thing I learned was that the Pooh attraction would also get a version of a modern queue experience. Instead of switch backs, it will have three interactive play areas to wait in while moving through the queue. Different than Space Mountain, I am told.

A number of giant murals have been added to the construction walls. Each previews a different attraction of the Fantasyland expansion.

Over in Liberty Square they had set up the Haunted Mansion with some extra decor and a ghoulish trio of walk-arounds.

A sassy ghost amused guests as they walked by.

From there it was a quick walk across the hub into Tomorrowland. Hmmm, something was different.

A one off sign created for the event.

Tomorrowland became a space disco for the night.

The giant ice sculpture was the hit of the night.

Follow closely by these ice pool tables.

After 10pm everyone made their way to the hub for a special presentation of Wishes. Cast members were handing out “Mickey Vision” goggles which turned every explosion into a shower of falling Hidden Mickeys. A very cool effect. Disney needs to make these available to park guests somehow.

On the way out of the park Disney had one last surprise for the attendees. A special preview of the Main Street Electrical Parade, which will be debuting at the Magic Kingdom on June 6th. All a part of Summer Nightastic!

The crowd mobbed the floats and couldn’t get enough of the popular parade, even though it was late at night.

Although the floats were stationary, it was nice to see them all freshly lit up, many with LED enhancements.

Tinker Bell has replaced the Blue Fairy as the lead off float for MSEP.

This was my first Pow Wow party at Disney and it certainly lived up to its reputation. Cast members were everywhere, ready to lend a hand, especially when it threatened to rain. Thankfully the rain stayed away and great fun was had by all.