By Jennifer Kustes

For the new millennium, the Walt Disney World Resort is hosting a 15-month long Millennium Celebration. Betweeen October 1, 1999 and January 1, 2001, Disney is featuring stunning entertainment, unique special events and fascinating exhibits from around the world.

The center of the Millennium Celebration is Epcot. It features Millennium Village, a pavilion that showcases different cultures. A procession of sight, sound and emotion called the Tapestry of Nations pays tribute to the human spirit with international performers and colossal puppets. Every night, the grand finale is IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth, a show that features water, music, fireworks, lasers and fire. Families can also leave a lasting photographic mark of how they celebrated the millennium at Leave a Legacy.

Disney's four theme parks each offer a different personality. Epcot offers discovery and delight. Its World Showcase offers culture and cuisine from 11 countries. In Future World, The Living Seas explores the mysteries of the deep, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience has 3-D thrills, and Test Track is the longest, fastest ride at a Disney Theme Park.

Magic Kingdom Park features magical tales and Disney fantasy with seven enchanted lands such as Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland. It also features Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. The Main Street Electrical Parade winds its way through the park at night, and the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show caps off the evening.

At Disney-MGM Studios, families can step into the world of show business. Fantasmic is a show that features Sorcerer Mickey and his friends confronting notorious Disney villains. The new Rock 'n' Roll Coaster Starring Aerosmith takes guests on a journey through a Hollywood night set to the beat of rock and roll. The Hollywood Tower Hotel features an abandoned elevator where guests are dropped 13 stories.

Disney's Animal Kingdom features the world of animals and nature. It features The Tree of Life and a Kilimanjaro Safaris expedition, where guests can cross an African savanna and encounter free-roaming wildlife. The thrill ride Countdown to Extinction goes back in time to rescue the last dinosaur. Guests can also see the Festival of the Lion King, a high energy show that celebrates tribal song and dance.

To access all of the Disney magic, a travel agent can put together a package that includes air fare, four-night hotel accomodations on site, taxes, transfers, the Unlimited Magic Pass, and Disney's flex feature for about $2200. Staying off site at a nearby Holiday Inn costs almost the same.

Disney offers several vacation plans and packages. These can be booked either directly through Disney or through a travel agent. Disney's packages range from three nights or more and from $165 to $525. These also include a range of features, including accomodations at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, a coupon book, and options to purchase Disney's Unlimited Magic Pass.