Jun 03

Forget HSM4, It’s a Real World East Meets West as WDW and DLR Presidents Make NBA Wager

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Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton shows her support for the Orlando Magic © Gene Duncan/Disney

Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton shows her support for the Orlando Magic © Gene Duncan/Disney

ANAHEIM, Calif./LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (June 3, 2009) – Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton and Disneyland President Ed Grier are squaring off – all in fun – as their local teams, the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers, head for the NBA Finals.

With both Disney parks asking guests “What Will You Celebrate?” in 2009, Grier and Crofton are getting in the act, making a celebratory wager on the outcome of the NBA Finals:

If the Magic win, Grier will walk down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park wearing a pair of specially made Mickey Mouse ears in Magic blue and silver. If the Lakers win, Crofton will don a pair of Lakers’ purple and gold mouse ears and walk down Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.

“The Lakers are going to make your team very Grumpy this week,” predicted Grier to Crofton.

“But we have ‘Magic’ on our side,” countered Crofton.  “And isn’t that what Disney is all about?”

Crofton and Grier went through their respective parks Wednesday looking for supporters.  Grier shot some hoops with Donald and Pluto in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, while Crofton (along with Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale) drummed up Orlando Magic support in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort.

The park presidents even pledged to turn the lights of their respective castles to their team colors in celebration of the historic pairing.

Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier shows his support for the LA Lakers © Scott Brinegar/Disney

Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier shows his support for the LA Lakers © Scott Brinegar/Disney