Gov. Abercrombie and Disney hush-hush on special announcement

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is making a big deal about a press conference scheduled for next week, even sending out media invitations for a “very special announcement.”

We made a call to find out what all the big fuss was about—it’s a joint press conference with two entertainment companies: WestCoast Entertainment and Disney Theatricals.

Spokeswoman Mei Jeanne Wagner tried to preserve the suspense: “There will be good conversation, good food and a wonderful announcement from Disney and the governor.”

She wouldn't divulge any specifics. However, she did reveal, “someone or something is coming to town.”

Is it a new Disney amusement park?, we pressed.


“No.”

Is it a new cruise line?

“No.”

Is it a new Broadway production?

“I can’t tell you,” she says.

So, our guess—Broadway production.

Some things we wish it could be:

• A state takeover of rail with Disney Imagineers put in charge. Who wouldn't want a retrofuturistic monorail, with attendants in space-age uniforms, plus cotton candy vendors at each stop.

• A Matterhorn ride to replace Aloha Stadium—we don't even need a whole Disneyland. Just the Matterhorn. Well, maybe a Castle, too. And a Haunted Mansion. Oh, and a Pirates of the Caribbean. But no Small World, please.

• Disney wants to save the Natatorium! If it can manage Splash Mountain, a simple salt-water pool should be a piece of cake.