DISNEYLAND ADDING DUMBO-SIZE DOSE OF WALT TO PARK.

Byline: Brent Hopkins Staff Writer

Walt Disney would have turned 100 Wednesday, and in celebration, the empire he built feted him mightily.

At the Disneyland Resort, John Hench, designer of Tomorrowland and other attractions, and Richard Sherman, composer of ``It's A Small World,'' waxed philosophical about the man who made the mouse to a crowd organizers estimated to be in the thousands.

Disney's California Adventure and the Orlando, Fla.-based MGM Studios debuted a new film attraction highlighting the mogul's achievements, and Epcot Center and Animal Kingdom also opened new attractions.

Though billed as a tribute to the legendary entrepreneur, the nationwide celebration could also prove to be a key draw to lure tourists back into their travel routines.

Kevin Skislock, an entertainment analyst who follows The Walt Disney Co. for Laguna Research Partners, sees the celebratory events as key to the successful revitalization of Disney's theme parks.

``This couldn't come at a more important time, because companies like Disney are being hit very hard by the reluctance to travel right now,'' he said. ``This is very important to them.''

The events, which the company planned far before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks shook up the entertainment and travel industries, aren't necessarily aimed at attracting more guests, said Disneyland spokesman John McClintock.

``I'm not sure that too many people who aren't Disney affinity people, though God knows there's thousands of them, will come out just for this,'' McClintock said. ``But it's a plus for those who are already here. It's nice to be able to add something extra for them.''

Throughout the park, reminders of Disney's influence will pop up throughout the year. Photographs of him walking the grounds will be posted in shop windows, stores will carry pins and other merchandise tying into the anniversary and restaurants will alter their menus to reflect his favorite meals.

And though Disney could have certainly afforded filet mignon and lobster Thermidor, McClintock said Walt's favorites will fit quite nicely with the fare already offered at the park.

``His tastes were quite simple, really,'' McClintock said. ``They ran toward hamburgers and chili.''

At the Disney World ceremony, attended by luminaries such as Julie Andrews, Mickey Rooney and Art Linkletter, fans munched a massive cake and remembered the creator of one of the largest entertainment properties in the world. Wednesday's bash was only a small slice of the 15-month festivities, which were launched in October.

``We've had a history of multimonth parties,'' said Disney World spokesman Rick Sylvain. ``We thought that for Walt's birthday, the man without whom we wouldn't be here, that a gala like this was definitely in order.''

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(color) Singer Heather McMasters, left, sings ``When You Wish Upon a Star,'' as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and other Disney characters celebrate at Disneyland Wednesday.

John Hayes/Associated Press