LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Amid the clang of bells and a shower of confetti, 10-year-old Brandon Adams of Baltimore was honored Wednesday as the 400 millionth visitor to the Walt Disney World resort complex near Orlando.
The sixth-grade student danced joyously with Mickey Mouse after stepping through the turnstiles at Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, one of three parks at the complex, just after 10 a.m. Accompanying Brandon were his parents, John and Daisy Adams, and his 8-year-old niece, Quiana Wickham.
To help celebrate Brandon's arrival as the 400 millionth guest, which comes more than 20 years after the Magic Kingdom opened its gates on Oct. 1, 1971, veteran television and film actor David Ogden Stiers greeted the Adams family.
'I want you to know, pal, that I came in just ahead of you,' joked Stiers, who asked Brandon if he would share the 400 millionth guest plaque that was among the gifts presented to the youth. Brandon cheerfully declined.
To honor Brandon and his family, Bob Matheison, executive vice president of parks for Walt Disney World, presented them with a lifetime pass to all Disney theme parks worldwide. They also received a special plaque, Disney watches and were treated to a VIP tour of the park and lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby.
'I'm in shock,' said Brandon, who was visiting Walt Disney World for the second time in his life. 'I'm really happy!'
Added his dad, John, a chef with Classic Catering Service of Baltimore: 'We will come back again and again and again and again. We just were the lucky ones -- we just walked in at the right time.'
It has been a little more than three years since Matt Gleason of Baton Rouge, La., was the 300 millionth guest.
