Santa banned from skydiving near Disneyland
Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 2:46 pm
Santa Claus can build toys, shimmy down a chimney and harness flying reindeer. But one thing he can't do any more is skydive near Disneyland. The annual Jingle Bell Jump, with Santa parachuting to the Anaheim Town Square shopping centre with gifts and greetings, was cancelled for a second year because of a federal law restricting use of area airspace. Instead, Santa will float in a hot air balloon tethered to the ground Friday.
Disney officials say the flight restrictions are needed to thwart terrorists who could target the park. Managers of the 50-store shopping centre don't buy it.
"The terrorists are not involved in any way whatsoever," said Ryan Williams, promotions director for centre owner NewMark Merrill. "This is Santa landing with his elves."
Under the restriction, aircraft are banned from flying below 900 metres within about five kilometres of Disneyland or the Disney World resort in Orlando, Fla. No other U.S. theme parks have such protection.
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Disney officials say the flight restrictions are needed to thwart terrorists who could target the park. Managers of the 50-store shopping centre don't buy it.
"The terrorists are not involved in any way whatsoever," said Ryan Williams, promotions director for centre owner NewMark Merrill. "This is Santa landing with his elves."
Under the restriction, aircraft are banned from flying below 900 metres within about five kilometres of Disneyland or the Disney World resort in Orlando, Fla. No other U.S. theme parks have such protection.
Full Story Here
