A Golden Year at Disneyland

A statue of the famous mascot, Mickey Mouse, stands amidst a colorful display of flowers at the main entrance to the park and at the back of the train station. Photos by Darcie Wasinger

By Ruth Lepper

Turning 50 is a milestone, any way you look at it. But the folks at Disneyland Resort & Theme Park are embracing it with open arms.

“Welcome home!” is the greeting visitors will hear

many times over when visiting Disneyland, as the 50th anniversary celebration continues for the next several months. They are being welcomed to the “Happiest Homecoming on Earth.”

A trio of friendly hippopotamus is a familiar attraction on the Jungle Cruise. The ride is one of several that have been in operation since the parks opening day on July 17, 1955. The 50th anniversary celebration will continue through September 2006 at all 11 Disney parks around the world.

The park officially turned 50 on May 5. The previous day, the park was closed to the public but open to a throng of media from around the world, along with special invited guests. Michael Eisner, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Becky Phelps,

Donald Duck, actor Steve Martin and Disney Resort Ambassador Becky Phelps welcomed the crowd as they prepared for the grand opening of the new Disney Theater.

the official 2005 Disney Resort ambassador, welcomed everyone to the unveiling of the new Disney Theater. They were joined by actor Steve Martin and Disney character Donald Duck.

“When Walt Disney conceived Disneyland, he envisioned a place where the wonder and nostalgia of his much-loved characters and stories would leap off the screen, immersing audiences in magical realms of fantasy and adventure,” Eisner said.

“Today, that incredible legacy has grown to span 11 theme parks on three continents, and at each of our resort destinations worldwide, we celebrate the fantastic success of Walt’s creative vision and an American original that has grown to become a cherished treasure in the global cultural fabric.”

The theater formerly was the Lincoln Theater, where “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” entertained millions of children and adults in the past five decades. Now it is home to a video history: “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” hosted by Steve Martin and Donald Duck.

Actor Tim Allen was on hand later in the day for the official opening of the interactive Tomorrowland ride, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. The adventure was inspired by a Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, “Toy Story 2.”

Several attractions were honored by the unveiling of a “goldenized” vehicle, recognizing that ride as one of the original rides from the park’s opening day on July 17, 1955. Lined up along Main Street USA were a car from Autopia, a horse-drawn streetcar, a boat from Jungle Cruise, an elephant from the Dumbo ride, a horse from King Arthur’s Carousel and a teacup from the Mad Tea Party.

Other attractions that will be marked with gold are the Disneyland Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Main Street Cinema, Peter Pan’s Flight and Storybook Land Canal Boats. New lampposts along Main Street are decorated with a golden touch. Sleeping Beauty Castle is undergoing a new decor with a touch of gold

Some of the golden vehicles will return to the attractions, where visitors may have an opportunity in riding in one of them. Others will be on display, offering photo opportunities. The gold vehicles will remain in the park through Sept. 30, 2006.

Two new events were introduced in time for the golden celebration. “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” features one of the largest casts of Disney characters and performers in the history of the park. “Remember…Dreams Come True” is an all-new fireworks spectacular, the most elaborate in Disneyland history. It is highlighted by a musical score, dramatic close-proximity pyrotechnics, new designs for the fireworks and a new flight path for Tinker Bell.

Situated throughout the park are 34 gigantic photo collages, compiled for a series of scenes depicting the “Happiest Faces on Earth… A Disney Family Album. ” The collages are comprised of more than 100,000 photos that visitors have taken during the past 50 years and submitted to the park to be a part of the display, showing off their many smiles and happy memories.

Space Mountain is undergoing a facelift and will reopen July 15 with new cutting-edge technology incorporated with an onboard audio soundtrack and spectacular new effects.

All of the 11 Disney theme parks around the world are participating in the 50th anniversary, making it a global celebration.

For more information on Disney Resort Park, check its Website at www.disneyland.com.