 In July 2005 Disneyland Resort California turned 50. Disney certainly knows how to party: this 18-month birthday bash won’t end until September 2006 with all 11 parks around the world celebrating in style. This makes 2006 the Year to Be There.
The celebrations were kick-started in true Disney style. Simply spectacular. The sky was filled with white doves, daytime pyrotechnics and thousands of voices throughout Disneyland singing a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”.
The singing throng of guests on Main Street, USA formed a sea of golden Mickey ears, a perfect beginning for such a momentous day.
Thousands of guests lined up at the main gate with many even camping out over night, hoping to be among the first inside the park to be a part of the biggest event in Disney Theme Park history.
The world-famous Sleeping Beauty Castle was the central focus for an extraordinary “homecoming”. Under gold castle spires and fluttering regal banners the ceremony unfolded simultaneously on three continents and at six different Disney destinations around the world, including the Disney Cruise Line, showcasing an array of celebrities and Disney characters “Coming Home” to the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
The celebrations are now in full swing. The amazing new attractions, spectacular shows and fantastic parades that have been rolled out for the anniversary celebrations can still be enjoyed until September 2006. Head to Disneyland Resort California and you’ll still enjoy all the best of the celebratory decorations and entertainment.
First stop when visiting the resort has to be the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, which is decked out for the birthday bash in additional crowns, jewels and regal banners. The traditional rides also have one vehicle painted in gold: visitors can take a spin in a golden Tea Cup and a flight on a golden Dumbo, which are both original 1955 attractions.
Kids will also have great fun wandering the park looking for the 50 hidden Mickey Mouse ears – and, of course, those classic ear shapes are one of the most popular souvenirs of a visit to any Disneyland. Or keep a lookout for a Pluto handbag for mum, to rival our co-editor’s recent purchase.
Some of Disneyland’s other rides have received more than a coat of gold paint, with serious makeovers that have hauled them right into the twenty-first century. The famous hyperspeed adventure of Space Mountain has been completely revamped and has a new state-of-the-art sound system – each vehicle has over forty loudspeakers – that really add to the thrill. The giant rollercoaster sends you plummeting and ricocheting through a cosmos of glittering stars as giant meteors rush towards you.
A brand new attraction is the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, another adventure in outer space. This interactive ride sees you take command of a Star Cruiser, a vehicle that can spin 360° as it rockets through a galactic landscape.
You use laser guns to try and hit targets as you battle the Evil Emperor Zurg. Like a huge computer game come to life, participants compete against each other for points. If you come out on top as the ultimate Space Ranger you can even email your results to your friends back home!
There’s no better place to round off a visit to Disneyland Resort California than by watching the Parade of Dreams. It has splendid new special effects, music and pageantry to accompany all your favourite Disney characters. The day ends with a magnificent anniversary fireworks display. The sky explodes in a kaleidoscope of colour as Tinker Bell flies across the sky and kids ooh and aah in delight.
Right through until November 2006 you and your family have the chance to join these once in a lifetime celebrations and to be part of the largest debut of new Disney theme park attractions and entertainment ever unveiled.
Disneyland was Walt’s gift to the world ... let it be your gift to your children.
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