DISNEYLAND TURNS 60
On July 17th, Disneyland officially celebrated its 60th anniversary! Though the Diamond Jubilee is a year-long celebration, the 17th was a particularly special day, and visitors experienced several different special activities to mark the date.
First, Disneyland encouraged park visitors to show their “1955 side”, by coming in retro outfits. Guests leapt at the chance, and the park was filled with awesome vintage outfits. Visitors also received commemorative buttons, special edition park maps (with the original park map inside), and guides to all of the anniversary activities throughout the park.
At 10 AM, Disneyland Resort President Michael Colglazier hosted the 60th Anniversary Rededication Ceremony. The dedication began with a replay of Walt Disney’s original Opening Day speech, followed by a brief speech and acknowledgements and thanks to a few key contributors to Disneyland over the years. Finally, the ceremony ended with composer Richard Sherman and Broadway star Ashley Brown performing “Free the Birds” from Mary Poppins. You can watch the OC Register’s official video of the performance here.
In addition to launching tons of new diamond merchandise, Disneyland also offered guests the chance to take commemorative photos with brand new backdrops and props. PhotoPass photographers had huge “I was there July 17th 2015” buttons for guests to hold, which matched the buttons passed out at the gate. And the park had six new nostalgic photo spots, with backdrops showcasing classic Disney attractions or scenery. In Tomorrowland, guests could pose in front of Mission to Mars; in Mickey’s Toontown, the Skyway; in Frontierland, the vintage stagecoach; in Critter Country, the Mine Train, in Grizzly Peak, in front of the original Disneyland parking lot and entrance; and in Hollywood Land, the original Disneyland sign.
The shows also joined in on the celebration. First, the pre-parade honored original, former, and current cast members. Next, the newly revamped Disneyland band made its debut performance. And finally, Tomorrowland and Buena Vista Street each hosted their own dance parties, which celebrated hits of the 50’s throughout the night.
OTHER UPDATES
Though the park has still not announced Innoventions’ replacement, Disney recently received permits for a new Marvel-themed merchandise location, fueling the rumors of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters arriving in Tomorrowland.
There is a new 60th anniversary photo spot up in New Orleans Square, next to the Haunted Mansion. Unlike the six July 17th photo spots, this one will remain in the park throughout the summer.
And finally, we now know the name of Cars Land’s newest attraction: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters! No details have been released about the new ride’s premise, but Disney has tentatively listed an “early 2016” opening.
