Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Plans

Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Center

On May 5th, Disneyland held a press release for "The Happiest Homecoming On Earth." Plans for Disneyland's big 50 were finally announced to be an 18 month celebration spanning all the Disney Theme Parks across the globe. Each park will have a unique salute to Disneyland in commemoration of its 50th Anniversary. Legendary Broadway and film star Julie Andrews will be the Honorary Ambassador for the 50th anniversary celebration - a choice that alone brings excitement to all Disney fans. She will likely provide her voice for announcments during the celebration such as introducing the parade. This page will update you on all the official plans as well as offer small commentary on the scheduled events.

DISNEYLAND RESORT (Anaheim, California)

~ Sleeping Beauty Castle ~

The castle has already begun refurbishment this month with the moat drained and scaffolding covering its tiers. The castle will not be altered (like WDW Cinderella Castle pink cake), but will be "enhanced" using a royal decor of violet, magenta, and gold fabrics and banners along with golden trim accents. Five regal turret "crowns" will top the towers representing each of the Disneyland decades. At night, the castle will feature a precise projection system that will change the image of the castle throughout the evening. Themes do look out for include turning it gold, wrapping it in a bow or US flag, and even having 101 dalmation puppies running around it leaving their black spots on the castle towers.

During a recent visit with my family, my cousins and I had pointed out how small the castle was (compared to how we remember it when we were a child). I recently found out that when Walt was building the castle, he recalled stories that European castles were often built large to intimidate peasants. So to make it visitor friendly, he decided a smaller castle would be more inviting. All of Sleeping Beauty Castle's sisters are significantly larger - yet there's something special about being familiar with the original.

Sleeping Beauty Castle does have a working drawbridge (used only twice), but there was news that the systems used to raise the drawbridge had been removed. There were speculations that the drawbridge systems will be rebuilt for use for the 50th celebration as part of the revealing of the castle in May 2005. No official announcement has been made about the drawbridge. My guess is that the idea was either scraped or will be a "surprise" to park guests. I think it will be kinda neat to see the castle drawbridge operational.

~ Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams ~

This exciting new parade will feature incredible stage units that will stop and perform musical numbers. It's said to be one of the largest gatherings of Disney characters and will include over 100 performers. New floats have been designed under the lead of Raul Rodgriguez - popular float designer of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. It is said that pieces from parades over the years will also be included. Academy Award winning composer Phil Collins has written a signature tune, "Welcome," for the parade.

The Parade of Dreams is broken up into several themes to display Disney favorite characters. Gateway to Dreams will feature a golden train engine featuring Tinker Bell (and possibly Peter Pan as seen in promo pictures). It will also include Disney's popular magic makers: Pinocchio's Blue Fairy, Cinderella's Godmother, Sleeping Beauty's Flora, Fauna, and Maryweather, and King Arthur's Merlin the Wizard. The "dream" floats will feature Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, and the Lion King. The final float is themes around Sleeping Beauty Castle and will feature the Disney Princesses as well as Mickey and Minnie.

The parade is said to utilize many stage special effects including fountains, bubbles, confetti, and elaborate puppetry. Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams will premiere on May 5, 2005 as part of the opening celebrations.

~ "Remember... Dreams Come True" Fireworks Spectacular ~

Disneyland's newest night time spectacular is said to be the most elaborate show ever presented in commemoration of Disneyland's golden anniversary. The show will take place in two acts. The first act is hosted by everyone's favorite conscience - Jiminy Cricket. Our favorite Disney characters such as Cinderella, Aladdin, and Pinocchio make their own wishes in a fabulous show of pyrotechnics. The second act is introduced by Tinker Bell who flies through the sky in a unique pattern rumored to mimic her entrances in the Wonderful World of Disney shows. The second act features Walt in his most famous lines and encompasses songs from some of your favorite Disneyland attractions.

Polarfox is not associated in any manner with the Walt Disney Company and does not claim any intellectual property rights associated with Disney.

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