No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media event which facilitated the writing of this post.
One of my favorite places at the Disneyland Resort is the area in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle and the circular hub where Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stand surrounded by flowers and smaller bronze monuments to beloved Disney characters. We’ll often take reprieve here over a Frozen Apple while we watch as families come together to document their moments together. On the plaque beneath the statue, guests will find a quote from Walt that sums up exactly what happens every single moment in that special place…”I think most of all what I want Disneyland to be is a happy place…where parents and children can have fun…together. — Walt Disney”
This year, Disneyland will commemorate 60 years of doing exactly what Walt dreamed and envisioned the resort to be….to be a place where families can come together to have fun. The celebration is going to be epic, imaginative, and immersive. While we were only treated to a sneak peek at the Disneyland Diamond Celebration Announcement, what I can share about the excitement that will commence May 22nd, 201t5 is monumental! Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration will run throughout the year so while I definitely recommend making plans to be at the resort on May 22nd, know that you’ll still have the duration of the year to celebrate at the resort.
Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will receive a sparkling makeover which will include a diamond medallion in honor of the iconic anniversary. The entire resort will sparkle with “diamonds” including décor, merchandise and food specifically inspired by this special anniversary. During this extended celebration, there will be new entertainment, some of which was recently announced. As you plan your visit to the Disneyland Resort, here are 3 must-see nighttime shows specifically debuting in honor of the Diamond Celebration.
“Paint the Night” Parade: Having visited the resort for nearly 35 years, I’ve always longed for a return of the Main Street Electrical Parade. This Spring, the resort will premiere an imaginative new parade inspired by the classic which will feature new technology, vibrant color, and more than 1.5 million LED lights that will bring beloved Disney stories to life. Mickey Mouse is the star of this parade and will use his imagination and a sprinkling of pixie dust to “paint the night” in a variety of dreams with appearances by characters from Monsters, Inc., Cars, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, and Frozen. While nearly everything you’ll see in this parade is new, guests will recognize the iconic drum from the original parade. As with Disney’s parades, there will be special effects, iconic music, stunning floats, high energy, and a few surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
“Disneyland Forever” Fireworks Spectacular: Sometimes, when I’m driving home from LA on the 5 freeway, I’ll see the resort’s nightly fireworks illuminating the sky (typically around 9:30 pm). Seeing those fireworks always triggers memories of my time at the resort with my parents and now with my kids. We’ve ended so many fun-filled days at the resort with fireworks and I can’t wait to see how storytelling, imagination, and innovation will converge in this new show. Utilizing the technology of project mapping, guests will now be able to see fireworks from a variety of locations inside Disneyland Park, and each experience will likely be different based on where you’re viewing the show. From dancing with King Louie from The Junlge Book to flying over London with th characters from Peter Pan, this is a show you’ll want to see over and over again since there are surprises everywhere. Traditionally viewed down Main Street, U.S.A, now guests can view fireworks and projections which will transform the park into familiar story scenes at “it’s a small world,” Rivers of America, and the Matterhorn. With original music, including a closing song written by Richard Sherman and dazzling new technology, “Disneyland Forever” will awe and inspire you after a joy-filled day at the resort.
World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney: Whenever I’m asked about what not to miss during a visit to the Disneyland Resort, World of Color always tops my list. This is hands-down my favorite show and one that consistently amazes me every single time I see it. In this rendition, Mickey Mouse plays host as the life and work of Walt Disney is celebrated through animated imagery, live-action film, spectacular fountains, and special effects, all tied together with a moving musical score.
As you can imagine, this year’s 60th anniversary celebration is going to be unforgettable! There are still surprises to be announced so be sure to visit the Disney Parks Blog for the latest Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Announcements.
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I am so excited about what is to come at Disneyland! It just gets better and better!