Disneyland's 60th Anniversary

Dressed up for its diamond anniversary—

blue bunting everywhere!

 

Tim and I were on our cruise when Disneyland launched its yearlong 60^th anniversary celebration on May 22. Karen emailed us regular updates from the L.A. Times and Orange County Register, but it wasn’t quite the same.

Finally, yesterday, the three of us found time to go to Anaheim. My goals were very specific: (1) see the new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show and “Paint the Night” parade; and (2) shop for 60^th anniversary merchandise.

We arrived at the resort at 4PM. After a quick bite at the Earl of Sandwich (still one of the best BLTs in the world!), we headed toward Disneyland. Our first stop inside the park was the Disneyana art gallery. Many of the stores on Main Street specialize in specific items: jewelry, clothing, and even magic tricks. Disneyana carries high-end collectibles and original art. Tim's eyes were practically bugging out of his head, staring at the $37,500 crystal castle for sale. 

The crystal castle

But my eye was immediately drawn to a limited-edition, mixed-media collage celebrating Disneyland’s opening day: a miniature felt Disneyland flag and flattened popcorn box, a reproduction of Roy Disney’s famous first-day ticket (#1), plus pins and other vintage memorabilia—what’s not to love? It took me all of five minutes to buy it—a lucky thing, too, because the piece was sold-out by the time I returned to pick it up before leaving the park.

Much better in person, but you get the idea

(click on image to enlarge)

Next stop: Showcase, which always has a nice assortment of new items. Sure enough, I found a set of commemorative glasses, plus several gifts for my sister, who also turned 60 this year. 

 Commemorative glasses

Then it was on to the China Closet, where Karen cleverly spied salt-and-pepper shakers made to look like the Mad Hatter teacup ride, a family favorite. T00 cute!

 Cute!!

After a not-so-quick jaunt to DCA—Mousewait lied when it said there was only a 10-minute wait for the Radiator Springs racer ride!—we returned to Disneyland a whole hour before the parade was due to begin. The plan was to find a place to stand where we could watch both the fireworks and the parade, but to no avail. Instead, we ended up directly in front of the castle—perfect for the fireworks; not so much for the parade.

While Tim and Karen guarded our spots, I went in search of the latest popcorn premium: Cinderella’s carriage. (See my post about hunting down the Dumbo premium several months ago.) I waited on line for 30 minutes, but so what? Who can resist such a fabulous popcorn container?

Too darling for popcorn

It was almost dark by the time I rejoined Tim and Karen. They had already made friends with the people around them, as everyone anxiously awaited the new fireworks show. First, however, was the new “Paint the Night” parade. Even from a distance, we could see how spectacular it is. The former electrical parade pales in comparison; though if you listen close enough, you can hear some strains of the old parade music.

YouTube video of the parade 

 

We were repositioning ourselves for the fireworks, when a familiar male voice suddenly spoke overhead ("Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls . . ."). Although the weather was fine where we were, he warned that the fireworks might be canceled due to high gusty winds. Everyone booed, but held fast, until about 20 minutes later when the show was indeed canceled. It was a major disappointment—especially since this was one of the main reasons we had gone to the park, in the first place—but now we have an excuse to go back! 

 Sleeping Beauty's castle: 60 years old and still looking fine

Update, June 17

As promised, we returned to the resort last night to see the new parade and fireworks show. The parks were far less crowded—maybe because it was a weekday—still, we decided to find our viewing spot well before either of the shows began. We had heard that the best place to see the parade, as well as the fireworks, was Main Street, so we staked our claim there a full two hours ahead of time.  

Staking our claim: can you find me in the crowd? 

We were joined by a Texas family of five with three kids under the age of 10. The kids were none too enthused about waiting for two hours; but as soon as the parade began, they forgot all about being bored and were thrilled. We were, too! The parade was absolutely amazing.

Tim and his new friend, comparing notes on their favorite 

Disney princesses

As soon as the parade ended, we were directed into the middle of Main Street, so we could see the fireworks and make room for people exiting the park. The new fireworks show was truly wonderful: a raucous, but moving trip down memory lane as favorite Disney movie scenes were recreated on the facades of the Main Street buildings. (You haven't reached Disney heaven until you've seen a six-and-a-half-foot-tall man hugging his three-year-old daughter, while singing "Let It Go"!) I didn't know which way to turn my head next!

YouTube video of the fireworks

Besides the Disneyland shows, we also wanted to see the new "World of Color" show at Disney's California Adventure (DCA) at 10:15PM. The fireworks ended at 9:45PM, giving us only 15 minutes to get over to DCA. Zipping through the crowd, we entered the other park 5 minutes before the gates closed! Catching our breath, we quickly walked over to Paradise Pier. Although it was windy enough to smudge the projected images, the show did go on and was wonderful. But by the end, my two old feet were exhausted, so we hobbled our way over to the Grand Californian, where we gratefully spent the night.

YouTube video of "World of Color"

 

Happy Anniversary, Disneyland!