Disneyland's 45th Anniversary

45 Years of Magic
There's Magic in the Stars

On July 17, 2000 Disneyland celebrated it's 45th anniversary. All year long Disneyland is celebrating this milestone with "45 Years of Magic". In this guide you'll find details on the special activities Disneyland has planned for the occasion. As events debut, separate pages will be created with more details descriptions and pictures.

45 Years of Magic Parade
On February 13th the 45 Years of Magic Parade had its first public preview. Two shows - one during the day and one at night - were performed. Visit the 45 Years of Magic Parade section of this guide for dozens of pictures. The parade makes it official debut on February 18, 2000 and is scheduled to perform daily through December 31, 2000.

Parade Related Links Pictures of the parade Parade Press Release January 24th Disneyland Update Includes pictures of some of the parade floats taken during filming for a commercial

Believe ... There's Magic in the Stars (New Fireworks Show)
The new fireworks show is entitled Believe ... There's Magic in the Stars. It features new, innovative pyrotechnics and combines story, music and fireworks. Visit the Believe ... There's Magic in the Stars section of this guide for some preview pictures of this new spectacular. The show will officially debut on February 18, 2000. It will play on Fridays and Saturdays through April 14th then nightly April 14th through September 4th.

The Birthday
Disneyland has announced three events surrounding the actual birthday on July 17th:

• A tour map you can get stamped around Disneyland all July-long
• On July 15th six famous Disney artists will be on-hand to sign a litho
• OIn July 17th a limited edition watch will be available

Click any of the links above for more details.

Pin Trading
On February 13th Pin Trading debuted at Disneyland. For pictures and more details visit the Pin Trading section of this guide.

Characters
The theme of this year's celebration is "There's Magic in the Stars". The "stars" are Disneyland's guests and its characters. As mentioned above, guests will interact with the 45 Years of Magic parade. Characters will be all over the place like you've never seem them before including some scheduled appearances. And Mickey's Matterhorn Climb has also returned to Disneyland through July 16th.

Around the Park

Banner on the Castle	Close-up of the light post decorations
"45" has been put into the grass next to the Mickey floral	Eeyore leads the band

Merchandise
Lots of 45 Year merchandise is being made available throughout the year. Much of the general merchandise has already appeared. The nostalgia line of merchandise which more heavily features Disneyland's past and Walt Disney has also started to appear.

The third group of merchandise are the Collectibles. Eleven artists have been asked to do their interpretation of 45 Years of Magic including Charles Boyer, Eric Robison and Terry Hardin. In addition to the original pieces created by the artists, other products derived from the art will be sold. Limited Edition pieces depicting scenes from the new parade will also be available.

The Character of the Month program features a new lithograph released each month showing a Disney character posing for their official portrait in their favorite park location. In addition to the $95 lithograph (limited to 200), other products featuring this artwork will be available.

Click for more details pages on:

• General Merchandise
• Nostalgia Line Updated February 29th
• Collectibles - including the Artists Tribute Series
• Character of the Month Updated February 29th with March character release

News Stories

• 45th Kick-off Ceremony (from LaughingPlace.com)
  Complete coverage of the ceremony to launch the 45th anniversary. Includes information and pictures on the new parade and fireworks show.
• Autopia unveiling (from LaughingPlace.com)
  Complete coverage and lots of pictures of the new Autopia cars and the ceremony to unveil them.
• Autopia unveiling (from the Orange County Register)
• LATimes: Disneyland Parade Invites Guests to Join In
  The February 17th Los Angeles Times discusses Disneyland's 45th parade, its floats and characters and the opportunity guests have to join in and dance down Main Street.
• Disney Parade To Get a Tune-Up
  A February 16th Los Angeles Times article reports the new 45 Years of Magic parade was a disappointment to park officials and guests and is getting a rush tune-up before its official debut.
  February 14th Disneyland Update
  Parade pictures, merchandise, pin trading
• Kenny Loggins to perform at Disneyland February 16th
  Press release announcing a special ceremony and performance to inaugurate "45 Years of Magic"
• 45 Years of Magic Press Release
  Details on the parade and some of the other plans
• February 1st Disneyland Update
  Includes 45 year merchandise
• January 24th Disneyland Update
  Includes pictures of some of the parade floats taken during filming for a commercial and 45 year merchandise.
• January 10th Disneyland Update
  Includes a report on a presentation by Disneyland' Vice President of Merchandising De DeCaro on many of the 45th Anniversary festivities
• January 9th Disneyland Update
  Includes in-park 45 year decorations and some merchandise

-- Last Updated June 22, 2000
-- Text by Doobie Moseley
-- Pictures by Doobie Moseley and John Frost

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