"It really is a homecoming," someone exclaimed as they looked over the crowd. Indeed, what with Ron Dominguez and Jack Lindquist greeting friends old and new, hugging and handshaking in the aisles. all laid against the backdrop of familiar Disney tunes, it was indeed, a time to celebrate with Disneyland's movers and shakers, past and present.

The stage was dominated by a giant screen. On it an image of a golden castle was surmounted by a familiar feisty pixie. Giant golden 50s bracketed the logo. As the hum of voices rose to a crescendo, a fanfare broke through the friendly conversation. The lights dimmed and... it was dark. On the screen two big animated eyes blinked, and a cheery voice filled the air. It was Mickey! He struck a match and fireworks sprouted in its wake.

Another voice was then heard. It was Mickey's closest friend, Walt, explaining why he decided to build a magical place where parents and children could have fun together. And what a place! Images filled the screen, showing the genesis pf Disneyland. Models, photos, and grainy kinescopes showed the progress of the Park through the decades. Early parades, small world dolls and pirates; spacemen, anniversaries and a host of other Disney resort openings paraded in review. Disney World... Tokyo Disneyland... Disneyland Paris... and then came 2005. Three large 50s spun and turned into a date: 05/05/05.

Jay Rasulo was then introduced. He welcomed everyone and thanked them for joining for this happy occasion, “the birthday of a national treasure." After noting the momentous events we had just witnessed, he said, "Now we commemorate the biggest milestone yet."

He then officially introduced the Happiest Celebration on Earth. For the first time, all eleven Disney theme parks, as well as the Disney Cruise Line were joining together for one global celebration. He was especially pleased to note that a few who were there on opening day would be a part. But, he assured the crowd, this was to be the launch pad for the next 50 years of innovation. As Walt Disney said, "Disneyland will never be complete..." Rasulo went on to add, "There's no doubt that Walt's original vision has taken us to new and amazing heights."

Rasulo then shared what the other Disney Resorts were doing as their part of the momentous events. In Walt Disney World the Magic Kingdom offered Cinderellebration from Tokyo, Epcot offered Soarin' from California Adventure, Disney-MGM Studios offered Lights! Motors! Action! from Disney Studios Paris, and Animal Kingdom offered Lucky the Dinosaur from the secret labs of Walt Disney Imagineering.

For their part, the Disney Cruise Line will sail from the west coast of the United States. Twelve weeks of magical cruises would offer trips from Los Angeles harbor.

Disneyland Paris, meanwhile will light the night sky with Wishes, a new fireworks show that promises beloved Disney tunes and characters. In addition, Space Mountain: Mission 2 launched earlier this year.

At Tokyo Disneyland, America in the 50s will be commemorated with Rock Around the Mouse. And Tokyo Disney Seas promised Raging Spirits, the first attraction there to feature a complete 360 degree loop.

But the biggest news, Rasulo said, was the debut of Disneyland Hong Kong. It will, he said, kick off the next 50 years of Disney magic. As some oddly familiar images filled the screen, Rasulo proudly noted that Hong Kong was the first park to be modeled closely on Disneyland itself, from Main Street USA, to Sleeping Beauty Castle.

"Of course," Rasulo said, “Disneyland is the very heart of our celebration." He pointed out that a lot of old friends were traveling to the homecoming, and using every means of travel they could devise. With those words, a television commercial filled the screen. It depicted the Disney characters in their headlong rush to get to the happiest celebration on earth. The announcer at the end invited all to do the same.

That announcer's voice was familiar. And so was his face as he stepped forward on the stage: Kelsey Grammer. As a round of applause filled the hall, he noted, "It's not every day I'm asked to help celebrate the birthday of a national treasure." He pointed out that, for him, there has always been a Disneyland, as he was born the same year it opened. With a contented sigh, he recalled his own fond memories. "It seems like only yesterday..." he mused.

As he dreamily crossed the stage he recalled rides on the Matterhorn, imagining he was a famous explorer. He spoke fondly of trips through its a small world, mentioning that it made him dream of being a UN interpreter, after seeing it first at the New York World's Fair. He even sang its catchy theme song at his scout troop meeting. And now, Grammer declared, we will all be making new memories.

As graphics filled the screen above, Grammer spoke of the Parade of Dreams, and the new Remember... Dreams ComeTrue fireworks show. He pointed out that both f these new entertainments were based on dreams. And as one who had played a psychiatrist for many years on television, he knew a thing or two about dreams.

He took, for example, the case of Pinocchio, a young boy with issues over Blue Fairies, giant whales, and children sprouting donkey ears. Based on this, Grammer diagnosed self esteem issues. Perhaps it was because he was made of wood (albeit aged Indonesian hardwood).

The next case at hand was Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was, he pointed out, getting a makeover. On May 5, it was to get an elegant and impressive makeover. As he started across the stage, Grammer mentioned that certain vehicles at Disneyland were also being gilded and glorified.

Grammer noted that he had also just turned the big "5-0" himself. He suggested that he and his wife were considering their own household makeover-- illustrating the idea with a glorified version of his residence, complete with a golden 50 over the front door. And, of course, a golden limousine to go with it.

The next order of business was an introduction of Disneyland: The First Fifty Magical years, set for the Opera House on Town Square. It promises never before seen treasures. Grammer spoke of rare photographs, then offered a look at some of his own treasured instamatics: "Railing," "Hand at Midday," and "Sensibility of Rhythm 2," a haunting study of bricks, taken after devouring too much cotton candy.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters was next in line. Grammer modestly mentioned his own contribution to the Toy Story saga, as the voice of Stinky Pete, the Prospector. But imagine, he enthused, if only he had played Buzz. "To infinity...or... not to be. That is the question..."

The Happiest Faces on Earth was delineated next. As Grammer looked at an example of the photomontages, he described his own family's efforts at a similar project. A large picture of himself filled the screen, with a banner proclaiming, "Be the twinkle in Kelsey's eye."

Finally, Grammer announced, there was the Block Party Bash, featuring the Pixar film pals. This was to be, Grammer promised, an amazing event, not unlike the many block parties his own family held over the years. he recalled the music, the fun, and the scent of all-American food like... Camembert aux Noix Amuse-Bouches. As he began to explain the intricacies of the dish (even offering a recipe card), Jay Rasulo reentered to thank Grammer, and suggest a good wine accompaniment. As the pair ambled off, a rousing round of applause filled the theater.

They were met at the edge of the stage by a green army man who courteously stepped aside, then ordered his troops to fill the room. As they poured into the theater, three questions were asked:

WHAT? Only the biggest celebration in Disneyland Resort history.

WHERE? On the streets of Disney's California Adventure.

WHEN? Now! On your feet! Now!

And as the crowd rose to their feet, a cadence filled the air: "I don't know, but I've been told... Disneyland is paved with gold! Sound off!" And with these words ringing in their ears, everyone headed off to experience the debut of the Block Party Bash.

Note: Early in his presentation Kelsey Grammer fell off the stage while across it. A few Cast Members checked on him and after a brief break he went back up and completed his talk. Disneyland released a statement following the presentation indicating Gramer was checked out, he is doing well and he would be fine.