Disneyland Unveils Global 50th Anniversary Celebration,

Disneyland Unveils Global 50th Anniversary Celebration
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Becky took the stage, saying, "From North America, to Europe, to Asia, our Disney cast has been preparing for this special celebration." But, she added, it would take a little something extra to take us everywhere those preparations were underway. Becky then called on Disneyland’s favorite pixie, Tinker Bell, to speed us ‘round the world.

In the blink of an eye, Tink was streaking across the screens of the Jumbotrons, headed across the United States from West to East. And waiting for her in Walt Disney World was Ambassador Sara Bishop. Perched atop her head was a pair of special gold Mickey Mouse ears. It was her pleasant duty to offer us a sneak peek at the activity there-construction of new attractions in every theme park, each derived from another park in the Disney theme park family.

At the Disney-MGM Studios, a new automobile stunt show "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" would soon premiere. It is based on a similar show at Disney Studios Park in Paris. At the Magic Kingdom Tokyo Disneyland’s "Cinderellabration" would charm guests with Cinderella’s Royal Coronation. Epcot will soon be home of "Soarin’," the popular flying attraction from Disney’s California Adventure. And in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lucky the Dinosaur, who had debuted in Disney’s California Adventure, would be making regular appearances in Dinoland. In addition, Animal Kingdom would also debut Expedition Everest, an original attraction, in 2006.

No sooner had Sara finished describing all this, then Tinker Bell headed off across the Atlantic. Destination: Paris. There, Ambassador Samira Boulamlouj was waiting. She eagerly described their new firework spectacular, "Wishes." She also promised a "fantastic celebration event" that would light up Disneyland Paris for the 50th Birthday year. She then sent Tinker Bell on to Tokyo.

It was night time there-but Ambassador Yoko Inutsuka was standing by. She promised a very special salute in Tokyo Disneyland for the summer of 2005, one that would remember where it all began. And at Tokyo DisneySea a new Lost River Delta Thrill Attraction was detailed. This coaster would be the first in a Tokyo Disney theme park to feature a vertical 360-degree loop. Yoko wished us "Sayonara" from Japan, and then sent Tinker Bell on to Hong Kong.

At the Hong Kong construction site, Director of Marketing Jennifer Chua noted it was early morning. But she was nonetheless excited to show the cleared land and lovely setting for the next Disney Park. Among the attractions glimpsed in various stages of construction were Space Mountain, Main Street, and the Castle. Jennifer urged all to join the Hong Kong cast in late 2005 or early 2006 for their grand opening.

With those words, our whirlwind tour was over. Becky Murphy welcomed us back to Anaheim, saying "50 years ago Walt Disney opened the first theme park the world had ever seen." She went on to add, "It continues to inspire us to come home." She promised that the Disneyland Resort would have its biggest party ever in 2005. And even Disney’s California Adventure would join in the festivities with the "Block Party Bash."

In Disneyland, a plethora of all-new shows and attractions was promised. Space Mountain will relaunch in 2005. Also in Tomorrowland, "Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters" will open the same year. In the Main Street Opera House a special exhibit will spotlight "Disneyland-The First 50 Years." Included will be a brand new film, utilizing footage unseen for over 40 years, and narrated by Walt Disney himself. Stepping off twice daily will be "Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams," promising one of the larger casts of Disney characters ever assembled, as well as what Becky described as a "dreams come true finale."

Sleeping Beauty Castle will be the centerpiece of Disneyland’s birthday. It is to be bedecked in regal glory, adorned with gold, jewels, and intricate "crowns" atop each of its five turrets. And high above the castle, a new fireworks spectacle "Remember…Dreams Come True" will present the most elaborate Disneyland fireworks show ever.

As if all this was not enough, Becky Murphy then invited Jay Rasulo back onto the stage to present yet another part of the celebration. Jay promised, "Our journey’s not over yet. But this stop will take a little ship-to-shore magic." As the crowd reacted with delight, Rasulo announced that the Disney Magic cruise ship would set sail for the Port of Los Angeles, offering cruises for 12 weeks in 2005, starting on May 28. Tinker Bell obligingly flew us to the Magic, where Captain Tom Forberg and his crew (all adorned with gold Mickey ears) welcomed us. The seven day cruises would offer all the activities guests have come to expect from the Disney Cruise Line, with a new itinerary to include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. Captain Tom finished with a warm invitation: "We can’t wait for the journey to begin. See you at sea, everybody!" Jay Rasulo in turn thanked Captain Tom, and then introduced the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner.

After thanking everyone for coming to this very special day, Michael Eisner began talking of a very special person, an honorary Ambassador for the Disneyland Resort. He described her as a remarkable entertainer, and a legendary star. And while many today know her as the Queen of Genova, he said, many more know her as the beloved nanny Mary Poppins. He then introduced Julie Andrews.

There was sustained applause as Julie Andrews made her way from the arched entry of Sleeping Beauty Castle. As she took the center stage, she said, "It is a joy for me to serve as the honorary Ambassador for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland." She then confided that she always had a special love for Disneyland, especially because her first trip there had been with a very special guide: Walt Disney himself. She spoke warmly of his childlike joy in sharing this happy place. She said, "Disneyland was Walt’s gift to the world over." She pointed out that everyone, everywhere, makes their fondest memories with family and friends. As she elaborated on this, music began softly playing. She continued, and a song began, saying, "Never Give Up Wishing on a Star."

Dancers, singers and Disneyland Resort Cast Members moved across the stage, as Disney’s beloved characters, accompanied by children, entered from the castle. Somehow, Julie Andrews melted into the crowd, which soon filled the stage. Suddenly, they parted, and Michael Eisner, Art Linkletter, and Julie Andrews strode to the center stage. As the music reached an emotional crescendo, fireworks, confetti, and streamers filled the sky.

As is true of all good things, this Birthday Celebration announcement eventually came to an end. But as Disney’s stars departed, they left on each side of the stage a group of smiling children. Their shining faces were a reminder that children are the future. Just as it has been our land for the last 50 years, Disneyland would also be their land.

On the next page is an overview of the announcements for each of the Resorts and the Cruise Lines. Following that are more than 80 pictures from the ceremony.

In addition, we have eight video clips which together make up the entire ceremony. All of the clips are available in RealVideo format for both low and high bandwidth connections.