Cynthia Harriss to lead Disneyland birthday sing-along
Disneyland To Mark 45th Birthday On July 17 With 'Happy Birthday' Sing-Along By Thousands of Guests
On Monday, July 17, it will be 45 years to the day that Walt Disney first opened the gates to his newly created Disneyland amidst the orange groves of Anaheim. To celebrate the anniversary of that historic moment in 1955, "The Happiest Place on Earth" will mark the occasion with an early morning singing of "Happy Birthday" to Disneyland involving thousands of Park guests in party hats on Main Street, U.S.A.
At 7:45a.m. on the 17th, Cynthia Harriss, president of the Disneyland Resort, and Mickey Mouse will stand atopa colorful parade float overlooking the gathered guests. There, Harriss will say a few words reflecting on Disney's original theme park, and will be joined by Disneyland Ambassadors Doina Roman-Osborn and Eddie Garcia to lead everyone in the mass sing-along.
The Disney Collegiate All-Star Band, a high-energy ensemble of 20 musicians selected from universities across the U.S., will provide upbeat musical accompaniment.
A few thousand Park guests are expected to join in singing "Happy Birthday," which will be capped by a burst of confetti from the rooftops along Main Street. Throughout the day, each guest entering the Park will be given a commemorative party hat to wear and keep as a momento.
Disneyland is celebrating "45 Years of Magic" with the new "45 Years of Magic...Parade of the Stars," presented twice-daily on Main Street, U.S.A.; the new "Believe... There's Magic in the Stars," a nighttime fireworks spectacular; and an expanded cast of popular Disney characters. The recently reopened Autopia attraction in Tomorrowland features redesigned cars, a newly configured track, and an entertaining pre-show area.
When Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, there were 18 attractions in five theme lands, and entertainment experts of the time predicted a swift demise for Walt Disney's dream. Since then, the Park has grown to feature eight theme lands offering more than 60 rides and adventures. Over 400 million guests have passed through the gates of the Disney's beloved fantasy kingdom since opening day.
-- Posted July 13, 2000
Source: Company Press Release