(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
Disneyland celebrates a BIG birthday this year! The 60th “Diamond Anniversary” is actually on July 17, 2015 but the celebrations are set to kick off on May 22! As if a trip to Disneyland in California is not exciting enough, take a look at some of the fun celebrations, shows, and more that will be happening there this summer.
Sleeping Beauty’s castle and Main Street USA are getting all “dressed up” for the celebration as well.
Last week, during a quick visit to Disneyland, we were able to speak with Tyler Slater, a Public Relations Manager with Disney, who told us a bit of what is to be expected this summer.
3 New Nighttime Shows
Disneyland present 3 new nighttime shows – their signature “kiss goodnight” in honor of the Diamond Celebration. They sound amazing and is worth the trip back to California just to see them!
Disneyland Forever
This new fireworks show, “Disneyland Forever,” sounds amazing! For the first time, guests can experience the show from spots all over the park, not just in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, offering a new perspective of the show every single time. Disney is utilizing projection mapping technology to immerse guests right into timeless Disney tales.
“Kiss Goodnight,” the inspiring closing song of the new show, was written by Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman and sung by Ashley Brown, star of the Broadway production of “Mary Poppins.” Richard also was the co-writer, with his brother Robert B. Sherman, of “it’s a small world” and the award-winning songs for the classic Disney film “Mary Poppins.”
(Disneyland Resort)
“One minute they will be standing on Main Street, U.S.A., and the next they could be stampeding across Simba’s Pride Lands, dancing with King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” traveling “Under the Sea” with the Little Mermaid, flying over London with Peter Pan, dripping in honey with Pooh in a whimsical dream of heffalumps and woozles, or quivering as Queen Elsa brings a glimmering blanket of snow over Disneyland. For the first time in Disneyland fireworks history, Nemo from the Disney●Pixar animated film “Finding Nemo,” will “just keep swimming” in the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle, as the Matterhorn is transformed into the fiery peak of Mt. Wannahockaloogie, a special monument from that film.”
Disney Paint the Night Parade
Who loves the Main Street Electrical Parade?? Well it’s about to get bigger & blow your mind with all the special effects! Again, Disney is using some pretty cool modern technology to upgrade this parade, using more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights. Just the descriptions & images of Cars’ Mack Truck are enticing, but here’s more:
(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
“Lightning McQueen races in with his buddy Mack Truck, who makes a hefty impression at 54-feet long, covered from headlights to tail pipe in gleaming light. Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” glide through the night in a shimmering palace of ice and snow. Guests also will be delighted to see Cinderella, Rapunzel and beloved characters from tales such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Toy Story,” with Mickey and his pals creating a breathtaking grand finale.”
World of Color – Celebrate!
Who doesn’t just adore Disney California Adventure’s World of Color? It’s amazing how many beloved Disney stories are played out so vividly each night on a landscape of water! The new version of the show brings Award- winning actor Neil Patrick Harris joining Mickey Mouse in hosting each night.
(Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
“Both epic and intimate in scope, “World of Color – Celebrate!” brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score. Guests will take an inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney, exploring his decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments around the world and the dream of Disneyland Park. “World of Color – Celebrate!” reminds guests that, if they never give up on their dreams, anything is possible.”
Diamond Mad T Party
Over at Disney California Adventure park, don’t miss the Diamond Mad T Party each evening. Guests can “take a trip down the rabbit hole” and experience a talented band, fun with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, interactive activities and the Drink Me Bar or Chiller truck.
Main Street Enchanted Windows
Main Street will debut new animated windows for the Diamond Celebration. Since the early 1960s, scenes from Disney animated classics have been featured in the windows of the Emporium at Disneyland park. This year, for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, these classic windows will be updated with new, exciting technology and effects. Guests will see stories of “Peter Pan” and “Cinderella,” in May, followed by “Frozen” and “The Princess and the Frog” in July, and “Toy Story” and “Aladdin” in August.
Diamond Days Sweepstakes
Guest will have a chance to win prizes as part of the Diamond Celebration too. And take a look at these fun prizes:
“Weekly prizes include a one-carat, authentic diamond, custom engraved for Disney, paired with a stay in the Disneyland Dream suite; a clear, crystal Cinderella slipper, with a diamond-and-topaz pendant, and private experiences in the park such as a party in Fantasyland or a romantic cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat. The available prize will vary each week. Daily prizes also will be awarded during the Diamond Celebration, and each daily prize package for that day includes an individualized tour of the parks with dining, preferred access to select attractions, and VIP viewing at some of the dazzling, new nighttime spectaculars. Daily prize winners must be present on the Disneyland Resort premises at the time of entry and at the time of prize redemption in order to be able to enjoy these special experiences and theme park admission is not necessary to enter or win the sweepstakes.”
More Diamond Celebration Fun
Though nothing has been announced, several attractions in the park were closed for refurbishing – most notably, the Matterhorn. The Hat Box Ghost has returned to the Haunted Mansion as well. Can’t wait to see how they improve this popular ride. Guests can expect new, themed food for the celebration. And there are over 500 special pieces of merchandise created for the Anniversary.
The fun all begins during a 24-hour party that inaugurates the Diamond Celebration, from 6 a.m. Friday, May 22, until 6 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015, local time.
