"Disneyland will never be completed...as long as there is imagination left in the world," Walt Disney proclaimed nearly fifty years ago at the opening of his California landmark. With a growing theme park empire that brims with imagination and extends around the globe, those prophetic words are now infused with a whole new meaning. It's only fitting then that the Disney resorts worldwide pay homage to the park where it all began as Disneyland marks its golden anniversary next year. Dubbed "The Happiest Celebration on Earth," the 18-month event kicks off May 5, 2005. Among the highlights at the California resort, Space Mountain will get a high-tech makeover, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters will debut in Tomorrowland, and Sleeping Beauty Castle will be burnished with special anniversary finery. (Thankfully, as the rendering shows, the Disneyland castle will get a more dignified embellishment than that icky pink overlay applied to Florida's Magic Kingdom castle during its 25th anniversary.) Also, one of the Disney Cruise Line ships will set sail for the West Coast for a series of celebratory cruises. Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort Paris, and Tokyo Disney Resort will join in the fun with a slew of new attractions and events. And Hong Kong Disneyland, the newest Mouse House, will open its drawbridge during the celebration. I'll have more details about Disney's ambitious 50th anniversary plans in the weeks and months ahead.
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