Fifty years later, Walt Disney's bold vision has more than withstood the test of time. Disneyland and the company's global chain of what are now known as theme parks are more than just vacation meccas; they're cultural landmarks, incubators for technological and industrial innovations, and trendsetters for everything from retail merchandising to hotel design. Firmly entrenched in our collective conscious, a trip to the Disney parks is a rite of passage for children and families. And they're places to which we return so that we can reconnect with our past and forge new memories.
It only makes sense, then, that the company would be pulling out all the stops for a 50th anniversary blowout. In the wake of Walt Disney World's successful multi-month promotions built around the Florida resort's 25th anniversary, the millennium, and Walt Disney's 100th birthday, the company is presenting "The Happiest Celebration on Earth," an 18-month festival that kicked off on May 5, 2005.
The focus is on the California original of course (where the event is alternately known as the "Happiest Homecoming on Earth"), but the resorts in Florida, Japan, and France are joining in the celebration as well in an unprecedented worldwide, multi-location fete-a-thon. As part of the festivities, all of the parks are debuting new (and, in some cases, improved) attractions, shows, and features. And in the case of Hong Kong Disneyland, the company is unveiling an entire new park.
The Happiest Celebration on Earth
- Worldwide 18-month celebration in honor of Disneyland's 50th anniversary
- May 5, 2005 through early November 2006
- All of the parks are participating with new attractions and special events:
- Disneyland Resort, California
- Disneyland Happiest Homecoming on Earth Overview
- Looking Back at Disneyland
- 50 Ways to Leave Your Living Room (in Honor of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary)
Part one: 25 New Features at Disneyland
Part two: 25 Classic Features at Disneyland - Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Photo Gallery
- Disneyland's History Photo Gallery
- Walt Disney World, Florida
- Walt Disney World's Happiest Celebration on Earth Overview
- Walt Disney World's Happiest Celebration on Earth Photo Gallery
- Soarin' Ride Review
- Expedition Everest Ride Review
- Expedition Everest Photo Gallery
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show Review
- Lights, Motors, Action! Photo Gallery
- Disneyland Resort Paris
- Tokyo Disneyland Resort
- Hong Kong Disneyland
Next page: The Happiest Celebration on Earth at Disneyland Resort, California
- Disneyland Resort, California
