DISNEYLAND LAUNCHES 50th ANNIVERSARY "HAPPIEST HOMECOMING ON EARTH" CELEBRATION

On May 5, 2005, the Disneyland Resort in California launched the "Happiest Homecoming On Earth," an 18-month commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the very first Disney theme park - Disneyland. This spectacular event is the cornerstone of a global celebration that is so big that all 11 Disney theme parks around the world joined together for the first-time for this landmark occasion.

Disneyland then and now

At Disneyland Resort, the "Happiest Homecoming On Earth" was a unique opportunity for new and returning guests to be part of an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime milestone anniversary and the Park's biggest event ever. The celebration was a tribute to the rich legacy of innovation, creativity and storytelling that has made Disneyland a national treasure.

"Disneyland was built on a simple premise: Walt Disney wanted to create a place where family members of all ages could share experiences together," said Matt Ouimet, president of Disneyland Resort. "Our 50th anniversary, the "Happiest Homecoming on Earth," taps into the emotional connection we enjoy with our guests. We look forward to welcoming them with new attractions and innovative entertainment."

Julie Andrews

Legendary Broadway and film star Julie Andrews was the Honorary Ambassador of the Disneyland 50th anniversary celebration. "When Walt Disney declared on opening day that 'Disneyland is your land,' I'm not sure if he truly realized how people everywhere would embrace the park as their own," said Andrews. "No other form of entertainment is as universally beloved and cherished as Disneyland by people of all ages."

The "Happiest Homecoming on Earth" celebration took different forms throughout the Disneyland Resort when it launched on May 5, 2005:

DISNEYLAND PARK 

Most Spectacular Fireworks EVER!

Sleeping Beauty Castle - - The focal point of the celebration was transformed into an elegant "Crown Jewel," gowned in richly colored finery, royal banners, adorned with custom-made jewel-like stones, decorated in gold, topped by five regal turret "crowns," and glowing with enchantment as never before.

Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams - - Audiences were immersed in the musical grandeur and visual spectacle of this innovative new parade, featuring one of the largest casts of Disney Characters and performers ever assembled.

Parade of Dreams

Remember . . . Dreams Come True - - The all-new fireworks spectacular, the most elaborate in Disneyland history, was  a truly immersive, uniquely Disney entertainment experience highlighted by an incredible musical score, dramatic close proximity pyrotechnics, never-before-seen firework designs and an incredible new flight path for Tinker Bell.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - - This all-new Tomorrowland adventure is inspired by a Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, "Toy Story 2," and takes guests on a comical interactive space mission featuring cutting-edge online technology that allows fans at-home to join in the excitement - - a first for any Disney theme park attraction in the world.

Tim Allen and Micheal Eisner enjoy Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Space Mountain - - Opening July 15, this Disneyland favorite has been re-"Imagineered," for the 21st century featuring an all-new queue and Space Port, redesigned rockets, an all-new exhilarating on-board audio soundtrack and "out of this world" new effects. New cutting-edge technology "coupled with great storytelling" makes this attraction even more compelling.

Happiest Faces on Earth . . . A Disney Family Album - - Smiles and memories combine in a series of 34 gigantic photo collages of classic Disney imagery comprised of over 100,000 guest photos speaks to the emotional connection people have to Disneyland.

Happiest Faces on Earth

Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years - - This new attraction features a fun and heartwarming film hosted by famed Hollywood stars Steve Martin and Donald Duck and showcases the rich Disneyland heritage of innovation, creativity, imagination and storytelling.

Golden Attraction Vehicles - - Select, original attraction vehicles from 1955 will receive the "Midas Touch" and be transformed into stunning visions of gold including a steed from King Arthur Carrousel, an Autopia car, a cup from the Mad Tea Party  and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.  

Kelsey Grammer and family ride the Tea Cups

DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK

Block Party Bash - - The music and excitement are cranked to the max for this high-energy street extravaganza as Disney presents the Pixar Film Pals, who invite you to dance and play as they party their way through Disney's California Adventure! The wildest block party in Disney history will entertain guests with a non-stop musical parade that doubles as a fun-filled interactive street spectacular - a truly engrossing and engaging, uniquely Disney entertainment experience.

Block Party Bash

Adored by families around the world, Disneyland has welcomed more than 500 million Guests since its introduction, hailing from all 50 states and virtually every country on the globe. The Disneyland guest roster over the past five decades includes a host of dignitaries and celebrities -- eight US Presidents, countless heads of state, major athletes and stars of film, television, stage and music.

Golden Ears

The "Happiest Homecoming On Earth" is part of a global salute to the 50th anniversary of Disneyland highlighted by the premiere of new entertainment spectaculars and innovative attractions at Disneyland Resort, California; Walt Disney World Resort, Florida; Tokyo Disney Resort, Japan; and Disneyland Resort Paris in France and culminating with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland (September 12, 2005). The first-of-its-kind global celebration marks the largest worldwide debut of new Disney theme park attractions and entertainment ever unveiled.

For more information on Disney's 50th Anniversary Celebrations go to: http://www.disney.go.com