WOW!!! Just wow is all I can say about Disneyland’s 60th Birthday.  This was such an amazing day and I was so thrilled that we were able to be there for this once in a lifetime event.  We started our day very early to make sure that we were there when the park opened.  Each person entering the park on the 17th received a “We were there, July 17th, 2015” button.  The park also published a park map for the day that shows the park as it is today as well as how the park looked on opening day, July 17th 1955.  This was fun to look at and it helped us to map out our day.  We decided that we were going to try and ride all of the opening day rides that are still in operation today.  We made it to all of them except 2.  We enjoyed the re-dedication ceremony that took place in front of the castle.  The speech that Walt Disney gave on opening day was replayed as it was read by Walt 60 years ago.  Michael Colglazier, President of the Disneyland Resort then introduced many special dignitaries including members of the Disney family, cast member and Imagineers who helped to open Disneyland on July 17th, 1955, Mouseketeers from 1955 and other Disney legends.  Then  Richard Sherman played the piano as Ashley Brown (Broadway’s Mary Poppins) sang “Tuppence a Bag”, which was one of Walt Disney’s favorite songs.  Words can’t convey how emotional this was as we watched this all take place in front of the castle just as Walt had done 60 years ago.

We spent the day just enjoying being in the park and riding different rides.  To end our evening we watched the all new “Paint the Night” parade.  Lights, music and a show that won’t be forgotten.  This was an outstanding new nighttime parade and Disney didn’t disappoint with this new parade to celebrate the 60th birthday.  After the parade we crammed onto Main Street (along with everyone else) to view the new Fireworks show.  Oh where to begin.  I was expecting something new but this went way beyond what I had hoped for.  The show of fireworks and lights on and over the castle were spectacular.  The show that happened along Main Street on and above the buildings really made you feel you were in the show.  Disney Imagineers really work to immerse you into the show and this was nothing short of fantastic.   The buildings transformed in color and and lights to make you feel you were in the show.  At one point you felt that you were in the fish tank along with Nemo and his Friends.  At this point Nemo did something amazing.  (I don’t want to tell you and ruin it for others who haven’t seen the show).

As the night came to a close and we left Disneyland on its 60th Anniversary, I felt just sheer elation to have been able to attend such an event.  With tears in my eyes and a smile in my heart we left for the evening and knew it would never look the same again.  As we returned in the next few days there was a wonderful happiness that just flowed over us.  A peaceful kind of smile that you have seen and been a part of something amazing.

Thankfully this 60th Celebration will last until the end of 2016, so if you want to have the opportunity to celebrate along with Disney, let me know how I can help you plan your magical vacation.

To Infinity and Beyond Travel – Traci