Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration

[tinkwest]

Sorry folks. I Should have posted this press release last week.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (January 28, 2015) – Three sensational new nighttime spectaculars will dazzle guests at the Disneyland Resort when the Diamond Celebration begins Friday, May 22, 2015. Nighttime will glitter as never before when the latest technology and immersive special effects lift the “Paint the Night” parade and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular beyond anything seen in the past at Disneyland Park. In Disney California Adventure Park, a new “World of Color” show featuring Mickey Mouse will tell the story of Walt Disney and the Happiest Place on Earth through fountains, film, animation, a stirring musical score and amazing visual surprises.

The electrifying new shows will take guests into the worlds of Disney stories like never before, celebrating 60 years of magic with a nighttime parade that shines with more than 1.5 million individually controlled lights – the first all-LED parade at the resort; a reinvention of the classic fireworks that adds projections to transform the park experience; and a moving, new version of “World of Color” that celebrates Walt Disney’s dream for Disneyland.

In addition, the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure will glisten and gleam for the celebration, each with its own diamond medallion. The Disneyland Resort and surrounding streets will sparkle with Diamond Celebration décor and festive banners in shades of Disneyland blue. Also bearing the diamond anniversary theme, creative merchandise and food items will be designed to complement the celebration.

“Sixty years ago, Walt Disney welcomed the first guests to Disneyland. Nearly 3 billion guest visits later, it’s amazing to contemplate all that Disney Parks and Resorts represents to so many people around the world,” said Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’ve conceived the Disneyland Diamond Anniversary as a celebration of this special place that started it all. Disneyland was envisioned as a place that encourages all of us to be ‘forever young,’ in part by being forever young itself … so we’re celebrating not just the last 60 years, but all that is yet to come.”

Innovation Inspires Exciting Future
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955, he inaugurated a tradition of innovative, immersive storytelling that inspired classic theme park attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Soarin’ Over California, Toy Story Midway Mania and Radiator Springs Racers. The Diamond Celebration will continue this tradition with three fantastic new shows that expand the boundaries of after-dark entertainment – Disney’s signature “kiss goodnight.”

--“Paint the Night” parade – New technology and unleashed imagination permeate this after-dark parade, flooding Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland with vibrant color and more than 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as they bring Disney stories to life. The luminescent parade introduces a new era of magical entertainment, as Mickey Mouse uses his imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust and “Paint the Night” in dazzling Disney dreams. Those dreams include special appearances by Mickey’s pals and beloved characters from tales such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story” and “Frozen.” The parade features special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances, fun surprises and spectacular floats, with Mickey leading the grand finale.

--“Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular – The Disneyland Resort tradition of creating big, dazzling fireworks shows will soar to new levels as “Disneyland Forever” immerses guests in stories from the tips of their toes to the sky high above. Thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects, guests will find themselves transported into the worlds of beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar films, including a dance with King Louie from the “The Jungle Book” and a flight over London with characters from “Peter Pan.” Showing just how magical the Magic Kingdom can be, the fireworks “stage” will extend to Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world,” Rivers of America and the Matterhorn as projections transform familiar park icons into stunning story scenes. Two original songs also will be featured, the theme “Live the Magic,” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman. “Disneyland Forever” will be visible from Main Street, U.S.A., and several Disneyland locations.

--“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – Mickey Mouse will entertain guests as mischievous host of this fun-filled new presentation of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” spectacular in Disney California Adventure. Illuminating the night in a contemporary and moving celebration of Walt Disney and his dream of Disneyland, Mickey Mouse will take guests on an inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney, exploring his decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments and the dream of Disneyland Park. 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, all on the magical water canvas of “World of Color.”

[2Epcot]

Sorry folks. I Should have posted this press release last week.

I was also going to post something, but got busy. I'm looking forward to the new night parade. It's been too long without one. The 50th fireworks show was so good, I can't wait to see what they do for the 60th. Plus a new World of Color show ... Fantastic! No new rides for the anniversary, but at least lots of new entertainment.

[tinkwest]

I've actually gotten to a point where I look forward to the entertainment even more than the attractions so I'm really excited for the new fireworks and nighttime parade at Disneyland.

[Melanie]

From Disney Parks Blog:

Today, we’re pleased to announce that Neil (Patrick Harris) will be joining Mickey Mouse as host of the all-new “World of Color – Celebrate!,” opening May 22 at Disney California Adventure park as part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Neil, himself a fan of Disney Parks, will bring his unique style of humor and charm to this special edition of the popular “World of Color” show.

“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” illuminates the night in a celebration of the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney. Mickey Mouse and Neil take us on a fun-filled and inspirational journey, exploring Walt’s decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments and his dream of Disneyland park, and culminating in a madcap musical tour of Disneyland Resort attractions as you’ve never seen them before!

Since its premiere in 2010, “World of Color” has amazed millions of Disney California Adventure park guests using a groundbreaking “stage” of nearly 1 full acre of engineered superstructure, longer than a football field. Nearly 1,200 programmable fountains and a vast underwater grid with more than 20,000 points of control send water to heights of up to 200 feet; shooting higher than Mickey’s Fun Wheel. The show employs nearly 30 high-definition projectors to take the audience on a journey through some of Disney’s most beloved animated moments.

The all-new “World of Color – Celebrate!” is just one part of our dazzling Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, which kicks off May 22 along with the new “Paint the Night” parade and the fully-immersive new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular. We’ll have even more to tell you as we get closer, so keep following Disney Parks Blog and join the conversation with hashtag #Disneyland60.

[tinkwest]

Diamond Celebration Will Light Up the Disneyland
Resort Beginning With Dazzling 24-Hour Event,
May 22-23

Guests Will Enjoy Debuts of Three, New Nighttime Spectaculars as 24-Hour Party Kicks Off Summer in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks

ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 11, 2015) – A dynamic 24-hour party will kick off the summer and launch the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, May 22-23, as guests enjoy the thrilling premieres of three, new nighttime spectaculars: the glittering “Paint the Night” parade and the groundbreaking “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show at Disneyland Park, plus the new presentation, “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney,” at Disney California Adventure Park.

The all-day/all-night celebration will begin at 6 a.m. Friday, May 22, and will conclude 24 hours* later at 6 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015 local time. The revelry will include dancing and special character encounters at locations in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, along with enchanting Diamond décor throughout the resort and the exciting shows and attractions that bring guests back year after year. The Disneyland Resort invites guests of all ages to kick off the summer travel season in Southern California, celebrating 60 years of magic at a resort that remains forever young.

At Disneyland
• “Paint the Night” Parade – After dark along the Disneyland parade route, 24-hour guests will be among the first to see the “Paint the Night” parade, showcasing beloved Disney characters in dazzling parade scenes illuminated with more than 1.5 million individually controlled lights – the first all-LED parade in Disneyland Resort history. The luminescent parade introduces a new era of magical entertainment, as Mickey Mouse uses his imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust to “Paint the Night” in dazzling Disney dreams. Those dreams include special appearances by Mickey’s pals and beloved characters from tales such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story” and “Frozen.” The parade features some of the most spectacular floats, unforgettable music and special effects ever presented at the Disneyland Resort, along with energetic performers who add to the brilliance with colorful costumes that light up, too.
• “Disneyland Forever” Fireworks Show – Disneyland Park itself plays a starring role in the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular, also premiering during the 24-hour event. Breathtaking fireworks shows have long been a Disneyland Resort tradition and “Disneyland Forever” soars to new levels, immersing guests from the tips of their toes to the brilliant pyrotechnic bursts above, thanks to special effects that turn the storefronts of Main Street, U.S.A., the Matterhorn mountain, the “Fantasmic!” water screens and the façade of “it’s a small world” into gigantic projections screens filled with color, characters and surprises. “Disneyland Forever” transports guests into the worlds of beloved Disney and DisneyPixar films, including a dance with King Louie from the “The Jungle Book” and a flight over London with characters from “Peter Pan.” Two original songs also energize the show: the theme “Live the Magic,” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman. “Disneyland Forever” will be visible from Main Street, U.S.A., and several Disneyland locations.

At Disney California Adventure
• “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse will appear in film sequences and animated imagery of the all-new “World of Color” show, premiering May 22 during the 24-hour party. “World of Color – Celebrate!” illuminates the night in a fun-filled and inspirational journey exploring Walt Disney’s decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments and his dream of Disneyland park. It culminates in a madcap musical tour of Disneyland Resort attractions as you’ve never seen them before. Both epic and intimate in scope, “World of Color – Celebrate!” comes to life with animation, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score, all on the magical water canvas of “World of Color.”

The 24-hour party is just the beginning of the summer fun at Disney Parks on both coasts.
At Disneyland, in addition to the spectacular nighttime parade and fireworks, guest will enjoy the daytime “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” and the classic after-dark “Fantasmic!” show on the Rivers of America in Frontierland and New Orleans Square. Glistening diamond-themed décor adds extra sparkle to Sleeping Beauty Castle, while Anna and Elsa from the hit Disney animated feature “Frozen” appear in a playfully comic retelling of their story on the Fantasy Faire stage. Disneyland also features more than 60 rides and attractions, including Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world,” to delight guests of all ages.

At Disney California Adventure, the new “World of Color – Celebrate!” show continues nightly throughout the summer along with the new “Mad T Party Diamond Celebration,” plus “Pixar Play Parade,” “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” and all the favorite attractions throughout the park, including Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ in Hollywood Land and the California Screamin’ roller coaster in Paradise Pier. The “Frozen” fun is extended at Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome, where guests have a chance to meet the sisters, who also make appearances in the “For the First Time in Forever” sing-along.

The “Diamond Celebration” stretches outside the gates of the theme parks, adding sparkle throughout the Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels. Creative Diamond Celebration merchandise and food items will complement the celebration, while surrounding streets in the Anaheim Resort Area will glisten with Diamond Celebration décor and festive banners in shades of Disneyland blue.

* Hours of operation: 6 a.m. on 5/22/15 to 6 a.m. on 5/23/15 local time, subject to capacity restrictions. Only select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Valid theme park admission required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

[BrerGnat]

Oh man, I am actually planning to be down house hunting in OC that weekend. I may have to stop by. I'll have east coast jet lag anyway.

[2Epcot]

I have skipped the all night events in the past, but may make plans to do this one with the premiere of the new 60th entertainment.

[Figment!]

The Disneyland resort has announced that enhancements are part of the ongoing refurbishment of the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Peter Pan’s Flight attractions. The enhancements will be part of the Disneyland 60th Anniversary celebration.

Bringing New Magic to Matterhorn Bobsleds and Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland Park

April 9th, 2015
by Erin Glover, Social Media Director, Disneyland Resort
The Official Disney Parks Blog

Here at Disney Parks, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance our storytelling. For example, updating beloved classics allows us to – if I may quote Walt Disney – “keep molding and shaping” the guest experience. As we look forward to celebrating the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, we also have exciting changes coming to two of our classic attractions this spring.

First, a Disneyland park favorite is about to get even better as new effects are being added to Matterhorn Bobsleds. Just wait until you see the Abominable Snowman in ways you’ve never seen him before when the attraction reopens in May!

Also reopening in May is Peter Pan’s Flight, featuring a reimagined nursery scene and a variety of special effects that will make this classic and beloved attraction come to life in new ways.

The Matterhorn Bobsleds closed for refurbishment on January 7th and Peter Pan's Flight closed for refurbishment on February 2nd.

[Figment!]

The Disneyland resort has also announced a 'new' addition to the Haunted Mansion as part of the 60th Celebration.

Legendary Hatbox Ghost Comes Out to Socialize in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park in May

by Erin Glover, Social Media Director, Disneyland Resort
The Official Disney Parks Blog
April 10th, 2015

... The Hatbox Ghost is reappearing in May.

...The Hatbox Ghost appeared in the Haunted Mansion for a short time around the opening of this classic attraction in 1969. Although brief, his presence sparked a decades-long following, and this reclusive resident of the Haunted Mansion was never forgotten. We’re excited that he will soon materialize once again!

The Hat Box Ghost was a cloaked, skeletal figure wearing a top hat and holding a hat box. The ghouls head would disappear from his shoulders and re-appear in the hat box. The Hat Box Ghost figure is believed to have been removed due to the original black light based effect not working to expectations.

The Haunted Mansion is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment from 05/04/15 – 05/08/15 for this addition.

[green ranger]

I see that the new entertainment for the 60th anniversary starts in May, but does anyone know how long they run for?

[tinkwest]

I see that the new entertainment for the 60th anniversary starts in May, but does anyone know how long they run for?

I have never seen a specific date. Always referred to as a "yearlong" celebration. I would guess it may continue through Summer 2016.

[tinkwest]

From the Disney Parks Blog:
UPDATE 5/1/15: Matterhorn Bobsleds will reopen to Disneyland park guests on May 22; Peter Pan’s Flight will reopen July 1.

[BrerGnat]

From the Disney Parks Blog:
UPDATE 5/1/15: Matterhorn Bobsleds will reopen to Disneyland park guests on May 22; Peter Pan’s Flight will reopen July 1.

Perfect timing! I can't wait to see the new Peter Pan ride.

[2Epcot]

Visited the park twice this week, both on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday was a grad night, with lots of high school kids. Thursday was not a grad night ... Both days were almost equally crowded, at least for Main Street.

I've been arriving late afternoon mainly to see the new Paint The Night Parade and Disneyland Forever, the new 60th Fireworks show. People have been already staking out spots for the parade more than 4 hours in advance. The fireworks show was cancelled on Tuesday due to high winds, but I did see the parade.

Disneyland has been without a night parade for a while now since the Electric Light parade went to WDW. Not sure if its just because it's an all new parade, or people here just haven't had a night parade in such a long time that they are arriving so early to stake out spots.

So for the first time in forever, Disneyland now has a daytime parade, Fantasmic, a night parade running twice a night, and fireworks. Expect the park to be a zoo between 8pm and 11:00 every night which is when the second Paint the Night parade starts. Also since Fantasmic has become a FASTPASS ticket show, there are more restrictions walking through that area.

CA Adventure Park has the same daytime parade, but the brand new World of Color show. I haven't seen that yet in person, but hoping to soon.

I usually avoid the parks most of the summer, but I'm seeing summer like crowds already in the parks with the new entertainment offerings.

Loved the new parade, though wish it was a little longer. Great floats and light technology. Happy to hear the music incorporating a little bit of our old Main Street Electrical Parade theme. Imagineering can do so much more with the LED lights than the old light parade technology.

Thursday I did see the fireworks show. Disneyland went all out for the 50th Anniversary fireworks show. That was the best fireworks show I've seen at any Disney park. The 60th Show doesn't disappoint either. It's an incredible show. I won't spoil it for those who want surprises, but from what is commonly known ... The show incorporates projection mapping, not only on the Castle, but the entire Main Street USA buildings, the Matterhorn Mountain, and as before on It's A Small World. There are also other surprises mixed in. Also more lighting throughout the park than I've ever seen used for a fireworks show.

The combination of all of the elements is almost overwhelming ... At times you're almost not sure what you should focus on more. This is the first time I've really wanted to watch a fireworks show from multiple locations in the park because you just can't see everything from any one spot.

As a local it's easier to handle, but I'm already working on my strategy for July when I bring someone who has never been to Disneyland ... Plan wisely.

[BrerGnat]

A lot of the crowd swell this week is due to the fact that Friday is the last day that Southern CA AP holders can go to the parks before the long summer blackout. They are all trying to get in to see the nighttime shows because this is their only chance until late August. I have some friends who have been at the parks every night this week with their kids trying to get their "fix."

[2Epcot]

Yes Natalie. I heard a lot of people there just for the parade. Waited the longest I ever have to get in the garage, so late in the afternoon. Though, I was going to sit 4 hours to watch a parade, even a new one.

[tinkwest]

We were there yesterday and watched Paint the Night and the fireworks from the it's a small world area. We arrived a little more than two hours before the parade and were lucky to find a spot to sit down. By the time the parade started it was packed like sardines. As soon as it was over everyone spilled out in to the parade route to get a spot for the fireworks, which started about half an hour later. We just held our spot and only could see a sliver of the face of small world so couldn't enjoy the projections to their fullest. But we could see the back of the castle so caught some of that action, Tinker Bell for example, and we could see the fireworks themselves perfectly. No more spoilers.

It took about 25 minutes to get out of the park after that. It can be frustrating when cast members are directing you to go one way when you want to go the other but, especially around 10pm, you must remember that the fireworks have just ended so the areas around the castle are closed zones while they check for any possible fire danger, Fantasmic! will be starting up in 45 minutes, and another parade will begin at 11pm. It is a mad house. People are trying to leave, get to the Rivers of America, filling space by sitting on sidewalks and walkways. Just be patient and move with the crowd. Don't plow me over with your stroller. And if they could turn down the blaring post fireworks music just a notch it would be a lot easier to hear cast member instructions.

We went expecting crowds. We knew it was the last day that Southern California Select passholders would be able to get in to the parks until late August. So that part did not bother us. We loved Paint the Night. I will not quite give it the honor of my favorite parade (which in my book is the Electrical Parade) but like Chris said, it has been a long time since we've had a nighttime parade and this makes it a huge draw. So glad it was NOT a disappointment. I loved the incorporation of Electrical Parade music. I'll definitely be going back to see it again, crowds or not. The fireworks will also bring me back, again agreeing with Chris that I want to see this show from multiple spots. With a pass I have the wonderful option to go to the park for the sole purpose of watching a parade or a fireworks display and then leaving. Now that I've had a taste, I plan on doing this as much as possible over this 60th celebration.

In the daylight I commented that I liked the 50th castle decorations better than the 60th. But the castle at night is gorgeous, reminding me of the holiday castle.

[Figment!]

Thanks for the updates Chris and Linda.

Personally hoping the crowds slow down a bit for my Mid-September trip.

[tinkwest]

I spoke with Passholder Services today and they informed me that there STILL has not been an end date determined for the 60th celebration. As of now the only thing they can guarantee is that the special decorations, merchandise, Forever fireworks, Paint the Night parade, World of Color show, etc. will be here until the end of August.

If they truly decide that a less than four month celebration is enough I think they will encounter a lot of disappointed guests. I'm sure there are a lot of people hoping to visit after the summer months to experience this with perhaps a smaller crowd. I know holidays (Halloween/Christmas) may pose a bit of a problem but I would think there could be compromises that would bring the best of both the current season and the 60th. Crossing my fingers for a happy outcome.

[magicofdisney]

I hate to hear this because I probably won't get there before Oct/Nov. I didn't realize this could be cut short after only a few months.