Disneyland 60th Anniversary Info
Wondering what is in store for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary? Here’s some info about the new parade, fireworks, and World of Color for the “Diamond Celebration” at Disneyland Resort, beginning May 22, 2015.
UPDATE: the festivities have started–skip this preview and read my Ultimate Disneyland 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration Guide for current info and tips.
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We thought it would be fun to take a look at what’s coming, speculate a bit, and offer some commentary on the celebration as a whole. As with all of our posts, we strive not to regurgitate press releases or parrot info that’s widely available, and with countless other blogs and Disney’s own PR department covering the ‘just the facts’ info that has thus far been made available, we aren’t going to fixate on that too much. Instead, this is basically us opining on the announcement and the potential of each offering.
First, I have to say I’m absolutely stoked about Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary. I had just gotten back into Disney during the Disneyland 50th Anniversary with a visit to Walt Disney World, but hadn’t yet visited Disneyland at that time, so I didn’t get to truly experience the festivities (save for the “New Magic Imported From…” at Walt Disney World as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth) there.
I’m very much an “Anniversary Person” and the anniversaries I’ve experienced for Walt Disney World’s 40th and EPCOT Center’s 30th on those specific days have been fun, but lacking in terms of what I think they should have been. The last ‘big’ Disney anniversary I experienced in person was Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary, and I was only 11 at the time, and don’t remember a ton of it, besides the merchandise my parents bought. I also remember the Cinderella Castle Cake, which I loved as a kid. (Sorry, hope I don’t get my Fan-Card revoked for that!)
Anyways, let’s take a look at what we know is coming, along with some things that are likely coming…
Disneyland Forever Fireworks – This is the new fireworks show that will be the successor to ‘Remember… Dreams Come True’, and will be another show rooted in nostalgia by Steve Davison, “utilizing the whole park as a stage.”
I can’t imagine any show surpassing ‘Remember… Dreams Come True’ in terms of playing up nostalgia, but so long as the team behind this show keeps that same winning formula intact and builds upon it with new technology, including Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street projection mapping, I think that it could be a success.
With this, I think Disney will aim for more mainstream appeal, as it sounds like the show is going to feature classic films instead of classic attractions. I also suspect Disney will shoehorn popular characters (“new classics”) into the show, alienating some hardcore fans but winning over casual guests. If Olaf isn’t in this show, I would be absolutely flabbergasted. Still, I expect lots of nostalgia and a lavish show with Davison utilizing the new tools he’s had a chance to play with in Paris and Tokyo.
Regardless, there will be two new songs, one of which is by Richard Sherman (the Disney Legend, not the Seahawk) and that’s a good thing. WE REPEAT, A NEW SONG BY RICHARD SHERMAN. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. 🙂
Disney Paint the Night Parade – This is the new parade that is basically the next generation of the Main Street Electrical Parade.
While Disneyland touts this as an new parade, it is not. This is a parade that debuted in Hong Kong Disneyland last October, except with a couple of new floats (rumored to be recycled from Tokyo Disneyland’s Jubilation parade, with some lights added) thrown into the mix.
This is not necessarily a knock on the parade. I already wrote a Disney Paint the Night Parade Review, which contains a lot of photos and additional thoughts, but suffice to say, I think this parade has promise if tweaked from the Hong Kong original. With that said, I think it is definitely not in keeping with the otherwise nostalgic tone of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary. If I had to predict the reaction to this parade, my guess would be that casual tourists will love it since it’s fairly hip and modern, and Disneyland regulars won’t care for it…for pretty much the same reason. I’m more or less indifferent to this parade as it exists in Hong Kong Disneyland, but some elements just some a bit too modern for me on Main Street in Walt Disney’s Original Magic Kingdom. I don’t doubt that most guests will love this parade, though.
World of Color: Celebrate the Wonderful World of Walt Disney! – This is a special edition of World of Color for the 60th Anniversary that will skew heavily towards Walt Disney-era films, with Mickey Mouse as the host.
It’s great to see this happening. World of Color’s ability to change shapes has mostly led to evil, such as the ‘World of Frozen’ that Disney bestowed upon us this year. Now, Disney gets the chance to revisit the original World of Color, which skewed more towards Walt-era classics. This will be narrated by Mickey Mouse (and the original wasn’t), but I hope Disney takes the opportunity to revisit the original score that features beautiful mixes from Alice and Wonderland, among other Walt Disney-era classics. This original version was pulled at the last minute before the debut of the show, but the source audio leaked out recently, and I absolutely love it. If they utilize portions of this original audio remains to be seen, but given that Disney has already made this version, and given that it is heavy on Walt-era stuff, it makes sense. It would also be great to see the Chernobog figure rise out of Paradise Pier Bay!
Re-Imagined Fantasyland Attractions (rumored/not announced) – Disneyland is expected to be sprucing up several of the Fantasyland dark rides, giving them fresh coats of paint, new Audio Animatronics, and modern technology, such as projection mapping. This wasn’t announced at the press conference, but Micechat has been rumoring that it will occur for some time–one attraction is already done–and the refurb calendar corroborates their rumors…
We’ve already seen this come to fruition in Alice in Wonderland, and the results were unequivocally spectacular. I have long been a critic of the Fantasyland dark rides at Disneyland, which I think receive a pass from hardcore fans because of their nostalgia for these attractions. The upgrades slated to occur in Peter Pan’s Flight and other dark rides demonstrate Disneyland’s commitment to maintaining Walt Disney’s legacy, and also to bringing the park’s older attractions up to modern standards. If these upgrades are made as tactfully as the ones to Alice in Wonderland, “New Fantasyland 2.0” will be the talk of most repeat guests visiting for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary. I really hope these proceed as rumored, as I think this could be the big hit of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary for regulars.
Although not a Fantasyland dark ride, if the scrims up in Haunted Mansion are any indication, Hatbox Ghost will be making an appearance for the 60th. Likewise, updates are expected to the Matterhorn, too.
Grizzly Peak Airfield (announced, but not as part of the 60th) – An expansion to Grizzly Peak that swallows Condor Flats and gives it the same ‘National Parks’ aesthetic. Another thing that isn’t *specifically* for the 60th, but has already been announced, and will likely be hyped up later…
To me, this seems like a ‘place-making’ move, but I’m incredibly excited, nonetheless. Condor Flats had a ton of potential, but that was never fully realized, and the land felt dated as the rest of Disney California moved away from the late-1990s look. Grizzly Peak has always been a strong point of the park, and this move should make the land even stronger. Here’s hoping they bring in vintage National Park cruisers to give the land some added kinetic energy!
In addition to these major offerings, Sleeping Beauty Castle will receive a new color scheme (in line with the original, as seen in Hong Kong at the top of the post) with ‘diamond’ decorations that will be removed after the 60th Anniversary. Likewise, Carthay Circle Theater will receive diamond decorations. The concept art for this isn’t quite as stunning, but it looks like a nice effort that will be enjoyable as a temporary thing.
Ultimately, I think the big question left unanswered as of right now is how Disneyland will simultaneously appease both the mainstream guest demographic and the hardcore Annual Passholder demographic. It seems like the 50th Anniversary did a good job of this with a heavy emphasis on history and Disneyland attractions of the past and present. My one concern here is that the focus is more on the history of Disney films, rather than parks. Disney paying tributes to its films is commonplace, and just because people are serious fans of the parks doesn’t mean they are serious animation fans. With that said, even though the management team isn’t the same as it was for the 50th, I think Disneyland’s current team has a good understanding of its fans going into the 60th Anniversary, and they will do their best to appease both those crazy hardcore fans like me, and average guests who may have no clue what the Peoplemover, America Sings, or Carousel of Progress even are.
I don’t doubt that some things will be cringe-worthy to hardcore fans like me (as I said above, you can bet Olaf will make an appearance…or 10, and the Mack truck from Paint the Night going down Main Street is going to feel out of place, I think). At the end of the day, though, the TLC that the Fantasyland attractions will receive, plus the other new entertainment, other little olive branches extended to Annual Passholders, and the general improvements made around Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will make this anniversary celebration a winner from pretty much every perspective. (Unless the new fireworks and World of Color are serious downgrades from their predecessors, which I doubt.) Personally, I can’t wait to see Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary take shape, and am really looking forward to it!
If you’re planning a Disneyland 60th Anniversary trip, make sure to read our trip planning series, including what to pack, whether you should stay off-site or on-site in a Disney hotel, where to dine, and a number of other things, check out our comprehensive Disneyland trip planning guide!
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Your Thoughts…
Are you looking forward to Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary? Planning to make a trip out to see the new offerings? What, if anything, excites you about the new entertainment for the 60th? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments!
You may have already mentioned this… Will the Soundsational Parade be continuing throughout the 60th ann. or will that be discontinued?
Great article! We are a pretty hardcore Disneyland family. We plan a trip every year. This will be our 7th trip – while planning, it was a happy coincidence that this year is the 60th. As mentioned above I really hope they stick with the “Walt Era Classics”.
Make sure to eat at Wine Country Trattoria for there World of Color Dinner. This will get you the closest seats in the house. You may get wet!
Hope you have a great time. I suspect those World of Color dinner packages will be a hot ticket this year as there will be a renewed interest in World of Color, making getting a spot for it more difficult than it has been the last few years.
A member from Disneyland guest services contacted me as I had sent in an email asking about any specifics that they might have. She was able say that the “talk” for the 60th eludes to the celebration going until AT least the end of this year; maybe longer. But could not give any definite plans.
She did say that for as long as the 60th lasts, all of the special events will be offered; such as World of Color (so excited to book the dinner and show. So worth it btw!!)
As to the halloween events, I did not ask. I figured that info isn’t available at this time.
I wanted to share this info with you all. Not a lot to share but seems like the 60th will be going for quite some time 🙂
Thanks for the info. Anything they say about the Halloween parties would be them guessing or just assuming it will run based on last year. A decision won’t be made until they see how popular the 60th stuff is.
So excited about the 2 new songs for the Fireworks and all of the proposed festivities.
Loving all the nostalgia led events. That’s what anniversaries are all about, right?
It is of note that there will be no Christmas fireworks this year just like they did on the 50th anniversary. Nothing said on Halloween fireworks yet though.
Indeed that is what (I think) park anniversaries should be all about. I hope this is a great celebration of Walt Disney’s and Disneyland’s legacy!
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Halloween parties are up in the air at the moment. If initial response to the 60th is HUGE, it will be tough to have the parties this year and shift all of that traffic to DCA.
On the other hand, the Halloween parties are $$$ for Disney, so yeah…I’m guessing the Halloween parties (and fireworks) will happen! 🙂
I hope they release how long this will last. And if the world of color, parades, and other shows will continue during this time. We were planning to go to Disneyworld November but we would switch to Disneyland if these new events are still going; particularly world of color.
Does anyone have that info yet?
Thanks 🙂
The info isn’t out there yet, but my money is on it lasting 18 months–perhaps 24.
We are going to be there in July (just before the official anniversary) and I can’t wait! Thanks for the update Tom, love your site and appreciate all the info. I always feel like I have an insider’s track on what’s going on in the parks. I have pinned so much of your stuff on my Disney boards…I swear I’m not a stalker 😉
This may not be the best place to ask this, but would you reccomend the D23 expo this year? It seems like there could be a lot of special offerings with it being the Diamond Anniversary of disneyland. Thanks for your thoughts!
Always enjoy your website and photo’s Tom! I am very excited for the Diamond anniversary celebrations! I just booked DL hotel for Disneyland’s and my birthday, July 17th! As an AP that travels monthly from San Francisco, I am always excited for any kind of new changes big and small. I think new technology and innovation is great and an essential attribute to the Disney brand.
I am a bit nervous about the crowd control having 3 night time shows in Disneyland though. Being still bitter about Fantasmic Fast Pass, opening up the back alleys of main street still seems a bit of a half-booty attempt. I understand the nostalgia of having another “electrical” parade going down Main Street but I am still hoping for
it to get moved tomore night time entertainment in DCA. The dance parties (tron/mad-t/frozen) become weirdly awkward after the first or second visit or whenever you start noticing the crowd it attracts. I’m actually relieved that it changes semi-frequently.Hi there
We are heading to Disneyland in early May. Just wondering if you have any info on whether many rides will be out of action due to refurbishment for the 60th celebrations? Coming all the way from New Zealand so would be extremely disappointing if there is still a lot of scrim up and rides out of action.
I look forward to your reply.
Thanks
Marcelle
In December i will be going to dl for the very first time and i could not be more excited! The 60th stuff is just the cherry on top. Quick question though with it being a “busier” time for them will firworks be more than once or twice a week (they arent nightly like in wdw right?) what do you think the odds are of missing the new fireworks due to the Christmas fireworks and vice versa. Thanks for your input i love your blog!!
Have you seen this article and this rendering? http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-disneyland-60th-anniversary-20150128-story.html
Hi Tom, so this sounds awesome but we are going to be in the park Oct 14-16 of this year, and I am wondering how much of the Anniversary stuff will be shut down due to Halloween time. I wonder if they will have a conventional fireworks show or parade during that time. Thoughts?
Thanks, and thanks for your site as well!
I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW THIS SAME THING. WE WILL BE GOING OCT. 2-7 AND WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
Of the things announced I am most excited about World of Color. The parade is eh to me (I’m one of those that is anti disco semi truck on Main St.) The Fireworks are promising but it will be tough to beat Remember.
Overall though I really want to see the not announced things. Alice was a wonderful upgrade and I am hopeful about the other dark rides. The other rumors about the Golden Horseshoe review returning or the Star on the Matterhorn for Christmas and those nastalgic touches are what will really determine for me how much they nailed it.
Regarding soft opening questions, there will be for sure. However I would also count on multiple nights of AP only viewings that may limit general public soft openings.
Sounds like you have been in California a lot lately Tom. You are using words like stoked. haha
I am very stoked for all of the new things coming to Disneyland…..but enough of this flim-flam, let’s cut to the most important thing…PHOTOGRAPHY! Any photography advice for these events….especially ideal or preferred location for the fireworks.
Going just the week prior…11-15th…taking 2 of our grchildren for their very first ever Disney park experience. Ages 4 & turning 6. So hoping the castle will not still be under rehab at that time. I’ve been looking forward to this special first visit with grandchildren since I was a little girl and went for the first time at age 10 to Disneyland.
And the other grandchildren will join us the next day, making for a first ever all-cousin visit to a Disney property! Hopefully things will look nice for these sweet first impressions.
Sleeping Beauty Castle is presently under scrims and the Castle Walk-Through reopens in early March, so I’d expect them down around that time. Disneyland will work as quickly as possible to get the exterior work done, as every day that Castle is under wraps, they lose PhotoPass money and receive complaints at Guest Relations.
I’d put the chances of the scrims still being up on May 11th at around .001%.
“(the Disney Legend, not the Seahawk)”
It maybe just the lack of sleep but I literally bursted out laughing at work at that, because I am sure there were people who thought it was the Seahawk. But in all sincerity, two Richard Sherman songs is amazing!! Thanks for all the info!
Yes, but wouldn’t two new songs by the *other* Richard Sherman by spectacular in its own sort of way? 🙂
Thanks for writing this post! I’ll be there for the celebrations from May 18th to 22nd… We booked this a while ago thinking the celebrations would of already started and have flights booked to fly back on the 22nd! Going to be changing that tonight so we will be able to see everything that night. My question is though.. Do you think there will be soft openings of the fireworks etc in the week leading up to it? I’m still going to change my flights but just wondered what your thoughts were. If they all opening on the 22nd I’ll have to see if the times mean I can see all 3!! Either way I’m very excited!
I would absolutely expect soft openings. Just to give you an idea, there were soft openings of Paint the Night in Hong Kong Disneyland for a full 30 days before its debut. Now, Disneyland is a bit different because it’s closely watched by bloggers and the media, with a lot of people really excited for this and Disney potentially not wanting to spoil a “surprise” by doing soft openings too early, but I would expect at least a few nights.
Were you in Anaheim today for the press event? My family is at Disneyland for the first time this week from Michigan and I’d like to buy you a drink at Trader Sam’s on Friday for all your hard work.
Nope, wasn’t at the press event! Hope you’re having a great time in California. Go Wings, Tigers, and Lions! (I’m a native Michigander…)
I guess the Pistons have been so pathetic lately that they don’t deserve a mention 😄
Thanks for the preview post!
Any hard-ticket-type of events for the anniversary or will it be more general around-the-park festivities?
I suspect the hard ticket Halloween party will occur as normal (actually, if all this new stuff is popular, they may not even do the Christmas or Halloween fireworks this year), but I doubt any other hard ticket events will be added.
Disneyland doesn’t have the luxury of 3 other parks where guests displaced by hard ticket events can go. If they schedule a hard ticket event on a remotely popular night, it would be chaos in California Adventure. That’s the real reason why there is no hard ticket event in Disneyland for Christmas. (Similarly, it’s also the reason Magic Kingdom doesn’t do hard ticket events during its busiest times of the year–they don’t have enough “extra” capacity in the other parks.)
Is there any word yet on how long the 60th anniversary stuff will be up? I’m going in late Feb for Dapper Day, and I’m probably not going to be back in DLP until 2016. If the celebration lasts a whole 12 months, I’ll be in business…
With all they’re doing, there’s no question it’ll be a year-long celebration. My guess is that it will last 18 months, with the parade and fireworks continuing well beyond then.
Sweeeeet!
Having visited last weekend for the Star Wars races, I was annoyed at all the Frozen hype. Thank goodness the 60th seems to be aiming towards nostalgia rather than “all things new.” Here’s hoping the 60th will be just as magical as the 50th!
Same here! I really hope they cool it with the ‘contemporary stuff’ and get back to the basics that made so many of us fall in love with Disney, with the 60th. We shall see! 🙂
It looks like a great mix of both – cleaning up the classics and bringing in something to engaged a different generation. (And, yes, as much as I enjoyed Frozen, I can’t see it being a good choice year round… then again… I don’t have a 3-10 year old girl…)
Get off my lawn!!! But seriously I can’t wait for the Frozen hype to just simmer down a bit.
My wife and I just got back this morning. A cast member mentioned that Soaring over California is being re-imagined as Soaring over the World with location such as China, Japan..
Also Toon Town will be replaced with star wars land. anyone know more about this?
Soarin’ Over the World is strongly rumored to be coming as footage was rumored to have been shot for Shanghai Disneyland, but I highly doubt it will debut in Disney California Adventure before Shanghai opens. My guess is that this refurb is basic prep work on the tech side of things, with the original Soarin’ returning for a few years, and then the ‘World’ version replacing it in 2016 or so.
Rumors also point to a Star Wars Land replacing Toontown, but that’ far less certain.