People have been making memories at Disneyland since 1965, including my family and me. To celebrate the park’s 60th anniversary, a special Diamond Celebration was kicked off back in July and plenty of bling is still happening. While I was in southern California earlier this month for D23 Expo 2015, I was able to join in the fun at Disneyland.
Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration
I loved being able to walk along familiar paths and past iconic attractions to see them adorned with gems and glittered decorations for Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration. From the front gates to otherwise basic light fixtures in restaurants, little sparkly surprises seems to be tucked in every corner.
Of course, not all changes were so subtle. For example, commemorative merchandise was found in almost every store window and the bejeweled additions to Sleeping Beauty’s castle were practically impossible to miss.
Disneyland – Paint the Night & Disneyland Forever
Three nightly shows were introduced just for the Diamond Celebration. They are all spectacular and definitely worth a watch or two.
Reminiscent of the nostalgic Electrical Parade of years ago, the Paint the Night parade features hundreds of colorful lights glistening through the park. No villains could bring down the upbeat and jovial party of Disney’s star characters. Here, why don’t I show you 🙂 I trimmed the video down but it’s still just over eight minutes.
No one does fireworks like Disney and the park does not disappoint in the new Disneyland Forever fireworks show. Not only are the fireworks themselves amazing (with heart, cube, and circle shapes included) but the story unfolds closer to the ground as well. Key bits of several Disney movies are projected across the front of the castle, on the buildings lining Main Street, and even on the Matterhorn, turning it into Mount Wannahockaloogie at one point. This video is 14 minutes long but who doesn’t love fireworks?!
Disney California Adventure – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney
The full celebration couldn’t be contained in just one park though. The 60th anniversary festivities continued across the turnstiles and over into Disney California Adventure.
Carthay Circle was decked out in diamonds both inside and out! Plus, a new World of Color is also on the daily itinerary.
There would be no Disney, let alone Disneyland, if it wasn’t for the vision and innovation of the man the company is named after. The World of Color show, Celebrate!, pays tribute to Walt Disney and the wonderful films he had a hand in bringing to life and into our hearts. While I don’t have a video to show you (I was broadcasting the whole show live on Periscope) here’s a peek of the newest water and light spectacular.
The Diamond Celebration is still going strong. However, I’m not sure for how much longer. If at all possible, try to get to the Disneyland Resort to share in this milestone occasion in the park’s history.
How will you celebrate Disneyland’s 60th anniversary?
I was invited on an all-expense paid media trip as a guest of Disney in honor D23 Expo. All opinions are my own.
See more:
Marvel’s Avengers Event | Avengers 2: Age of Ultron | Monsters University Event | Frozen Event | Big Hero 6 Event | D23 Expo 2015
