Happy 56th birthday, Disneyland
Today marks the officially recognized birthday of my favorite place, Disneyland (technically the park opened to the public on July 18, 1955, but don’t let’s quibble).
Because 56 isn’t one of the sexier milestones, Disneyland itself isn’t doing much to mark the occasion, but there will be a small ceremony at 2:30 p.m. today during which Walt’s opening speech (see photo above) will be played over the loudspeakers, and then Mickey, Minnie and that angry duck will lead a cast member sing-along of “Happy Birthday.”
If you’re in a nostalgic mood, you can check out some fun old photos, postcards and posters from the park on Disney-centric site MiceAge here and here.
Sidenote: I was thinking about going to Disneyland for my birthday, which is in September, but I found out Pirates of the Caribbean will be closed for a two-month refurbishment. I’m curious to know: what’s your Disneyland dealbreaker? Would you cancel a trip if you found out your favorite ride wouldn’t be open?
PREVIOUSLY: Happy 54th Birthday, Disneyland
To-do this weekend: Disneyland’s 55th
Responses to "Happy 56th birthday, Disneyland"
Going to Disneyland this week, yay! I am sad that the Matterhorn is on refurb, but I don’t really think any one ride being down is a deal breaker. Remember when Space Mountain was down forever before the 50th Anniversary? That is my favorite ride and I still went to Disneyland and had fun.
So, I think you should go, just don’t go during September 6-15 when the Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Blue Bayou, Space Mountain and California Screamin’ will all be down. Haunted Mansion and Space will just be down a few days for the holiday overlays, but the others are down for refurb. To me, that many rides down at the same time is deal breaker.
Great question. One attraction down? Hm, I’d go anyway, but I think I’d be most bummed if Pirates was down.
Haunted second, Indiana Jones third, Jungle Cruise in there.
Happy BDay to the happiest place on earth!
No dealbreakers at the “Happiest place on Earth”!
maybe disapointed but….so MUCH to see and do…there is always something new!
Happy Birthday!!
Is there a website where you can find this information? We will be there Nov 10-12, what will be closed so I can mentally prepare myself? On a different note: How is the new Star Tours?
Hey Matt, you lucky dog. November is my favorite time to be at the park. Hopefully all the Christmas stuff will be up for you by then.
I haven’t been since January, so I’ve yet to see the new Star Tours, bu I’ve heard good things.
Below is a link to upcoming attraction closures. It looks like Pirates will be the only attraction [scheduled to be] closed while you’re there.
Disney California Adventure will be pretty torn up, since they’re still remodeling the place, but most of the attractions should be open, including the new Little Mermaid ride.
http://www.mouseplanet.com/9688/Disneyland_Resort_Update#Rehabs