My mom was 14 years old when Disneyland opened in Southern California in 1955. She remembers the excitement that surrounded the new park, the likes of which had never been seen before. Huge crowds filled the park on opening day, and TV journalists reported live in excited voices on that hot summer day. Even then, they could glimpse some of the magic that would delight generations to come.
This year, Disneyland Resort celebrates its 60th anniversary, a celebration that continues through summer 2016. As part of its “60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration” the resort features three new after-dark shows. The all-new “World of Color—Celebrate!” takes place on the waters of Paradise Bay lagoon and is a lights, music and fireworks extravaganza featuring the voice of actor Neil Patrick Harris.
[next]
[next]
The “Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade” dazzles guests with more than 1.5 million LED lights worn by all the favorite Disney characters, from Toy Story to The Little Mermaid to Mickey and his pals. The crowd favorites seem to be Anna and Elsa, whose Frozen ice palace shimmers in the lights.
“Disneyland Forever” is the newest fireworks show featuring timeless Disney tales and some surprising special effects, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in the Disney park.
[next]
Stars Wars-Themed Land: Coming Soon
Sixty years may have come and gone, but Disneyland Resort has never been one to sit on its laurels. New rides and attractions are always in the works. Look for a new Star Wars-themed land coming soon at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The new 14-acre land will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet with two signature attractions, including a customized secret mission on the Millennium Falcon and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle.
The new Star Wars Launch Bay takes guests into the worlds of the Star Wars galaxy with special exhibits. Live Star Wars characters add to the fun.
[next]
Disneyland Hotel Turns 60
Disneyland Hotel also opened in 1955 just three months after the park opened. Designed to for families, the hotel launched a new family-friendly era in the tourism industry. The hotel has undergone many renovations, including one in 2012, and now has 973 rooms. One of the most popular onsite restaurants is Goofy’s Kitchen, which offers character dining and an all-you-eat buffet. Other restaurants include the new Tangaroa Terrace restaurant and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tike Bar. In tune with its kid-friendly feel, there’s also a huge pool area (including a Mickey ears-shaped pool) and slide.
Today Disneyland Resort also offers the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which has the feel of a grand mountain lodge, and the 481-Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, which has a California beach vibe.
[next]
If You Go to Disneyland
Disneyland Resort
Source : By Janna Graber |Go World Travel Magazine
