Reporter's Notebook: Disney's Golden Celebration Announcement

First published May 06, 2004

By C. W. Oberleitner

Just back from Anaheim, C. W. Oberleitner checks in with a quick look at the Walt Disney Company's plans for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary celebration.

Dateline The Disneyland Resort

This past Wednesday May 5, was the final day of the Disneyland Resort's three day grand opening festivities for The Twilight Zone Hollywood Tower of Terror ride in the resort's Disney's California Adventure (DCA) theme park. Tower of Terror, known among its fans as ToT, is the first new E-ticket attraction to be added to DCA since it opened in February 2001. It's the first major E-ticket attraction, outside of the rides that opened with DCA, to debut at the resort since Indiana Jones opened back in March 1995.

As of May 5, ToT is officially opened to the public. For the past month ToT was open for cast and passholder previews. Prior to its grand opening sharp-eyed DCA guests had a period of five days that they could enjoy the ride during its soft opening. I took advantage of the soft opening last Sunday.

Despite the fact that there were signs all over DCA inviting guests to experience ToT, I was amazed to discover that for most of the day the wait to board was less than fifteen minutes. Up until last Sunday I was a ToT virgin. By that I mean I have never ridden the first ToT at Walt Disney World in Florida. I have read many stories comparing the two. I have to tell you even though the DCA version of ToT lacks the 5th Dimension room of its Florida counter part it still rocks. The thing is a tower of fun.

After experiencing ToT for myself I have to stay the word terror is a misnomer. Guests do scream and squeal during the ride but they are squeals of delight. I was amazed at just how happy I felt during and after each ride. And, I wasn't alone in those feelings.

As I walked down the exit corridor the hallway was filled with the sound of laughter and calls to "go again." Exiting through the obligatory gift shop you pass by the ride photo gallery. In photo after photo, ride after ride, I was amazed at all the happy smiling faces beaming out at the room the gallery above us.

If ToT has any problem at all it's that word of mouth will quickly make this a must ride attraction. Which will inevitably lead to long lines and even longer waits between crossing over to the Twilight Zone.

And Now Your Host,

Wednesday morning a on a stage set up in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, The Walt Disney Company finally and officially took the wraps off its long awaited plans to celebrate Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. Billed, "The Happiest Celebration on Earth," "A Global Salute to the 50^th Anniversary of Disneyland," the nearly one-hour special event featured a live band, singers and dancers, lots of WDC executives and a world-wide hook up, via two jumbotron monitors, with Disney theme parks around the world.

As the man who, along with Walt Disney, introduced the world to Disneyland on a live opening day special 48 years ago on ABC TV, Art Linkletter returned to the stage to welcome everyone to this special event. At a very youthful 93 he looked and sounded better than Michael Eisner does at 61.

Following Mr. Linkletter came the announcements of the various plans the other Disney parks and resorts have for celebrating Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. Here's a brief run down.

Tokyo Disneyland

Plans a very special tribute that pays homage to Walt Disney's dream of Disneyland.
Opening in 2005 at Tokyo DisneySea, "Lost River Delta" a thrill attraction.
Disneyland Paris
"Wishes," an "unbelievable" new fireworks spectacular.

Walt Disney World

In 2005 opens its own version of Disney Studios Paris' popular "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" at Disney MGM Studio park.
Also in 2005, "Soarin" an exact replica of DCA's popular "Soarin Over California" attraction opens in Epcot.
Possibly in late 2005, more likely 2006, during the closing months of the celebration, "Expedition Everest" will open in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Also in DAK, Lucky the Dinosaur will "interact" with guests on the walkways of Dinoland U.S.A.
Cinderellabration—inside the Magic Kingdom the U.S. debut of the musical spectacular from Tokyo Disneyland.

The Disney Cruise Line

Next May the Disney Magic will set sail from Florida for The Port of Los Angeles. Following its arrival it will embark on twelve consecutive seven-night cruises from LA to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Disneyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle to undergo an elegant transformation as "The Crown Jewel of Disneyland."
Main Street Opera House to spotlight "Disneyland—The First 50 Years." A journey through Disneyland memories with never-before seen artwork, and models from the vaults of Walt Disney Imagineering.
An all new "streetacular," also known as a parade, featuring new musical numbers from some of Disney's most famous animated films.
"Remember…" "The most elaborate fireworks Ever!" Look for an "amazing" new appearance by Disney's most famous flying sprite, Tinkerbelle.
The opening of "Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters" at a date to be determined in 2005.
The return of Space Mountain, with "New Out of This World Thrills!"
Across the Esplanade in DCA, a series of "spontaneous street parties," "Block Party Bash."

The ceremonies concluded with the introduction of the official Disneyland 50th Anniversary Ambassador to the World, Mary Poppins herself, Julie Andrews. Radiant and lovely in the bright Southern California sunshine she too looked far better than Michael Eisner.

Those are just the highlights of what's been going on during the past few days at the site of Walt Disney's original theme park, Disneyland. I'll be back next week with interviews with various Disney executives and an in-depth look at today's announcements.

C'ya real soon!