As Disneyland’s band played ….
Photo by Jeff Lange
… a very special ceremony got underway last Thursday morning right outside Disney’s new Soda Fountain & Studio Store. Which is located right next door to the historic El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
As Johnny Grant, the honorary mayor of Hollywood, explained to the assembled crowd …
Photo by Jeff Lange
…. Disneyland was not actually getting a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. But — rather — an Award of Excellence star, which would be located adjacent to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hollywood’s Chamber of Commerce decided to issue this first-of-its-kind award to the “Happiest Place on Earth” in recognition of the Anaheim theme park’s 50th anniversary.
And — given that Disneyland was recieving this prestigious honor — it only made sense that Disney’s two Big Cheeses would turn out to take part in the festivities. First Bob Iger, the CEO-to-be spoke …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… followed by Michael Eisner, the company’s soon-to-be-exiting chief executive officer.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Both Iger & Eisner were on hand to graciously accept a copy of a resolution (Which was presented by Los Angeles City Councilmen Eric Garcetti [at podium] and Tom Labonge [next to Donald]) which paid tribute to Disneyland’s golden anniversary.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Then the two Disney execs happily posed with Mickey with Disneyland’s star in the foreground.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Speaking of which: Here’s a close-up on that Award of Excellence star …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… Please note that small plaque that’s located just below the pink-terrazzo-and-brass star. If you read the fine print …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… You see that this star is a “special achievement” award, distinctly different than the star that Hollywood’s Chamber of commerce typically issues to performers.
You know, you can work up quite an appetite pretending to be a member of the papparazzi. Which is why I think I’ll now head inside Hollywood’s newest hang-out — Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store — and grab myself a bite to eat.
Come back tomorrow … And I’ll take you on a tour of this new Hollywood Boulevard eatery.
of