Roy continues:
It all came down to this. Hundreds of Disneyana fans — many of whom had paid top dollar (via the Walt, Roy & Lily packages) for the privilege of sitting down front by Sleeping Beauty Castle — looked on as Disneyland’s 50th anniversary rededication ceremony got underway.
First up was Art Linkletter. Who got a very warm hand from the crowd (And not just because July 17th is Art’s 93rd birthday). Linkletter spoke warmly about having toured Disneyland’s proposed construction site back in 1953. When the Ball Road development was just a bunch of orange groves.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Next up was archival footage of Ronald Reagan. Who — long before he became President of the United States — was recruited by Art to serve as one of the three co-hosts of the “Dateline: Disneyland” live TV special.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Reagan’s tribute to the theme park (which was taped back in 1990) was followed by an appearance by Disney’s CEO-to-be, Robert Iger. Who — in turn — introduced the corporation’s outgoing chief executive officer, Michael Eisner.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Eisner then introduced California’s governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar. As Arnold exited the castle, some members of the crowd quickly unfurled a banner that attempted to comment on some of the Governator’s more controversial policies. But Disney security quickly stepped in and the protesters disappeared backstage.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Arnold (Who sounded more like he was giving a campaign speech, rather than paying tribute to “The Happiest Place on Earth”) talked up the positive impact that Disneyland had had on the Golden State’s tourism industry.
And — speaking of gold — as a special “Thank You” to Schwarzeneggar for agreeing to take part in Disneyland’s rededication ceremony, the Walt Disney Company presented Arnold with a gold tinted motorcycle. That — in typical Disney fashion — featured Mouse-shaped rear-view mirrors. The governor seem truly tickled by the gift. But then Arnold said that he’d auction the bike off and give the proceeds to charity.
This announcement got a nice reaction from the crowd in front of the castle. But that was nothing compared to the cheer that rang out when Diane Disney Miller appeared. I mean, here was Walt’s daughter — here to commemorate the theme park that her Dad had designed.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Diane started off by explaining that she hadn’t actually been in the park 50 years ago today. Her father — out of concern about the crowds — had ordered his wife & daughters to stay home that day. And Diane had followed Walt’s orders.
Speaking of following Walt … At this point in the ceremony, Diane Disney Miller was to have read the same dedication speech that her father had read at the park back on July 17, 1955. But Ms. Miller only got as far as “To all those who come to this happy place, welcome… ” before her voice cracked with emotion.
Still, the rededication ceremony didn’t miss a beat. They just cut to the archival footage of Walt giving that same speech back in 1955. And no one — except all us folks who were down front — realized that Diane had been overcome with emotion.
As a special “Thank You” to Diane, the Walt Disney Company presented Ms. Miller with a copy of the “Footsteps” print. You know, that image of Walt walking through Sleeping Castle?
Photo by Jeff Lange
And speaking of the castle … First a chorus suddenly appeared in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, followed by a slew of characters. Then — after a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday,” daytime fireworks exploded, doves were released and confetti rained down.
Photo by Jeff Lange
In short, it was just the sort of ceremony that you’d hope the Walt Disney Company would mount for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary. And I — along with some 35,000 of my close personal friends — were glad that we’d made our way to Anaheim just to be on hand for this event.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Of course, one wonders how the Walt Disney Company is going to keep the crowds coming to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” I mean, sure, it’s easy to get this many people into the park on Disneyland’s actual 50th birthday. But the Mouse wants to keep this party going ’til September of 2006. And not everyone who comes through the turnstiles over the next 15 months is going to get a free set of gold mouse ears and/or a cupcake.
Ah, but that’s a question for July 18th and beyond. Today, I’m dog tired. But I’m still really happy that I made this special trip to Anaheim just so I could be on hand, in the park, for Disneyland’s real 50th birthday.
Look for even more stories about what went on Southern California over the past week as Jeff, Angela & Roy file additional stories here at JHM.