Did you see those cool Disneyland 50th anniversary signs?
No, not that one …
Photo by Jeff Lange
Not those 50 Hidden Mickey-things that you’ll scattered all over the theme park. I’m talking about those little metal plaques that you’ll typically find near the entrance of various Disneyland attractions.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Here. Let me provide you with a close-up.
Photo by Jeff Lange
This is the way the Walt Disney Company has chosen to honor the “Class of 1955.” That assortment of rides that actually made their debut when Disneyland first opened its doors back in 1955.
You’ll find these plaques near the entrances of attractions “Snow White’s Scary Adventure,” “Peter Pan’s Flight” and “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.” Though what I found funny was how mangled some of these things already are.
What am I talking about? Take a closer look at the “Class of 55” plaque that I’ve posted above. Please notice that the topmost mouse-shaped “50” screw cover has disappeared.
Based on what Disneyland cast members have been telling me, over-zealous Disneyana fans (Who seem determined to take home an extra special “souvenir” from Disneyland’s 50th anniversary) have been attacking the plaques. Doing everything from pulling the mouse-shaped screw-covers off of the plaques to attempting to pry the plaques themselves right off the wall.
Just in case you’re wondering, this is what an undamaged version of the “Class of 1955” plaque looks like:
Photo by Jeff Lange
You’ll find this particular plaque in Fantasyland. Where it pays tribute to the “Casey Jr. Circus Train.”
Photo by Jeff Lange
I though that it was a particularly nice touch to attach this plaque directly to one of Disneyland’s old ticket booths.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Just to remind people that Disneyland wasn’t always a place where you pay one price and then get to ride everything in the park for free.
Speaking of riding things at Disneyland: This is what I decided to do on July 17, 2005 while I was in the Anaheim theme park. Rather than rush off and join the mob in line to ride the new & improved version of Space Mountain, I decided to pay tribute to the “Class of 1955.”
Photo by Jeff Lange
From Casey Jr. ….
Photo by Jeff Lange
… to the King Arthur Carousel, I rode them all. (I mean, all of the original opening day attractions that were still operating, that is.)
And — you know — it was a pretty sweet way to spend Disneyland’s 50th birthday.