Disneyland 50th Celebration - Share your experience

[Tink33]

I was a part of Disneyland history!

DD and I arrived at the resort at 9:00pm on Saturday the 16th. We went shopping, watched the fireworks and saw a late showing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at DTD.

After our movie was finished, we headed back to the Mickey and Friends parking structure to pick up the car and move it to the Pumbaa lot (the only lot open at the time). We walked up Disney Way and across Harbor to the Great Line of 2005. There were so many people already lined up by the time we arrived at 1:25 am. We made friends with our line neighbors and began the journey of the line. Sometime in the dark, folks started trickling into DCA. It took almost 4 hours for our group to reach the end of the line. Our spot was in the doorway of Treasures in Paradise - right on the wood walkway. We were in the first 250 people of the blue group (#3). We inflated our lime green air mattresses, turned on Disneyland's opening day ceremony from 1955 on DVD and shared treats with those in our area. At 6:20 am we were packing up our "camp" so that we could enter Disneyland. Breakfast was candy and Diet Pepsi. About 7:10 am we were skipping across the Esplanade in our Gold Mickey Ears on our way to the Happiest Celebration on Earth. Every castmember working was lined up on Main Street giving high fives, shouting happy birthday and exclaiming Welcome Home.

We were wisked away to our spot in line for the limited edition pin and other special 50th merchandise. I was caught up in the excitement and spent 4 HOURS in line for my purchases. While waiting in line at the Festival Arena, the rededication ceremony was broadcast on a huge screen. A few CMs handed out cupcakes while we were in line.

By this time, we were hot, tired and our feet were hurting. We headed to Tomorrowland to check out the wait for Space Mountain (140 minutes at 11:30 am) and opted for a nice air-conditioned Innoventions. We were able to talk to Stitch and also see the new robot show by Honda. After a nice rest we headed to Blue Bayou to meet MaryJo for lunch. I met some nice people from various Disney websites while waiting in line. The food and company were great at lunch.

We were so exhausted after lunch that we went straight to the pumbaa parking lot and I drove home while DD slept.

It was a fun time and we made some special memories.

 

[poconoboatniks]

Thanks for sharing. We were wishing that we were their today. At least we made to DL during the celebration in June.

Poconoboatniks

 

[dletz]

Got there around 1:45 (we went to sleep at 11:30 to get up at 12:30 and the alarm didn't go off). Luckily our friends were in line, so we got in line with them. At 2 they started taking people into DCA very slowly, got in about 4:30 am. Our spot was right across from then entrance to Golden Vine Winery and next to the bread factory (did they have to bake bread that early). Sent a couple people back up to the front for muffins, crossiants, and cinamon rolls. My six year old aslo had a bag of chips. She refused to sleep. Got in line for pins around 7:15-7:20. We got our pin voucher and went and stood in line for mechandise. At 9:30 and only a 1/4 way through the line decide to buy the merchandise at a different store and go to the pin line. Went back to the pin line with the other half of the group, and had one person buy the pins to not take up as much time. Left there a bit before ten, got a cupcake (my daughter conked in line, and at 9:00 I went and got FP for Space) She was still sleeping so she missed the cupcake. Went to small world area to watch the show, as we were told at fesitval you couldn't leave the queue to watch it.
Then went and bought our stuff had lunch, got a pic taken, rode space, went to DCA saw turtle talk with crush, back to DL, saw parade, then watched walt's opening address. left about 5:15

 

[Michelle2]

Sounds like it was a very special event to be a part of. Thanks so much for sharing your special experiences (loved the pictures, easier to imagine!). I am just glad we will be able to make it for the 50th celebration in September!

 

[hookedup]

WOW! Thanks for sharing! I am tired just thinking about the lack of sleep. Glad you had fun. I was thinking about DL all day today!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

We got to Disneyland at about 6:30am, and were able to drive right to the structure & park. There were some people, but not really crowded. We parked on the 2nd level (Daisy), and were able to get right on a tram. When we got off, we saw the long line of people. The queue started at the security checks, went the length of Downtown Disney to the Monorail station, then doubled back to the tram entrance from Disneyland, and started up that ramp. That is where we joined it. After we joined, the queue continued up the length of the ramp, doubled back, and ended somewhere in Downtown Disney. In short: It was a LONG line. (I found out later that by 8am the lines were extremely long to get in, and they were holding people up at the parking structure, and after the line moved a certain distance, they would let another tramload go. I think we went at the perfect time.) Note: As we were waiting to get in, probably about 7:15 or so, the monorail went past us. The people there were cheering, & at first I thought they were letting those people go in already, but I realized that they must have been special guests. When the queue to get through the security check, wound past the monorail entrance, I saw a huge line to get on it. Someone later in the day told me that they finally stopped letting people take the monorail in - it was taking too long.

The kids wanted to be at Disneyland on its 50th birthday. In fact, if Kelly had her way, we would have gone during the night & joined Tink33 & her daughter!

Finally the queue started moving... it took 15 minutes before we started moving, too - that is because there were so many waiting. We passed Dave, aka TheLionKing, as he went in. I think the CMs did a great job in keeping everything organized. They didn't let anyone cut in front, even if they claimed they were meeting family -- I don't know if there were any exceptions. They also stood every so many yards apart between the lines, and kept anyone from cutting across. As a result, getting through the security points was very smooth.

Once inside, we stood in one of the lines that led to Disneyland. When we were there in May, the lines wound back and forth in the Esplanade (the area between Disneyland and California Adventure), and it was a little confusing. This time, there were several lines available, and they did not reach the California Sign.

While in line, we saw the guests waiting in California Adventure. We found out that for every 1,000 guests, there was a different colored wristband - first orange, then pink, then blue... There were 9 different colors -- about 9,000 people waiting in the gates at California Adventure. We also got to visit with Dave for a few minutes, which was nice because I hadn't seen him in over a year, and we've had a lot of fun at some DIS Meets.

At the Harbor side of the Esplanade, they started letting the people in from California Adventure. I heard that they started entering Disneyland at 6:30, and the CM's cheered them as they walked down Main Street (I would have liked to have been part of that). We saw the last two people walk past us at 8:10 & those were Doobie & Rebekah of Laughingplace.

Then they started letting us in & the crowd cheered. Once they started letting us through, they opened up the queues again at the security checkpoints.

We entered Disneyland at 8:15am. We were given golden Mickey ears with the 50th logo on the front (iron on) and July 17, 2005 embroidered on the back. I thought that perhaps we would get paper ears, but these were the same ones that they sell, except we couldn't get them embroidered. What a cool gift! We also received a Disneyland map that opened up to show the current map on one side and Disneyland as it was on opening day in 1955 - another very nice souvenir.

We entered Main Street and saw a sea of golden Mickey ears, characters greeting guests, and a big screen in Town Square showing scenes from Disneyland. Today's map showed these screen locations around the park so everyone could watch the 10:00am ceremony.

Here is Timon, and on the other side of him are Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse wearing their 50th costumes (I should have got them, but wasn't thinking).

Here Alice signs autographs, with the White Rabbit, & Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum. Behind them is one of the screens showing scenes from Disneyland (this is about 8:20am).

I went straight to the Showcase store, even though I had heard you had to get in line at the Festival of Fools (backside of Thunder Mountain Railroad) to get pins. There were no pins, but they had other merchandise, so I got a t-shirt, "toothpick holder," key chain, magnet, & a couple of mugs - they all had July 17, 2005 on them, and I didn't want to chance that they wouldn't have any left at the end of the day (or worry about crowds). We got a locker, stowed the stuff & then were off for some fun and crowd watching.

We headed straight for Tomorrowland, bypassing all the people who were waiting on Main Street -- having experienced ceremonies on Main Street, & not being able to see anything, we didn't concern ourselves with trying to see the stage - we would be happy watching on a screen. So, we headed straight to Space Mountain. The posted time said 60 minutes, but it only took us 45 minutes.

Space Mountain was a lot of fun & got 6 thumbs up from the rascals and me.

After Space Mountain we went to Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - with a 20 minute wait we figured why not. Another fun ride. I scored 68,100 -- I may not have scored that high, but each time I go on I score a little more -- it was fun.

After Buzz, we headed to Main Street again - we had another 15 minutes before the 10:am ceremonies, and found a good spot right by Plaza Inn. We were behind a few people that the CM had told were a cut-off point. Sure enough, they put the rope right there in front of them, and we had a great spot to see a screen in the plaza/hub.

There was a small delay to the start of the ceremonies, but finally it was time.

Art Linkletter began the ceremonies, and the fact that today is his 93rd birthday and he was at Disneyland for the opening day ceremonies made his appearance even more special. (Later he went right past us, and though I wasn't fast enough to take a picture, it was great to see him up so close.)



After his opening speech, Mickey Mouse came out with Goofy, Donald, Minnie, & Pluto, accompanied by the Disneyland Band. Everyone cheered.



Then Bob Iger came out to more cheers and gave his speech.



Then it was Michael Eisner, wearing his Mickey ears, who came out to make his speech.



After Michael Eisner was done, Mickey came out again, this time leading Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Disney donated a golden motorcycle with Mickey shaped mirrors to the governor, who in turn donated it to raise money for the After-School program. I hope it brings in a lot of money.



The last person to give a speech was Diane Disney Miller - Walt Disney's daughter. She began her father's speech of so many years ago, and then the video was shown with the rest of his speech.




Afterwards everyone sang Happy Birthday to Disneyland, and then fireworks went off.



After the ceremony, we walked around a bit -- people were milling about, and there were a lot of them, but I think the CMs were doing a good job keeping things in order, and keeping the people moving. We ended up in Frontierland. The sun was finally starting to break through, and it was getting really warm. In Frontierland, we met up for a few minutes with Disneyland Emily, who was there with some friends, and then with iceskatejen, who was there with some friends..... It was great meeting up with you guys & saying hey

Afterwards, the kids & decided to go see Billy Hill & the Hillbillies -- we hadn't seen them in awhile. So we hung out on the porch of the Golden Horseshoe & waited (well, Nick sat out on a hot sunny bench).

While in line, I chatted with some people, and found out that the nice lady behind me was Disneyfan100, who posts here on the DIS, so that was cool meeting her and her cousin, who I hope to talk to on the phone soon.

I decided to check on the pin line. There were two pins being sold - one was a limited edition - only 5,000 were being sold, and you had to have a voucher. Since there were 9,000 people in DCA waiting overnight, I figured that I had no chance to get that pin (one per person). There was another pin, exclusive to Disneyland, and only being sold today - so that is the one I wanted. The pin line went all the way from the Festival of Fools area to Tom Sawyer's rafts. Earlier, the line went to Critter Country & doubled back - pin line was running about 4 hours in the morning. I decided to wait and see if it got to a reasonable length for me.

We've seen Billy Hill & the Hillbillies a few times, but this show was different than the other ones we saw -- it was so funny! Here's a shot of them doing Beatles songs -- hillbilly style.



After the show, we headed to Blue Bayou. There we met Tink33 & her daughter - they had already signed in. Also there were Disneyland Emily & her friends. It was crowded, and people were constantly being turned away. Finally, it was time for us to go to our table. It was such a nice lunch, and so nice to catch up on what's going on with each other. I had the chicken florentine, Nick had the chicken caesar salad (he said it was a lot of food), and Tink33 had the famous Monte Cristo (next time I HAVE to try that). For dessert we got the birthday cupcake. We found out that Tink33 hadn't slept all night, and her dd only slept for 20 minutes because they're line was moving so slowly, but it was moving, so she didn't have a chance to settle down. Disneyland Emily was in the second group of a thousand, and Tink33 was in the third -- so they got in line early, and got their pins.

After lunch, Tink33 headed for home, and after saying goodbye, we headed for the Festival of Fools arena. By the time we got there (about 3:30ish), the line was minimal, and after a short wait, we were able to get our pins -- they also still had the limited edition pins, but I didn't have a voucher, so I couldn't get one (darn!).

We decided to go ahead & leave the park & come on home. We left about 4pm.

My observations -- The park was crowded, but I don't think it was overly so. When we left, people were still entering the park, and there was still a supply of Mickey ears and maps. Lines were long, but I don't think they were miserably long. Pirates had a 25 minute wait, and I thought that was very reasonable. Of course, Space Mountain was 2 hours (ahhh, that reminds me of the 70's), but with Fastpass you could ride earlier. I thought it was a good day and handled well by the cast members. I enjoyed my day there, and I'm so glad I was able to also be a part of Disneyland History.

Here are the souvenirs I got today. The hat & map were gratis. All of these items have today's date on them. The mug has the date on the handle - you cannot see it that well, but it is in gold.

 

[missmulan]

what great reports! thanks for sharing your day with me! it was very detailed and it's one of those "i really should have been there".

 

[lntsmom]

It makes me feel as if I'd been there myself! It looks as if the day was well planned and well orchestrated! Wish we could have been there...but your report was the next best thing!

 

[MateasMom]

VERY cool guys! Thanks for sharing

 

[CamColt]

About 7:10 am we were skipping across the Esplanade in our Gold Mickey Ears on our way to the Happiest Celebration on Earth. Every castmember working was lined up on Main Street giving high fives, shouting happy birthday and exclaiming Welcome Home.

I got wicked chills reading this line.

Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm so glad you got to go!

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

I was a part of Disneyland history!


We were wisked away to our spot in line for the limited edition pin and other special 50th merchandise. I was caught up in the excitement and spent 4 HOURS in line for my purchases. While waiting in line at the Festival Arena, the rededication ceremony was broadcast on a huge screen. A few CMs handed out cupcakes while we were in line.

Only 4 hours for merchandise! But I guess you can add on the time in DCA

ROFL!!!!!!!!​

Those of us on the REPO cruise GET this one!!!!

Great report!!!!!!

Debbie

 

[Hygiene99]

Thanks Tink33 and MJ.

 

[CindyH]

Wow, what an exciting time for everyone! Sounds like it went fairly well, and I think everyone who went yesterday expected long lines, so hopefully tempers were kept to a minimum.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sounds like a great day guys. Thanks, Lesley and MJ, for the neat reports and pictures. The kids are looking great, MJ!!! Love the pictures. Again, thanks.

 

[Disneyfamfan]

Thanks for the great reports! I shed a tear thinking of the memories shared by Art Linkletter and Walt Disney's speech given by his daughter. I can't wait to get there October 11th!!!!! This by far will be the most special time for us to visit even though it is our 9th trip.

 

[got2travel]

Thanks for the play by play. Sounds like DL really outdid themselves this time. They were well prepared for the crowds.

I can't tell you how many calls I got yesterday. Everyone was sure I would have been among the crowds. But after the special events were announced and no 50 hour party, I decided not to go. Kicking myself now, but hey, I'll be there in 8 days!

 

[iheartdisney]

I planned on getting in line by 3, but I didn't actually get out of bed till 2, and out of the house until 2:30. I got there about 4:45, and the line to get into DCA was wrapped around the LK tram area three loops. Some people tried to get the wave going, but I think it was too early! It was so organized and clear, I was really amazed. Once you got through security, those who needed to buy tickets were split off to one ticket booth to do so, the rest of us were sent to another ticket booth line, and the lines were filled, then stopped, until thet could get us through to DCA. I made some good friends in line who made this trip their anniversary trip to one another (AWWW) I was worried about being alone all day, but it was great! We got the puzzle shaped wristband(group 5), and were waiting underneath the GRR. Unfortunately waiting underneath the running water means I made 3 bathroom trips in about the hour and a half we were standing there. When the line started moving, it was like nothing I'd ever experienced. Looking out at the Plaza, it was PACKED!!! BUt our walkway was lined with CMs, as stated giving us High-fives, and saying good morning, thanks for coming, have a great day.
Once on Main street, though, I seriously thought I was going to start bawling my head off. I remember reading about the gold carpet walk on 5-4, and thinking "I wish I could be there". Well, this time I was. Both sides of MAin Street were lined with CMs, smiling, waving, cheering, and telling us, "Welcome Home" "thanks for coming" "Good Morning" "Welcome Home" It was one of those moments in life that was truly magical. I started welling up just telling DH about it when I got home yesterday. I headed straight for Carnation Cafe for my Mickey Waffle (hey- this day was WAY too important to try it on an empty tank). I ran over to Space for my FASTPASS, (already for 11:25, and rode AstroOrbiters to get some good crowd shots of the Hub. Then off to Jungle Cruise. But I got in the wrong line, and ended up on Indiana Jones, but it was only 20 minutes.
I figured a better response to Micheal Eisner than booing was not showing up, so I just walked on and off every ride until the ceremony was done!
I was stuck on the RR platform at 11, and then rode Space (MAN, WAS IT AWESOME!!!!) and headed to the Micechat meet. We fulfilled our goal of filling the carrousel (excuse me, we have a party of 70) We then split off intro a smaller group of around 18, and filled a Pirates boat, half of the Hauted elevator, and 2 small world boats. Here's a tip, too. Go on IASW during the parade. the area is packed, but no one is on the ride. We walked right on as the final float was pulling out and could sing as loudly as we wanted, because we were surrounded by empty boats. When we were through, the line was overflowing.
I left about 5, because I was starting to drag, and still had a 2 hour drive home, and wanted to leave with a feeling of Magic.
I couldn't find my digital camera, but as soon as I get my disposable developed, Pictures will be up.
What am I going to do for the rest of the summer?!

 

[Tink33]

A few random memories:

When we were standing in line to enter DCA, we were in the tram loading area. All night and early morning cast members were being picked up from their shift or getting ready to start their day in Disneyland. A large group cheered every time a bus arrived. The castmember bus driver honked each time.

I thought I was going to witness a riot when one woman tried to sneak in line ahead of a couple thousand others in the merchandise line. The sheriff (Disneyland security in Frontierland uniform) was called in to escort her away.

When the 10:00 am ceremony was broadcast on the screen inside the merchandise area the mood was great. Everyone had been in line for hours and was sleep deprived. It didn't stop us from singing the Mickey Mouse Club march, Happy Birthday to Disneyland and cheering throughout the speeches. I admit to getting misty-eyed when Diane Disney Miller began the opening day speech and talked about her father.

I am headed back this afternoon for more fun.

 

[YoHo]

I got up at 4am, cursed the very concept that I would have to get up that early.
Made it to Disneyland around 6ish. Stood in the line. Walked in not 5 mintues after the last of the DCA people.


Had a hearty laugh at the people who were "Privledged" to stand in a 4 hour long line to give Disney money.

Got a decent spot to see the presentation.
Booed Eisner.
got a little mistyeyed for Diane Disney Miller.
Got a little angry at the caveiler attitude Eisner took towards Rom Miller.

Met internet people and had a long chat.

It was a fun day.

 

[Growin'upDisney]

Well I just got off the plane back home and here is our story.

We (DH, me, mom, stepdad, stepdad's mom and stepdad's niece) were staying at the DL Hotel but being 5 1/2 months pregnant just couldn't bring myself to getting up any earlier than 5:30am - so we didn't get to get into DCA for the all night party.

We hopped in the monorail line about 6:15am and were about 150 people back. At 7:10am or so they opened the platform and moved us up there. They loaded the first monorail immediately and we thought we were going to get in early as news had filtered back that the DCA crowd had started going in. CM's in suits had earlier assured everyone that "no one was getting in before the scheduled opening time despite any rumors you might have heard" - um yeah right!!

Anyway - the first loaded monorail sat in the Dowtown Disney station until 8:20am. The next monorail was about 3 minutes behind and the first monorail returnd about 5 minutes after that - we were on that monorail and stepped foot in Tomorrowland at about 8:40am. Headed right to the festival area and could not comprehend how long the line was. It strectched all the way from BTMR to Splash and then folded back on itself to the entrance to Pirates. No freakin' way - even if I was guaranteed a pin at that point I would not have waited - we later heard that those that entered the park by 8:30 and got the last of the vouchers finally made it through the line by 2:30pm - that's 6 hours folks - not to mention the time spent outside the park before opening.

We ate breakfast, rode rides with hardly any wait, saw a tiny bit of the castle cermony, enjoyed the atmosphere and tried to stay cool.

Overall, I was a just a little disappointed. It just didn't have the right feel to it. I can't quite put my finger on it. We were there on 05/05/05 and the powers that be seemed to have paid more attention to that day. Maybe if I had waited overnight with the Disney "nuts" I might have felt more connected.

I will say the CM's did a great job with handling the lines and it will be great to tell my soon to be born baby that we were there and hope to be there with them someday on the 100th b-day.