Disneyland's Diamond Celebration marked 60 years of operation since its initial opening back in 1955. In honor of this milestone mark, the park dressed up Sleeping Beauty Castle in appropriate party fashion, and brought in special events such as "Paint the Night" parade. But other than the slew of commemorative merchandise, not much differed from a standard day here in Anaheim.
For most regulars at Walt Disney World who have never been to the West Coast version, I think the size of the park would be the first thing that strikes you as disarming (for want of a better word). The park will seem very small, almost miniscule, when compared to WDW. Sleeping Beauty Castle will do anything but overwhelm you. Its size, in comparison to Cinderella's Castle, will seem quaint in appearance. I visited DL first as a youngster, so the castle always looked immense to me. I was surprised how huge the WDW counterpart was when I finally made it to Florida as an adult. Although WDW is the clear winner in terms of size and scope, there is something about the smaller, more intimate feel of Disneyland that cannot be overlooked. While both Main Streets are very similar, I prefer DL's layout for some reason. It feels more like how a small town main street would look and feel (again, it could be nostalgia playing a big factor in my preferences. I really love both parks for a variety of reasons).
"Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" has the dubious distinction of being both my least and most favorite attraction on Main Street. As a kid, I could have cared less about a president making speeches or a civil war. As an adult, I love and appreciate what this man did for our country during one of the most turbulent times in America's history. It's a one man show, so it cannot compare (spectacle wise) to the sheer majesty of the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square. But I can always hear Paul Frees' incredible voice as he narrates the story of Lincoln combined with a beautiful montage of paintings, just before the curtain pulls back, ready to showcase an amazing lifelike replica of our 16th president. In the waiting room, along with a scale model of the capitol building, there is a display of maquettes which are based on the actual "Spirit of..." statues found at Epcot's The American Adventure.
Beginning with this final portion of my TR focusing on Disneyland, I'm using larger images per the suggestion of a fellow forum member. I was worried about eating up to much bandwidth, but looks like that's, by and large, not an issue here.
Disneyland 2016-Sleeping Beauty Castle 01 by
JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
Disneyland 2016-Sleeping Beauty Castle 02 by
JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
Disneyland 2016-Esmeralda Greets You @ Candy Palace by
JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
Disneyland 2016-Night Watch On Main Street USA by
JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
Disneyland 2016-They Went Thataway! by
JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
Disneyland 2016-Train Station Entrance by
JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
Disneyland 2016-Moonlight Over the Train Station by
JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
Disneyland 2016-Your Local Neighborhood Magic Shop by
JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr