So 55th anniversary and ... (UPDATED) just a few things

[PHXscuba]

We will be DLR the week after Disneyland's 55th anniversary and I can't see that they are doing anything special. I know they brought out some retro merchandise earlier this year, and the official Disney blog said they would have some special treats the day of, but ..... that's it?

I remember during the 35th anniversary in 1990, the big prize machine that I got a Dole Whip from (one of the few teenage DLR pix I have). I remember the giant pink castle/cake in WDW for a big anniversary. The 55th anniversary for a park that opened in 1955 would seem to be a golden opportunity for something special.

Is Disneyland doing anything else for its anniversary this summer that I've missed?

PHXscuba

UPDATE: The official Disney Parks blog (July 9) is now listing several small events that days and special park maps for the week after. ... still not much, but if you'll be there that weekend you knwo what's going on. The DIS Unplugged blog has some of the details here also.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Not that has been announced, other than what you listed.

 

[ChickenCarlos]

maybe because they celebrated the 50th anniversary for a couple years they are waiting for the 60th, but i do see your point about them opening in 1955 and making the 55th speacial

 

[PHXscuba]

I realize they are playing up World of Color big on the DCA side of the plaza, but over in the part of DL that is turning 55, all that's going on is summer stuff recycled from last year. I am happy to see these things because I missed them last summer, but I still believe they are missing a big chance to capitalize on the nostalgia factor.

I grew up with Disneyland (that's me in the avatar on my third birthday) and I know I'm not the only one who would be a sucker for some turn-back-the-clock type activities or prices.

PHXscuba

 

[Sherry E]

We will be DLR the week after Disneyland's 55th anniversary and I can't see that they are doing anything special. I know they brought out some retro merchandise earlier this year, and the official Disney blog said they would have some special treats the day of, but ..... that's it?

I remember during the 35th anniversary in 1990, the big prize machine that I got a Dole Whip from (one of the few teenage DLR pix I have). I remember the giant pink castle/cake in WDW for a big anniversary. The 55th anniversary for a park that opened in 1955 would seem to be a golden opportunity for something special.

Is Disneyland doing anything else for its anniversary this summer that I've missed?

PHXscuba

I remember the big prize machine! On one trip in 1990, I won a Mickey watch from that prize machine!! On another trip in 1990 I won a big plush Mickey!! That prize machine rocked!!

Also, back in the '80s, like '85 - '86-ish, they were giving out dream tickets for various prizes at the gates, and I won cloisonne pins on a couple of different trips!! I love free souvenirs!!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Nah.. They gearing up for the 56th anniversary!

 

[PHXscuba]

See, Sherry, that's just what I mean! You and I both fondly remember some small trinket given to us 20 years ago as young'uns! And I think I won something back in the mid-80s too ... just can't recall what. Maybe that was the Dole Whip?

It wouldn't take much -- a little publicity (even easier these days with the 'Net), some scratch-off cards, "Dream Squads," or spin-the-wheel prizes, and you'd have something extra that builds those kind of memories for another generation. Seemed like the "year of a million dreams" was a big hit a couple years ago. What about turning the under-used Thunder Mountain barbecue into a "celebrate our birthday BBQ" for a couple months and attract some more people back there?

I know it's too late for any of this at DLR but I will also (hopefully) be in WDW a couple weeks after their 40th anniversary next fall and I have no idea if this trend at DLR means little will be done there or it will be a madhouse with some big promotion???

I do like the retro merchandise I've seen and may even treat myself ... but it still seems like a such a letdown compared to what they could have done for not a lot of cash or revamping whole shows or parades.

PHXscuba

 

[Mary09]

55 seems like a weird anniversary to celebrate big, to me. 25, 35, 50, ok. 55? Milking it! LOL

 

[PHXscuba]

I guess I don't see 35 (which they made a big deal of) being a "better" anniversary than 55, especially for someplace that opened in 1955.

Continuing the late-and-useless-but-still-fun ideas, what about discounted admission (maybe $55) for anyone born in 1955?

PHXscuba

 

[CADisneyMom]

I guess I don't see 35 (which they made a big deal of) being a "better" anniversary than 55, especially for someplace that opened in 1955.

Continuing the late-and-useless-but-still-fun ideas, what about discounted admission (maybe $55) for anyone born in 1955?

PHXscuba

I love your idea - $55 for anyone born in '55 - and no I wasn't born in '55, I just think that would be something special for everyone celebrating their 55th birthday with Disney. Better yet, if you were born on Disney's 55th anniversary then you should get free admission into DL. Yes I know someone is going to say - but they already did a birthday promotion - but this is a "special" birthday that only a select few would be able to benefit from. OR - the people born on Disney's 55th anniversary could be Grand Marshalls for the day.

 

[dismom73]

I'm all for the free admission. My birthday is July 17th, the anniversary, and I don't have any plans for the day...

 

[lcasa]

The alumni association is having an event that day that's open to the public - $95 each. Richard Sherman is performing - sounds good.
And the NFFC always has their convention around the 17th - sometimes incl a trivia hunt that day.

d23 just announced the details of their 55th celebration. $125 for 2 days in Sept - 24 and 25. Guess that's all they're doing.

1313 club is having an event on Sept 18 that started as a 55 yr celebration but is primarily celebrating animatronics now.

I miss the prizes too!

 

[PHXscuba]

Thanks for listing a few other events some might not know about that they might be able to participate in.

What is the alumni association? Is that for former Cast Members? I wish I had been a cast member!

PHXscuba

 

[my*gracie*girl]

I was happy to see that they are actually doing something ON the 17th. My mom and daughter both have 7/17 birthdays and we'll be at the park that day. It does seem like a wasted opportunity to do something BIG!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/a-look-at-the-55th-anniversary-festivities/

 

[PHXscuba]

See the previous post by "my gracie girl" and the original post for some updates.

PHXscuba

 

[lcasa]

Thanks for listing a few other events some might not know about that they might be able to participate in.

What is the alumni association? Is that for former Cast Members? I wish I had been a cast member!

PHXscuba

Yes - the Alumni Assoc is for former cast members. I plan to be one someday (when I retire and can afford to work there!)

I was at the hotel today with the 1313 club as both clubs were looking over the facility and making plans. Both are going to be great events.

In the next week we should be able to make some additional announcements.