What is this May 5th celebration all about?

[BettyCv]

I see people on this board warning that the days around May 5th will be busy at WDW because of the Disneyland anniversary, but I have seen nothing on WDW's website showing any celebration there... Is this information posted on some other site? Just how much busier do you think it will be?

We would prefer the first week of May, but might change to the second week if it's going to be super busy...

Thanks,

Betty

 

[Dana49]

Betty, here's the news:
On May 5, 2005, Disney will begin “The Happiest Celebration on Earth,” marking the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. There will be new shows and attractions at all of its 10 Disney theme parks, including a three-month move of its Disney Magic cruise ship from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Los Angeles.

Walt Disney World is opening a new attraction at Animal Kindgom, called "Expedition Everest," and importing attractions from other Disney theme parks, including Cinderellebration from Tokyo Disneyland; the "Lights, Motors, Action" show from Walt Disney Studios park in Paris; "Soarin'" from Disney's California Adventure (DCA) park; and "Lucky the Dinosaur," which was on trial display at Disneyland last year.

 

[DebbieB]

Alot of people think it will be very crowded, but I really don't think it will be bad. There will probably be some kind of party for media people that may close one of the parks early. I was there for Walts 100th Birthday media event in December 2001 and it wasn't bad at all. MGM closed at 3:00 one day. We did get to see some celebrities. I just don't see people flocking to WDW for Disneyland's 50th Birthday on 05/05/05, just to be there on that particular day. I don't think Expedition Everest is opening until 2006. Soarin' maybe open by then. There will be special things going on for the media people who come but probably nothing for the general public on that particular day. Maybe some birthday cake, which is all they did for Walt's 100th.