It is Monday so we are linking up with another Magical Mickey with John at run.geek.rundisney and Katie from Adventures by Katie. This past Friday was Disneyland's actual 60th anniversary. There was no doubt in my mind that I would want to be there so I took the day off work (I was lucky to be working from home this entire week so I was able to make up those hours before and after) and headed down bright and early at 6am. Lucky for me, there was very little traffic and they actually let people in the park at 6:45am so we walked right in at 7:10.
castle was blocked off so this was the closest we could get
The whole atmosphere was beyond words. They had cast members lining both sides of the street giving everyone high 4's with Mickey gloves and thanking us for being there to celebrate. All of the characters were out in their diamond clothes with crazy long lines. Oscar, the chef at Carnation Cafe whom worked on opening day, was out taking pictures with people. It truly was one of my most magical experiences at Disneyland EVER.
When we walked in, we got a commemorative map, newspaper from the OC Register, a button that says-I was there July 17, 1955. I plan on framing all of them because they are just awesome!
Our plan was to ride Peter Pan but with a 70 minute wait, we skipped it and wandered around finding the photo stops and also got in a quick ride to see the Hatbox Ghost at Haunted Mansion. After, we wandered into tomorrowland were it was SO CROWDED and there was an insane wait for the free cupcake they had. We went to see the last sign in Toontown and found a cupcake area with NO WAIT so we had to stop. The cupcakes were awesome and the icing was buttercream and sugary (no, they weren't gluten free and they made my stomach a bit uneasy but so worth it).
When we walked in, we got a commemorative map, newspaper from the OC Register, a button that says-I was there July 17, 1955. I plan on framing all of them because they are just awesome!
Our plan was to ride Peter Pan but with a 70 minute wait, we skipped it and wandered around finding the photo stops and also got in a quick ride to see the Hatbox Ghost at Haunted Mansion. After, we wandered into tomorrowland were it was SO CROWDED and there was an insane wait for the free cupcake they had. We went to see the last sign in Toontown and found a cupcake area with NO WAIT so we had to stop. The cupcakes were awesome and the icing was buttercream and sugary (no, they weren't gluten free and they made my stomach a bit uneasy but so worth it).
Even though it was 8:30, the park was crowded so we headed over to DCA where there was no one. We stopped for some pictures and then got a fastpass for radiator springs, waited less than 10 min for toy story and only 5 for California Screamin. We also had another cupcake because why not?!?!
They had these signs all over celebrating disney history. my favorite was the parking lot one in DCA since it used to be where you parked!
We decided to watch the rededication from DCA. There was no way we would be able to see from DL (people were camped out from when it opened) and we knew we would be staring at a screen anyway. We got a view right by Carthay and got to sit in the shade which was great!
They had the President of DL come out and speak and then had Richard Sherman talk a bit about working with Walt before playing "Feed the Birds" which was sung by Ashley Brown who played Mary Poppins on Broadway. That song is so appropriate as it was Walt's favorite song and the Sherman Brothers used to play it for Walt every Friday afternoon.
They had members of the Disney family and other Legends there they briefly introduced. After all of that, they had us sing Happy Birthday and characters run out of the castle.
They had members of the Disney family and other Legends there they briefly introduced. After all of that, they had us sing Happy Birthday and characters run out of the castle.
Richard Sherman played "Feed the Birds" (Walt's favorite song that he would go and play for him every Friday) and Ashley Brown (mary poppins on Broadway) sang. It was truly amazing
Afterwards, we went to do the tour of Carthay circle which is free and starts at 10:30. They take you around the restaurant and explain all of the pictures, room decor and more. So many hidden jewels In that restaurant like did you know that the evil queens face is sketched in the wood of all of the tables?
The park was a bit crowded and we were a bit tired after getting up at 5:30 so we got coffee and shopped a bit before walking over to Trader Sam's for a drink and lunch. I had a fantastic margarita and a pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries.
We then went back to the park to ride Radiator Springs where ALL of the effects were working for the first time in forever!
The park was a bit crowded and we were a bit tired after getting up at 5:30 so we got coffee and shopped a bit before walking over to Trader Sam's for a drink and lunch. I had a fantastic margarita and a pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries.
We then went back to the park to ride Radiator Springs where ALL of the effects were working for the first time in forever!
posing with the sign in DCA. NO crowds there
After, I walked over to Disneyland to meet my friend Melody as I haven't seen her in awhile. It was getting warm so I left and it took me about 2 hours to get back to Pasadena where I had to pick up stuff for my grad school reunion and pick up my bib for my race the next day.
Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better day! I would have loved to stay until evening but knew it would get very busy and with a race the next day, I knew leaving early would be for the best.
One other thing-they asked people to dress up (aka Draper Day) so I wore a comfy dress and flats. I definitely should have worn more supportive shoes as my legs were hurting by the end.
Anyone else visit Disneyland on Friday for the 60th?
Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better day! I would have loved to stay until evening but knew it would get very busy and with a race the next day, I knew leaving early would be for the best.
One other thing-they asked people to dress up (aka Draper Day) so I wore a comfy dress and flats. I definitely should have worn more supportive shoes as my legs were hurting by the end.
Anyone else visit Disneyland on Friday for the 60th?
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