65 years ago today Walt Disney said, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome.” Those iconic words were part of the celebration of the opening of Disneyland. 65 years later, Disneyland isn’t getting the celebration for its anniversary that many thought it would be getting. Instead of reopening its gates for guests to enter again and celebrate, it instead has to celebrate virtually.
To celebrate virtually, the celebration is happening with online merchandise events on shop Disney and special updates throughout the day on the Disney Parks Blog. DAPS MAGIC will be celebrating tonight by watching previous years celebrations on a YouTube livestream. There are also some other ways to celebrate and commemorate this special day. Here are a few of them for you to enjoy as you celebrate Disneyland’s 65th Anniversary.
Watch the Building of Disneyland
Here is a time-lapse of the building of Disneyland 65 years ago that was released by the Disney Parks Blog. Watch the magic come to life as workers prepare the park for its big opening day on July 17, 1955.
Make Your Own Mickey Beignets
A classic from New Orleans Square, the Disney Parks Blog has shared a recipe so that you too can make your own Mickey Beignets and celebrate Disneyland’s anniversary from the comfort of your own home… or kitchen.
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:108]
Create Your Own 3D Paper Recreation of Main Street, USA
Recently, the Disney Parks Blog released activity sheets so that you can recreate Main Street, USA at home utilizing paper. You can make your own Main Street, USA with the directions found on the Disney Parks Blog! Give it a shot and then send DAPS MAGIC a picture of how it turned out on Facebook or Twitter!
Take a Closer Look at the Disneyland Railroad and Go for a Virtual Ride
The Disney Parks Blog shared a closer look at the Disneyland Railroad. This post allows guests to see the Disneyland Railroad from perspectives rarely seen by guests. It also offers some fun facts about this iconic attraction. Check that out and then go for a virtual ride on the Disneyland Railroad on the video shared below!
Listen to the Dapper Dans
After the parks initially closed, the Dapper Dans from Disneyland sang together virtually a rendition of Grim Grinning Ghosts. Enjoy this performance of this iconic song and then go for a virtual ride on the Haunted Mansion after!
Join The Walt Disney Family Museum for Its Virtual Celebration of Disneyland’s Anniversary
The Walt Disney Family Museum will be celebrating the day with a full slate of virtual events focused on Disneyland. This will include some scheduled programming, Disneyland trivia, and a few surprises throughout the day. Here is the official schedule for the day:
noon–1pm | Welcome from The Walt Disney Family Museum and Disneyland Memories Live with Bill Rogers and Camille Dixon
1–1:15pm | Intermission
1:15–1:45pm | Disneyland Home Movies with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Randy Haberkamp
1:45–2pm | Spotlight Talk: The Model of the Disneyland of Walt’s Imagination
2–2:15pm | Instagram Live Disneyland Trivia
2:15–3:15pm | Happily Ever After Hours with Disney Legend and Imagineer Bob Gurr (replay of previously recorded program)
3:15–3:30pm | Intermission
3:30–4:30pm | Happily Ever After Hours with Former Imagineer Chris Crump
4:30–4:45pm | Intermission
4:45–5pm | Closing and special announcement from The Walt Disney Family Museum
More information can be found at waltdisney.org.
Enjoy Disney+ with Disneyland Inspired Programming
Disney+ is full of programming that is connected with Disneyland. From movies that now have attractions of attractions that now have movies, there is a lot to enjoy on Disney+ on a day dedicated to Disneyland. Here are some ideas for things to enjoy on Disneyland’s 65th anniversary:
Fantasyland
- Peter Pan
- Pinocchio
- Sleeping Beauty
Tomorrowland
- Expedition Mars: Spirit & Opportunity
- Finding Nemo
- The Rocketeer
Adventureland
- Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier
- Pocahontas
- The Adventures of Huck Finn
Mickey’s Toontown
- A Goofy Movie
- DuckTales
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Critter Country
- Bambi
- Winnie the Pooh
- Zootopia
New Orleans Square
- The Princess and the Frog
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- The Haunted Mansion
Adventureland
- The Jungle Book
- Monkey Kingdom
- Tarzan
Shop for 65th Anniversary Merchandise
Starting at 7:00 AM PST on shopDisney.com there will be some new merchandise available to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Disneyland. This will include exclusive commemorative lithographs.
Watch the Magic Happens Parade Virtually
Celebrate the day with one the happiest celebrations on Earth, the new Magic Happens parade. Check out the Disney Parks Blog virtual viewing party of Magic Happens or watch one of DAPS MAGIC’s opening day videos here:
Experience Disneyland Virtually
Watch your favorite Disneyland videos from the DAPS MAGIC YouTube channel. Re-live some favorite Disney moments through the years while working through these videos. Which one is your favorite?
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Disneyland App
Download the Disneyland App and enjoy the daily dose of Disney magic that appears on it.
How are you celebrating Disneyland 65th anniversary at home? Share your thoughts in the comments below or with DAPS MAGIC on Facebook or Twitter!
