25 photos from Disneyland’s 50th anniversary
Could Disney be going back to its 18-month celebration calendar next year for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary?
Disney announced last month it will start its celebration in Spring 2015 and is inviting gusts to share photos on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #Disneyland60Contest to win a trip to help kick off the celebration.
But let’s take a look back to May 5, 2005 through Sept. 30, 2006, when there was a special 18-month celebration for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary. It was called The Happiest Homecoming on Earth celebration.
Here are 25 photos from Disneyland’s special time:
Art Linkletter and Minnie Mouse pose during a special May 5, 2005 event. Linkletter was the original TV anchor for opening day.
Tyra Banks with Minnie Mouse.
Teri Hatcher and James Denton with Mickey Mouse during the Disneyland celebration.
Julie Andrews with Mickey Mouse during Disneyland 50th Anniversary ‘Happiest Homecoming On Earth’ Celebration at Disneyland. Andrews was the official 50th anniversary ambassador.
Christina Aguilera with Mickey Mouse during Disneyland 50th Anniversary. Aguilera performed “When You Wish Upon a Star” during the celebration.
Geena Davis with Mickey Mouse during Disneyland 50th Anniversary.
Kelsey Grammer with Mickey Mouse during Disneyland 50th Anniversary.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood with Mickey Mouse at the 50th anniversary celebration.
Former NBA All-Star Karl Malone is seen attending the “Gold Carpet” on Main Street U.S.A. during the Disneyland 50th Anniversary celebration.
Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Herbie in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle after launching the”‘Happiest Homecoming Celebration on Earth’ during the Disneyland 50th Anniversary.
Tinkerbell and Peter Pan lead the “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams,” the largest gathering of Disney characters ever asembled, on it’s first day at a press and special guest preview at Disneyland for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
Micky Mouse and Minnie Mouse take part in the “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” during Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Celebration kick off.
Ursula, the sea witch from “The Little Mermaid” takea part in the “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” during Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Celebration kick off.
The Lion King float take part in the “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” during Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Celebration kick off.
Goofy takes part in the “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” during Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Celebration kick off.
The Pinocchio float takes take part in the “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” during Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Celebration kick off.
The “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” 50th Anniversary Celebration banner.
Mickey Mouse rides on a golden Dumbo on the Disney 50th anniversary press preview day at Disneyland.
Disneyland Ambassador Becky Phelps, former Disneyland cast member, actor Steve Martin and Donald Duck unveil “‘Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” a historical exhibit during the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Actor Tim Allen (left) and Walt Disney Company CEO Michael Eisner (right) clown around with Disney character Buzz Lightyear at the official opening of the “Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters” ride at the 50th anniversary press and special guest preview day at Disneyland
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is seen prior to the opening day at King Arthur Carousel during the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland Park on May 4, 2005.
Fireworks explode over The Sleeping Beauty Castle as part of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary preview.
Fireworks explode over The Sleeping Beauty Castle as part of the Disney Premiere of “Remember…Dreams Come True” during Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary.
Michey Mouse introduces California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle during the 50th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland on July 17, 2005.
Mickey Mouse, Robert Iger, CEO-elect and president of The Walt Disney Company, Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney, Michael Eisner, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Minnie Mouse pose at Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary rededication ceremony held at Disneyland on July 17, 2005.
