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Los Angeles Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Disneyland's 70th birthday celebrates happiness
If anyone knows how to throw a birthday party, it's Disneyland. Hewing to a theme of happiness, the Anaheim resort began its year-long 70th birthday celebration on Friday with food, entertainment and fun. In the seven decades since its opening, much has evolved in Walt Disney's park that pioneered theme entertainment. Disneyland originally opened on July 17, 1955 and while park-goers will have to wait until July 17 this year for one special surprise, there are plenty of early birthday treats launching now. The original park sat on 160 acres of former orange groves and opened on a sweltering, 100 degree day. There were four original lands accessible through Main Street, U.S.A.; Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland. Today, Disney has a nearly 500-acre footprint, with the addition of New Orleans Square, Mickey's Toontown, Bayou Country and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, plus approved plans to expand over the next few decades. Visitors hoping to learn more about Disneyland's history can join 'A Story of Celebration' guided tour. On the two-hour jaunt through the park, guests will learn about significant moments in Disneyland's past, ride original attractions like the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Disneyland Railroad, enjoy reserved parade viewing and more. The park is dressed up for the party, too. The hot pink, royal purple and cyan blue decorations throughout Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney are part of a tradition David Caranci, manager of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering, said stems from Disneyland's opening day. 'It really starts from 1955 when Walt decorated Main St. U.S.A. in red, white and blue,' said Caranci. 'We know that decor plays a huge part in the celebration and connecting our past and our future.' The decor starts outside Disneyland with a 50-foot sculpture of a contemporary interpretation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, with each of the original lands represented. The real castle inside the park has a 70th medallion on the doorway above the drawbridge and guests will find unique backdrops, perfect for photos in both parks and at Disneyland Hotel, Downtown Disney District and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. 'We want people to step in, take pictures, take selfies and get involved,' said Caranci. 'Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!' parade at Disney California Adventure also returns for the occasion, starting with a float of the iconic Pixar lamp. Eight colorful floats featuring music and characters from Pixar films like 'Turning Red,' 'Soul' and 'Up' with the parade celebrating friendship. Carthay Circle Restaurant is decked out in the 70th anniversary colors and a special projection light show, 'Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night' enhances the façade in the evening. It's set to a new song, 'Celebrate Happy,' by the Jonas Brothers, which was composed especially for the occasion. 'Happy is the message, because this is such a happy place and people come here to celebrate their happy memories; their birthdays, their graduations, their proposals,' said Tricia Holloway, Disney music executive. 'We wanted to make sure we had a song that would underscore this environment. When we approached the Jonas Brothers, they responded with a resounding 'yes.'' The song is used in different versions throughout the park and Susana Tubert, creative director of Disney live entertainment, said it is a key element to the storytelling. 'The song is acting as a needle and thread that weaves across the resort and brings the theme of the celebration to the top of mind for our guests and our cast members,' said Tubert. A new water show is debuting at Disney California Adventure for the celebration titled 'World of Color Happiness.' It highlights characters from 'Inside Out' and opening with words Walt spoke on opening day: 'To all who come to this happy place — welcome.' There is also a pre-show from the Muppets. 'The Muppets are actually celebrating their 70th anniversary as well, so we reached to our friends at the Muppets Studios and said, 'Hey, do the Muppets want to play with us?'' said Jennifer McGill, executive producer of Disney live entertainment. Nighttime parade 'Paint the Night' will return to Disneyland with more than one million LED lights plus special effects and music that references the original 'Main Street Electrical Parade' theme and of course, the new 'Celebrate Happy' song. 'Wondrous Journeys' Nighttime Spectacular is also back at Disneyland and enhanced with fireworks on select nights. ''Wondrous Journeys' premiered during the Disney 100 Celebration and we are super thrilled to bring it back,' said Tubert. 'It is an amazing opportunity to celebrate 60 animation films by Disney.' Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes a canvas for the projection show with beloved Disney characters and songs, including Baymax from 'Big Hero 6' flying overhead. Food is also part of the storytelling and the Disney culinary team is introducing more than 70 menu items for the 70th birthday. Disney chefs like Eduardo Rodriguez and Esther Alonso are presenting new and nostalgic food, including the chocolate-dipped Mickey hat cookie. 'This is a classic cookie but it's also an homage to the Mickey Mouse Club and the ears they used have back in 1955,' said Alonso. Other throwbacks include a classic banana split like those available in the park in the 1950s and other treats inspired by it, like a banana split churro, rolled in chocolate sugar with banana and vanilla sauce and a cherry on top. Red Rose Taverne will serve a mid-century classic tuna melt, with Muenster and herb-marinated tomatoes complete with a green olive on a toothpick for garnish. Apple rolled pancakes, finished with walnut streusel, and cinnamon Chantilly cream at River Belle Terrace, the chili cheese corn dog from Corn Dog Castle and chili cheese baked potato at Troubadour Tavern each represent early dishes served in the park. 'These are beautiful because they are an homage to Walt Disney himself; his favorite dish when he would go into the park was Walt's chili,' said Alonso. It wouldn't be a birthday party without cake. A 70th celebration cake will be served at the Plaza Inn, layering all of the best kinds of confection flavors in one slice with pound cake, cherry compote, confetti cake, vanilla bean white chocolate mousse and lemon curd pastry cream covered with a white chocolate ganache buttercream frosting. There is also a 70th Celebration macaron at Jolly Holiday Cafe, fashioned to look like a pink cake slice. A special surprise is planned for July 17 when the park's founder will attend the party himself in the form of a new attraction 'Walt Disney — A Magical Life,' featuring the first ever audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney, who passed away in 1966. Using the latest form of technology Disney first created to bring Abraham Lincoln to life for 'Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln,' the Main Street Opera House will become Walt's studio office. After the initial run for the 70th celebration, 'Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln' will return playing alongside 'A Magical Life' on a rotating stage. There is a lot to do, see and taste for Disneyland's birthday, but guests have a whole year to celebrate. Now, it's time to get the party started. Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration began Friday and runs through summer 2026. For tickets and park reservations visit
Los Angeles Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Disneyland's new water show: ‘Inside Out's' ‘Be happy' message irks, while the Muppets charm
The Disneyland Resort's new 'World of Color' show begins with some regal nostalgia. Standing before a lagoon in Disney California Adventure, we hear the voice of Walt Disney, and see a host of Disney's animated classics — 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Pinocchio,' 'The Lion King' and more — projected on fountains to a patient, stately interpretation of 'Rainbow Connection' from Boyz II Men. We are prepped for a show of romanticized remembrance while we hear Disney recite the original dedication speech for Disneyland. The park, he tells us, is hoped to be a 'source of joy and inspiration,' only when he hits the word 'joy,' the show suddenly switches direction. That's when the character of Joy from the 'Inside Out' films arrives on the scene, and quickly stamps out any looks back. 'World of Color Happiness!' is then off and running, a brisk, music-focused show dedicated to all things 'happiness.' Disneyland this July is turning 70, but the festivities officially launch Friday. 'World of Color Happiness!' is one of many entertainment offerings that the park will highlight over the coming year, but it's designed to be arguably the showcase production, as many others, such as the nighttime parade 'Paint the Night,' are returning shows. And 'World of Color Happiness!' sets the tone of the 70th anniversary celebrations. Disneyland faithful who remember the 60th anniversary a decade ago will recall an anniversary year that dug deep into Disneyland history and lore. For the 70th, Disney creatives spoke of wanting to create a party vibe. Even the logo jumps out like a birthday cake topper, with the number '70' alternately blocky and rounded as if constructed out of frosting. Those after some of that patented Disneyland nostalgia will find it in a short, five-minute projection show over on the facade of It's a Small World, but even that production — 'Tapestry of Happiness,' which ever-so-slightly glances at the artwork of key Small World designer Mary Blair — is a jovial affair. Similarly, a projection show on California Adventure's Carthay Circle — 'Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night' — is a two-minute, energetic morsel, one featuring Tinker Bell turning the upscale lounge and restaurant into Sleeping Beauty Castle one moment, and a canvas for fireworks in the next. Consider it a mini street fest. Elsewhere, Disney has tastefully added 'Coco's' Miguel and Dante to It's a Small World, and the video game attraction Toy Story Midway Mania has been outfitted with a host of new targets, some worth 700 or 7,000 points. Still to come, of course, is 'Walt Disney — A Magical Life,' set to open on Disneyland's official anniversary date of July 17. The show will feature the debut of an audio-animatronic figure of Disney, and is expected to retell the Disneyland creation myth. No doubt 'A Magical Life' will inject Disneyland's 70th celebration, which is scheduled to last through next summer, a dose of history, but for now, the resort wants guests tapping and dancing. Even a new show for tots, 'Disney Junior: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!,' is framed around throwing a house party, complete with a booty-shaking Goofy. A good time, no doubt, and yet I found myself missing a hint of sentimentality while watching 'World of Color Happiness!' Ostensibly a clip show, any 'World of Color' presents a challenge in trying to stitch together a theme out of sometimes dozens of films — some that soar by across a pond of cascading fountains, and others that float into the sky on cleverly crafted projected bubbles. Songs given centerpiece showings here include 'I2I' from 'A Goofy Movie' and 'I've Got a Dream' from 'Tangled.' The narrative throughline follows the characters of 'Inside Out' as they circle in and around other Disney films, so much so that 'Happiness!' at times feels like an 'Inside Out' short. Joy's quest is to discover what makes everyone happy and she struggles with some other emotions, such as Sadness and Anxiety, and 'Encanto's' 'Surface Pressure' arrives to remind us that happiness isn't always easy to come by. But that moment is fleeting. Joy has a mission. I wish it dug a little deeper. Happiness, after all, isn't always our goal, and Disney's films feature a breath of emotions, including a number that focus on finding strength in adversity. 'Happiness!' glances at them, with quick references to 'The Lion King' or 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' but the focus is on having a blast — the boy band crushes of 'Turning Red,' for instance, or platitudes such as focusing on a dream and making a wish ('This Wish'). Have we already forgotten the lessons of 'The Princess and the Frog'? Yet 'Happiness!' is so steadfast — borderline oppressive, I'd argue — in its message that here, at Disneyland, with family or friends, we are happy, that it became the rare Disneyland show I actually felt slightly excluded from. Happiness is a luxury, and audiences will bring their own emotions to the show. I arrived in the midst of what's been a difficult year, one that has me turning to Disneyland, yes, but for comfort rather than pure joy. Disney's full dedication speech notes it's a place dedicated to 'the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts' that have created America, and throughout the park we find idealized messages, but those that help us make sense of the world rather than wish it away. Whether exploring gluttony and sin (Pirates of the Caribbean), the impermanence of life (Haunted Mansion) or perseverance in hard work (Snow White's Enchanted Wish), Disneyland finds delight in the messiness of life. By the end of 'World of Color Happiness!,' which concludes with an upbeat commercial jingle of a tune from Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums, I found myself wanting to scream at Joy: Leave me alone and let me be down. For while that is totally OK, too, 'Happiness!' doesn't aim to be anything more than a marketing tag line — 'celebrate happy' — for Disneyland's 70th. And yet I found myself charmed by the pre-show for 'Happiness!' Here, we see the Muppets, also celebrating a 70th anniversary, try and fail to give a safety spiel. Gonzo wants to perform a stunt, Miss Piggy aims to steal the show, and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem fail to get the band back together. Ultimately, the job gets done, but not without an assortment of comedic fits and starts. Here's betting it brings a smile to your face, and does so without telling you to do so.
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Mickey and Minnie are still the stars of Disneyland's newest kids show
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Mickey and Minnie will once again be the stars of a new Disney Junior stage show coming to the Disneyland resort that promises plenty of kid-centric singing and dancing with a whole new cast of supporting characters. The new "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live" stage show will debut on May 16 in the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration. "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live" will be geared toward preschool and grade school children, featuring songs and dancing based on the Disney Junior television show with appearances by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy and Pluto. The backstory for the show finds Mickey inviting his friends over to his house for a party. When the guests fail to show, Mickey and Minnie head out in search of their friends. The joyous reunion results in a high-energy finale. "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live" replaces the "Disney Junior Dance Party" that has called the Disney Theater home since 2017. "Disney Junior Dance Party" closed in March to make way for the new show. The "Disney Junior Dance Party" stage show was geared toward preschool and grade school children featuring songs, dancing and theatrical sketches based on Disney Junior television shows with appearances by characters like Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. ________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
runDisney Announces Upcoming Pause to Disneyland Races, It Could Last for Awhile
runDisney recently returned to the Disneyland Resort for the first time since 2017 with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in 2024 and has offered events since then, including the return of Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend and the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend. Now, as we are looking ahead to some major new additions coming soon to Disneyland, runDisney has announced an upcoming hiatus for its races at the resort. runDisney offers events at Disney World and Disneyland that include race routes that wind through the theme parks. You can see more details on the race experience from our article on participating in the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. While the runDisney events will continue to happen in Disney World next year (see all scheduled runDisney races here), races at Disneyland will be paused for an unspecified amount of time. Keep reading for more details and our commentary… READ MORE – According to an update posted on the runDisney website, runDisney races will go on hiatus in 2026 after the scheduled 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend from January 29–February 1, 2026 'due to upcoming construction impacts.' runDisney shared that Disney World events and virtual events will continue to be offered during this time. There are a lot of major projects on the horizon or already in the works for new rides and experiences coming to Disneyland. One of these projects is the Avengers Campus construction, which will double the size of the land with two new attractions, including an e-ticket multiverse Avengers ride. We also know that there is a new Coco ride that will begin work in 2026, as well as an Avatar Land coming to Disney California Adventure with a new attraction. We're a bit surprised to see that the races are going to be paused again. Previously, the races were paused during the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Park in 2017. That was also during a period when the relationship between Disney and the City of Anaheim was very tense. There were a variety of exchanges from Disney where the City of Anaheim blocked expansions. To my knowledge, that has shifted dramatically in recent years coming out of the pandemic closure when the City of Anaheim realized how closely tied their fates were with Disneyland and the tourism tax dollars it brings in for the city. This led to the passing of the massive DisneylandForward rezoning and investment commitment. So, it's a bit surprising to me that we would see runDisney paused again when that relationship appears to be strong and the when the Disneyland races remain popular to the point of selling out. Of course, this could all be related to construction at Disneyland for Avengers Campus and beyond or the simple fact that these races really shut down the entire city but it sure seems like they would be able to cut an interesting enough path through to continue the races. As I wrote in my look at what the new Disney California Adventure rides are replacing, the major construction that is planned for outside the berm of the park is likely still a ways off. The previous Disneyland President said to me that they would want to push off building the new parking structure as long as possible. That doesn't quite add up with what we're hearing today that the construction is the reason for runDisney's ending in Anaheim. Whatever the final reasoning for the runDisney shutdown, I would expect that we won't see a race here again for a little while. I would like to take that as good news that construction is going to kick into high gear at Disneyland and that once races are paused in 2026, the resort is only going to get busier with construction work. General registration opens for this last Disneyland runDisney race weekend on April 29, 2025 at 7:00 am PT. I am sure this one will be very popular. READ MORE – Don't miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips. The post runDisney Announces Upcoming Pause to Disneyland Races, It Could Last for Awhile appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Porto's Bakery moving forward in Downtown Disney, replacing Earl of Sandwich
The long-awaited Porto's Bakery & Cafe is one step closer to serving up its pastries, cakes and famed potato balls for visitors heading to the "Happiest Place on Earth." Disney filed demolition permits this month for the building that previously housed La Brea Bakery in Downtown Disney just steps away from the entrance to Disney California Adventure and Disneyland. The site, which currently houses Earl of Sandwich, will be the future home of the seventh Porto's Bakery location in Southern California. Read more: The power of Porto's: Why those yellow boxes of guava pastries will always say 'L.A.' The location gets huge foot traffic. In 2023, at least 27 million visitors streamed through the shopping district known as Downtown Disney to enter Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, according to an annual report by the consulting firm Aecom and the Themed Entertainment Assn. Porto's Bakery, which started in a small space in a Silver Lake strip mall in 1976 as an extension of founder Rosa Porto's business in Cuba, has been a beloved institution in Los Angeles for decades. Lines at the bakery's six locations frequently snake out the doors on weekends and its yellow boxes stuffed with pastries often make appearances on flights out of Los Angeles. Hundreds of fans swarmed Buena Park when the Cuban bakery opened its first Orange County location in 2017. The permit filed with the Anaheim Planning and Building Department calls for tearing down the 2,610-square-foot bakery and restaurant and removing two theme park ticket booths. The utilities will be capped and the foundations removed on each site, according to city records. It is not clear when the Porto's Bakery location in Anaheim will open its doors. Disney officials and Porto's representatives did not immediately return emails seeking comment. Read more: Disney's parks are its economic engine. Tariffs could put a damper on it The announcement of a spot in Downtown Disney in 2022 generated much excitement. La Brea Bakery shuttered the following year to make way for the beloved Los Angeles institution, but construction didn't immediately start. The delay prompted rumors that Porto's had abandoned the plan for the site, but the bakery put people's minds at ease last year with an announcement that it would be arriving at the outdoor shopping mall in 2025. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
