Oh Mickey, you're so fine. Since his first appearance nearly 90 years ago, Mickey Mouse has become entrenched in our minds as the smiling face of the Disney brand. A brand that is now an empire.
Who knew three circles would become so iconic? Maybe Walt did. He was never afraid to dream big.
Mickey and Minnie ring in the new era (Image: Disney)
The magic of Mickey and the Walt Disney Company is eternal. From Pinocchio to Pluto, Simba to Sully, Disney's beloved characters have stuck with us well into our adult years until we get the chance to relive the wonder with a new generation of Disney dreamers. Once upon a time, it was Fantasia. These days, it's Frozen.
Tomorrow marks six decades of magic at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. To celebrate its diamond jubilee, the park is pulling out all the stops.
More than 500 new treats – both wearable and edible – will stock shelves and grace menus around the park, including some particularly special 'Diamond Celebration' cupcakes.
Disneyland Park opened its gates in July 1955 and has been a wonder-filled destination for all ever since. This year, the big 6-0 celebrations will see Disneyland glistening from top to toe, with tonnes of tiny tweaks and big-scale enhancements giving the park a silvery sheen.
A 'Paint The Night' parade will be dropped in from its home at Disneyland Hong Kong, set to light up the night with a dazzling display of 1.5 million LED lights and 76 performers wearing colour-changing costumes synchronised to music.
The parade is said to supersede the longstanding Mainstreet Electrical Parade, with time-honoured floats like that of Beauty and the Beast, Monsters Inc., Toy Story and other classic favourites still rolling down Mainstreet U.S.A.
Woody and Slinky in the Paint The Night Parade at Disneyland Hong Kong (Image: Disney)
The nightly fireworks display will also be re-energised to ring in the new era of Disney, with a fresh soundtrack scored by one of Disney's greats, and visuals projected on the Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Matterhorn and various sites around the park.
The newly titled 'Disneyland Forever' fireworks show will be more immersive than ever, with hopes the widespread projections will alleviate some of the unrelenting crowds on Main Street.
Across the way at Disney California Adventure Park, Walt Disney's personal story will be shared in an intimate production known as 'Celebrate'.
It's part of the nighttime extravaganza known as 'World of Color', which will also feature on-screen entertainment from actor Neil Patrick Harris. It's set to be legen – wait for it – Disney.
Disneyland's 60th anniversary celebrations kick off May 22 and will continue into 2016 with new fireworks shows, parades, and limited edition memorabilia.
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Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Disney California.
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