Disney celebrates 50 Years

A celebration of 50 years in the making launched simultaneously around the world on May 5, 2005, with the unveiling of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth,” an 18-month global commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the very first Disney theme park – Disneyland, which opened in Anaheim, California, in 1955. This event marks the first time that all 11 Disney theme parks around the world have joined together for one global celebration.

“The Happiest Celebration on Earth celebrates 50 years of magic of Disney Theme Parks and Resorts. For our cast members here at Hong Kong Disneyland, our contribution to the celebration is not just opening a world-class theme park – we are focused on building a life-time relationship with our Guests, just as Walt did more than 50 years ago,” Don Robinson, Group Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland said. “Our 5,000 Cast Members, working together, will help us reach our aspirations of becoming the number-one family vacation destination in China.”

The May 5th celebration at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, featured a salute from all Disney destinations around the world. From Hong Kong Disneyland, celebrity spokesperson Jacky Cheung participated through a videotaped message, highlighting the Park’s highly anticipated grand opening on September 12, 2005.

“When Hong Kong Disneyland opens its gates in September, a new generation of families will be introduced to the timeless magic of Disney. Classic Disney attractions, stories and Characters will come to life in a magnificent new park that features some unique Chinese elements. If you ask me, I think we’ve outdone everyone  during the Happiest Celebration On Earth—we’ve got a whole new theme park!” said Jacky.

The “Happiest Celebration on Earth” will also be highlighted by the premiere of exciting new entertainment spectaculars and innovative adventures and attractions at Disneyland Resort, California; Walt Disney World Resort, Florida; and Disneyland Resort Paris, France. On September 12, the global celebrations will peak when  the spotlight turns to grand opening festivities at Hong Kong Disneyland, Disney’s 11th vacation destination and first theme park in China. The first-of-its-kind global celebration marks the largest debut of new Disney theme park attractions and entertainment ever unveiled.

Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts said, “Our first-ever global  celebration builds on the enduring appeal of the Disney brand, culminating in the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, which extends the Disney brand to another region of the world.”

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