Disneyland prepares for 50th birthday

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    By Carolyn Lund

    After a two-year renovation, Disneyland?s Space Mountain will open Friday; ready to rocket passengers through the cosmos in one of the most thrilling rides on the West Coast. Meanwhile, in Fantasyland, Sleeping Beauty?s castle is adorned with golden accents as a dazzling new parade is headed down Main Street, U.S.A.

    ?There were all these gold statues of Disney characters,? said Sara McCarty, a Walt Disney World College Program campus representative, describing her recent trip to Florida. ?The castle was all in gold ? they?ve been working on it forever.?

    Special effects and festivities have recently livened up Disneyland, as the ?happiest place on earth? celebrates its 50th birthday this Sunday.

    ?The Happiest Celebration on Earth? began May 5 and lasts until Nov. 2006 featuring special perks for visitors and celebrations at all 10 of the Disney theme parks around the world, commemorating the park?s golden anniversary.

    Disneyland has become an American icon, an ironic departure from the first reviews of the park in 1955, which suggested anything but admiration.

    In an interview with ABC News, Dennis Spiegel of International Theme Park Services said people doubted the founder of Disneyland would have much success when he opened the park 50 years ago.

    ?No one in the amusement business really thought Disneyland had a chance,? Spiegel said. ?They thought Disney was this Hollywood entertainer drunk on the success of his cartoons and movies.?

    Little did they know how much Walt Disney would change family entertainment business.

    Last year, more than 252 million people visited the Disney theme parks worldwide. Disney also accounts for eight out of the top 10 most-visited amusement parks in the world, according to ABC News? Web site.

    During the 18-month-long celebration, Disneyland is adding several special touches, including one golden vehicle as part of each of the original attractions opened in 1955.

    For those wanting to get in on the magic, Disney is offering special vacation packages to coincide with the celebrations. For example, guests staying at a Disneyland resort for three nights get the fourth night free. Other offers include the park hopper ticket, also discounted for guests staying three days or more.

    ?They are just trying to do such a good thing; to help people and to inspire people,? McCarty said. ?All they want is for everyone to have fun.?

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