Plus Two

HOW the Disney Files staff plans to ‘Celebrate Happy’Named with a Disney-history-loving nod to The Firehouse Five Plus Two (a legendary Disneyland-performing jazz band comprised of equally legendary Disney artists), the “Disney Files Five Plus Two” is a periodic column highlighting five reasons Disney Files contributors are buzzing, plus two bonus reasons so we don’t ruin the bit. This installment highlights seven ways the Disney Files staff plans to celebrate 70 years of Disneyland Resort.

Meet us on Main Street

While the celebration will unfold throughout Disneyland Resort, it’ll be hard to pry Disney Files staffers away from Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park, where both the Main Street Cinema and the Main Street Opera House are scheduled to unveil new experiences on the park’s actual birthday – July 17. Inside the Main Street Cinema, a heartwarming, three-and-a-half-minute film called “The Last Verse” will celebrate the enduring message of hope behind “it’s a small world (after all),” the iconic anthem penned by Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman. At the Main Street Opera House, a new gallery created by Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives will display a curated collection of images, art and artifacts – some never displayed before – offering a unique look at the evolution of “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Venturing further into the Opera House, guests will discover additional artifacts on loan from The Walt Disney Family Museum and get an inside look at the evolution of Walt’s beloved Audio-Animatronics artform. Speaking of the latter, July 17 also marks the scheduled debut of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” a celebration of Walt Disney’s creative journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, brought to life for the first time through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling. And, as “Disneyland will never be completed,” imagery at the exit of the Opera House will preview projects ahead.

There’s so much that we share

When the beloved “it’s a small world” attraction reopened this spring, it did so with new additions that bring Disney Files staffers to the best kind of tears. First, there’s the addition of characters from Disney and Pixar’s Coco, a film for which we’ve long gone “un poco loco.” Positioned within the attraction’s celebration of Mexico, new dolls representing Miguel and his trusted alebrije Dante join the world’s children in song. And speaking of that song, it has a new verse. Yes, “The Last Verse” we mentioned earlier. Written by the late Disney Legend and longtime friend to Disney Vacation Club Richard Sherman as his final Disney contribution, the verse reads, “Mother earth unites us in heart and mind, and the love we give makes us humankind. Through our vast wondrous land, when we stand hand in hand, it’s a small world after all.” We’re not crying. You’re crying.

Dressed to impress

Mickey and friends aren’t the only ones dressing for the occasion. The overlays are everywhere, from Sleeping Beauty Castle and the façade of the aforementioned “it’s a small world” attraction at Disneyland Park (the latter of which will come to life each night through music and projection effects to create a “Tapestry of Happiness”) to the Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park, and from the streets of the Downtown Disney District to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. We love it all, though we’re partial to the 50-foot sculpture (depicted in this rendering) on the esplanade between the two parks. Inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle and stylistically reminiscent of the famed “Tower of the Four Winds” (designed for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair by Disney Legend Rolly Crump, who played a pivotal role in shaping Disneyland Park), the sculpture features colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five opening-day lands of Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom.

We love a parade

There are two kinds of people in the world. Parade lovers…and villains. You won’t find the latter at “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” at Disneyland Park, where favorite characters encourage revelers to dance and clap along in an energetic and contemporary celebration of seven decades of happiness. We love that, in addition to Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, the cavalcade features friends we aren’t as accustomed to seeing out on the parade route, from Goofy’s son Max to treasured teddy bear pals Duffy and ShellieMay. The cavalcade is just part of the celebration’s processional slate, with “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parading through Disney California Adventure Park by day and the “Paint the Night” Parade lighting up Disneyland Park after dark.

Trip Tip: Visit the "Member Beneﬁts" section of DisneyVacationClub.com to learn about special Member offerings available during the celebration, from reserved viewing spots at parades and spectaculars to meet-and-greets with Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin.

Nighttime spectaculars

“Wondrous Journeys” has returned to Disneyland Park, turning Sleeping Beauty Castle, the “it’s a small world” façade and the Rivers of America into colorful canvases celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios’ stories, with fireworks joining the celebration on select nights. At Disney California Adventure Park, “World of Color Happiness!” finds the Emotions of the Inside Out films manifesting music and moments from Disney and Pixar stories with fountains and flames, lasers and lights. Along the way, listen for a new Boyz II Men rendition of “Rainbow Connection” and Fitz and the Tantrums’ original song “Makes Me Wanna Move,” and arrive early to enjoy special projected messages from The Muppets!

The ‘plus two’

Shop Happy

Shopping makes us happy. And with all-new merchandise collections designed just for this anniversary celebration – from apparel and accessories to toys and décor – the Disney Files staff is all smiles. We haven’t bought one of everything just yet. But we still have time.

Celebrate skillfully

Even the toys are in on the celebration. While testing your pie-tossing, dart-throwing, plate-breaking skills at Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure Park, look for special nods to the 70th anniversary celebration throughout the carnival-inspired games.

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