It’s the big 6-0 for Disneyland this year and they are setup to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary. The streets are decked out with the Disney ‘D’ and diamond banners. The castle has been given an extra dose of sparkle. If you’ve been wanting to visit Disneyland or haven’t been in a while, now is the time to go. You’ll get to enjoy an extra special Disneyland experience! I am disappointed to miss it but we just got back from a visit in May and I haven’t been able to convince the hubs that we should go experience the 60^th Anniversary since we already have reservations for our usual Christmas trip in December.

The celebration started on May 22^nd with a 24 hour celebration at both parks – Disneyland and California Adventure. Both parks were open from 6 am on May 22^nd to 6 am on May 23^rd. There was an opening celebration on Main Street at 6 am to start off the 24 hours of fun!

In addition to the 24 hour celebration, they have created a new parade – Paint the Night, a new night-time show – Disneyland Forever, and a new World of Color show – Celebrate.  All geared towards paying homage to the heart of Disneyland and Walt’s dream. They are all sure to be over the top and ready to dazzle the crowds.

The new Paint the Night Parade is an updated electrical parade. The Disney Parks blog says “This dazzling nighttime procession is led by Tinker Bell flying in a magical, musical overture, spreading pixie dust along the Disneyland parade route. Right on her tail (but never growing up!) is Peter Pan, perched high atop an enormous drum inspired by a float from the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade.” I’ve heard that this parade is AH-MAZING! I would expect nothing less from Disney.

After the parade you’ll be able to witness a new nighttime show that is more than just fireworks. It looks like they are incorporating lasers, video projections along Main Street and other parts of the park along with fireworks. Magical is the only word I can think to describe this and I haven’t even seen it! It is 14 minutes of magic that transforms the park and is complimented with a fantastic soundtrack.

Over at California Adventure, they’ve also updated World of Color. I love World of Color, the fact that they can project images on water and have it look clear and crisp if amazing to me. Maybe I am easily impressed but I think they do a great job presenting it and incorporating so many Disney characters seamlessly into the show! The Disneyland website explains it the best  I think “Filled with never-before-seen surprises and dazzling special effects, and hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and the one-and-only Mickey Mouse, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to follow along on Walt’s incredible journey of imagination—from his earliest creations, to his very first visions for The Happiest Place on Earth, to today’s Disney magic… and beyond!

Featuring soaring fountains, fire and laser effects, stirring music and towering screens that come to life with new and classic Disney animation, World of Color: Celebrate! reminds us all that if we never give up on our dreams, then anything is possible!”

In addition to all the fun shows and entertainment there have added some new food and drinks to celebrate as well. Get a 60^th anniversary cupcake, enjoy the yummy 60^th anniversary Martini at Carthay Circle Restaurant (make a reservation for dinner you will not be disappointed!). And as a true Disney fanatic you should make sure you accessorize ” the Diamond Celebration Made with Magic Mickey Ear hat, Paint Brush and Mickey Glove—and others you know and love, including the Sorcerer Mickey Wand and Minnie Mouse Headband.

Each marvelous Made with Magic piece has been programmed to light up at key moments, matching colors and flashing to the beat during all-new nighttime spectaculars, such as:

• Disneyland Forever – Disneyland Park
• Disney Paint the Night Parade – Disneyland Park
• World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney – Disney California Adventure Park

So go and enjoy all the magic and fun for the 60^th Anniversary!