The Happiest Celebration on Earth.
The new "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion begins on October 1, 2006. The castle facade is being removed and Cinderellabration is ending. The other attractions will remain.
The Happiest Celebration On Earth is a global tribute to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. All of the Disney theme parks world wide are be participating in this 17 month long celebration. From Paris to Tokyo, from Florida to California, each park has unveiled new attractions and entertainment to mark this occassion.
At Walt Disney World, each of the four theme parks will participate in this event.
Magic Kingdom | MGM Studios | Epcot | Animal Kingdom
MAGIC KINGDOM
The Castle
NOTE: This facade has been removed.
Click Here for pictures of what the castle looked like.
WDW Imagineers have put together a special updated look to coincide with the celebration. The last time that the Castle underwent a transformation was for the 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. The Castle was made into a giant pink birthday cake. This time, Imagineering is going Rennaissance-style.
The Castle has been given a Della Robbia overlay with polished gold trim. Banners, bunting and tapestries adorn the walls and golden statues of Disney Characters have been added, including a flying Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and Wendy swirling atop the highest turret.
There is also be an impressive 76 foot long statue of Kaa, the snake from The Jungle Book along with King Louie, Simba, Pumbaa and Timon from the Lion King, Sebastian and Flounder from the Little Mermaid, the Cheshire Cat and White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland and Victor, Hugo and Laverne from the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Just above the front archway of the Castle, facing out across the hub towards Main Street, USA, there is an enormous "Mickey Mirror," modeled after the one in Snow White. In the "mirror" is a changing image showing each of the five Disney Theme Park Castles, including the one from Hong Kong Disneyland.
Cinderellabration - NOTE: The last performance is September 16, 2006
At the Magic Kingdom the forecourt of the castle will be the stage for Cinderellabration. This popular musical is from Tokyo Disneyland. It features ornate costumes and elaborate sets as the cast of Disney Princesses celebrate the coronation of Cinderella.
Click Here for a Review
Click Here for Pictures
EPCOT
Over at Epcot, California Adventure's extremely popular attraction, Soarin' will treat guests to a simulated hangliding flight over the Golden State. As sweeping vistas are projected on a huge IMAX screen, the scent of pine trees and orange groves add to the effect.
Visitors to Epcot will also view the next generation of Disney theme parks at the Hong Kong Disneyland preview center. Through the use of models and design renderings, this latest Disney venture opening in December of 2005 is showcased.
Click Here for a Review
Click Here for Pictures
Click Here for the Dedication Ceremony
MGM STUDIOS
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt ShowThe opening of MGM’s newest attraction “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” sponsored by Brawny paper towels draws near. The official opening date was May 5, 2005, the start of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth.” As with all of Disney's new attractions, previews are anticipated.
This fast paced action adventure uses specially designed cars, jet skis and motorcycles in a high speed pursuit. Some vehicles are designed to drive in reverse, while one splits in half. You’ll know which car is the “hero” and which is the “villain” by color coding.
The 177,000 square foot, 5000 seat stadium which is home to the “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” is one of the largest venues in WDW. Set in a Mediterranean village, a “spy thriller” is filmed live with explosions, jumps, spins and death defying stunts.
Guests first pass through the garage (atelier). There are six large windows where you can watch the technicians’ fine tune the customized vehicles used in this attraction.
Filmmaking secrets are revealed as you learn how Hollywood creates the memorable chase scenes that leave you on the edge of your seat.
Segments of this energetic attraction are taped and shown on oversized screens, highlighting how the different camera angles enhance the special effects.
The cast of professional drivers, stunt managers, production crew, director and assistant director will invite a select few audience members to participate in the fun.
The “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” is based on the popular “Stunt Show Spectacular” enjoyed by visitors to Disneyland Paris.
Check with Guest Relations to see if/when it will be performed during your visit.
Click Here for a Review
Click Here for Pictures
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest has opened at the Animal Kingdom. This thrill ride features a high-speed train that transports guests in pursuit of the Yeti (Abominable Snowman.)
Click Her for more information and photos.
Lucky the Dinosaur
Lucky the Dinosaur made appearances from May - July, 2005. This free roaming audio animatronic figure is the latest achievement of the Disney Imagineers.
From the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, Lucky is 12 feet long and a svelte 450 pounds. He pulls his cart throughout the park and loves to meet new people.
Lucky has also appeared at Disney's California Adventure. This incredible figure walks, talks, laughs, jokes and sneezes. He can even sign an autograph. Being that he is "Lucky" his signature is a four leaf clover. Hopefully, this won't be the last time we see Lucky in Orlando.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Happiest Celebration on Earth concludes in September of 2006. Click Here for our coverage of Disney's 2005 Press Event that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Disneyland.
- Click Here to book your Disney vacation.
- Click Here for current Disney Discounts.
- Click Here for our Discussion Forums.
