Disneyland Summer 2015 - Vacation Planning

First things first - It's the 60th

(photo courtesy of disneyparks.disney.go/blog)

Spring has sprung, and summer is on its fast approach. Which means that many families are planning those summer vacations to Disneyland while the kids are out of school. So what should you prepare for? What is different this summer and what should you expect?

One thing that will not be new: crowds. And I'm not even talking the typical summertime Disneyland crowds. I'm talking about 60th Anniversary of Disneyland, brand new stuff everyone is coming to see for the first time, even regular attenders, invading-personal-space crowds.

That's right, Disneyland's opened to the public exactly 60 years ago on July 18th, 1955 (July 17th was opening day for Press and invited guests). So the entire summer season of 2015 (and the next year or two really) will be commemorating the Diamond Anniversary.

So Spiffy

Why so busy? 60 years is a big deal, so for the past year Disneyland has been steadily spiffing the place up. Many tarps and scaffolds have lined Main Street and the castle; attractions have closed for refurbishment; and new entertainment will debut to celebrate.

Already, the castle has been adorned with "diamonds." Real or not, I don't know, nor do I care because the castle glimmers and sparkles like Pixie Dust.

(photo courtesy of dapsmagic.com)

Aside for the park being just generally pretty, and attractions with fresh paint and new tracks (Matterhorn is still under refurbishment), I did mention new entertainment. Here's the lineup:

FIREWORKS!!!!

Aw yeah. Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular is what I would be most excited for. I can't even talk about it. Just watch this video from Inside The Magic's youtube channel and feel the feels:

Fireworks is one thing. But to be immersed and surrounded with projection spectacular? Disney is outdoing themselves to bring the magic! Projections on Main Street, on the Castle, on the Matterhorn, on the water-screens of Rivers of America, and on the Small World facade, means that you can enjoy the show from many more places within the park. In fact, I expect annual pass holders will be going several nights just to experience the show from every angle. I also expect Main Street to be PACKED with little to no movement while this is happening. So if you're not sticking around to watch, avoid it at all costs. Tips: Most of the west-side shops are connected for you to snake through and avoid the street, and there is a new backstage passageway on the east side that I expect they will open up more often, especially for traffic during this show.

There will also be a new song by Disney Legend Richard Sherman at this performance, which is a big deal for Disney history fans. Richard and his brother Robert Sherman wrote popular Disney songs such as "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "The Bare Necessities." This new song is called "A Kiss Goodnight," so I'm already getting my kleenex ready.

Lights, Parade, ACTION!

Paint the Night Parade is Disneyland's attempt to top the Electrical Light Parade, and being successful may be an understatement. Disney's innovation with new technology is never-ending and this parade promises to be the definition of "totes cray."

(photo courtesy of allears.net)

As much as we all love the nostalgic Electrical Light Parade, one has to admit that the technology is outdated. The use of LED lights is brighter, and more energy-efficient. Definitely a feast for the eyes. Again, more night crowds sticking around to watch this new attraction, so if you've seen it or just don't care to, get in line for Space Mountain - sure to be a short one at that time.

The Wonderful World of COLOR!

I'm a big fan of World of Color in California Adventure. The sheer scale of the fountains, and the intense color and mixture of movies and music always leaves me in awe. For the 60th anniversary, "World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney" is a new show that will take us on Walt's journey hosted by Mickey and Neil Patrick Harris. Sounds documentary-like, which I would be fine with, but I know that they will still be featuring music and movie clips within the story. I also would be thrilled to see Walt in 100ft scale. Really, anytime Walt appears, I feel warm and fuzzy inside - more Walt I say.

Kick-off 

So when does all this madness begin? 6:00 am May 22nd, 2015 - 6:00 am May 23rd, 2015. That's right, they're kicking off the Diamond Celebration with a 24-hour event, no special admission required. Previous 24-hour events at Disneyland have allowed costumes, but not this year. So if you'll be attending, wear your walking shoes and take a neck-pillow. Learn more at Disneyland 24-hour event info.

Stay tuned

If you're looking for more information than I've given you, visit any of the following blogs and websites: Disneyland Resort, Disney Parks Blog (official), AllEars.Net, Inside the Magic, and DAPsMagic.com.

Also, keep checking back here, I will be posting about the most recent park refurbishments, tips to beat the summer heat, and more.