Disneyland celebrates 60 years
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On July 17, 2015, Disneyland celebrated the day of its opening 60 years ago. The opening ceremony featured Michael Colglazier rededicating the park to the same mission that Walt Disney opened the park with. Richard Sherman, on piano, accompanied Ashley Brown as she sang Walt’s favorite song – “Feed the Birds.” The ceremony ended with Disney characters emerging from the castle.
Introducing Sherman and Brown, who played the first Mary Poppins on Broadway, Colglazier said that Walt knew music was the key to establishing an emotional connection with guests at the park.
Sherman talked about Walt coming to him and requesting that he “play that song.” Sherman knew immediately which song it was and would play “Feed the Birds” for him.
Ten of the 15 living cast members from opening day were able to attend the ceremony. They were honored along with current cast members who “embody the spirit of Walt Disney” with a pre-parade down Main Street, U.S.A. and included Bob Gurr, the man who designed almost every vehicle in Disneyland on opening day, Imagineer Marty Sklar and Chef Oscar Martinez, who is still employed at the Carnation Café.
Guests gathered early to be a part of the rededication ceremony at the castle, and Disneyland opened its gates for those early arrivals. Members of the Disney family and mouseketeers sat in the VIP section.
Introducing Sherman and Brown, who played the first Mary Poppins on Broadway, Colglazier said that Walt knew music was the key to establishing an emotional connection with guests at the park.
Sherman talked about Walt coming to him and requesting that he “play that song.” Sherman knew immediately which song it was and would play “Feed the Birds” for him.
Ten of the 15 living cast members from opening day were able to attend the ceremony. They were honored along with current cast members who “embody the spirit of Walt Disney” with a pre-parade down Main Street, U.S.A. and included Bob Gurr, the man who designed almost every vehicle in Disneyland on opening day, Imagineer Marty Sklar and Chef Oscar Martinez, who is still employed at the Carnation Café.
Guests gathered early to be a part of the rededication ceremony at the castle, and Disneyland opened its gates for those early arrivals. Members of the Disney family and mouseketeers sat in the VIP section.