Working each and every day at The Happiest Place on Earth is a dream come true, especially for someone who grew up in Southern California and loved coming to Disneyland Resort as a kid with family and friends. Having my own desk backstage at Disneyland and being able to write about all things Disney Parks once seemed like a pipe dream, making it even more unbelievable to be living that same dream each day while enjoying every second of it (while also snacking on the occasional chocolate chip cookie from Harbour Galley).
Every day is still a “pinch-me” moment, especially when I have been fortunate enough to have roles as a Jungle Cruise skipper, an intern for the Disneyland Resort Public Relations team, and eventually a writer for the Disney Parks Blog during my time in Anaheim.
Since I was hired as a skipper back in 2022, I have been able to tell thousands of pun-filled jokes, meet cast members and guests from every corner of the world, and tell stories on the Disney Parks Blog. There are so many fond Disneyland memories and moments that play on repeat in my head, yet some days truly stand out and remind me why I truly love coming to work each day.
Today is one of those extra special days, and you’ll get to follow along with me and other members from the Disney Parks Blog editorial team as we experience a variety of activities (some just for cast members!) across Disneyland park as it celebrates its 70th anniversary today, July 17.
Longtime Disneyland Lovers and Future Cast Members, Follow Along
- Here’s a look at our Morning of Memories at the Disneyland Resort, celebrating 70 years of spectacular milestones, snacks, attractions, and so much more for all who have come to this happy place.
4:00 A.M. – Celebrating A Morning of Memories with Disneyland Cast Members
Just as Walt had dreamed on a park bench at Griffith Park, Disneyland has become a place where adults and children can enjoy a day together. But before the world could step into the magic on opening day in 1955, Walt and Lillian Disney took some time for a special celebration when they gathered their closest friends and families for an unforgettable 30th wedding anniversary celebration.
This year, the fun for our cast members also kicked off before the rest of the world could step into the wonder of Disneyland for its 70th anniversary. This morning, a truly special event was held as Anaheim-based cast members, employees, and Imagineers were invited to be among the first to experience this milestone anniversary with special offerings and the chance to be part of a historical moment.
I was able to join this incredible group of cast members, spotting everyone from Disneyland Railroad conductors to Market House baristas, as we all prepared for the rest of the morning with plenty of special offerings ahead. Picking up some complimentary commemorative items was just the beginning of our fun-filled morning, with many more things to come as I geared up for the rest of the day.
4:25 A.M. – Visiting a Hot Air Balloon on Main Street, U.S.A.
First launching from ESPN’s Bristol Headquarters in May before heading to other locations across the country like Seattle and San Francisco’s Presidio, a special Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration hot air balloon landed this morning on Main Street, U.S.A., just in time for the official anniversary of the park’s 1955 opening date.
Adorned with bright, pastel colors and Mickey Mouse’s face on the side, cast members were able to snap pictures next to the balloon on display near Astro Orbiter. Check out this photo of some members of our Disney Parks Blog editorial team next to this massive balloon!
4:40 A.M. – “it’s a small world” Glows with “Tapestry of Happiness”
Projected on the classic facade of “it’s a small world”, I swung by the final morning performance of “Tapestry of Happiness”, bringing the exterior of the iconic 1966 attraction to life with a spectacular array of light, music, and projection effects. This show takes place in the evenings as well during the 70th Celebration, but I was eager to catch a special viewing around fellow cast members this morning.
Inspired by the style and work of legendary artist Mary Blair, the show created an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions, moments, and memories with nods to recognizable Disneyland tunes from across the decades. “it’s a small world” was the perfect location for this show, and so many cast members around us were overcome in the full nostalgia of it all.
4:45 A.M. – Snapping a Memorable Photo at Sleeping Beauty Castle
Even for me, snapping a photo in front of the very first Disney castle never gets old, especially since this was the only castle seen by Walt. Every day at Disneyland feels like you’re walking in the footsteps of history, making this photo location a must-stop during the event (especially when cast members were able to get complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital downloads this morning!).
Do you remember some of your first family photos in front of the castle? Here’s one of mine with my dad back in 2005, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Disneyland at the time. 20 years later, I’m lucky enough to be able to celebrate the 70th anniversary of this iconic place with thousands of other cast members who make the magic happen every day.
5:00 A.M. – Posing at Photo Locations Around Town Square
Three additional photo locations were set up inside Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., including in front of the Disneyland Railroad Station, the Town Square Fire Station, and the colorful 70th Medallion.
Several cast members were smiling from ear to ear in this area, where we spoke with Abigail Clay, a core lead on the Disneyland Railroad. Here’s what she had to say about working on the Disneyland Railroad, an opening day attraction that has taken guests around Disneyland since 1955:
Abigail Clay, Disneyland Railroad Core LeadIt’s so amazing working with this iconic attraction and it just makes every day extra special!
This area was also always a memorable spot for me, as I used to work in Main Street Guest Show Operations and would help excited guests find viewing areas to catch the latest parade or nighttime spectacular in Town Square. Many guests are used to spotting cast members dressed in black ties and red vests in this area – these cast members are part of the show and help make the magic happen for all guests during every performance.
5:55 A.M. – Settling in for the Flag Raising Ceremony
As daylight started to appear in the warm summer sky, cast members flocked toward Town Square to catch the Flag Raising ceremony, featuring appearances from the Disneyland Band and the Dapper Dans. This ceremony — a tradition from the opening day of Disneyland 70 years ago — was an amazing reminder of how the spirit of service lives on at the Disneyland Resort, honoring those who have served in every branch of the U.S. military.
This ceremony also featured incredible performances of “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
6:35 A.M. – Cast Members Get Together for a Cast Photo
After a great morning filled with photo opportunities, music and plenty of excitement, thousands of cast members across Disneyland Resort gathered on Main Street, U.S.A., for a massive cast photo.
After inspiring remarks from CEO and Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, and Disney Experiences Chairman, Josh D’Amaro, cast members from every corner of the resort grinned from here to Fantasyland to mark this milestone moment in Disneyland history!
7:30 A.M. – Rope Dropping with Guests at Disneyland
Once the cast member festivities started to wind down for the day, the guests began to roll in for rope drop! Rope dropping is one of the most well-known morning activities at Disneyland, where guests will line up behind dedicated ropes at the entrances to several lands until cast members in the park take down the ropes and allow guests to enter all areas of the park when it officially opens for the day!
While my team and I had to head back to the office, we were able to spot so many excited guests heading toward their favorite attraction. Whether they had their sights set on a classic attraction like Space Mountain or a new favorite like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, it’s a great feeling to know that so many guests are eager to board their favorite rides in the early parts of the morning before setting off for an adventurous day across the resort.
Stay tuned to this blog throughout the day for more updates happening today for the 70th anniversary of Disneyland!
