“Happiest Celebration on Earth” Press Event Coverage

The Happiest Celebration on Earth is a worldwide Disney theme park celebration of the 50th anniversary of California's Disneyland, the original Disney park. From Tokyo and Paris, from California and Hong Kong, Walt Disney World Resort has imported a collection of incredible new attractions and shows to commemorate 50 years of Disney parks during the "Happiest Celebration on Earth." In fact, it's the biggest four-park premiere of blockbuster attractions and shows in Walt Disney World history.

Photos from Walt Disney World

MAY 6, 2005

AllEarsNet® friend Travis was at the Disney-MGM Studios yesterday during the broadcast of "Good Morning, America" from the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. He also saw some of the set-up for last night's California Beach Bash celebrating the Grand Opening of Soarin'. See his photos HERE!

MAY 5, 2005

Happiest Passholder on Earth Celebration – Reports are coming in – First from Richard and Nancy Brown

Debra Martin Koma reports live from Walt Disney World 4:10pm – The 1:00pm Global 50th Anniversary Ceremony linked all Disney theme parks around the world via satellite. Members of the press were seated in front of the castle and given gold Mickey ears to wear. Epcot Vybe opened the event, singing a medley of popular Disney songs with former American Idol singer Diana DeGarmo.

Comedian Wayne Brady served as the MC for the Walt Disney World portion of the broadcast. He kicked off the proceedings with some jokes and then introduced Bob Iger, president of the Walt Disney Company (who was at Disneyland), who spoke of the history of the park. He concluded his remarks by introducing the host of Disneyland's opening day, nearly 50 years ago, Art Linkletter.

Linkletter (still going strong at 92!) was driven to the stage, where he reminisced about that opening day 50 years ago and how different things are today. His comments were followed by a video montage of scenes from yesterday's events at Disneyland. Each of the other parks took part in the live broadcast, too, with their segments hosted by such notables as actor Gerard Depardieu at Disneyland Paris.

Disney CEO Michael Eisner finally took the stage at Disneyland, where he spoke about the growth, direction, and future of company. Following his remarks, the broadcast concluded with medley of famous Disney tunes sung by three Broadway "belles": the original "Annie," Andrea McArdle, who also portrayed Belle in the Broadway version of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"; "Dream Girls" Jennifer Holiday; and Eden Espinoza (on Broadway "BKLYN").

At the conclusion, a rush of characters, cast members and children streamed down both sets of stairs on either side of the castle. Fireworks and gold glitter were shot off; and gold Mickey ears were tossed into the air.

Among the celebrity spectators spotted in the crowd were actor Alan Cumming, singer Gloria Estefan, and Michael Moloney and Paige Hemmis from Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

MousePlanet.com reports new attractions headed to Disneyland — "The new Monsters, Inc. attraction that will be moving into the old SuperStar Limo attraction in Disney's California Adventure park…Disney also announced that they will be importing Turtle Talk With Crush into the Animation Building in DCA."
Full Story at Mouseplanet.com

Debra Martin Koma reports live from the Magic Kingdom 12:10pm – Cinderellabration preview got rained out — it started, got one song into it and then they interrupted the show. Main Street was set up for the Vacathlon — where folks were going to run an obstacle course with their luggage to promote Magical Express. Not sure if that is rained out or not. (Photo right – Al Weiss before the Press Event)

Dave Marx reports in from Disneyland in California!

Debra Martin Koma reports live from the Magic Kingdom at 9:30am. Everything is all set for the official debut of Cinderellabration! Rumor has it that Wayne Brady will be the MC for festivities this afternoon. She also said the Studio Catering Company food counter service has reopened in the Disney-MGM Studios. New menu HERE!

Morning – Premiere of Cinderellabration in the Magic Kingdom – RAINED OUT!

Evening – California Beach Bash at Epcot featuring Soarin' and special entertainment.

MAY 4, 2005

European Espionage Affair at Disney-MGM Studios – starring Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show with special entertainment!

LEN TESTA (Unofficial Guide) Reports: Entertainment was provided by SmashMouth and Ashanti. There was live "streetmosphere"-like entertainment (spies, etc.) throughout the park. Celebrities on hand included: Robbie Knievel (son of daredevil cyclist Evel Knievel) and Paige and Michael from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. (Photo right ©Disney)

Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Bob Iger, president and CEO-elect of The Walt Disney Co. and Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort, walk through the Magic Kingdom park Wednesday, May 4, 2005. (Photo Right ©Disney)

Singer/actress Ashanti performs during a television taping Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at the Magic Kingdom during the kickoff of the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" at Walt Disney World Resort.