travel
connection
WHEN DISNEYLAND, a “
grand-scale family park where parents and
children could have fun—together,”
first opened in Anaheim, California,
on July 17, 1955, critics lambasted
the creator’s idea as “Disney’s Folly.”
Fifty years later, one wonders
where those critics are now. Walt
Disney’s vision has not only withstood the test of time, it and all
subsequent Disney parks have become cultural landmarks. A trip to
Disneyland or Disney World is a rite Disney characters are out in force for Disneyland’s
of passage for young and old. 50th anniversary.
It makes sense, then, that the
company would pull out all the stops for its when “Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the
50th anniversary. “The Happiest Celebration Rescue!”—inspired by Disney’s presentation
on Earth” kicked off on May 5, 2005. of Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.—was introduced at
Coming to a close at the end of summer, Disney’s California Adventure, “bringing the
the festivities have brought new additions to characters of Monsters, Inc. and the city of
both Disneyland and Disney’s California Monstropolis to life,” according to Disney
Adventure park. representative Betsy Sanchez.
A new nighttime fireworks show harks And Disney’s California Adventure park
back to Disneyland’s origins, and the Walt is also rocking with Block Party Bash, an event
Disney Parade of Dreams features the largest featuring dance music; guests find themselves
cast of Disney characters ever assembled. surrounded by characters from Disney films,
In Tomorrowland, in addition to an such as Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., Lilo and
updated Space Mountain experience, Buzz Stitch and A Bug’s Life.
Lightyear Astro Blasters—sort of a 3-D inter- “The exciting lineup of new attractions,
active video game—lets visitors take control shows and parades shines a new light on
by competing with other Disneyland guests the classic magic of the Disneyland Resort,”
who are also trying to save the galaxy. says Sanchez.
A new Main Street USA attraction “Withthe50th-anniversarycelebrationjust
traces the evolution of the landmark theme months from reaching its finale, it is a party
park through a film and an exhibit of arti- not to be missed and a chance to become part
facts, including con- of ‘The Happiest Homecoming on Earth.’”
cept artwork and That’s something not even a critic could
attraction models. find fault with. C
The 50th-anni-
versary celebration
received a mon- The Costco Connection
strous boost Costco members can still take advantage of
the biggest celebration in Disney history,
with special deals from Costco Travel.
Costco Travel offers a variety of special
benefits to members who purchase a
Disneyland Resort vacation, including one
Disney Character Breakfast per person, one
$20 Disneyland Resort Gift Card per vacation
to spend throughout the resort and an
exclusive Costco Travel collectible pin,
lanyard and luggage tag for each person.
For more information, visit costco.com
or call Costco Travel toll-free at 1-877-
849-2730.
The happie st
members on earth
Costco Travel goes
to Disneyland
By T. Foster Jones
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISNEY
Buzz
Lightyear
