Today Disneyland will celebrate its 53rd anniversary and every Disney anniversary seems to have its own vibe… its own cadence and mood.  One of my favorite Disneyland memories is of Disneyland’s 35th Anniversary.  When you are only 8, those towering “Party Gras” balloon floats are a pretty unbelievable sight to see.  I will never forget the atmosphere of this time at the park.  It was Mardi Gras… Disney style… and for my first trip to Disneyland, it was unforgettable.  Remember the Dream Machine in the hub?  The anniversary collage at the turnstyle?  And those collectible “game piece” admission tickets?  Yes, I have a hearty display of tickets all displaying “Sorry, No Win”… just my luck!  My friends over at A Window to the Magic have lots of audio clips and memories from this celebration if you would like more info.

The 35th Anniversary was definitely one to be remembered but when Disneyland turned 50 it seems that all other celebrations were left in the dust.  Just three years ago I made the pilgrimage to Disneyland with throngs of other fans to partake in the wonder that was a half-century of Disney magic in sunny California.  The 50th Anniversary brought the remarkable “Remember Dreams Come True…” fireworks spectacular, the hidden “50th Mickeys” and even a gilded castle, resplendent with crowns representing each land. 
There is something truly magical about celebrating Disneyland’s birthday in the heart of the magic.  For us Disney geeks out there, Disneyland anniversaries rank right up there with our own birthday celebrations!  These memories have barely scratched the surface of Disney anniversary’s over the years, so do you have a favorite Disneyland Anniversary memory?  Share it here!

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