Disneyland turns 50 this year and a new parade, a new fireworks show and new attractions will be part of its long party that began on May 5.
To get the most bucks for the bang, the celebration — called "The Happiest Homecoming on Earth" — will continue for 18 months at Disneyland and its sister parks, from Orlando to Paris and Tokyo — and at the new Disneyland in Hong Kong (which opens in September).
Arising among what were orange groves and walnut farms in Anaheim, near Los Angeles, Disneyland was the brainchild of Walt Disney and the first of what is now a theme-park empire on three continents.
Here's some of what's planned for Disneyland's 50th throughout the 18-month period:
A new nightly fireworks show, called "Remember . . . Dreams Come True," with new pyrotechnics, music and special lighting effects. Disneyland calls it "the most elaborate fireworks display in the history of the park."
A new parade, "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams," with rolling stages, acrobats, Disney characters, music and more. Scenes from favorite Disney movies will be re-enacted in the daily parade (twice a day at peak times) on Main Street.
Sleeping Beauty's Castle's "new look." The Disneyland icon will be festooned with banners, trimmed with gold paint and illuminated nightly with a kaleidoscope of colors and images.
Space Mountain reopened after a major renovation. The indoor roller-coaster will have new special effects and a new, onboard soundtrack.
The exhibit "Disneyland: The First 50 Years" in the Main Street Opera House, with vintage films, artwork and more celebrating the theme park's development.
In Disney's California Adventure theme park, which adjoins Disneyland, "Block Party Bash" street parties featuring Disney characters will be staged throughout the park, with rock 'n' roll, surfer music, disco and more.
Although "Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters" is billed as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, it opened in May. Inspired by the popular "Toy Story 2" film, ridegoers command a space mission, fighting invaders with laser cannons.
Need more? Now you can combine a Disneyland visit and cruise.
Disney Cruise Line will sail out of Los Angeles this summer, the first time a Disney ship has been based on the West Coast. Seven-night sailings go from L.A. to Mexican ports, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.