Summer crowds continue to celebrate Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary as the park gets ready to celebrate its big Diamond Anniversary on Friday. Disneyland will mark its 60th anniversary on July 17 with a special ceremony, live entertainment and special photo opportunities in both theme parks. Meanwhile, Disneyland’s All-American College Band is back for the 2015 summer season bringing fresh musical energy to the park.

Don’t miss your weekly Disneyland Resort crowd forecast — provided by our friends at Mouseaddict — in the Weekly News and Information Roundup at the end of today’s update!

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60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Welcome to Disneyland!

Disneyland continues through the summer of its Diamond Celebration with big crowds, especially on weekends.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

A look at summer wait times Friday afternoon
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

Disney California Adventure is a great place to take a break from Disneyland’s crowds for a bit.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

A look at summer wait times from Friday afternoon at California Adventure
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary



Celebrating 60

Disneyland will celebrate its July 17th anniversary on Friday without any major events, but with smaller celebratory moments and some special entertainment instead. The festivities will kick off in the morning with a special rededication ceremony hosted by Disneyland Resort President Michael Colglazier. In addition to the rededication ceremony and the regular Diamond Celebration entertainment offerings, Guests are invited to dress in their finest 1955 clothes and enjoy 1950s-themed photo spots and dance parties in both parks.

If you plan on visiting Disneyland on Friday, don’t expect anything substantial for the big day. There probably won’t be free cupcakes like there were for the 50th and there are no major new attractions or shows opening. What you can expect, however, are big crowds. The popularity of Friday’s anniversary could bring long delays and closures at various points throughout the Resort, including parking facilities, main entrance esplanade, and theme parks. Disneyland will be taking every precaution to avoid a replay of the problematic Diamond Celebration’s 24-hour kick-off party (they’ve already extended California Adventure’s hours until 11 p.m.).

Disneyland has not yet announced if it will allow guests to camp out over night for the July 17th festivities, like it did for the 50th Anniversary in 2005 and as it does for the annual 24-hour parties. We will keep you posted on any further information on the July 17th festivities as it becomes available throughout the week via Twitter and by updating this post. No matter what, if you plan on visiting on Friday, be sure to arrive early and bring plenty of patience.

Below, a listing of July 17’s 60th Anniversary events and entertainment.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

(July 17, 2014 file photo)

Theme Park Hours — July 17, 2015
Disneyland: 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Disney California Adventure: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Show Your 1955 Disney Side
on July 17
    Disney is inviting guests to dress in their 1955 best on July 17 in celebration of Disneyland’s 60th. So dust off your (circa 1955) Sunday’s best and head to the parks for Disneyland’s big day. More information.

Special 60th Anniversary Photo Spots
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
    Show off your “1955 Disney Side” at special 1955-themed photo spots on July 17. Six special photo spots will be available on July 17 in Critter Country, Tomorrowland, Big Thunder Trail, Mickey’s Toontown, Hollywood Land, and near the Grizzly Peak waterfall. Two additional Diamond Celebration photo spots will debut on July 17 and will be available throughout the remainder of the 60th Anniversary Celebration.

60th Anniversary Rededication Ceremony
Disneyland | 10 a.m.
    Join Disneyland Resort President Michael Colglazier at a special ceremony honoring Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary. The ceremony will be broadcast live on screens in Town Square, Frontierland, “it’s a small world,” Carthay Circle, the resort hotels, and in front of ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney.

60th Anniversary Cast Member Pre-Parade
Parade Route, Disneyland | 4:15 p.m.
    A special pre-parade before Mickey’s Soundsational Parade will honor Disneyland’s original 1955 Cast Members as well as the Cast Members of today.

Disneyland Band Debuts New Sound
Disneyland | 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
    The iconic Disneyland Band will debut its controversial new show featuring new routines and themed performances with a bigger band and new choreography.

1955 Dance Parties
Tomorrowland Terrace, Disneyland | 7:00 – 11:30 p.m.
Carthay Circle, Disney California Adventure | 6:00 – 10:30 p.m.
    Guests can celebrate the 60th into the evening with music from the 1950s at special 60th Anniversary dance parties in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

Diamond Celebration Nighttime Spectaculars
Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular | 9:30 p.m.
Paint the Night Parade | 8:50 p.m. & 11:59 p.m.
World of Color Celebrate! | 9:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m., 11:15 p.m.
    Disneyland’s popular new nighttime entertainment will light up the night on the park’s 60th anniversary, but please note scheduling changes for July 17. At Disney California Adventure, a third performance of “World of Color Celebrate” will run at 11:15 p.m., 15-minutes after the rest of the park has closed for the evening. The second performance of Disneyland’s popular Paint the Night Parade has been rescheduled for midnight and will close out the park. There will still only be one performance of the new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Special 60th Anniversary Merchandise
Emporium and Star Trader | Disneyland
Elias and Co. | Disney California Adventure
World of Disney | Downtown Disney
    On July 16th, Disneyland will debut a special commemorative birthday collection of merchandise to celebrate its 60th Anniversary. The collection will include apparel, glassware, mugs, pins and more. More information.

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

All-American

Disneyland’s 2015 All-American College Band begin its annual summer season in mid-June. The band is as fantastic as ever this year and we’re happy to see such a great Disneyland tradition continue.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

The band is leading the daily flag retreat ceremony in Town Square throughout the summer.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

Below, the 2015 All-American College Band performs a medley of Disneyland attraction music in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

The flag retreat ceremony is also a great patriotic Disneyland tradition and always worth stopping to watch.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

If you’re looking for more live music in the park, Frontierland is now home to a great new mariachi band. It’s great to see small musical acts like this pop up around the park — be sure to check them out next time you’re in the park!
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

Below, video of the new band performing in Frontierland

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

Refurbishment Roundup

Work continues on changes in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

Changing the Future

In Tomorrowland, Innoventions continues its major overhaul…
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

Meanwhile, the Tomorrowland Theater is now free of all “Tomorrowland” movie signage and is awaiting its next movie preview.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

Starcade is still closed
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

…including the back half, following the removal of the “Tomorrowland” movie exhibit
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

This & That

A merchandise cart near Goofy’s Sky School in Disney California Adventure was recently converted into a Sunglass Hut kiosk
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

In Disneyland, Disneyana has a few new items worth noting
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

The fantastic Disneyland Hotel books by Dan Ballard, both of which have been out-of-print for some time now, are available again and Disneyland has copies! If you don’t have copies of these books, now’s your chance to get two really great Disneyland history books. The hardcover “The Early Years: 1954-1988” is $47.50.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

The soft cover “1954-1959: The Little Motel in the Middle of the Orange Grove” is $35.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

A new set of Pirates of the Caribbean concept art prints is available to go along with the similar postcard set we recently showed you.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

The artist sketch of the month is America Sings!
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

A new Diamond Celebration tiara is available
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th Anniversary “decades” art set prints and postcard sets
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Enjoy retro fun just steps away from Disneyland at
Howard Johnson Hotel & Water Playground

A short walk from the park, HoJo Anaheim is conveniently located next to Matterhorn Mountain at Disneyland with nearby dining, freeway access, FREE parking and FREE Wi-Fi. For more information on HoJo Anaheim, room rates, or to book your stay today, visit HoJoAnaheim.com/MiceChat

Save with MiceChat & Passholder Discounts Every Day!
The HoJo Anaheim is now offering daily discounts for MiceChat members and even DEEPER discounts for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders! For more information visit the HoJo Anaheim Innsider Boards which features an up-to-date listing of available nights, or call (714) 776-6120 and ask for In-House Reservations to book. If your date isn’t listed, the HoJo Anaheim still offers rooms for 20% off their best available rate if you call (714) 776-6120.
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
July 13—19, 2015
[B]Disneyland Park[/B] [B]California Adventure[/B]
Daily: 8 am – 12 am Daily: 8 am – 10 pm
[CENTER]For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
[/CENTER]
[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center]
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b]
  • Innoventions: Closed indefintely.
  • Starcade: Closed indefintely.
  • Tomorrowland Theatre: Closed indefintely.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
  • Bug’s Life Theatre: “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” is dark through August 2 while theater hosts “Ant-Man” preview.
  • Luigi’s Flying Tires: Closed for re-Imagineering into new attraction. Reopening not yet announced.
  • Muppet*Vision 3D: Dark indefinitely while theater is used for Frozen-themed show.
  • [B]Blue Sky Cellar:[/B] Closed indefinitely.
[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b]
    None.
Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict

July 13 — 19

Mon
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Tue
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Wed
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Thu
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Fri
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Sat
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Sun
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

  • Sixty years young! Friday is Disneyland’s birthday, and we expect waves of crowding throughout the day, with peaks in the late afternoon and evening. Follow @datelinedisney and @mouseaddict on Twitter for the latest updates.

The free Mouseaddict app for iPhone and iPad features more than five dozen categories of searchable resort information, weather forecasts, park and show schedules, the latest news and articles from MiceChat, and more. Download free on the App Store or at mouseaddict.com.

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

[center]Headline Roundup
A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center]
  • Anaheim City Council votes 3-2 to extend gate-tax ban for Disneyland for 30 years. (OC Disney)
  • Disneyland will revive the classic Tahitian Terrace experience for two nights only at a special event at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. (Disney Parks Blog)
  • Walt Disney World removed the confederate flag from an exhibit at Epcot’s American Adventure attraction in the wake of the Charleston, South Carolina church shooting. (Orlando Sentinel)
  • Walt Disney World will remove the bust of Bill Cosby from Disney’s Hollywood Studios following recent revelations in the actor’s rape allegations. (Orlando Sentinel)
OK, that wraps up this week’s edition of Dateline Disneyland. Will you be at the park on Friday to celebrate Disneyland’s big 60th Anniversary? Let us know your plans in the comments section below.

Special thanks to our Dateline Disneylanders!
A very special thank you to all of our Patreon supporters for their monthly support keeping Dateline Disneyland alive, especially our special top-tier supporters:

    Kendra H., Brian A., Dusty Sage and
    Benjamin!

To help support Dateline Disneyland and get some fun swag in return, visit our Patreon page now!

For more Disneyland news, be sure to read MiceChat’s weekly In the Parks blog. And be sure to check out our sister blog, Dateline Disney World – a fantastic weekly photo blog covering Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

Thanks for reading. See you at Disneyland!
[B]- Andy[/B]

60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

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60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary

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60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary 60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary 60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary 60th anniversary, Summer continues as Disneyland prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
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Andy Castro
Andy is a Southern California native and a life-long fan of Disney theme parks and animation. From 2007-2016, Andy wrote the weekly Dateline Disneyland photo, news and opinion blog here on MiceChat. Today, Andy continues to produce occasional Dateline Disneyland articles and additional special guest content for MiceChat.