Disneylands 30th Anniversary

[JimBeach]

Anyone who was at the official Disneyland 30th Anniversary party back in 1985 I would love to hear stories. Unlike the 50th which had no one official celebration, the 30th was a one night party in which the park was open a full 30 hours straight. We all received hand-signed lithos and nothing like seeing the Main St Electrical Parade at 4:00am.

[bearride]

I remember it well. I was 15 and it is burned into my memory. I remember standing in the line to get into the park and the line was backed up to the old "red carpet pavillions". There was the rainbow lights behind the castle, the balloons along Main Street and all the photo op places. There was Animotion at Videopolis and Sister Sledge at the Space Stage in Tomorrowland. I remember dosing off in Country Bear Jamboriee and later in the afternoon on Adventure thru Inner Space. I saw Patrick Duffy being interviewed in front of the castle (I know, Ooo exciting). I got two of the 30th litho as someone gave me theirs as they didn't want it. I was in Town Square durring the rededication ceramonies. It was hot and crowded. I know that there were maybe 70,000 people there but it felt like a 150,000. There was the free cupcake that you got from the Space Place, and then that darn official birthday button that they sold out of at 5 in the morning and I wasn't able to get one for about 10 years.

[JimBeach]

Wow, that brought back even more memories. Especially those strictly one-hit bands that played. Still one the best times ever. I remember those lines getting in and then it was fun. My friend and I made it throught the night/morning great, but then the following morning the park opened to regular visitors I guess until they hit capacity. The fun was gone as the sun and heat came along with the crowds. We made a respit to the Hotel and only wished we had made a room reservation. We felt sticky and dirty and lasted until about 2 or so the next afternoon.

[Disneyland Daddy]

Anyone who was at the official Disneyland 30th Anniversary party back in 1985 I would love to hear stories. Unlike the 50th which had no one official celebration, the 30th was a one night party in which the park was open a full 30 hours straight. We all received hand-signed lithos and nothing like seeing the Main St Electrical Parade at 4:00am.

Well, I wasn't actually THERE on July 17, 1985, but I do recall reading about the huge party in the newspaper. Disney really did it 'right' that year with such a huge celebration........and really, it seems like they really haven't done a good celebration since then. I seem to recall 'big stuff' for the 25th in 1980....although I was only 4 during the 20th Celebration in 1975....so i can't say that I actually remember that one entirely....although, my Aunt did work there then.

I did go to Disneyland many times in 1985.....and recall that the daily celebrations - the automobile give aways - and the televised event with Annette Funicello and many many other Disney personalities - was wonderful.

Not sure why Disney hasn't been able to put something as wonderful as the 30th togethere again........

[JimBeach]

I agree there was nothing like the 30th. When the 50th rolled around around they seemed to do nothing special, except the ongoing (and still going) 50th.