Disneyland Celebrates Its 45th With an All-New Parade

Anaheim, CA -- There's "Magic in the Stars" at Disneyland throughout the year 2000 as Walt Disney's original theme park showcases classic characters, magical memories and all new attractions in a sky-high celebration of its 45th year. The magic begins Friday, February 18, 2000, with a new "45 Years of Magic Parade" and the biggest gathering of Disney characters ever to fill the streets of "The Happiest Place on Earth."

"Disneyland has always been dedicated to creating special memories and sharing dreams," said President Cynthia Harriss. "Our 45th year seems like an ideal occasion to celebrate those magic moments - and create some new ones along the way by shining a spotlight on all the favorite classic characters."

Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White and more than 30 other stars of Disney's animated films - always familiar faces at Disneyland - will play a lead role in the all-new "45 Years of Magic Parade," created just for this year's celebration. The procession will cast a host of "Disney Stars" amidst fantastic images inspired by the work of Bernini, Botticelli and other classic artists. The parade will present stunning interpretations of scenes from Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, and Fantasia 2000, among others.

"To find inspiration for this special parade, we literally searched the stars," noted Creative Director Jean Luc Choplin. "We looked to the stars of our most loved films." In the 1500s, Choplin explains, artistic and scientific visionaries saw the stars as constellations that appeared in the shape of "magical animals." "We've taken that classical image of magic in the stars, and combined it with our own magical characters for a parade of unique contrast and beauty," he added. Every day, dozens of lucky Disneyland guests will join this special procession, donning hats, masks and other props as they fill guest starring roles in the "45 Years of Magic Parade."

To commemorate this 45th year celebration, Mickey, Minnie and other characters will be on hand every morning to greet guests as they arrive at the Park and every evening to bid them a fond farewell. A new "Classic Character Walk" will give guests a new opportunity to meet five classic Disney characters all in one magical spot. On special days throughout the year, Mickey Mouse will pull out his hiking boots and scale the lofty peak of Matterhorn Mountain.

Magic will continue to be an everyday occurrence elsewhere in the Park, where guests will discover the classic charm of Main Street U.S.A. or the futuristic flair of the all-new Tomorrowland; the timeless refrain of "it's a small world" or the scream-inducing thrills of the Indiana Jones Adventure and Matterhorn Bobsleds; the rollicking exploits of the Pirates of the Caribbean or a quiet moment one-on-one with Mickey Mouse.