'Happiest Celebration on Earth' Begins Tomorrow

Anaheim, CA -- Disneyland's 50th anniversary isn't until July 17, but Disney theme parks worldwide will join Disneyland in starting its celebration on May 5.

Tomorrow, Disneyland will kick off its "Happiest Celebration on Earth," an 18-month long event to commemorate its 50th birthday. With new attractions and events to commemorate the event, May 5 is quickly shaping up to be nearly a bigger event than July 17.

On May 5, Disneyland will premiere its new street spectacular, Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams. The new parade music will feature the theme song "Welcome" by Phil Collins.

Giant floats incorporating puppets and audio-animatronics will be brought to life with acrobats of many varieties. The films represented on the floats include The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, and the princess movies. There will also be tributes to Disneyland park itself.

Also premiering May 5, Disneyland's new fireworks show "Remember... Dreams Come True" will bring to life the night sky with a 17-minute pyrotechnic spectacular. Hosted by Mary Poppins star Julie Andrews, Remember ... Dreams Come True features all-new pyrotechnics and special effects incorporated into the show. The fireworks show will also honor Disneyland by incorporating tributes to its many attractions in a segment of the show called "E-tickets in the sky."

Although open since March 17, the new Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters attraction at Disneyland's Tomorrowland will have its grand opening ceremony on May 5.

Walt Disney World also gets new attractions for Disneyland's 50th birthday. It will officially open four new attractions at its four theme parks on May 5.

At the Magic Kingdom, Cinderellabration will feature the coronation ceremony of Cinderella. At Epcot, the new Soarin' simulator ride will open at the newly refurbished The Land pavilion. Disney-MGM Studios will officially open its Light, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show on May 5. Finally, Disney's Animal Kingdom will debut the free-standing Audio-Animatronic dinosaur Lucky.

Tomorrow promises to be a major day in Disney theme park history.