Disney Celebrates 50 Years
Popular Theme Park Still In Demand for Family, Wedding Travel
The Signal - Business Section, February, 2005
Talk about a concept that really caught on. When Walt Disney envisioned opening a theme park in Anaheim called Disneyland, who knew it would be such a huge success, attracting fans and travelers from across the globe. We also did not realize the affect and upside potential this lively park would have on tourism. This lasting impact of Disney continues to grow stronger every year.
It was 50 years ago that the “Happiest Place on Earth” first tore the coveted E-tickets of youthful visitors in Frontierland and Adventureland. Back then, Tomorrowland was a creative look into the future, forecasting the unknown advancements expected to come by the turn of the century. Compared to the changes we’ve seen in the last two centuries, Tomorrowland now seems almost old-fashioned.
Kids everywhere were drawn to the idea of spending a day or weekend at the festive theme park. From rides and shows during the day, to the parade of lights down Main Street at sundown, spending time at Disneyland was and still is paradise for many. Then came the hotels, expansion, new rides and adventures, and what was once just a busy day at Disneyland, quickly became packaged as a longer-visit vacation option, fun for the whole family to enjoy.
To top that off, Walt Disney World in Orlando, which includes the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom were built in Florida. Now both coasts have access to the fun of Disney. The kids who once loved the popular theme park are now the grown-ups, still hooked on Disney, and taking their own children to enjoy the whimsical playground.
Planning Disney family vacations and honeymoons is a huge piece of our leisure business. Disneyland Resort, Disney’s California Adventure, Disneyworld and Disney Cruise Lines are sell-out packages for families with and without kids, as well as newlyweds. Plus, Disney-based weddings have taken-off as a unique option for destination weddings, again fun for the whole family. Disneyworld in particular offers couples the ultimate international Disney experience, all inside the gates of the Florida theme park. Cinderella’s coach and a team of four horses are even available to transport the happy couple to and from their on-site ceremony and reception.
So how is Disney celebrating this fantastic success? Fifty years is a long time to be on top, and to say thanks to their loyal fans and visitors, Disney is offering several anniversary specials, including flexible pricing packages, lower rates and discounts, early entry programs and collectible gifts. But you’ve got to act now to participate in this 50th celebration, because availability is going faster than a drop from Space Mountain.
Speaking of Space Mountain, the long-awaited re-opening of this high demand ride in Anaheim will take place in November. The completely re-furbished new corkscrew rollercoaster was designed to resemble the Disneyland Paris thrill ride with spectacular effects. A modern attraction has been added to Tomorrowland called Buzz Lightyears’ Astro Blasters, modeled after a similar ride/arcade adventure offered in Florida.
As much as things seem to change, somehow they remain remarkably the same, especially in the land of Disney. But why should it change? If after 50 years the concept envisioned in the 1950s by Walt Disney is still a thriving billion dollar industry, providing local jobs and supporting tourism, why tamper with perfection. After all, it is the “Happiest Place on Earth.”
Commentary provided by Eric Maryanov, president and founder of All-Travel.com, the Los Angeles-based travel management company with an office in Valencia. He can be reached at 661.775.7511..
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