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Disneyland Hotel Marks 60 Years of Magic, A Milestone for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration
When the Disneyland Hotel opened in 1955, just three months after Disneyland park opened to guests, the hotel launched a new trend in the tourism industry by welcoming families. In an era when hotels catered to businessmen, The Happiest Hotel on Earth was designed to accommodate and entertain children and it soon became Orange County’s first major hotel, starting a building boom that would help transform the county. Today, after 60 dazzling years, the Disneyland Hotel continues to welcome families, creating magical memories of their vacations at the Disneyland Resort.
“On its very first night of operation, the Disneyland Hotel had only seven completed guest rooms and an eighth used as a registration room,” said Jon Storbeck, vice president, Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney District. “Six decades later, the Disneyland Hotel has welcomed millions of guests and families. It now features 973 rooms and the footprint of the resort has grown to include two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, making the Disneyland Resort a premiere family vacation destination.”
The remarkable evolution of the Disneyland Hotel includes these developments:
- The hotel’s Embassy Ballroom opened in 1960 as Orange County’s first ballroom.
- In 1961, Walt Disney officially linked the hotel and theme park together with a $1.9 million dollar extension of the Disneyland Monorail.
- As Disneyland Park added attractions through the years, the hotel kept adding rooms. In 1962, the opening of the 11-story Tower Building (today’s Adventure Tower) added 150 rooms and became Orange County’s first high-rise.
- The 319-room Marina Tower (today’s Fantasy Tower) opened in 1970, and included a new registration lobby.
- Also in 1970, the 3.5-acre World of Water marina and the “Dancing Waters” show amphitheater opened.
- The hotel opened its $7.2 million Convention Center in 1972, becoming the county’s largest self-contained hotel and meeting property.
- At 13 stories, the 367-room Bonita Tower (today’s Frontier Tower) opened in 1978. It was Anaheim’s tallest building and also the nation’s first hotel structure with a solar heating system.
- In 1992, Goofy’s Kitchen opened as a restaurant where families could dine with their favorite Disney characters.
- In 2001, the 39-foot tall Mickey Mouse Sorcerer’s Hat was added as an entrance icon near the new monorail station at the Downtown Disney District.
- The latest renovation project, in 2012, included beautifully remodeled guest rooms, a new pool and water play area, renovation of an existing pool, the new Tangaroa Terrace restaurant and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tike Bar, and re-theming of the hotel’s three guest room towers – the Fantasy, Adventure and Frontier towers.
“Much of what made the Disneyland Hotel revolutionary for its time in the ‘50s is still part of the hotel’s spirit today,” said Pilar Hamil, general manager of the Disneyland Hotel. “We were the first major hotel in the U.S. that catered to parents with children—with thoughtfully designed accommodations, family-friendly recreation facilities and of course, a tram that left for Disneyland every five minutes. The hotel experience was designed as an extension of the guest experience at Disneyland park.”
Contemporary, carefree and perfectly appointed with modern decor, the iconic Disneyland Hotel now pays homage to the shared history of Disneyland park and hotel at every turn—from its midcentury design to original park attraction artwork. The luxurious guest rooms sleep up to four adults, with suites available for larger groups. Other amenities include an immersive pool area, themed dining experiences and quick access to both theme parks and the Downtown Disney District. Guests of the Disneyland Hotel, as well as guests at Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, may enjoy admission on select mornings to either Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park one full hour before the theme park opens to the general public.
This year, the Disneyland Hotel is sparkling with décor as part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. In addition, the hotel is offering a “60 Years of Magic” Tour, a complimentary guided walking tour that explores the growth of the resort hotels and Downtown Disney District. Exclusive to the Diamond Celebration, this journey through the resort’s history provides a glimpse into the imagination behind its fun, immersive experiences.
The Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, featuring three spectacular after-dark shows – the “Paint the Night” parade, the immersive “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show and the all-new “World of color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” water show. The exciting celebration, which also features sparkling décor, themed food and merchandise, will run through September 5, 2016.
DETAILS OF ‘SEASON OF THE FORCE’ AT DISNEYLAND PARK
Beginning Nov. 16, 2015, guests visiting Disneyland Park will have the chance to jump to lightspeed with Season of the Force, featuring opportunities to meet some of their favorite Star Wars characters, experience an exciting twist on a favorite attraction and more.
- Star Wars Launch Bay – This new area will offer opportunities to visit with favorite Star Wars characters, special exhibits, peeks at the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens and much more.
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – This popular attraction will feature a new scene inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
- Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – Coming in December, a twist on the Jedi Training experience will introduce new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.
- Hyperspace Mountain – For a limited time, guests will join an X-wing starfighter battle in this reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction.
- Other limited-time experiences include:
- An opportunity to revisit favorite scenes from classic Star Wars films at Tomorrowland Theater.
- Special themed food and beverage, merchandise and entertainment.
We’ll have dates to share soon for Season of the Force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
Season of the Force Begins Nov. 16 at Disneyland Park
We are excited to debut all-new Star Wars experiences at Disneyland® Park in Southern California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in Florida in the coming months.
Beginning Nov. 16, 2015, guests visiting Disneyland Park will have the chance to jump to lightspeed with Season of the Force, featuring opportunities to meet some of their favorite Star Wars characters, experience an exciting twist on a favorite attraction and more.
- Star Wars Launch Bay – This new area will offer opportunities to visit with favorite Star Wars characters, special exhibits, peeks at the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens and much more.
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – This popular attraction will feature a new scene inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
- Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – Coming in December, a twist on the Jedi Training experience will introduce new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.
- Hyperspace Mountain – For a limited time, your Clients will join an X-wing starfighter battle in this reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction.
- Other limited-time experiences include:
- An opportunity to revisit favorite scenes from classic Star Wars films at Tomorrowland Theater.
- Special themed food and beverage, merchandise and entertainment.
We’ll have dates to share soon for Season of the Force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
Disney Parks is also preparing to take guests to a galaxy far, far away with new Star Wars-themed lands. With groundbreaking scheduled to take place in 2016 for our largest single-land expansions ever, building the new 14-acre lands will be major projects at both Disneyland Park in Southern California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
Work to make room for this new land at Disneyland Park in California will require the Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad to close temporarily. The following will suspend operations at the end of the operating day on Jan. 10, 2016:
- The Disneyland Railroad, including all stations
- Attractions along the Rivers of America, including:
- “Fantasmic!”
- Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
- Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
We look forward to all of these attractions reopening in the future.
Elsewhere in Frontierland, Big Thunder Ranch – including Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree – will close permanently at the end of the operating day on Jan. 10, 2016.
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Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Continues Through Sept. 5, 2016
Featuring the all-new “Paint the Night” parade, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks and “World of Color – Celebrate!” as well as special food and merchandise, the celebration has also brought a special sparkle throughout the Disneyland Resort – including a diamond-encrusted Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
We’re excited to share that celebration will continue to dazzle guests through Sept. 5, 2016.
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Disneyland Hotel Features Enchanting Magic and Nostalgia
Long a favorite lodging for vacationers at the Disneyland Resort, the Disneyland Hotel offers Disney magic and special amenities with a AAA Four Diamond rating. Two themed restaurants, a tiki bar, pools, water play area and luxurious themed suites add immersive experiences, making the landmark property one more reason for families to enjoy a multiday vacation at the Disneyland Resort.
“The Disneyland Hotel opened in 1955, the same year Disneyland opened,” said Jon Storbeck, vice president, Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney District. “It has greatly expanded over the years, and the latest renovations pay tribute to the shared history of the park and the hotel. We’re proud to be part of the Disney tradition of imaginative storytelling and great guest service and we welcome our guests to the Disneyland Resort, a world-class, multi-day vacation destination.”
From the 975 beautiful rooms to the theming of the hotel towers, the hotel creates a happy family destination with a nostalgic nod to the early days of Disneyland. The Fantasy Tower lobby showcases Mary Blair artwork, creating an instant connection to the popular “it’s a small world” attraction. The Frontier Tower lobby features a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, an icon in Disneyland Park. At the Adventure Tower, Jungle Cruise characters are incorporated into the design. All three towers now feature an energy-efficient, sky-blue reflective glass exterior.
Iconic Dining Locations
Tangaroa Terrace, a “fast casual” restaurant, and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar take their architectural cues from the original Tahitian Terrace restaurant in Disneyland and the Polynesian/Tiki architecture that was popular during the early era of the original hotel.
Tangaroa Terrace features Island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with items that include cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cakes with Island fruit compote and Kalua pork flatbread, along with a selection of sandwiches, salads and “grab-and-go” items. Guests use an innovative, easy-to-use touch screen to select menu items, which are prepared to order and delivered to their tables either inside or on the large outdoor patio.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar – named after Trader Sam, Disney’s Jungle Cruise “Head” Salesman – recounts the story of his worldly travels through the artifacts and memorabilia he collected along the way. The bar features interactive special effects blended with classic Disney storytelling. Trader Sam’s serves a mix of signature cocktails such as the flaming Uh Oa — perfect for sharing —the Hippopotamai Tai and the Mosquito Mojito. The creative appetizer selection includes panko-crusted Chinese long beans and tamarind-glazed Island pork shanks with green papaya slaw.
Rounding out the tropical experience, Trader Sam’s features live music performed on the patio in the evening.
Guests also may relax next to a large, outdoor stone fireplace, or enjoy the view of the new Cascade Falls and Old Unfaithful near the Frontier Tower, both reminiscent of the former Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction in Disneyland.
Immersive Pool Experience
Guests of all ages will enjoy the new, immersive water play area. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, “Disneyland” is spelled out in familiar blocks atop a platform supporting two thrilling water slides. A replica of the original Mark 1 Monorail Cars sits at each slide’s entrance, paying tribute to nostalgic Disneyland. Guests glide through the cars as they twist and turn their way to the water below. The larger of the two main slides sits 26 feet high and stretches 187 feet, until it plunges into a splash pool. The second slide is 13 feet high and 112 feet long. For younger guests, the area includes a third, two-lane mini-slide that sits just 3 ½ feet high and is 19 feet long, as well as a series of small bubble jets in which to play.
No tickets are required at the new D-Ticket and E-ticket pools, which draw their names from the iconic ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland to experience attractions.
The four-foot-deep, D-Ticket pool is a shady oasis next to the new Monorail water play area, and the E-Ticket pool is perfect for families, with poolside food and beverage service at select times of the year.
The pool area also features a Minnie Mouse-themed outdoor spa, which matches a Mickey-themed spa. In addition, six new cabanas are available; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.
Themed Suites
The Disneyland Hotel boasts a unique collection of themed suites including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse and the Pirates of the Caribbean suite. Three exciting, new suites were added as part of the renovation. The Adventureland Suite offers guests a two-bedroom hideaway complete with a grotto in the master bathroom that simulates various settings – including a rain forest and African savanna – through light and sound effects.
The Big Thunder Suite, where up to six pioneers are immersed in luxurious, rustic accommodations, was inspired by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland park. The Fairy Tale Suite, adorned in colors of sage and champagne, features an exquisite canopy bed as its centerpiece and a hand-cut cut mosaic of a stylized Sleeping Beauty Castle in the bathroom.
Guest Rooms
The beautiful guest rooms feature exquisite Disney touches woven into the décor. The beds have stunning light-up headboards with an artistically carved representation of Disneyland park’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. As the focal point in each guest room, the headboard features fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks – bringing the immersive park experience into the room. Guests also will discover a magical touch of music in the rooms, with refrains from the familiar song, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.”
The new magic at the Disneyland Hotel is part of a multiyear expansion project which was also highlighted by the creation of new experiences, attractions and nighttime spectaculars in Disney California Adventure Park. The project culminated in the summer of 2012 with the opening of Buena Vista Street and the 12-acre Cars Land.
The AAA Four Diamond Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa was expanded in 2009, adding 203 hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club, marking the West Coast debut for Disney Vacation Club. At the Paradise Pier Hotel, all rooms were recently remodeled to fit the playful, beach theme.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort Deliver Extra Dazzle with the Diamond Celebration, Nov. 13 Through Jan. 6
Disneyland Resort will deliver the Holidays with a shimmering sprinkle of Diamond Celebration pixie dust this year beginning Friday, Nov. 13, as holiday festivities are added to the ongoing 60th anniversary celebration. The holiday season will offer unforgettable entertainment, attractions, food and gift items day and night at the Disneyland Resort through Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016.
In addition to traditional Disneyland Resort holiday attractions like “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” and “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, guests at the Disneyland Resort will enjoy all of the spectacular new nighttime Diamond Celebration spectaculars: “Paint the Night” parade and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks in Disneyland Park, plus “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” in Disney California Adventure Park, which will be presented most nights along with the popular holiday version, “World of Color – Winter Dreams.”
Holiday time at the Disneyland Resort has become an annual tradition for many guests, filled with the merriment and magical memories of the season. This year, the sparkling excitement of Diamond Celebration décor and entertainment adds to the holiday excitement throughout the resort. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure bring extra glitter to the season with diamond highlights on their facades.
The Disneyland Resort holiday traditions include soaring Christmas trees in Town Square, Disneyland, and Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure, along with visits by Santa Claus to both parks, and holiday food and merchandise items. Additional highlights include:
In Disneyland:
- “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a Disneyland holiday treasure, presents Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and an array of Disney characters celebrating the holiday season. The daytime parade features 100-plus performers including Santa Claus, who brings jolly holiday wishes from the North Pole. After dark, the Diamond Celebration “Paint the Night” parade will bring its own brand of glittering magic to Disneyland, with dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances and spectacular floats. The luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights,
- “Disneyland Forever” – The dazzling, new fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort, with pyrotechnics, original music and viewing locations throughout Disneyland Park. Guests will be surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects.
- “it’s a small world” Holiday offers a worldwide celebration of the season, with more than 300.000 twinkling lights on the attraction’s façade. Inside, animated dolls representing children of many nations are dressed in holiday attire, singing holiday songs as well as the classic “It’s a Small World After All.”
- Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a spooky but lighthearted mashup of the Halloween and Christmas holidays as imagined by Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures animated classic Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Continuing an annual tradition, a new gingerbread house is created each year for the Mansion, adding a humorous touch to the ballroom scene. This year, the gingerbread house design features gingerbread men constructing a teetering “house of cards.”
- Jingle Cruise, an instantly popular addition in 2014, returns to take adventurous guests on a fun-filled expedition. They discover a cargo of holiday gifts and decorations that have been jettisoned over the jungles of the celebrated Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland.
In Disney California Adventure:
- For the first time, two splendid versions of the “World of Color” spectacular will be presented most nights during the Holiday season, on Paradise Bay. The nighttime water show with animation, film, music, fountains and special effects is fully programmable, allowing guests to enjoy different experiences. The holiday-themed show, “World of Color − Winter Dreams,” features Olaf the snowman along with classic winter scenes from beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar films such as “Bambi,” “Toy Story” and “Frozen,” the blockbuster Disney film. For the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, “World of Color – Celebrate” pays a fun, colorful, surprise-filled tribute to Walt Disney, whose fertile imagination led to the creation of Disneyland and so many beloved characters. Guests may check the park schedule for show times.
- “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” is a daily celebration of Latino culture and holiday traditions with music, dancing, vibrant colors and delicious food. Disney characters join the fun in the lively “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.”
- “Olaf’s Snow Fest” celebrates its return to Hollywood Land with Olaf, the comical snowman from “Frozen.” Stage 17 is transformed into a charming castle courtyard inspired by the “Frozen” kingdom of Arendelle. Kids of all ages have fun in a giant wintry play area with real snow where they are encouraged to build snow creations and zip down a snow slide. Guests who wish to observe the icy fun will have a nearby viewing area. Music and storytelling entertainment will be presented throughout the day.
- The residents of Radiator Springs will welcome guests with a “snowcar” at the entrance of Cars Land. Each address along the roadway into the land – Flo’s V8 Café, Fillmore’s Taste-In, Cozy Cone Motel and more – will feature holiday decorations reflecting the personalities of the “Cars” character who lives there.
- Flik and his buddies decorate “a bug’s land” with giant Christmas lights and holiday ornaments, adding to the festive spirit.
In the Downtown Disney District, guests may take a break from their holiday shopping and dining to go skating on “Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.” The Downtown Disney Winter Village around the ice rink will offer shoppers holiday gift items sold from the windows of the charming village houses.
For more information about Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com or visit www.DisneyParksBlog.com. These sites are updated regularly.
