WDW Daily News

Storytelling: “I love that fact that we are really pushing the storytelling envelope on all the entertainment offerings for the Diamond Celebration. It’s great fun to research and use technology to create these immersive worlds, knowing guests will see our classic stories in mesmerizing new ways. It’s going to bring Disneyland to life in ways they couldn’t even imagine.” – Steve Davison, Executive Parades & Spectaculars, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment

Guest Service: “Our Cast Members are the stewards of an incredible legacy that Walt Disney bestowed upon us. They are the storytellers who bring our amazing experiences to life, and they are the heart and soul of every meaningful interaction that takes place at the Disneyland Resort.  I’m looking forward to watching them shine throughout our Diamond Celebration.” – Michael Colglazier, President, Disneyland Resort

Music: “I felt Walt Disney had a lot of heart and this song, ‘A Kiss Goodnight,’ is for him. It commemorates the 60^th Anniversary of Disneyland opening and it’s for Walt because he’s the one who came up with the idea of having fireworks at the end of the night. He wanted to give the folks who were leaving after a day at the park a little extra gift from him, and that was why he called it a little kiss goodnight. So as they leave, and they see fireworks shooting in the sky and they hear music and see Tinker Bell flying across the sky, all these things were Walt Disney’s gift to his guests. That story inspired this song, ‘A Kiss Goodnight’ for the new fireworks show. After all these years, people still get a kiss goodnight, so this is very special for me.” ­­– Richard M. Sherman, Disney Legend and composer of a new song for the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular, adding to his repertoire of Disney songs, many written with his brother, Robert B. Sherman

Whimsy: “I can’t wait to see (the ‘Mary Poppins’ sequence in “Disneyland Forever” fireworks). I can’t figure out how they’re going to do it. I guess the chimney sweeps will go down the side of Main Street, over the buildings. It’s going to be spectacular! I wish Walt were here (to experience it).” – Dick Van Dyke, Disney legend, award-winning actor, comedian, singer and star in Disney films such as “Mary Poppins”

Nostalgia: “I grew up with the Main Street Electrical Parade and, at the start of my career, I worked for the original creator of the Main Street Electrical Parade, Bob Jani. This new parade has wonderful nods back to the original, but ‘Paint the Night’ has a whole new feel, plus amazing visuals and technology that will ‘wow’ our guests.” – Sayre Wiseman, Executive Producer, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment

Brilliance: “The new ‘Paint the Night’ parade features eight sparkling stories that create a beautiful river of light coming down Main Street, U.S.A. The floats, performers and props are all choreographed together with dazzling lights, and guests can interact with it all.”—Tracy Halas, Choreographer Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Creative Entertainment

Fun: “I just have always grown up with Disney on my brain and now that I have kids of my own, it’s super great to be able to show them the things that excited me when I was a kid.” – Neil Patrick Harris, co-host of “World of Color – Celebrate!”

Humor: “ ‘World of Color – Celebrate!’ is a completely new show and it harks back to Walt Disney, himself, as he imagined Disneyland, a place that would continue to grow and innovate for many generations.  There is so much wonderful humor plus heartfelt moments in the new ‘World of Color – Celebrate!’ I think guests will want to see it again and again.” – Sayre Wiseman, Executive Producer, Walt Disney Imagineering

Innovation: “I can’t wait for guests to see all the new entertainment being created for the Diamond Celebration. From telling stories in the sky to painting the night with light, guests will be immersed in innovation, enchanted by wonderful narratives, and reminded of the incredible legacy of Walt Disney.” – John Addis, Show Director, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment

Family: “What makes this (60^th anniversary) even more special is coming to the Disneyland Resort with family, or when you come with someone who has never been before, because you get to live it again through them. Watching them being surprised and excited to be here, that’s what makes it special.” – Diego Boneta, Mexican singer and actor, and frequent guest at the Disneyland Resort 

Diamonds: “I’m looking forward to seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle in all its finery. I remember the golden crowns of the 50^th (anniversary). Can’t wait for the diamond bling.” –Leigh Ann Lambert, Huntington Beach, CA. Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder

24-hour Celebration: “I graduate college on May 22 and I’m very excited to experience it all with friends, and to be wearing my cap until 6 a.m. on May 23!”—Kelsy Nicolini, La Mirada, CA. Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder