The First Magical 50 Years
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Specially created to celebrate Disneyland's 50th anniversary in 2005, "The First Magical 50 Years" is primarily a theatrical presentation documenting the 50 year history of the Disneyland park, from its early beginnings in the 1950's through to its present day incarnation.
The lobby area of the Main St. Opera House (which houses the attraction) features numerous exhibits, models, concept drawings and artifacts which highlight a particular time or change in the park's 50 year evolution. Amongst these is a remarkable scaled-down model of the Disneyland park as it would have appeared on its opening day in 1955.
The theatre portion of the attraction shows a 17-minute film hosted by Steve Martin, who did in fact work at the park during his younger years. Donald Duck acts as co-host and adds his usual chaotic and short tempered personality to the proceedings.
The film again takes you back to the parks conception and includes interviews with Walt and footage of his live-to-air opening day telecast, segments of which didn't quite go according to plan. A light-hearted and often humorous take on Disneyland's 50 year history continues with the comedic pairing explaining how the park has changed and evolved throughout its years.
*** On hiatus beginning Monday, March 16, in preparation for the new “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” show **
“Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” will be presented as part of the “Disneyland Story” display of art, models and mementoes in the Opera House lobby.