A special ceremony at Disneyland Park just concluded this morning commemorating 60 years of the Happiest Place on Earth.

The highlight of today’s ceremony was Disney Legend Richard Sherman taking to a piano setup in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. He shared some memories he had of working with Walt Disney and then performed Walt’s favorite song “Feed The Birds” accompanied by the amazing Ashley Brown (she originated the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway).

The Disneyland Resort has been celebrating the #Disneyland60 Diamond Celebration since the official kick-off in May but today marks the actual 60th anniversary from when Disneyland first opened its gates to the world in 1955.

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Michael Colglazier, the Disneyland Resort President, also announced the new  Million Dollar Dazzle campaign which will award surprise grants to local charities. The first recipient are the Girl Scouts of Orange County who received a $60,000 gift from the Disneyland Resort earlier today, the first of 17 surprise gifts for local nonprofits that will be given throughout the Diamond Celebration.

“What makes our Diamond Celebration so special is the opportunity to share even more Disney magic with our guests in the parks, and our neighbors in the community. Our ‘Million Dollar Dazzle’ program proudly supports local organizations that enrich the lives of children and families.” -Michael Colglazier

The ceremony at also included the tradition of playing the recording of Walt Disney’s July 17, 1955 welcome to the first Disneyland guests.  And of course, in true Disney fashion… a CONFETTI FINALE!

https://twitter.com/ocdisney/status/622093659719098369/photo/1

But wait! There’s more!

On tap for those in the parks today are FREE CUPCAKES, a free promotional version of the OC Register commemorating the day, unique guide maps for just today and a special I WAS THERE button! A cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A. later today will feature current Disneyland Resort cast members along with those who worked at Disneyland in 1955.

THE END!