MUMBAI: Beginning 15 July, Disneyland Resort will “podcast” three days of memorable festivities leading to the actual 50th anniversary of Disneyland on 17 July. This unique Internet-based show is free and will be accessible to a global audience at: http://www.disneyland.com/podcast.
 
“The popularity of our initial series of podcasts in May during the launch of our 50th anniversary celebration demonstrated just how much people around the world truly want to be involved in this momentous occasion,” states Disneyland Resort vice president of press and publicity Duncan Wardle.

“These podcasts are an entertaining and engaging way for people to be involved in our celebration at their convenience by downloading the series for their enjoyment at any time,” he added.

The new, three-part Disneyland podcast series, hosted by Michael Geoghegan, will feature highlights from the following events:

* Fred Segal: Famed Hollywood boutique Fred Segal salutes the 50th anniversary of Disneyland with an invitation only evening of high, fun fashion as its Santa Monica locale debuts the new “Disney Vintage” apparel line saluting Disneyland during a star-studded premiere.

* Hollywood salutes Disneyland: The stars will shine as Disneyland is honored on the occasion of its milestone 50th anniversary by the Hollywood Historic Trust and Johnny Grant, Honorary Mayor of Hollywood. In recognition of its status as an entirely new genre of family entertainment, Disneyland will receive the coveted Award of Excellence.

* Space Mountain Returns / Premiere of Turtle Talk with Crush: Space Mountain blasts-off into a new era of thrills as the popular Disneyland attraction reopens in a ceremony attended by legendary US Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to step foot on the lunar surface of the moon. The high-speed interstellar adventure reopens following nearly two years of being re-Imagineered for the 21st century.

At Disney‘s California Adventure as Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Amanda Beard helps to open Turtle Talk With Crush, an all-new experience inside the park‘s “Disney Animation” exhibit. The California native and four-time Olympic medalist will introduce guests to the park‘s new and unbelievable encounter experience with Crush, the sea turtle from the Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film Finding Nemo.

* An Evening of Magic: There will be stars over the Pacific and aboard the Disney Magic in the Port of Los Angeles as The Walt Disney Company salutes the Make-a-Wish Foundation and 50 years of making dreams come true. Hollywood celebrities and dignitaries will be aboard to help raise money for this renowned organisation.

* 50 Years of Disneyland Magic: On 17 July, Disneyland celebrates its actual 50th anniversary with a day-long series of special events highlighted by a special heartwarming rededication ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, featuring Mickey Mouse and special guests Art Linkletter (Opening Host from 1955) and Walt Disney‘s eldest daughter, Diane Disney Miller.

The podcasts will incorporate a collection of exclusive celebrity-interviews, music, historic anecdotes and live event coverage that convey the excitement of the milestone anniversary event and the story of what has made Disneyland a national treasure over the past five decades.

The podcasts will also include behind the scenes interviews as well as audio content detailing the debut of exciting new experiences and attractions premiering at the Disneyland Resort during the week.

The innovative Disney podcast series made its initial debut during 3 – 5 May, 2005 at the launch of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth,” the 18-month global commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in California, simultaneously being celebrated at Disney parks around the world.

It was the first time that any Disney theme park in the world utilsed the rapidly growing medium of podcasting.

Joining the celebration on 12 September, 2005, will be Hong Kong Disneyland, Disney‘s 11th vacation destination and first theme park in China. The global celebration marks the largest debut of new Disney theme park attractions and entertainment ever unveiled.