Disneyland 70th Birthday Celebration Will Be Big And They Are Already Gearing Up

Disneyland will celebrate its 70th birthday next year, and they are already gearing up!

When Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, the price of a ticket was one dollar. Yep - one whole dollar. Now granted, you also had to pay to go on each ride - 23 cents for adults, and 10 cents for children. But basically, a family of four could do a day at Disneyland for about 10 dollars.

Believe it or not, admission stayed the same until 1964. That is when it jumped to $1.60 for adults, and $1.20 for children. And of course, you are all rolling your eyes, and wishing, at this point - because it has gone up a bit more since those days.

The Smells, the tastes, the characters! Disneyland is indeed the happiest place on earth, and they are already gearing up for a big 70th anniversary celebration.

As they have done for a lot of their past birthdays, Disneyland has talked about a yearlong party with special parades, and fireworks, along with themed food, decor, and merchandise.

Disneyland cast members are already prepping with a “Road to the 70th” backstage party this week, on July 17 - Disneyland's 69th birthday. Disneyland employees - cast members - will celebrate the Road to the 70th with backstage photo ops, treats, tours and other activities.

Last year, Disney celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. There was a lot of new entertainment, specialty foods, and merchandise - and it was a lot of fun!

We all know that Mickey Mouse, and company, never miss a chance to celebrate. Especially when it is an exciting milestone, like the park's 70th birthday.

So, when does Disneyland's 70th birthday celebration begin? How long will it last? What’s the theme? When does merchandise go on sale? Those in the know haven't released any details yet. But you can bet it is going to be perfection - and a lot of fun - when they do!

It's one thing to go to Disneyland, but to be able to hang out with Mickey Mouse it a totally different thing all together. To spend time chatting about the park and other interesting topics with Mickey is something a lot of people just don't get to do.

Well, The Mike & Carla Morning Show packed up the headphones and headed off to Anaheim for the day. Actually, it was an overnighter with a chance to hang with some other characters as well. Now The M&C Morning Show has done this before, but to have the meet and greet that we had was special.

So special, I even facetimed my 3 year old granddaughter during my time with the head mouse...and she was shocked! She was so surprised to see Papa hanging with one of her favorites. But as kids do, it's never good enough. Before hanging up, she asked, "...where's Minnie?" Do you really think her big time Papa would disappoint?

To tell the truth, wasn't really sure at the time where Minnie was or if she was even showing up. But I did tell her, if she does, we will call back. Luckily, Minnie made an appearance and I grabbed by phone and started calling. Immediately, my granddaughter was talking one on one to her favorite!

We also got to spend sometime with Carla Rea's favorite, Donald Duck! They were all coming by to welcome us to the "Happiest Place on Earth!"  It was truly a treat, but then it was to bed to get up early the next morning to broadcast "LIVE!"

Up the next morning at 3:15am, down in the hotel lobby by 3:45am, then from one shuttle to the next, we were there. Our broadcast table for the next 5 hours! And the reason for the broadcast? To make sure you get excited because starting on Monday, October 16th, you will have a chance to WIN a family four pack of tickets to Disneyland. You'll also qualify for a vacation getaway as well!

Just scroll down below to see some of the pictures we got before wrapping up out day!

When you have a little time to hang out with Mickey, you take the time. It was great just being able to tell him how much we appreciated the hospitality. And he was nice enough to do a little Facetime with my granddaughter!

A little one on one time with Mickey! Glad we spent a little time together to talk about the Vegas Golden Knights...clearly he is a fan!

This is who you really want to spend some time with...the Queen of Disneyland! Minnie Mouse was very hospitable and very engaging during our time at Disneyland!

Donald Duck looked a little surprised to find out that The Mike & Carla Morning Show was allowed to broadcast LIVE from Disneyland. Despite all that, he did agree to a picture...very nice of him!

That moment when you get your holiday ears at the "Happiest Place On Earth"! That's the moment you know you are in at Disneyland!