Theme Park Report
Disneyland Resort hosted a day of free Disney-themed activities for Anaheim residents on August 27, culminating in an evening celebration at Center Greens Park called “Main Street on Your Street.”
The event brought elements inspired by Main Street, U.S.A., to the Anaheim community. According to Disney, more than 3,000 residents attended, with activities including carnival-style games, paper window crafts, and photo opportunities featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Disneyland Resort marquee.
Guests were also offered complimentary hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars. Mary Poppins and the Pearly Band performed, while Miguel from Coco and Mirabel from Encanto greeted attendees. Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters later appeared onstage for a dance performance set to classic Disney songs. The Disneyland Resort Fire Engine was displayed throughout the event.
The evening celebration followed activities held earlier in the day at two Anaheim community locations. At the Ponderosa Family Resource Center, more than 125 senior citizens took part in yoga led by instructors from Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The program also included Disney Bingo, crafts with Disney VoluntEARS, treats, dancing, photo backdrops, and a visit from Goofy.
Disneyland Resort provided supplies to four local libraries and two additional senior communities so they could host their own Disney-themed celebrations.
More than 400 students from seven grade levels participated in a Disney-inspired field day at Danbrook Elementary School. Disney VoluntEARS organized themed activity areas, including a Toontown Dance-Stravaganza, Pixar Pier Relay Rally, and New Orleans Square Swashbuckling Soiree. Students met Mickey Mouse and received Disney-themed swag bags. The resort also gave the school’s 75 teachers and staff members complimentary admission to Disneyland Resort for themselves and one guest.
The activities were part of a broader monthlong effort. Disney said surprise visits by VoluntEARS reached more than 2,000 Anaheim residents during August, with giveaways including bubble wands, Mickey Mouse plush toys, and Minnie Mouse ear headbands.
Disney Social Responsibility Manager Eric Benitez told the Orange County Register that the initiative was intended to celebrate Anaheim residents, which he described as Disneyland’s community since the resort’s beginning. The “Main Street on Your Street” event required Anaheim residents to register in advance, while the other activities were organized for their respective communities.
