Author: Tania Escobar
If you haven’t heard, Mickey Mouse turned 90 on November 18, 2018. Disney and other companies that sell Disney merch are cashing in on the milestone, from Funko Pop brand toys re-releasing the multiple looks of Mickey to Ray-Ban trying to reel customers in with Mickey posters outside their stores. Walt Disney, who created this magical place for all to enjoy, proclaimed, “I hope we never lose sight of one thing— that it was all started by a mouse.”
To commemorate such an auspicious birthday, the park is celebrating with what they are calling “Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration.” Quite a mouthful compared to smaller phrases like “Pixar Fest” and “Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration.” Patrons for over a decade have grown used to mind-blowing fireworks shows with added upgrades each year. Everyone’s expectations for their shows have always been surpassed up until Friday, January 18th, 2019.
Though Disneyland often finds ways to commemorate certain milestones, I still haven’t found one that has topped Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration. Though I’ve never been disappointed with a fireworks show, I can’t say the same about “Mickey’s Mix Magic Fireworks Spectacular,” the fireworks show in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle to highlight the event.
“ I hope we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.”
— WALT DISNEY
After watching the firework show, meant to honor Mickey Mouse, I feel like Disneyland did lose sight that it started with a mouse. First, there was a lack of fireworks explosions, something that any and every firework show needs to wow an audience. Second, the show had minimal pauses between songs to allow guests to adjust to the change in the show’s tone. Lastly, there were very few tone changes, only a consistent beat throughout the show, accompanied by LED lights and lasers with the same tempo.
Maybe my personal expectations were let down, but it seemed like all the hullabaloo didn’t revolve around Mickey. I felt that they should have highlighted Mickey throughout the years. It would have been more impressive to start with Steamboat Willie and then transition into every mouse evolution in animation style and movies. They also didn’t make much of an effort to include his partner, Minnie, despite highlighting her name in the event.
I’m hoping the lack of fireworks and quieter-than-most audio was due to the park not being in peak season anymore. It should also be noted that it was the first day of the gimmick so that they may tweak the show after some fan feedback.
Disneyland firework shows traditionally have the potential of hitting true fans right in the feels, but for this annual passholder of 10-plus years, this was not one of them. If they want to pull my heartstrings, they will need to make real changes.
For more information on the event, visit Disney.go