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Disneyland celebrated its 47th birthday yesterday, and MousePlanet turned 2. So, OK, neither of these are exactly landmark events, but who are we to turn down a reason to throw a party?

Crowds gathered around Town Square to watch the ceremony

Sir Anthony Hopkins greets fans

The day dawned bright, sunny and hot. By the time the media and invited guests assembled for the 11:45 birthday ceremony, the park had already called "code 90", (an alert sent out to Cast Members when the temperature reaches 90 degrees), and visitors were seeking shade in every corner of Town Square.

Disneyland Resort Ambassador Matt Ebeling starts the ceremony

As we waited for the ceremony to begin, a flurry of motion drew our attention to the VIP seating area. Sir Anthony Hopkins (yes, the actor that played Hannibal Lecter) had made his entrance, one of several celebrities in the park Wednesday, and the crowds were eager to get a good look at him. Sir Anthony was gracious enough to pose for photos with several groups of fans, and then took his seat next to Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss.

Ms. Harriss introduces Daniel Rodriguez

The ceremony began as Disneyland Resort Ambassador Matt Ebeling greeted the crowd and introduced Cynthia Harriss.

Belle and Cinderella present America's Tenor

Ms. Harriss spoke about the difficult time the country has faced over the past ten months, and of Walt Disney's belief in America. She then introduced Daniel Rodriguez, who, escorted by Belle and Cinderella, made his entrance while singing "When You Wish Upon a Star".

Mickey helps to present the award

Mr. Rodriguez, a member of the New York City Police Department, became known as "America's Tenor" for his singing appearances in the aftermath of September 11th. Since then, Officer Rodriguez has performed at the World Series, the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Macyâs Thanksgiving Parade and at numerous other events. He also has just released a CD.

Cynthia Harriss, Mickey and Daniel Rodriguez with the awards

Ms. Harriss next introduced four members of the health and safety departments of Disneyland. Joined by Mickey Mouse, they presented Officer Rodriguez with a set of Distinguished Service Awards, the first time these awards have ever been given to a non-Cast Member.

The ceremony concluded with "God Bless America"

Officer Rodriguez concluded the ceremony by singing his famous rendition of "God Bless America," as daytime pyrotechnics were fired from Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Mickey and Officer Rodriguez straighten each other's collars between photos

Sir Anthony Hopkins greets Daniel Rodriguez

After the ceremony concluded, the participants posed for more photos and the crowds dispersed off into the hot summer day.

Several MousePad participants, playing with their food

Now was time to head to the first of several MousePlanet reader meets that had been planned for the day. After finding one group at the Partners statue, we all moved to the Hungry Bear restaurant for the "official" 1 p.m. gathering.

Lisa distributed MousePad buttons to those who joined us for lunch, or who just stopped by to say hello. As always, it was good to be able to put faces and screen names together in person.

MousePlanet readers and staff, some playing hooky from work but we'll never tell

After posing for several group photos, we said goodbye to those that had to return to work (and made sure they had minty fresh breath since they had been at the - ahem - dentist), while the rest scattered out around the park, meeting up again at 3:30 for our birthday party at the Plaza Inn.

The Plaza Inn Birthday Party is just one of the options in the new "My Disneyland Birthday" program, (which MousePlanet will be covering in greater detail in an upcoming column).

Your host, Patrick Edward Cake

As we were seated on the terrace, we were given a birthday button and party hat. Servers came around shortly to offer us our choice of fruit punch or water, served in little souvenir cups. Then Disneyland's chief baker, and the host of the party, was introduced. His name is Patrick Edward Cake, but of course his friends call him Pat.

The birthday cakes come with frosting and sprinkles

Pat announced that he had baked a birthday cake for each person, but (of course) would need some help decorating them. The servers then brought individual cakes to everyone, along with an assortment of frostings and sprinkles, plus a basket of napkins and utensils.

Everyone had their own ideas about proper cake decoration

For the next several minutes, party goers, encouraged by a constant stream of chatter from Mr. Cake, adorned their cakes with multicolor frosting and candy sprinkles. Then servers were again sent around to "judge" the cakes, and pick a winner.

MousePlanet Columnist Sue Kruse went for a '60s "floral" motif

Well of course, this being Disneyland, every cake was deemed to be a "Mouse-ter-piece", and worthy of an award ribbon sticker. As we ate our creations, Mickey and Minnie came out to greet guests and lead us all in a "conga line" around the patio.

Don't let the hats fool you - this is serious work

After the dance, Mickey and Minnie posed for photos. The servers continued to offer refills of punch and water as we finished our cakes. All too soon, Pat E. Cake said it was time for him to leave. Boxes were offered to those who wanted to take their cakes home. The birthday party is a sweet event, and the $10 price was really an excellent value for the hour-long party.

Minnie and Mickey with a young MousePlaneteer

As birthdays go, this was a perfectly wonderful day. When you can spend time at your favorite place on earth, surrounded by friends and loved ones, and even get some punch and cake in the deal, what more can you ask for?

Happy birthday Disneyland, happy birthday MousePlanet, and many, many happy returns.

You can write Adrienne Vincent - Phoenix at this link

Story and photos by Adrienne Vincent- Phoenix

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