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Looking back at Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration kickoff one year ago today

Exactly one year ago (05/05/05), Disneyland kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration with an elaborate media event and ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Although Disneyland's actual 50th birthday was July 17, 2005, the media event in May started the party early, with public premieres of Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams and the Remember... Dreams Come True fireworks spectacular.

The heartwarming and nostalgic event at Disneyland was hosted by Art Linkletter, who hosted the televised opening day events and appearances by LeAnn Rimes (who sang the theme song of Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration, "Remember When"), Christina Aguilera (who sang a version of "When You Wish Upon A Star"), Julie Andrews, and Walt Disney Company executives Michael Eisner and Bob Iger.

Here's a look back at the big event through pictures.

Donald Duck, Christina Aguilera, Art Linkletter, Julie Andrews, Michael Eisner, Bob Iger, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts President Jay Rasulo, LeAnn Rimes, Disneyland Resort President Matt Ouimet, and Mickey Mouse kick off Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration

Christina Aguilera, Julie Andrews, LeAnn Rimes, and Mickey Mouse.

Michael Eisner, Julie Andrews, LeAnn Rimes, and Bob Iger share a moment with Mickey Mouse in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Popular singer LeAnn Rimes sings Disneyland's 50th anniversary anthem "Remember When," written by Richard Marx, on May 5, 2005.

Bob Iger speaks at the 50th anniversary kickoff ceremony at Disneyland.

Art Linkletter, who hosted the TV special of Disneyland's grand opening on July 17, 1955, reminisces about the first time he saw Disneyland with Walt Disney.

Michael Eisner introduces the "Happiest Homecoming on Earth."

Christina Aguilera, who was once a member of the Mickey Mouse Club, performs "When You Wish Upon A Star."

Christina Aguilera performs at Disneyland.

Julie Andrews, Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Honorary Ambassador, recalls her favorite memories of Disneyland.

Composer Alan Silvestri, who wrote a special theme for Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration, conducts an orchestra at Disneyland at the ceremony in the park on May 5.

Julie Andrews narrates a segment in which everyone is "invited home" to Disneyland. Characters, including Mickey Mouse and Goofy, arrive from various places around the world in a re-creation of the television commercial.

LeAnn Rimes and her husband Dean Sheremet share a moment in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle after the ceremony at Disneyland on May 5, 2005.

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