When you wish upon a star: Walt Disney's dream of a theme park in which guests could immerse themselves in fairy tales is celebrating its golden anniversary

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Sept, 2005 by Stacey Eager Leavitt

This concept of good feeling at Disney certainly is intentional. From the relaxing, small town ambiance you get walking down Main Street to the hospitality shown by the vast array of cast members, Disney indeed is the place to be for "The Happiest Celebration on Earth," a 50th-anniversary party that won't soon be forgotten.

Employees are known as cast members. They are hired using a process of character fit so that their personality is suited for the position. After being selected, they go through a training process called "traditions." They are taught the history and concepts used in creating all that is Disney, including the characters and stories that make up the parks. Their mission is to see that guests have an enjoyable experience.

While expanding the parks and developing new tides, Disney has put substantial efforts into making their visitors' stays easier and more enjoyable. Since long waits on seemingly endless lines can be frustrating, a "fast pass" alternative was created. Fast pass allows guests to obtain a ticket permitting them to return to the tide at a later time, when they can enter through an accelerated line. So as not to bog down the fast pass line, patrons are restricted to using this amenity for just one event at a time. While waiting for the last pass return time, there is the opportunity to enjoy rides with a lesser line, have lunch, see a parade, or just take a rest.

Picture-taking at the parks also has been made easier thanks to "picture pass." When the park photographer asks to take a picture, he or she provides the subjects with a magnetic-swipe card, which can be used at any photo opportunity location. At the end of the day, the card gives you access to all of the pictures taken by the parks' photographers. The images not only can be viewed at the photo stop before leaving, but once you have returned home and gain access to a computer: Log on to the Disney site; enter the card number; and view the photos sans the strains of tired or pleading children. The images can be viewed for up to 30 days after they have been taken. The cost of the photos is about the same as if purchased at the park.

Beginning with this "Happiest Celebration on Earth," which is scheduled to run through October, 2006, Disney World Resorts has begun offering Magical Express. When booking a reservation for a Disney hotel, special identifying tags will be placed on the bags that are checked at the departing airport. When arriving in Orlando, the bags are handled by Magical Express service--no need to wait to claim your luggage. Guests then may board one of the designated buses to be whisked off to their hotel. After check-in, the luggage automatically is delivered to their room. When their stay has ended, bags can be checked at the resort for the flight home.

Exclusive to parties of eight or more staying at Disney World is Magical Gatherings. There are several experiences to choose from. Magical Fireworks Voyage, for example, does not require admission to the park. So, it's possible to spend time by the pool or elsewhere outside the resort and then finish off the day at Seven Seas Lagoon, where a boat piloted by an entertaining member of Captain Hook's crew takes them to view the evening fireworks show. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell act as greeters when the vessel returns to dock.