Disneyland in Southern California, Walt Disney’s original theme park, has been bringing families together in an atmosphere of fun and magic for nearly 50 years. Most of these happy times have been captured on film through the past five decades and are now cherished images in family photo albums the world over.

As Disneyland prepares to celebrate its milestone 50th anniversary next year it is hoping everyone will want to be a part of Disney history by participating in a unique program. In an unprecedented request, Disneyland is asking people around the world to send in their most beloved Disney memories (especially their favorite Disneyland memories) in the form of photographs, snapshots or digital images (old and recent, color or black and white) via www.disneyland.com/photos.

The millions of anticipated submissions will be woven together to create “Happiest Faces on Earth . . . A Disney Family Album,” a series of oversized photo collages of classic Disney characters and imagery from the last half century. These collages will serve as an important part of the “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” 50th anniversary celebration of Disneyland, officially launching on May 5, 2005. The collages will be on exhibit throughout the Disneyland Resort for 18 months during the entire duration of the celebration.

Disneyland’s photo request campaign officially kicked-off on July 17 (Disneyland’s 49th anniversary) during an elaborate ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The Martinez family of Portland, Ore., was chosen to be the very first family to submit their photo to the program. “This is our very first visit to Disneyland and oh yes, we’ll be back for sure next year for the anniversary,” said Mrs. Martinez.

“We invite everyone in the world to look through their scrapbooks and send us their most treasured and special Disney photos, especially those of their unforgettable visits to Disneyland,” says Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort. “This is an amazing program that will allow everybody to really be a part of this one-of-a-kind tapestry of memories during our upcoming 50th anniversary.”

People who want to contribute their photos are encouraged to visit www.disneyland.com/photos. All photos must be received by Dec. 31, 2004 to be considered for use. A photo release form is available online and must be included with all photo submissions, along with appropriate contact information (name, address, e-mail and phone number). Participants in the program are encouraged not to send original photos. Not all photo submissions will be used for various reasons.

“Everyone who sends in a photo will receive a confirmation e-mail or letter next spring confirming receipt of their photo and, if the photo is used, notification of the general placement of the photo in the collages,” adds Ouimet. “We’ve had nearly 500 million guests visit Disneyland since 1955 so we look forward to having everyone who’s ever been touched by the magic of Disneyland to send in their favorite photos.”