Fans celebrate Disneyland's 50th anniversary

Thousands of Disney fans donned special gold-coloured Mickey Mouse ears as they streamed through the entrance to Disneyland on Sunday - 50 years after it opened its gates, giving birth to the modern theme park.

The festivities, which included a fireworks and confetti display, were set outside the Sleeping Beauty Castle, and began with televised images of the park's launch in 1955.

Disneyland was wildly innovative when it first opened, using robotic figures, holographs and panoramic movies in circular theatres to spin stories for children. With virtually no competition, the park had little trouble capturing the world's imagination. Disney now operates 11 theme parks worldwide.