Fireworks light the sky as 'The Happiest Place on Earth' turns 60

'The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60' airs Sunday, Feb. 21, on ABC

The Disneyland Resort diamond celebration marks 60 years since Walt Disney first opened the gates to Disneyland and transformed the entertainment industry worldwide

Walt Disney, one of the ultimate dreamers, used his uninhibited imagination and determination to create what became the springboard for all of the Walt Disney Co.'s spirited and wildly successful creativity that followed - his crowning achievement: Disneyland.

ABC will celebrate the inventiveness and inspiration of Disney's big, bold creation with a glamorous, star-studded diamond anniversary event special, both in the heart of Hollywood at the Dolby Theater and throughout some of the most iconic locations at Disneyland Park, including Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street U.S.A., and Cars Land, a themed area of Disney California Adventure Park. The special will also showcase two dazzling displays of technology - the "Paint the Night" parade and "World of Color-Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney" in Disney California Adventure Park, along with many more, on "The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60," Sunday, Feb. 21 (8 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

The list of performances will be announced shortly.

Disney's legacy lives on through the Disneyland Resort, but even he might not have been able to imagine how big his idea would become at Disneyland and at Disney parks that span the globe. He launched an entirely new concept for family entertainment that remains as relevant today as the day it opened, July 17, 1955, for guests of all ages.

The Disneyland Resort will continue its 60th anniversary diamond celebration through this summer, extending the three after-dark shows created for the special anniversary - the "Paint the Night" parade, the immersive "Disneyland Forever" fireworks show and the all-new "World of Color-Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney." The celebration, which also features sparkling décor, themed food and merchandise, will conclude on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.