Disneyland open 24 hours; big crowds party until sunrise

Sunrise over the Sleeping Beauty Castle? A 3 a.m. walk along Main Street?

That was the life for thousands who flocked to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure which opened for 24 straight hours beginning at 6 a.m. Friday.

Here are some images from the event:

The last 24-hour event at Disneyland -- on Leap Day 2012 -- caused several headaches after a large after-work crowd overwhelmed the park, prompting officials to close gates for several hours. Traffic was snarled for miles as the parking structure nearly reached capacity, and many visitors voiced frustrations on social media.

Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown told KTLA-TV that special precautions had been taken for the 2013 event, such as bringing in extra police officers and requiring staff to park off-site. Annual pass holders were also asked to carpool, she said.

The Orange County Register reported the event went fairly smoothly this year: The parks themsevles were packed at midnight.

“I love it,” visitor Ryenn Mancuso, 18, told the paper. “There are a bunch of high schools celebrating their graduation, and it’s a really great way to meet other people ....It’s like one big 24-hour family.”

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