Well, now that you've mentioned the golden ride vehicle, I think I may have the answer.
If I'm right, I'm a little confused. Because I was under the impression that that attraction wasn't an "Opening Day" ride. So why the gold vehicle, then. Well, I checked a back issue of the Disney Insider email and it doesn't say that the Golden Ride Vehicles are for opening Opening Day attractions, just that they are "special golden vehicles on many of Disneyland park's best-loved attractions."
Maybe my answer is wrong and this is a moot point. But if I'm right... help!