n July 1955 the first Disney park in the world opened in Anaheim California, a city between LA and San Diego.  Disneyland took theming and park design to a whole new level.  Here we are, 55 years later, with Disney Parks located all over the world, including the most popular, the Walt Disney World Resort which is home to the Magic Kingdom, the most visited park in the world.  But Disneyland was the very first, and will always be the only theme park to be designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.  Walter Elias Disney has given us his dream, a dream that we all dream of experiencing to this day.  But his dream has grown to the resort it is today with an additional theme park, California Adventure (2001), Downtown Disney District (2001), and a total of three hotels.

Disneyland park is made up of 8 popular lands, a few that are exclusive to this park so won’t be found at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fl.  Take for example New Orleans Square (1966), the first new land to be added to Disneyland after the park’s opening.  The distinctive architecture of 19th century New Orleans sparkles through the air.  Attractions include the classic Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion rides.  Critter Country (1972) is home to the popular water ride, Splash Mountain (1989), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes.

“Disneyland would be a world of Americans, past and present, seen through the eyes of my imagination–a place of warmth and nostalgia, of illusion and color and delight.” -Walt Disney

One of five original themed lands at Disneyland is Frontierland, taking you back to the west of the 1800s complete theming with cowboys, saloons, and gold rushes.  Ride on one of the most popular attractions in the park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1979), a not to scary, not to light, fun, medium sized roller coaster.  One of the most unique attractions to Disney parks are the Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island, take a trip throught the Rivers of America on the classic Mark Twain Riverboat or Sailing Ship Columbia.  Big Thunder Ranch is a petting zoo with farm animals including sheep, goats, and cows.  Be sure to catch a show of Fantasmic! (1992), the popular night time presentation with fireworks, actors, water effects, music, boats, rafts and even fire.  See your favorite Disney characters on large mist screens.

“Disneyland is not just another amusement park. It’s unique, and I want it kept that way. Besides, you don’t work for a dollar – you work to create and have fun.”   —Walt Disney

featured: