Located in Anaheim, CA, Disneyland Park opened on July 18, 1955. At that time, the park was merely known as Disneyland; it was re-branded Disneyland Park in 1998 to distinguish it from Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland was the only Disney theme park to be personally supervised by Walt Disney himself, who came up with the idea for the theme park after visiting different amusement parks with his family in the 1930’s and 1940’s. When Disneyland opened, the park featured 5 themed areas including Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. Each land was designed to immerse visitors and featured unique attractions and experiences; in theory, each land functioned as its own mini theme park inside the larger Disneyland park.
Since the park opened, Disneyland has undergone several expansions and renovations. For example, in 1966 New Orleans Square debuted, while Bear Country (now known as Critter Country) debuted in 1972. Mickey’s Toon Town was also added to the park, and this particular area debuted in 1993.
By far one of the most recognizable and convenient attractions located in Disneyland Park is the monorail, which opened in Tomorrowland in 1959. The monorail allows easy and convenient access to and from the park to Downtown Disney.
There are also plenty of dining options throughout Disneyland Park, which ensures that every guest can find something that suits their budget and dietary preferences. Choose from a wide variety of full service eateries, quick service dining locations and snack kiosks spread throughout the park for a dining experience that works for you. There are also several opportunities for character dining, so families can enjoy a delicious meal with some of the classic Disney characters right at your table! In addition to the dining options and various rides, Disneyland Park is home to a variety of other entertainment options, as well.
One of the newest additions to the park, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, opened May 27 2011 and kicked off Memorial Day with a bang. The parade features Mickey himself, as well as a variety of other beloved Disney characters. Other entertainment options include Fantasmic!, a musical and pyrotechnic show during the evening that features Mickey and friends. Additionally, a nightly fireworks show is held behind Sleeping Beauty’s Castle each evening, and the show often changes depending on the time of year.
Of course, it’s hard to walk around Disneyland without running into at least a few Disney characters during your visit. Character meet-and-greet opportunities abound, including the Disney Princesses, Mickey Mouse and friends, Winnie the Pooh and his gang, and plenty of other beloved Disney characters. Visitors interested in meeting some of their favorite Disney characters can always check the Times Guide to see where their characters will appear.
Disneyland park has been a popular vacation destination since its opening debut in 1955, and the fun hasn’t stopped yet. With all of the latest renovations and updates, the theme park continues to draw visitors both locally and from around the world, and it’s easy to see why the “happiest place on Earth” continues to draw such large crowds.