Friday July 17th, 2015 marks the 60th birthday of Disneyland in Anaheim California. The festivities have been well underway with the Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Celebration that began in May. Since it’s opening in 1955, Disneyland has fascinated guests from all over the world. As it is about to embark on this amazing milestone, let’s take a look back at the beginning and what has made it become the land of fantasy it is today.
Disneyland is the only theme park in the Walt Disney Company that was planned by Walt himself. He wanted a place where families would be able to have fun together, and let their imaginations grow.
“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
—Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955 Disneyland’s Opening Day
As soon as the gates opened, visitors surged into the park. However, it is no secret that Disneyland’s opening day was a disaster. Many rides were shut down, freshly poured asphalt began to melt in the summer heat, and particular areas had to be evacuated due to a gas leak.
Even though all of this took place, its opening ceremony was broadcast all over the world, sparking the imaginations of millions. Soon, all the issues were fixed, and the company kept moving on with Walt’s dream in hand. Having a place where dreams never die, and imagination reigns.
The impression that he left on the park itself is truly amazing, and lives on to this very day. The many changes that have been made have all been done with the same core values in mind. The Disneyland experience is about families and imagination. It is safe to say that visitors know this, and it is why they keep coming back.
In 2014, Disneyland saw over 16 million visitors walk through it’s gates, making it the third most visited theme park in the world. People are coming from far and wide to experience this magical world for themselves, and they are not leaving disappointed.
With the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration continuing, we can expect Disneyland to do what it has always done and go above and beyond our expectations, allowing us to imagine even greater possibilities. We are happy to celebrate 60 wonderful years of Disneyland, and look forward to many more to come.
Thank you Walt, and Happy Birthday Disneyland
Here’s some exciting new things that have been going on for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary:
New Firework show “Disneyland Forever”
New “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney”
Disney Diamond Day Sweepstakes
To book your room for the Disneyland Diamond Celebration click here
