Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary: Here's a look at the park then and now
Share this @internewscast.com

Disneyland is celebrating 70 years of being “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

The summerlong festivities in Southern California feature the opening of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” an exhibition showcasing a lifelike animatronic of the company’s founder. This show, debuting on Thursday, also coincides with Disneyland’s official anniversary.

Walt Disney transformed the amusement park industry by introducing family-friendly getaways with innovative attractions. These attractions included robotic figures, holograms, and diverse shows and characters specifically designed to captivate children.

The park’s emphasis on storytelling and attention to detail is still evident today in theme parks across the world.

Today, Disneyland ranks as the world’s second-most visited theme park, just after Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida, which opened its gates in 1971. According to the Themed Entertainment Association, over 17 million visitors experienced Disneyland in 2023, marking a strong recovery from its unprecedented 13-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The park was built on what was once orange groves in Anaheim, just outside Los Angeles. It opened on July 17, 1955 — a year that also saw Ray Kroc start his first McDonald’s restaurant and Jim Henson introduce his original version of Kermit the Frog.

Disneyland’s first day was famously a disaster, all broadcast on a live television special. The park opened just a year after its groundbreaking and simply wasn’t ready for its big day.

Attractions broke down, there weren’t enough restrooms, food and drinks were in short supply, traffic backed up for miles and the shoes of the first guests sank into freshly paved asphalt.

Among the original rides still around today are the Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan’s Flight and Jungle Cruise.

The cost to get in that first year was $1 for adults and 50 cents for children, although tickets for most rides were an additional 10 to 50 cents.

Today, a one-day ticket starts at more than $100 and on some days can double that.

Over the years, the park has hosted U.S. presidents, kings and queens, and countless celebrities. A few even got their start at Disneyland — actor Kevin Costner was a skipper on the Jungle Cruise and comedian Steve Martin worked at a magic shop where he learned about being a performer.

The Walt Disney Co. now has six resorts with a dozen theme parks worldwide. The parks have become one of its most successful and important business segments.

The resort in Anaheim now includes Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney, a shopping and entertainment district.

While Disneyland still features many of the touches Walt Disney oversaw himself, the original park is ever-evolving, sometimes to the dismay of its loyal fans.

Some of the moves have been made to keep up with a changing society, while others have been made to introduce more thrilling attractions with the latest technology to keep up with competitors.

Just last year, Disney received approval to expand its Southern California theme parks. A new parking structure and transit hub are the first steps in its plans to open more space for new attractions.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Man executed in Florida for 1990 killings as state leads nation in executions this year

Florida Carries Out Execution for 1990 Murders, Leading the Nation in 2023 Execution Numbers

A man condemned for a double murder in 1990 met his end…
Through the roof: How much does it cost to live in Glynn County?

Skyrocketing Prices: What Are the Living Expenses in Glynn County?

The median home price in some areas has doubled in the last…
18-year-old charged with murder in Jacksonville shooting

Jacksonville Shooting: 18-Year-Old Faces Murder Charges

JSO charges 18-year-old Andre Thomas with murder for the shooting death of…
Charlie Kirk assassination suspect's expanded defense team includes Menendez brother's former attorney

Defense Team for Charlie Kirk Assassination Case Now Includes Former Attorney of Menendez Brothers

PROVO, Utah — A Utah court has finalized the legal team behind…
When does Yom Kippur start in 2025? What do you say on Yom Kippur?

2025 Yom Kippur Start Date and Greetings Explained

Yom Kippur is a somber holiday, so you shouldn’t tell someone “Happy…
Marion County man charged with creating CSAM using AI

Marion County Resident Accused of Producing CSAM with Artificial Intelligence

Police say that Lucius Martin was arrested during a traffic stop, where…
Michigan church shooter's romance history emerges as suspect's father apologizes to victims' families

Community of LDS Church Members Raises Over $140K for Family of Michigan Shooting Victim

Members associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have…
Travel warning: Delta Air Lines credit card policy nearly strands couple in London, England | What to know

Travel Alert: Delta Air Lines Credit Card Policy Almost Leaves Couple Stuck in London, England | Essential Information

PHILADELPHIA — There is an important alert for airline travelers. In addition…
Charlie Kirk’s Mission Lives On: Why We Must Carry the Torch

Continuing Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: The Importance of Upholding His Vision

By Cliff Maloney My friend, mentor, and American visionary, Charlie Kirk, was…
Government shutdown update: Federal government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty

Government Shutdown Begins, Ushering in New Era of Uncertainty

WASHINGTON — With no deal in sight to extend funding, the U.S.…
Criminal gangs recruiting teenage girls as assassins and bombers, officials warn

Officials Warn: Teenage Girls Being Recruited by Criminal Gangs as Assassins and Bombers

Sweden is currently facing a unique type of gang violence where teenage…
DOJ sues LA sheriff’s office in its first-ever gun-rights lawsuit over carry delays

LA Sheriff’s Office Faces DOJ’s First Gun-Rights Lawsuit Over Concealed Carry Delays

On Tuesday, the Justice Department initiated a lawsuit against the Los Angeles…