History of Disneyland in Timeline
Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California, is a theme park owned by the Walt Disney Company. Notably, it was the first Disney theme park and the only one directly overseen by Walt Disney during its design and construction. It opened on July 17, 1955, marking a significant moment in the history of themed entertainment.
5 hours ago : Disneyland Employees Hospitalized After Hazmat Incident: Investigation Underway, Theme Park Operations Affected.
Five Disneyland employees were hospitalized due to a hazardous materials incident. The incident prompted an investigation and affected theme park operations. Cause and extent of the contamination are currently unknown.
1903: Horseless carriages modeled after cars built in 1903
The horseless carriages featured on Main Street, U.S.A. are modeled after cars built in 1903 and have two-cylinder, four-horsepower engines.
1939: Inspiration from New York World's Fair
In 1939, the New York World's Fair served as one of the inspirations for Disneyland's design.
August 31, 1948: Earliest Disneyland Plan Draft
On August 31, 1948, Walt Disney sent the earliest documented draft of his Disneyland plans to Dick Kelsey, referring to it as "Mickey Mouse Park."
1953: Disney Buys Anaheim Site
In 1953, Walt Disney purchased a 160-acre site near Anaheim, California, after a feasibility study by the Stanford Research Institute.
July 16, 1954: Disneyland Construction Begins
Construction on Disneyland began on July 16, 1954, costing $17 million to complete.
1954: Construction Begins
Construction on Disneyland began in 1954, led by Walt Disney's hand-picked team from WED Enterprises.
1954: Bob Gurr appointed Director of Special Vehicle Design
In 1954, Bob Gurr gave himself the title of Director of Special Vehicle Design at Disneyland.
July 17, 1955: Disneyland Opening
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland Park, the first theme park by the Walt Disney Company, opened in Anaheim, California, under Walt Disney's direct supervision.
1955: Disneyland and Santa Fe Railroad is presented by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
From 1955 to 1974, the Santa Fe Rail Pass was accepted in lieu of a Disneyland "D" coupon.
1957: Opening of Holidayland
In 1957, Holidayland opened to the public. It was a nine-acre recreation area including a circus and baseball diamond.
September 1959: Nikita Khrushchev's Disneyland Visit Denied
In September 1959, Soviet First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev's request to visit Disneyland was famously denied due to Cold War tensions and security concerns.
1959: Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through inspired by Disney Animation's film
In 1959, Sleeping Beauty Castle features a walk-through telling the story of Disney Animation's 1959 film Sleeping Beauty, in the style of the film's production designer Eyvind Earle.
1959: Opening of Disneyland Monorail
In 1959, the Disneyland Monorail opened in Tomorrowland as the first daily-operating monorail train system in the Western Hemisphere.
1960: Walt Disney Productions Buys Remaining Disneyland Shares
By 1960, Walt Disney Productions had bought out all other shares of Disneyland, Inc., solidifying its ownership.
1960: Inspiration for Adventureland Treehouse
In 1960, Walt Disney's film Swiss Family Robinson inspired the creation of the Adventureland Treehouse attraction in Adventureland.
1960: Relocation of Disneyland Heliport
In 1960, the Disneyland Heliport for Los Angeles Airways service was moved to a new location north of the Disneyland Hotel, with guests transported to the hotel via tram.
1960: Disney's Candlelight Processional Debut
Since 1960, Disney's Candlelight Processional has been performed annually in Town Square during the holiday season.
1961: Extension of monorail track and opening of second station
In 1961, the Disneyland Monorail's track was extended and a second station opened at the Disneyland Hotel.
1963: Early Closure Due to JFK Assassination
In 1963, Disneyland unexpectedly closed early in response to the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
1963: Opening of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
In 1963, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room opened at the entrance to Adventureland, becoming the first attraction to use Audio-Animatronics.
1963: Discussions with CORE
In 1963, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) discussed with Disneyland officials about hiring more black people.
1964: Regional Sale of Doritos Begins
In 1964, the Frito-Lay Company began selling Doritos regionally after their creation and popularity at Disneyland's Casa de Fritos.
1966: Addition of New Orleans Square
In 1966, Disneyland expanded with the addition of New Orleans Square.
1966: Addition of New Orleans Square to Disneyland
In 1966, New Orleans Square was added as a themed "land" to Disneyland Park.
1966: Nationwide Sale of Doritos Begins
In 1966, the Frito-Lay Company started selling Doritos nationwide, following their popularity at Disneyland.
May 22, 1968: Los Angeles Airways Crash in Paramount, California
On May 22, 1968, a Los Angeles Airways helicopter operating regularly scheduled passenger service between Disneyland and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) crashed in Paramount, California, resulting in 23 fatalities.
August 14, 1968: Los Angeles Airways Crash in Compton, California
On August 14, 1968, a second Los Angeles Airways helicopter, providing passenger service to Disneyland, crashed in Compton, California, killing 21 people.
August 16, 1969: All-Time Attendance Record
On August 16, 1969, Disneyland set an all-time attendance record with 82,516 guests, shortly after the opening of The Haunted Mansion.
February 1970: Arson of a Bank of America in Isla Vista
In February 1970, the arson of a Bank of America in Isla Vista was mentioned as a concern during the Yippie protest at Disneyland, due to the park's association with Bank of America.
1971: Opening of Walt Disney World
In 1971, the more expansive Walt Disney World resort opened, but Disneyland continued to set attendance records.
1972: Addition of Bear Country to Disneyland
In 1972, Bear Country was added as a themed "land" to Disneyland Park (later known as Bayou Country).
1972: Addition of Bear Country
In 1972, Disneyland added Bear Country, later known as Bayou Country.
1972: Opening of Bear Country and Introduction of Main Street Electrical Parade
In 1972, Disneyland opened Bear Country and introduced the Main Street Electrical Parade.
1972: Halloween Tree Book Publication
In 1972, Ray Bradbury wrote the book "Halloween Tree", which would later be honored at Disneyland with a Halloween tree idea to be included as part of the annual park-wide Halloween decorations.
1974: America Sings Replaces Carousel of Progress
In 1974, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress was replaced with America Sings, an Audio-Animatronics show about American music, in preparation for the United States Bicentennial.
1974: End of Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway presentation
In 1974, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway ended its presentation of the Disneyland Railroad. The Santa Fe Rail Pass was no longer accepted.
March 1975: Flight to the Moon Rethemed as Mission to Mars
In March 1975, Disneyland's Flight to the Moon attraction was rethemed as Mission to Mars.
1975: Debut of America on Parade
In 1975, America on Parade debuted at Disneyland in celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
July 4, 1976: First Closure Due to Capacity
On July 4, 1976, Disneyland closed its gates to new admissions for part of the day for the first time due to heavy crowds exceeding the park's capacity during the United States Bicentennial.
1976: America on Parade Continues
In 1976, America on Parade continued at Disneyland as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration.
1977: Opening of Space Mountain
Space Mountain opened in 1977 at Disneyland, becoming a very popular attraction.
1979: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Replaces Mine Train
In 1979, the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland was replaced by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland.
1982: Passport Tickets Before Full Implementation
Before 1982, passport tickets were available to groups only.
1982: Introduction of "Passports"
In 1982, Disneyland replaced individual ride tickets with "passports", charging a single admission price for unlimited access to all attractions (except shooting galleries).
1982: End of Individual Ride Tickets
In 1982, Disneyland stopped using individual ride tickets and introduced "passports", which allowed unlimited access to attractions with a single admission price.
1982: Fantasyland Closed for Refurbishment
In 1982, Fantasyland at Disneyland was closed for refurbishment.
1983: Reopening as "New Fantasyland"
In 1983, Fantasyland at Disneyland reopened as "New Fantasyland" after refurbishment.
December 28, 1984: Second Closure Due to Capacity
On December 28, 1984, Disneyland closed its gates to new admissions for part of the day due to heavy crowds exceeding the park's capacity.
December 5, 1985: Skyfest Celebration
On December 5, 1985, one million balloons were launched near Disneyland as part of the Skyfest Celebration, celebrating the park's 30th anniversary.
1988: Bayou Country is renamed Critter Country
In 1988, Bear Country was renamed Critter Country.
1988: Inspiration for Mickey's Toontown
In 1988, the fictional Toontown from the Touchstone Pictures film Who Framed Roger Rabbit partly inspired Mickey's Toontown.
1993: Addition of Mickey's Toontown
In 1993, Disneyland expanded with the addition of Mickey's Toontown.
1993: Addition of Mickey's Toontown to Disneyland
In 1993, Mickey's Toontown was added as a themed "land" to Disneyland Park.
1999: Introduction of FastPass System
In 1999, Disney introduced the FastPass system, a no-cost way to reserve entrance times for attractions and reduce wait times.
2000: Completion of Mickey and Friends Parking Structure
In 2000, the Mickey and Friends parking structure was completed, becoming the largest in the United States at the time.
2000: Elaborate Fireworks Shows
Since 2000, Disneyland's fireworks shows have become more elaborate, featuring new pyrotechnics, launch techniques, and storylines.
2001: Opening of Disney California Adventure
In 2001, Disney California Adventure park opened on the site of Disneyland's original parking lot.
2001: Downtown Disney becomes new destination for monorail
With the creation of Downtown Disney in 2001, the new destination for the Disneyland Monorail became Downtown Disney, instead of the Disneyland Hotel.
2003: Harrison Price Recognized as Disney Legend
In 2003, Harrison Price of the Stanford Research Institute was recognized as a Disney Legend for his work in identifying the site for Disneyland.
2003: Matt Ouimet Assumes Leadership
In late 2003, Matt Ouimet, the former president of the Disney Cruise Line, was promoted to assume leadership of the Disneyland Resort.
2004: Major renovations in preparation for the fiftieth anniversary
In 2004, Disneyland Park underwent major renovations to prepare for its fiftieth anniversary celebration. These renovations included restoring several attractions such as Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.
2004: Air Launch Pyrotechnics System Introduced
In 2004, Disneyland introduced a new air launch pyrotechnics system to reduce ground-level smoke and noise, and decrease negative environmental impacts, with Disney donating the patents to a non-profit organization.
May 5, 2005: Start of the Happiest Homecoming on Earth celebration
On May 5, 2005, Disneyland Park kicked off "The Happiest Homecoming on Earth," an eighteen-month-long celebration for Disneyland's fiftieth anniversary, with festivities extending to Disney parks worldwide.
July 2006: Matt Ouimet Leaves, Ed Grier Appointed President
In July 2006, Matt Ouimet left The Walt Disney Company and Ed Grier was named president of the Disneyland Resort.
September 30, 2006: End of the Happiest Homecoming on Earth celebration
On September 30, 2006, "The Happiest Homecoming on Earth" celebration at Disneyland Park concluded. This eighteen-month event commemorated the park's fiftieth anniversary.
October 31, 2007: Ray Bradbury attends presentation of Halloween Tree
On October 31, 2007, author Ray Bradbury attended the presentation of a Halloween Tree in Frontierland, to be included as part of its annual park-wide Halloween decorations every year.
November 7, 2008: "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams" Ends
On November 7, 2008, "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams" ended its run as part of Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration.
2008: Installation of Mark VII monorail trains
In 2008, the Mark VII, the most recent operating generation of monorail trains, was installed in Disneyland.
December 31, 2008: End of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration
On December 31, 2008, the "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration ended. This event lasted twenty-seven months following "The Happiest Homecoming on Earth" celebration.
March 27, 2009: "Celebrate! A Street Party" Premieres
On March 27, 2009, "Celebrate! A Street Party" premiered at Disneyland, replacing "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams".
October 2009: Ed Grier Retires, George Kalogridis Appointed President
In October 2009, Ed Grier announced his retirement and was replaced by George Kalogridis as president of the Disneyland Resort.
2009: Tiana's Bayou Adventure inspired by film The Princess and the Frog
In 2009, Disney Animation's film The Princess and the Frog inspired the log flume ride Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which is the main attraction.
2009: Rotating Repertoire of Firework Spectaculars
Since 2009, Disneyland has moved to a rotating repertoire of firework spectaculars.
January 1, 2010: Launch of Give a Day, Get a Disney Day volunteer program
On January 1, 2010, Disney Parks initiated the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day volunteer program. This program encouraged individuals to volunteer with participating charities in exchange for a free day at either Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World.
March 9, 2010: End of Give a Day, Get a Disney Day volunteer program
On March 9, 2010, Disney announced that it had reached its goal of one million volunteers and ended the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day promotion to anyone who had not yet registered for a volunteer opportunity.
May 27, 2011: "Mickey's Soundsational Parade" Debuts
On May 27, 2011, Disneyland debuted "Mickey's Soundsational Parade".
2011: Projection Mapping Technology Debuts
In 2011, projection mapping technology debuted on It's a Small World with the creation of The Magic, the Memories and You.
October 27, 2014: Permanent Prohibited Airspace Zone Declared
On October 27, 2014, the United States Federal Aviation Administration declared a permanent zone of prohibited airspace around Disneyland and the area of Sleeping Beauty Castle, restricting aircraft and drones.
May 22, 2015: "Paint the Night" Parade Debuts
On May 22, 2015, Disneyland introduced "Paint the Night," a new nighttime parade, as part of the park's 60th anniversary celebration.
July 2015: Start of the 60th Diamond Celebration anniversary
In July 2015, Disneyland celebrated its 60th Diamond Celebration anniversary. Disneyland Park introduced the Paint the Night parade and Disneyland Forever fireworks show, and Sleeping Beauty Castle was decorated in diamonds with a large "60" logo.
2015: Projection Mapping Expands
In 2015, projection mapping expanded to Main Street and Sleeping Beauty Castle with the premiere of Disneyland Forever.
February 2016: Demand-Based Pricing Adopted
In February 2016, Disneyland introduced a demand-based pricing system for single-day admission, charging different prices for "value", "regular", and "peak" days, based on projected attendance.
September 2016: Conclusion of the 60th Diamond Celebration anniversary
In September 2016, the Diamond Celebration at Disneyland concluded, and the decorations were removed around Halloween.
2018: B-Show Format Introduced with Believe... In Holiday Magic
The first fireworks show to have the B-show format, utilizing smaller and mid-sized fireworks shells and more low-level pyrotechnics, was Believe... In Holiday Magic from the 2018 holiday season.
February 2020: Multi-Tiered Pricing System Introduced
In February 2020, Disneyland switched to a multi-tiered pricing system, initially with 5 pricing tiers.
March 14, 2020: Disneyland Park closes indefinitely due to COVID-19
On March 14, 2020, Disneyland Park, along with Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the resort hotels, closed indefinitely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 9, 2020: Downtown Disney reopens after closure
On July 9, 2020, after being closed for nearly four months, Downtown Disney reopened.
July 17, 2020: Park reopening postponed due to rising COVID-19 cases
On July 17, 2020, the planned reopening of Disneyland Park on its 65th anniversary was postponed due to rising COVID-19 cases in California.
2020: "Magic Happens" Parade Debuts and Closure Due to COVID-19
In 2020, the parade "Magic Happens" debuted for two weeks before Disneyland closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A virtual parade was also available for a limited time.
December 31, 2020: Parks expected to stay closed until at least December 31, 2020
As of December 31, 2020, Disneyland was expected to remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 2021: Announcement of A Touch of Disney event
In February 2021, Disneyland announced "A Touch of Disney," a limited-capacity, ticketed event offering guests the opportunity to shop and dine around the park from March 18 through April 19, 2021.
March 5, 2021: California Department of Public Health announces Disneyland reopening guidelines
On March 5, 2021, the California Department of Public Health announced that Disneyland could reopen with capacity restrictions beginning April 1, 2021.
March 25, 2021: Announcement of DisneylandForward plan for park expansion
On March 25, 2021, Disney announced the DisneylandForward plan to expand the park with more rides, restaurants, and shops.
April 1, 2021: Date Disneyland could reopen with restrictions
On April 1, 2021, Disneyland was permitted to reopen with capacity restrictions as announced by the California Department of Public Health.
April 2021: Disney CEO announces park reopening in late April
In April 2021, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced that the company was planning on officially reopening Disneyland Park in late April.
April 19, 2021: End date for A Touch of Disney event
April 19, 2021, marked the last day for Disneyland's limited-capacity "A Touch of Disney" event, which allowed guests to shop and dine at select locations.
April 30, 2021: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure officially reopen
On April 30, 2021, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure officially reopened with limited capacity and social distancing/mask guidelines in effect.
June 15, 2021: Disneyland returns to full capacity with lifted restrictions
On June 15, 2021, Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and other theme parks in California were permitted to return to full capacity with most COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted.
October 2021: Tier 6 Added to Pricing System
In October 2021, Disneyland added Tier 6 to its multi-tiered pricing system.
December 2021: Cumulative Attendance Milestone
As of December 2021, Disneyland had a cumulative attendance of 757 million visits since its opening.
October 2022: Tier 0 Added to Pricing System
In October 2022, Disneyland added Tier 0 to its multi-tiered pricing system.
2022: "Magic Happens" Parade to Return Announced at D23 Expo
At D23 Expo 2022, it was announced that the "Magic Happens" parade would return to Disneyland in spring 2023.
January 27, 2023: Start of the Disney100 celebration
On January 27, 2023, Disneyland initiated the year-long celebration of the Walt Disney Company's centennial, known as Disney100. Disneyland Park introduced the Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction and Wondrous Journeys fireworks show.
April 13, 2023: Announcement of Disneyland's first official Pride Nite
On April 13, 2023, Disneyland announced that it would be holding its first official "Pride Nite" event, supporting the LGBTQ community, 25 years after the first celebrated 'Gay Day' at Disneyland.
May 2023: Controversy over male-presenting Fairy Godmother's apprentice
In May 2023, a TikTok video featuring a male-presenting employee at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique as one of the Fairy Godmother's apprentices sparked both criticism from conservative commentators and support from fans on social media.
2023: Anaheim City Council expected to receive development plans
By 2023, the Anaheim City Council was expected to receive the development plans for approval for the DisneylandForward plan.
2023: "Magic Happens" parade returns
In Spring 2023, the parade "Magic Happens" returned to Disneyland.
May 7, 2024: Approval of the DisneylandForward plan by the Anaheim City Council
On May 7, 2024, the DisneylandForward plan for park expansion was approved by the Anaheim City Council.
May 18, 2024: Disneyland character performers vote to unionize
On May 18, 2024, Disneyland character performers voted to join the Actors' Equity Association, marking the first time these workers have unionized since Disneyland's opening in 1955.
October 2024: Pilot of "Lightning Lane Premier Pass" Began
In October 2024, Disney began piloting its new "Lightning Lane Premier Pass," which allows guests to enter a faster line at any time (once per ride) without having to reserve it on the app for an additional $400 per person per day.
2024: Critter Country renamed Bayou Country
In 2024, Critter Country was renamed Bayou Country.
2024: Pixar Place Hotel Renaming
In 2024, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel was renamed Pixar Place Hotel.
2024: Attendance Figures
In 2024, Disneyland recorded 17.33 million visitors, making it the second most visited amusement park worldwide.
2024: Construction Costs Equivalent in 2024
The $17 million construction cost for Disneyland in 1954 is equivalent to approximately $157 million in 2024.
October 2025: Disneyland announces price increases on tickets and annual passes
In October 2025, Disneyland announced that it would raise prices on tickets and annual passes.
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