Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California, is the first and only theme park designed and built under Walt Disney's direct supervision. It opened on July 17, 1955, marking a significant moment in entertainment history.
1903: Inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A. Vehicles
The horseless carriages featured in the Main Street Vehicles attraction are modeled after cars built in 1903, adding to the authenticity and charm of Main Street, U.S.A.
1939: Disney Inspired by the New York World's Fair
Walt Disney's vision for a theme park was partly shaped by his fascination with the 1939 New York World's Fair, alongside other attractions that emphasized entertainment and innovation.
August 31, 1948: "Mickey Mouse Park" Concept Memo
On August 31, 1948, the earliest known documentation of Walt Disney's theme park idea surfaced in a memo to Dick Kelsey, referring to it as "Mickey Mouse Park." This concept was inspired by Disney's visits to the Chicago Railroad Fair, Henry Ford's Museum, and Greenfield Village.
1953: Disney Acquires Land for Disneyland
In 1953, after determining that the Burbank location was too small, Walt Disney purchased a 160-acre plot of land in Anaheim, California to build Disneyland.
July 16, 1954: Disneyland Construction Begins
On July 16, 1954, construction of Disneyland commenced, marking the tangible beginning of Walt Disney's ambitious project.
1954: Bob Gurr Joins Disneyland as Director of Special Vehicle Design
Bob Gurr, the primary designer for Disneyland's transportation vehicles, joined the project in 1954, playing a crucial role in bringing Walt Disney's vision to life.
1954: Construction of Disneyland Begins
Construction on Disneyland began in 1954, marking the start of transforming the Anaheim orange groves into a magical theme park.
July 17, 1955: Disneyland Opening Day
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates to the public for the first time. This marked the culmination of Walt Disney's dream to create a place where families could have fun together.
1955: Disneyland's Opening
Disneyland opened in 1955
1955: Walt Disney Dedicates Tomorrowland
During Disneyland's inauguration in 1955, Walt Disney dedicated Tomorrowland, envisioning it as a place showcasing the future and inspiring generations to come.
1955: Disneyland and Santa Fe Railroad Begins Operations
In 1955, the Disneyland and Santa Fe Railroad, later renamed Disneyland Railroad, began taking guests on a grand circle tour around the park, sponsored by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
1957: Holidayland Opens
Holidayland, a nine-acre (3.6Â ha) recreation area including a circus and baseball diamond, opened to the public in 1957.
September 1959: Nikita Khrushchev Denied Disneyland Visit
During the Cold War, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev's request to visit Disneyland in September 1959 was denied due to security concerns, highlighting the political tensions of the time.
1959: Sleeping Beauty's Castle Opens and Release of "Sleeping Beauty"
Disney's animated film "Sleeping Beauty" was released in 1959, and Sleeping Beauty's Castle, a walk-through attraction, also opened that year in Fantasyland.
1959: Disneyland Monorail Opens in Tomorrowland
In 1959, the Disneyland Monorail, a groundbreaking transportation system, opened in Tomorrowland, marking the first daily-operating monorail train system in the Western Hemisphere.
1960: Release of "Swiss Family Robinson"
Walt Disney's film "Swiss Family Robinson" was released in 1960.
1960: Disneyland Heliport Relocated
The Disneyland Heliport was moved to a new location north of the Disneyland Hotel in 1960, accommodating the growing demand for helicopter transportation services.
1960: Walt Disney Productions Obtains Full Ownership of Disneyland
In a strategic move to consolidate control, Walt Disney Productions bought out all other shareholders in Disneyland, Inc. by 1960.
1961: Holidayland Closes
Holidayland closed in 1961.
1961: Disneyland Monorail Expands with Second Station
The Disneyland Monorail track was extended in 1961 to include a second station at the Disneyland Hotel, enhancing transportation options for guests.
1963: Civil Rights Discussions at Disneyland
By 1963, discussions were underway between Disneyland officials and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) regarding the park's hiring practices and the need for greater racial diversity among its employees.
1963: Disneyland Closure Due to JFK Assassination
In 1963, Disneyland experienced its first unexpected early closure in response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This event set a precedent for handling unforeseen crises, including the later Yippie protest.
1963: Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room Opens
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, the first attraction to use Audio-Animatronics, opened in 1963.
1964: Doritos Invented at Disneyland
An unexpected culinary innovation emerged from Disneyland in 1964 with the creation of Doritos. Originally a way to repurpose leftover tortillas at Casa de Fritos, these "little golden things" gained regional popularity and were later launched nationwide by Frito-Lay in 1966.
July 24, 1966: New Orleans Square Opens
New Orleans Square, themed after 19th-century New Orleans, opened on July 24, 1966, featuring attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and Fantasmic!.
1966: Doritos Go Nationwide
Following their success at Disneyland and in regional markets, Doritos hit shelves across the United States in 1966, becoming a national snack food phenomenon.
1966: New Orleans Square Opens
In 1966, Disneyland expanded with the addition of New Orleans Square, bringing a touch of the French Quarter to the park.
1966: New Orleans Square Opens
New Orleans Square opened in Disneyland in 1966.
1967: Transformation into New Tomorrowland
In 1967, Tomorrowland underwent a major transformation, updating its attractions and adopting a more futuristic look.
May 22, 1968: Paramount Helicopter Crash
On May 22, 1968, a Los Angeles Airways helicopter crashed in Paramount, California, tragically resulting in 23 fatalities. This incident shook the aviation industry and prompted safety concerns.
August 14, 1968: Compton Helicopter Crash
Another tragic helicopter crash occurred on August 14, 1968, in Compton, California, claiming the lives of 21 people. This second incident further fueled concerns about the safety of helicopter transportation.
1968: Disneyland's Gross Revenue
In 1968, Disneyland generated a total revenue of $65,151,000, highlighting the park's significant financial performance during that period.
February 1970: Bank of America Arson in Isla Vista
In February 1970, a Bank of America branch in Isla Vista was set on fire, an incident that influenced security concerns during the Yippie protest at Disneyland.
1971: Opening of Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida opened its doors in 1971, marking a significant expansion of the Disney brand and introducing new competition for Disneyland.
1972: Bear Country Opens
Bear Country opened in Disneyland in 1972.
1972: New Attractions at Disneyland
Disneyland continued to thrive with the addition of Bear Country and the introduction of the Main Street Electrical Parade in 1972.
1972: Bear Country Opens
Disneyland's wilderness area expanded in 1972 with the opening of Bear Country, later renamed Critter Country.
1972: Sleeping Beauty's Castle Redesigned
Sleeping Beauty's Castle saw a redesign in 1972.
1972: Bear Country Opens
Bear Country opened in Disneyland in 1972.
1974: Debut of America Sings
In 1974, Disneyland replaced Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress with America Sings, an audio-animatronic show celebrating American music.
1974: End of the Santa Fe Railroad Sponsorship
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway ended its sponsorship of the Disneyland Railroad in 1974. The Santa Fe Rail Pass was no longer accepted in place of a Disneyland "D" coupon.
March 1975: From Flight to the Moon to Mission to Mars
Reflecting advancements in space exploration, Disneyland reimagined the Flight to the Moon attraction as Mission to Mars in March 1975.
1975: America on Parade Premiere
Disneyland premiered America on Parade, a celebration of the United States Bicentennial, in 1975, running through 1976.
1976: Conclusion of America on Parade
America on Parade concluded in 1976, marking the end of Disneyland's celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
1977: Launch of Space Mountain and Closure of Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland
Disneyland saw significant changes in 1977 with the debut of the acclaimed Space Mountain and the closure of the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland.
1979: Arrival of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Disneyland replaced the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland with the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad rollercoaster in 1979.
1982: End of Individual Ride Tickets
Disneyland discontinued the use of individual ride tickets in 1982, marking a significant shift in the park's ticketing system. This system, which required guests to purchase tickets for rides in addition to park admission, was replaced with a "passport" system. The new system allowed unlimited access to all attractions for a single admission price, except for shooting galleries.
1982: Introduction of "Passport" Ticketing
In 1982, Disneyland introduced a "passport" ticketing system, replacing individual ride tickets. Guests now paid a single admission price for unlimited access to all attractions (except shooting galleries). This system aimed to streamline operations and ensure consistent revenue. This innovation, while not entirely new, had notable benefits for Disneyland's operations.
1982: Fantasyland Closure for Refurbishment
Disneyland closed Fantasyland in 1982 for a major refurbishment.
1982: Passport Tickets Available to Groups Only
Before the year 1982, passport tickets, which granted access to all attractions for a single price, were exclusively available to groups visiting Disneyland.
1983: Reopening of New Fantasyland
Disneyland reopened the renovated Fantasyland as "New Fantasyland" in 1983, introducing updated attractions and experiences.
1983: Fantasyland Refurbishment
Fantasyland underwent a refurbishment in 1983, transforming it into a Bavarian village.
December 5, 1985: Skyfest Celebration
On December 5, 1985, Disneyland celebrated its 30th anniversary with the Skyfest Celebration, releasing a million balloons.
1988: Bear Country Renamed Critter Country
Bear Country was renamed Critter Country in 1988.
1988: Release of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"
The release of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" in 1988 introduced the fictional Toontown, which partly inspired the creation of Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland.
1989: Splash Mountain Opens
Splash Mountain opened in Disneyland in 1989.
1992: Sleeping Beauty's Castle Closes for Security and Fireworks Installation
Sleeping Beauty's Castle closed in 1992 due to security concerns and the installation of firework mortars for the "Believe, There's Magic in the Stars" show.
1993: Mickey's Toontown Opens
In 1993, Mickey's Toontown opened in Disneyland, offering guests a chance to step into the whimsical world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.
1993: Mickey's Toontown Opens at Disneyland
Inspired by "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," Mickey's Toontown opened in 1993, featuring cartoon aesthetics and beloved Disney characters.
1993: Mickey's Toontown Opens
Mickey's Toontown opened in Disneyland in 1993.
1998: Closure of the Original Submarine Voyage
The original Submarine Voyage attraction closed in 1998, making way for future developments in Tomorrowland.
1998: Tomorrowland Embraces Retro-Future Theme
Tomorrowland underwent another significant transformation in 1998, shifting its focus to a "retro-future" aesthetic inspired by the works of Jules Verne.
1999: Launch of the FastPass System
In 1999, Disneyland launched the FastPass system, a complimentary service that allowed guests to reserve a return time for attractions, thus minimizing wait times. This innovation, along with the introduction of multi-day passes, Annual Passes, and resident discounts, marked a customer-centric approach to enhance the guest experience.
2000: Fireworks Shows Become More Elaborate
Beginning in 2000, Disneyland's fireworks displays saw advancements with the incorporation of new pyrotechnics, launch systems, and storylines, enhancing the overall spectacle.
2000: Transformation into Disneyland Resort and Construction of Mickey and Friends Parking Structure
By 2000, Disneyland expanded into the Disneyland Resort, adding Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and a massive new parking structure.
2001: Monorail Station Destination Changes to Downtown Disney
With the opening of Downtown Disney in 2001, the Disneyland Monorail station's destination shifted from the Disneyland Hotel to Downtown Disney, reflecting the evolving landscape of the resort.
2001: Country Bear Jamboree Closes
The Country Bear Jamboree closed in 2001.
2001: Disney California Adventure Park Opens
Expanding beyond Disneyland, the adjacent Disney California Adventure Park opened in 2001.
2003: Harrison "Buzz" Price Named Disney Legend
Harrison "Buzz" Price, whose research played a crucial role in selecting the Anaheim location for Disneyland, was honored as a Disney Legend in 2003.
2003: Ouimet and Emmer Lead Disneyland Resort
Matt Ouimet became president of the Disneyland Resort in 2003, with Greg Emmer as Senior Vice President of Operations, focusing on park maintenance and guest experience.
2003: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Opens
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a dark ride, replaced the Country Bear Jamboree in 2003.
2004: Introduction of New Air Launch Pyrotechnics
Disneyland debuted a new air launch pyrotechnics system in 2004. This innovation aimed to minimize ground-level smoke and noise, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the fireworks shows. Disney's plan to donate these patents to a non-profit organization for broader industry use showcased their commitment to environmental responsibility.
2004: Renovations for 50th Anniversary
Disneyland underwent major renovations in 2004 to prepare for its 50th-anniversary celebration, including restoring iconic attractions.
May 5, 2005: Launch of "Happiest Homecoming on Earth" Celebration
On May 5, 2005, Disneyland kicked off its 50th-anniversary celebration, "The Happiest Homecoming on Earth."
2005: Disneyland Resort Supports 65,700 Jobs
A 2005 Disney report highlighted Disneyland Resort's significant economic impact, supporting 65,700 jobs, with 20,000 direct Disney employees and 3,800 third-party employees.
July 2006: Ouimet Departs, Grier Takes the Helm
Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort, left to join Starwood in July 2006, replaced by Ed Grier.
September 30, 2006: Conclusion of "Happiest Homecoming on Earth" Celebration
Disneyland concluded its 18-month-long 50th-anniversary celebration, "The Happiest Homecoming on Earth," on September 30, 2006.
June 11, 2007: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Opens
On June 11, 2007, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage opened, reviving the concept of the original Submarine Voyage which had closed in 1998.
October 31, 2007: Ray Bradbury Attends Halloween Tree Presentation
On October 31, 2007, author Ray Bradbury attended the presentation of a Halloween Tree in Frontierland, which became a part of the annual Halloween decorations.
November 7, 2008: "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams" Ends
On November 7, 2008, "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams," a beloved parade celebrating Disney films, concluded its run at Disneyland.
2008: Sleeping Beauty's Castle Reopens with New Storytelling Elements
Sleeping Beauty's Castle reopened in 2008 after renovations, featuring new storytelling methods and restored artwork by Eyvind Earle.
2008: Mark VII Monorail Trains Debut
The Mark VII generation of monorail trains, known for their modern design and features, were installed at Disneyland in 2008.
December 31, 2008: End of "Year of a Million Dreams" Celebration
Disneyland's "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, which followed the 50th anniversary, ended on December 31, 2008.
March 27, 2009: "Celebrate! A Street Party" Premieres
March 27, 2009, marked the debut of "Celebrate! A Street Party." Though not officially classified as a parade but rather a "street event," it succeeded "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams."
October 2009: Kalogridis Assumes Leadership
Ed Grier retired as president of the Disneyland Resort in October 2009, and George Kalogridis stepped into the role.
2009: Release of Disney's "The Princess and the Frog"
Disney released the animated film "The Princess and the Frog" in 2009.
2009: Shift to Rotating Fireworks Spectaculars
Starting in 2009, Disneyland transitioned to a rotating repertoire of firework spectaculars, offering guests a variety of shows to experience.
January 1, 2010: Launch of "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" Program
Disney launched the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program on January 1, 2010, encouraging volunteerism.
March 9, 2010: Conclusion of "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" Program
Disney reached its goal of one million volunteers and concluded the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program on March 9, 2010.
July 2010: Original Star Tours Closes
After years of entertaining guests, the original Star Tours attraction closed in July 2010 to make way for a new and improved experience.
May 27, 2011: Debut of "Mickey's Soundsational Parade"
On May 27, 2011, "Mickey's Soundsational Parade" premiered at Disneyland, replacing "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams."
June 2011: Star Tours–The Adventures Continue Opens
Replacing the original Star Tours, Star Tours–The Adventures Continue, featuring updated technology and new storylines, opened in June 2011.
2011: Debut of Projection Mapping Technology
The year 2011 marked the introduction of projection mapping technology at Disneyland. This technology debuted on It's a Small World with the show "The Magic, the Memories and You."
October 27, 2014: FAA Establishes No-Fly Zone over Disneyland
On October 27, 2014, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) declared a permanent no-fly zone around Disneyland and its surrounding areas. This restriction prohibited all aircraft, including drones, from flying within the designated airspace.
March 31, 2015: Disneyland Band "End of Run"
On March 31, 2015, the Disneyland Resort informed members of the Disneyland Band of an "end of run," aiming to replace them with a higher-energy band. While veteran members were invited to audition for the new band and offered roles in smaller groups, the decision sparked controversy among supporters of the traditional band.
May 22, 2015: Premiere of "Paint the Night"
As part of Disneyland's 60th anniversary celebrations, a new nighttime parade called "Paint the Night" debuted on May 22, 2015.
July 2015: Disneyland Diamond Celebration Begins
Disneyland commenced its 60th Diamond Celebration in July 2015, introducing new entertainment and decorations.
2015: Expansion of Projection Mapping
In 2015, Disneyland expanded its use of projection mapping technology to encompass Main Street and Sleeping Beauty Castle during the premiere of "Disneyland Forever."
February 2016: Adoption of Demand-Based Pricing
In February 2016, Disneyland adopted a demand-based pricing system for single-day admission. This system categorized days into "value," "regular," and "peak" based on projected attendance, influencing ticket prices. This strategic move aimed to better manage crowd levels and maximize revenue during peak seasons.
September 2016: Disneyland Diamond Celebration Concludes
Disneyland's 60th Diamond Celebration ended in September 2016.
2018: Introduction of B-show Fireworks Format
During the 2018 holiday season, Disneyland introduced the B-show format for fireworks. This format utilized smaller and mid-sized fireworks shells along with more low-level pyrotechnics on the castle. This change aimed to provide guests with an enjoyable fireworks experience even in less-than-ideal weather conditions, such as high winds. The first show to utilize this format was "Believe... In Holiday Magic."
February 2020: Shift to Multi-Tiered Pricing
Disneyland transitioned to a multi-tiered pricing system for single-day admission in February 2020. Initially comprising five tiers, this system provided a more nuanced approach to pricing based on demand. By October 2022, the system had expanded to seven tiers, further refining its granularity and aligning prices with projected attendance levels.
March 14, 2020: Disneyland Closure due to COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 14, 2020 Disneyland, along with Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the resort hotels, closed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
July 9, 2020: Downtown Disney Reopening
After nearly four months of closure due to the pandemic, Downtown Disney reopened on July 9, 2020.
July 17, 2020: Postponed Reopening of Disneyland Park
Although initially scheduled to reopen on Disneyland's 65th anniversary on July 17, 2020, the parks' reopening was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in California.
December 31, 2020: Extended Closure of Disneyland Park
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Disneyland's closure was extended beyond July 17 and was expected to remain closed until at least December 31, 2020.
2020: Debut and Virtual Premiere of "Magic Happens"
The parade "Magic Happens" premiered at Disneyland for a short two weeks in 2020 before the park's closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A virtual version of the parade was also temporarily available.
February 2021: Disneyland Announces "A Touch of Disney" Event
In February 2021, Disneyland announced "A Touch of Disney," a limited-capacity event from March 18 to April 19, 2021, offering shopping and dining.
March 5, 2021: California Approves Disneyland Reopening
On March 5, 2021, the California Department of Public Health announced Disneyland could reopen with capacity restrictions starting April 1, 2021.
April 1, 2021: Disneyland Allowed to Reopen
Disneyland was allowed to reopen with capacity restrictions starting April 1, 2021.
April 2021: Disney CEO Announces Late April Reopening
Following California's announcement, Disney CEO Bob Chapek shared plans for Disneyland's official reopening in late April 2021.
April 19, 2021: "A Touch of Disney" Event Ends
Disneyland held a limited-capacity ticketed event called "A Touch of Disney" from March 18 to April 19, 2021, allowing guests to enjoy shopping and dining experiences.
April 30, 2021: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Officially Reopen
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure officially reopened to the public on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity and safety guidelines in place.
June 15, 2021: Disneyland Returns to Full Capacity
On June 15, 2021, Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and other California theme parks were permitted to return to full capacity, lifting most COVID-19 restrictions.
October 2021: Addition of Sixth Pricing Tier
Disneyland introduced a sixth tier to its multi-tiered pricing system in October 2021, signifying an ongoing effort to adjust and refine its pricing strategy based on demand and attendance patterns.
December 2021: Disneyland Reaches 757 Million Visitors
By December 2021, Disneyland solidified its place as the world's most visited theme park, surpassing 757 million visitors since opening.
March 9, 2022: Mickey's Toontown Refurbishment Begins
On March 9, 2022, Mickey's Toontown closed for an extensive refurbishment that would introduce new experiences and update the land.
October 2022: Implementation of Seventh Pricing Tier
In October 2022, Disneyland implemented a seventh tier to its multi-tiered pricing structure, reflecting a continued focus on managing demand and optimizing revenue through a more granular and responsive pricing approach.
2022: Announcement of "Magic Happens" Return
During the D23 Expo in 2022, Disney announced that the "Magic Happens" parade would make its return to Disneyland in the spring of 2023.
2022: Disneyland is Second Most Visited Park
In 2022, Disneyland welcomed approximately 16.9 million visitors, making it the second most visited amusement park globally, following only Magic Kingdom.
January 2023: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Opens
In January 2023, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, a new family-friendly dark ride, opened in Mickey's Toontown. This addition expanded the size of the land and Disneyland Park as a whole.
January 27, 2023: Disneyland Kicks Off Disney100 Celebration
Disneyland commenced the year-long Disney100 celebration, commemorating The Walt Disney Company's centennial, introducing Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway and the Wondrous Journeys fireworks show.
March 18, 2023: Mickey's Toontown Reopens After Refurbishment
After over a year of renovations, Mickey's Toontown reopened to the public on March 18, 2023, featuring new attractions and enhancements.
April 13, 2023: Disneyland Announces First Official "Pride Nite"
Disneyland announced its first official "Pride Nite" in support of the LGBTQ community, 25 years after the first 'Gay Day' celebration.
May 2023: Disneyland Employee as "Fairy Godmother's Apprentice" Sparks Debate
A male Disneyland employee dressed as "Fairy Godmother's Apprentice" at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in May 2023, sparking both criticism and support on social media.
2023: Planned Return of "Magic Happens"
"Magic Happens" is scheduled to return to Disneyland in the spring of 2023, following its announcement at the D23 Expo in 2022.
2023: Disneyland's Initial Construction Cost Adjusted for Inflation
By 2023, the initial construction cost of Disneyland, which was $17 million in 1954, has soared to an equivalent of $153 million due to inflation.
2023: DisneylandForward Expansion Plans
Disneyland announced "DisneylandForward," aiming to expand with more rides, restaurants, and shops. The Anaheim City Council was expected to review the development plans for approval by 2023.
2023: Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Opens in Mickey's Toontown
In 2023, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway opened in Mickey's Toontown.
2023: Splash Mountain Closes
Splash Mountain closed in Disneyland in 2023.
May 18, 2024: Disneyland Character Performers Vote to Unionize
In a historic move, Disneyland character performers voted to join the Actors' Equity Association on May 18, 2024, marking their first unionization since Disneyland's opening.
2024: Tiana's Bayou Adventure Set to Open
Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a log-flume ride inspired by "The Princess and the Frog", is scheduled to open in Critter Country in late 2024, replacing Splash Mountain.