Disneyland is about to turn 70, and it's pulling out all stops
It was estimated in 2021 that 750 million or so visitors had walked through the gates of the beloved Southern California park since it opened in 1955. Add in a stream of up to 17 million a year, only interrupted by the pandemic, and the billionth visit doesn't seem too far away.
Disneyland is not only the blueprint for the international family of Disney parks – 12 in total – Disneyland inspired the modern theme park concept as we know it.
Walt Disney, founder of The Walt Disney Company, showed prescience with his famous inauguration dedication: '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 savour the challenge and promise of the future.'
It was a hit from that get-go, but it's that sense of wonder for all ages that has ensured its endurance. Also, Disneyland never rests on its laurels. Originally a three-dimensional testimony to the imagination and sentimentality of the genius animator Walt Disney, Disneyland has changed with the times and tastes. Another great mark of its enduring knowledge of what people want is its love of a good party. For the 70th anniversary, the park is pulling out all stops.
Now called Disneyland Resort as it comprises two parks (sister attraction Disney California Adventure Park is next to it) and three hotels, the celebrations, which will run well into 2026, include the 'Paint the Night' parade featuring floats illuminated by more than a million LED lights.
Also for nocturnal visitors, 'Wondrous Journeys' is an after-dark projection effects show set to music that honours the Walt Disney Animation Studios films. It's accompanied by fireworks on some nights.
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