Latest news with #theme park
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vintage photos of Disneyland's opening day in 1955 that will make you wish you were there
Disneyland officially opened for business on July 17, 1955, in Anaheim, California. It was Walt Disney's first theme park and later inspired Disney World in Orlando. Vintage photos from the event show how Disney magic has persisted for over 70 years. Things didn't go as planned on opening day at Disneyland. Walt Disney opened the theme park in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955. His first attempt saw thousands of visitors on opening day, which was both historic and problematic, as Disneyland was not yet prepared to host so many tourists. Still, the park's charm was tangible from day one, and vintage photos prove it. Today, Disney destinations can be found all around the world, from Orlando to Paris. In honor of Disneyland's 70th anniversary this summer, here's a look inside Disneyland on opening day. undefined Thousands of people flocked to Disneyland on opening day. When Disneyland opened for business on July 17, 1955, tickets were provided on an invitation-only basis. The theme park anticipated 20,000 visitors at the time, Wired reported. People also crowded the park's entrance. Despite Disneyland's estimate of 20,000 visitors, around 35,000 people visited the theme park on opening day, Wired reported. The surplus of visitors was likely the result of bootleg tickets. Because Disneyland's original tickets were made from standard paper, many people created bootleg versions to enter the park illegally. The incident later inspired Disney to create tickets with unique patterns and backgrounds, Mental Floss reported. Still, the crowds didn't stop children from rushing into Disneyland. Many even followed Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck through Sleeping Beauty's castle into the park on opening day. Disneyland tickets weren't as simple to use in 1955 as they are today. In 1955, adults could enter the park for $1, while children's tickets cost $0.50. However, Disneyland tickets were not all-inclusive at the time, CNBC reported. Park-goers had to pay a fee for each individual ride, of which there were 35 at the time. Ticket books were sold for $4.75 in 1955, while individual rides cost between $0.10 and $0.50 each. Though some rides weren't accessible on opening day, park-goers still made the most of their experiences. Some of the rides malfunctioned due to overcrowding in the park. The Mark Twain Riverboat began to sink with too many riders, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride lost power when the park's electric grid became overloaded, KTLA reported. Rides that were open, however, were filled with joyous children. The Mad Tea Party ride, for example, saw kids fascinated by the spinning teacups that swirled them around a circular track. Some of Disneyland's earliest rides still exist today. The Casey Jr. Circus Train, for example, traveled above the Canal Boats of the World. Both rides had simple designs at the time, and brought park-goers through patches of barren land. Today, Disneyland visitors can still ride the train and the renamed Storybook Land Canal Boats. Both rides have also been updated to bring passengers past miniature replicas of scenes from fan-favorite Disney films. However, the same can't be said for other attractions. On opening day in 1955, Disneyland park-goers could ride mules through Nature's Wonderland, PBS reported. The attraction went through multiple changes over the years, including enhanced scenery and animated creatures. However, it was eventually closed in 1973 to make room for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Tomorrowland featured a chic "space port" in 1955. The area was comprised of black-and-white chairs underneath circular shades. The decor created a futuristic atmosphere, while also providing some respite to park-goers on opening day. The Golden Horseshoe was one of the first restaurants to open at Disneyland. According to Disneyland's website, the Golden Horseshoe was one of Walt Disney's favorite locations within the park. He's said to have opened the establishment — which served food and hosted live performances — by celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary there. Disney also had a private booth — that's now open to the public — where he watched the "Golden Horseshoe Revue," which was once named "the world's longest-running live stage show" by the Guinness Book of World Records. But if you didn't want to have a formal, sit-down meal, Disneyland also offered classic snacks in 1955. On opening day, some sharply dressed park-goers were photographed eating popcorn alongside a red-and-yellow food cart. Popcorn is still a staple snack throughout Disney theme parks. Multiple flavors are offered — maple bacon, chocolate caramel, and confetti are among the options — and character-themed popcorn buckets are always high in demand. Read the original article on Business Insider
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Top six UK theme parks you can easily reach by train this summer – and how to find the cheapest family fares
A DAY trip to a theme park is part of what makes up the summer holidays for most families. So Trainline has revealed where you can find the top six amusement parks whether you're looking for big rollercoasters or small thrills - and they're all easily accessible on train. 8 8 First up is Chessington World of Adventures which is just outside of London in Chessington. The park has it all, over 40 rides, a zoo and SEA LIFE centre. Some of the best rides include the Barrel Bail Out, as long as you're not standing nearby, because the aim of the game is to soak bystanders. It's also home to Mandrill Mayhem the largest rollercoaster and themed around Jumanji. Travel Editor (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the theme park to try out the Jumanji rollercoaster when it first opened - and here's her verdict. You can get to the theme park by getting the train to Chessington South then walking 14 minutes to the main entrance. The second theme park is Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Lancashire. Blooloop. Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort first opened in 1896, and has been kept in the family since it opened. Blackpool Pleasure Beach has 38 rides, 10 rollercoasters and five water rides. I was one of the first to try Blackpool Pleasure Beache's 'new' ride 8 8 Some of the most popular include The Big One, Icon, Valhalla, and the Grand National. The park also has Nickelodeon Land with rides for younger visitors. To get to park, take the train to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Station, then a five minute walk. Adventure Island is a firm favourite with families because of its free entry policy – you only pay for the rides you go on. The colourful theme park is right on Southend's seafront and has over 40 rides and attractions. You can go start slow with the spinning teacups or get hit the big rides like the Gerstlauer Eurofighter that has a vertical drop and loop. The park also has arcades, a sea-view café strip, and a small aquarium. To get there, take a train to Southend Central, then it's a 10-minute walk to the park gates. 8 Diggerland in Kent isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for digger fans, it's a dreamworld. Here, kids can operate real JCBs, ride on dump trucks, and dig holes with their digger of choice. There are hands-on driving experiences too like go-karting, and there's a soft play on-site. Pre-booked tickets to Diggerland cost £25.95pp plus a £4 booking fee - or £38pp on the day. Take the train to Strood, then take a 15-minute walk to the Diggerland entrance. 8 For fans of retro, head to Dreamland in Margate - otherwise known as the UK's trendiest seaside town. The beachside amusement park is full of restored vintage rides, a roller disco, summer concerts and art shows. It's where you'll find the UK's oldest wooden rollercoaster, the Scenic Railway which first opened in 1920. In July 2025, Dreamland opened its first ride in 25 years - a log flume water ride called Wild River. The new ride has two "high-thrill" drops with both a 50ft plunge and 30ft plunge along the way. It also has nearby water guns that guests can use to spray riders as they go past, with coin-operated pistols. Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey took a trip to Dreamland to try out some of its best attractions. To get there by train, take one to Margate, then it's just a four-minute walk to the Dreamland entrance - it's across the road from the beach. 8 Of course, we cannot forget about Barry Island Pleasure Park. The classic British fairground is right by the beach, and recognisable to fans of the BBC series Gavin and Stacey. It has the classic dodgems and ghost trains as well as helter-skelters and candy floss stands. It's the best of both worlds really as once you're dizzy from the rides, head down to the golden sands of Barry Beach for an ice cream. To get there, take a train to Barry Island, then follow signs to the seafront which is less than five minutes on foot. For any families taking the train this summer, follow these handy tips to save on tickets... Save with Railcards: Get discounts on off-peak fares using digital Railcards. Families can make big savings by using a Family & Friends Railcard, which gives 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids' tickets. Other options like the 16–25 Railcard or Two Together Railcard are perfect for friends or couples planning a fun park day out. GroupSave perks: If you are travelling in a group of 3–9 you can save up to 1/3 on tickets when you book together. One person just needs to book for the whole group to unlock GroupSave - for eligible journeys a pop-up message in the Trainline app will prompt you to 'Apply discount' . Save with Advance Fares: Many long-distance routes to theme parks – especially popular ones like Southend, Blackpool or Margate – offer Advance train tickets that can be significantly cheaper than buying on the day. Book early for the best prices, especially during summer weekends or school holidays when demand can be higher. 8
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Meet the villagers refusing to make way for Britain's new Universal theme park - but fear they could be 'bullied' into moving out anyway
A group of residents is refusing to leave their homes as Universal pushes ahead with a colossal £50bn, 476-acre theme park that will wipe their village off the map. Seven homes, with an average price of £380,500, are believed to have already been bought by the entertainment giant to clear space for the park and a new dual carriageway. Several owners have accepted offers and moved out, while others have been approached with buyout proposals. But a handful of neighbours along Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, are digging in, despite being surrounded by uncertainty and mounting pressure, and say they are determined to stay, despite fears for their future. The developers have sought a 'Special Development Order' which could see them granted powers to compulsory purchase. One resident, Claudia Pixley, 45, who lives with her young daughter in a bungalow set to be trapped between the park site and a sprawling construction compound. She says she has faced intimidation tactics and still has no clear answers on what will happen if she refuses to sell. Ms Pixley, who has lived in her bungalow for a decade and remains one of the few holdouts as bulldozers prepare to move in, said: 'He knocked on my door and I invited him in to talk about what was going to happen. 'When I said I didn't want to move, he said "if you're going to be difficult, we can build the theme park entrance opposite your house". Tenant Ritchie Wood, 54, has lived on Manor Road for ten years and said he would have nowhere to go if his landlord decided to sell 'I couldn't believe it. It was threatening. 'We're just asking for basic human decency. I'd like to see someone come round and speak with us fairly. 'We thought we might be forced to move under the compulsory purchase order but we've now been told that won't be the case. 'Between us residents remaining, we have contacted the borough council and Universal - nobody would tell us anything. 'We still haven't had contact from Universal even to this day.' Universal want to build the dual carriageway next to their homes which will be sandwiched between the theme park and a construction village which is currently being built. Universal Destinations and Experiences operates theme parks and resorts around the world based on the works of the Entertainment conglomerate. They are best known for successful film franchises include Fast and Furious, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me. The park could be home to Europe's tallest rides reaching 377ft (115m), slated for completion in 2031. Ms Pixley explained that a group of residents had 'descended' upon a parish council meeting in June after not getting answers. She also has concerns over a dual carriageway earmarked along Manor Road which would feed visitors into the park bringing heavy traffic. Universal want to build the dual carriageway next to their homes which will be sandwiched between the theme park and a construction village which is currently being built The householder added: 'This is the only home where I've truly felt happy. I raised my daughter here and we want to stay. 'I know people are all for the theme park and they're excited but we want respect.' Tom, 66, has lived at his home for 31 years and said while he wasn't against the park, locals had been left 'up in the air'. The father-of-two said: 'We used to look out onto fields and now we're facing a construction site for years. 'I think it would be good for the area and for the UK but everything's up in the air at the moment. 'With a divorce, they talk about 'what you're accustomed to'. We're not going to get any of that. 'I wouldn't be prepared to move but if there was no other point and it was for the right deal, I guess we'd have to. 'It's bullying.' The remaining Manor Road residents say those who have already struck a deal and moved out were happy with the compensation they received. However some locals have also been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements by the company working on behalf of Universal. Tenant Ritchie Wood, 54, has lived on Manor Road for ten years and said he would have nowhere to go if his landlord decided to sell. Ritchie, who works in construction, said: 'If they do buy it off my landlord, where am I going to go? They'd be taking away my home. 'I'd want Universal to rehome me. The theme park is a good thing for the economy but there needs to be some sort of fair compensation. 'I can't understand why they won't speak to us. My concern is the lack of contact. 'It is a worry as to what is going to happen to our homes. 'My parents are in their 80s and they live five minutes down the road. I want to be close to them. 'But even if I looked at other villages nearby, it'd be triple the rent. 'Universal have sent letters saying they'd acquired land but they're all a generic address to the homeowner or occupier. 'You'd think they'd at least learn our names.' When contacted by the BBC, Universal's PR representative declined to comment. MailOnline approached Universal for comment. In documents submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Universal proposes building attractions reaching up to 377 feet (115 metres) - making them taller than any ride currently operating in Europe. The current tallest ride in the UK is Thorpe Park's Hyperia, standing at 236 feet (72 metres), while the tallest ride in Europe is Red Force at 367 feet (112 metres), located at PortAventura World in Spain. 'The reason for proposing structures up to this maximum height is to allow the proposed theme park to compete with other attractions in Europe,' according to the documents. 'Although the Universal Orlando Resort does not currently have attractions up to this height, taller attractions are more common in Europe, where rides need to be taller to create the experience, as space is more constrained. 'Building attractions that are higher, rather than over greater areas, also makes the best use of land which is in line with planning policy.' Universal Studios is expected to welcome 8.5 million visitors annually, with 55,000 guests on peak days. The park will be accessed via a grand tree-lined boulevard for drivers and a purpose-built transport hub for public transport users. Guests will arrive at a large entry plaza - open to ticket-holders and non-ticket-holders alike - featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Paying guests will enter the main park through an iconic Universal archway.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Massive theme park with the most rollercoasters in Europe is giving away free tickets this summer
ONE of Europe's biggest theme parks is giving away free tickets this summer. To celebrate hitting a milestone anniversary, Energylandia is putting on a special offer for a limited time only that's perfect for families. 6 6 Marking its 11th anniversary, Energylandia is offering a "special birthday promotion" - which is good news for visitors as it saves money. Anyone who buys three tickets to the park, will get the fourth one free. Plus, for anyone under, or turning 18, and celebrating a birthday during the offer - you can buy a birthday ticket for 1 PLN (20p). As stated on Energylandia's Facebook, the promotion is valid for tickets bought between July 23, to October 26, 2025. If you're planning to visit, make sure to book before July 27, 2025. The tickets mean you can use all the park attractions at no additional cost (excluding arcade games and food). At Energylandia you'll find over 120 attractions and 19 rollercoasters - which is the most in Europe - and a waterpark. The biggest ride in the park is Hyperion, a hypercoaster known for being the tallest and fastest in Europe. It stands at 253 feet tall at its highest point and reaches top speeds of 88 mph. Hyperion joins nine other rides in the Extreme Zone which are fastest, tallest and most intense of the park. European theme park reveals brand new sweet-themed land 6 6 Across the park are six zones; Fairytale Land, Family zone, Extreme zone, Water Park, Dragon Zone, Aqualantis and Sweet Valley. For those looking for a more chilled-out time with younger children, head to Family Zone. Here are family-friendly activities like bumper cars, a monster house and spinning teacups on the water. The Little Kids zone has rides for the little ones too with attractions for children between two and six. Aqualantis has lots of water-based rides and Dragon Zone is a medieval-inspired area. Sweet Valley is literally like going through candyland with carousels, spinning teacups and a playground - all sweet themed of course. 6 Energylandia has its own waterpark too with more than 700 sunbeds, several swimming pools, and water slides including Bamboo Bay and Exotic Island. It's popular with visitors too with one calling it a "world-class" theme park. Another wrote on Tripadvisor: "Wonderful place! Kids really loved the rides, there was something for everybody. Definitely worth visiting, will come again!" There are other attractions there too like a 7D cinema - which is 3D but with added special effects. And there are live performances too, like a pirate adventure, magic shows, a character parade and circus. You'll find Energylandia in Zator, Southern Poland - which is an hour's drive from Krakow. UK airports that fly to Krakow include Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Liverpool. Standard tickets usually cost 219 PLN (£44.74) in the high season. Here's more on the award-winning UK attraction to launch 'time travelling theme park' next year. And the affordable UK theme park that on Sun Writer insists her family love more than Alton Towers - and it's cheaper. What is it like to visit the theme park? Lee Bell tried out the tallest and fastest rollercoasters the theme park has to offer... "Reaching heights that send me hurtling to the ground in a weightless free-fall, you'd think I was riding one of America's colossal coasters, but no. I'm on a ride called Hyperion in a seemingly quiet part of Poland. "From the moment I arrived, it was clear I was in for a hair-raising time. Hyperion intimidates with 1,500m of track that snakes around the car park, where carriages rush by careering riders at speeds of 88mph. "This isn't Energylandia's only spine-tingling treat either Standing almost as tall at the opposite end of the park is Zadra This part-wood, part-steel coaster, known as a 'hybrid' due to the two types of materials used, is the tallest of its kind in the world. "With a 206ft, 90-degree drop and three inversions, it's no wonder online community CoasterForce has ranked Zadra the third best coaster in the world. It is so intense riders are even made to wear goggles when riding the front row. "If being flung around a track at break-neck speeds isn't your jam, or if you want to give your now jelly-like legs a rest, there's plenty of less intense experiences to enjoy." - Lee Bell 6
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Universal ‘bullying' residents from their homes for £50bn theme park
Bedfordshire villagers said they feel 'threatened' by representatives for Britain's biggest theme park, who plan to demolish at least a dozen homes. The residents of Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick, said they are facing pressure to relocate to create space for the new 476-acre £50 billion Universal theme park. Seven homes where the average price is £380,500 are believed to have already been bought by Universal and will be demolished to make way for the park and new dual carriageway. Some residents have moved out after accepting formal offers for their homes, while others have had representatives visit their homes and ask them if they'd be willing to sell. At least three of the homeowners have told Universal they do not wish to sell, and said they now fear for their future. Claudia Pixley, 45, said she felt 'threatened' and 'bullied' by a representative working on the construction site for Universal when she said she was not sure if she wanted to move from the home where she lives with her seven-year-old daughter. Ms Pixley has lived in her bungalow for ten years, and said she was approached by a construction representative to discuss what could happen. She said: 'When I said I didn't want to move, he said 'if you're going to be difficult, we can build the theme park entrance opposite your house'. 'I couldn't believe it. It was threatening. We're just asking for basic human decency. I'd like to see someone come round and speak with us fairly. Ms Pixley added that she and other residents are upset by the lack of communication from Universal and explained that a group of residents had 'descended' upon a parish council meeting in June after not getting answers. She said: 'Between us residents remaining, we contacted the borough council and Universal – nobody would tell us anything.' Plans for the Universal park – expected to be home to some of Europe's tallest rides reaching 377 ft – were announced by Sir Keir Starmer in April, and are slated for completion in 2031. Universal claims the resort will create roughly 28,000 jobs and deliver a £50 billion boost to the economy. Sir Keir said upon the announcement: 'Today we closed the deal on a multibillion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.' Ritchie Wood, 54, has lived on Manor Road for ten years and said he would expect Universal to 'rehome him' if his landlord decided to sell. Mr Wood, who works in construction, said: 'If they do buy it off my landlord, where am I going to go? They'd be taking away my home. 'I'd want Universal to rehome me. The theme park is a good thing for the economy but there needs to be some sort of fair compensation. Universal Destinations and Experiences operates theme parks and resorts around the world based on the works of the entertainment conglomerate. They are best known for successful film franchises include Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me.
