The History of Disneyland

One of the most highest visited places in America has had over 500 million people visit it since it was opened on July 17, 1955. This attraction is Disneyland. It is one of the world's most popular attractions and it has won the hearts of all Americans.

Walt Disney and his brother Roy Disney were in charge of the most successful Hollywood studio, it wasn't enough for them though. Walt took a hard look at parks that were able to appeal for parents and children. He discovered that there wasn't that many parks that suited parents and children. He came up with an original idea. He decided to make a carnival. The difference between a normal carnival and his is that his would never leave town. He came up with the idea to make a park that would feature many of his famous Disney characters. This idea arose when he received many letters from fans saying they would like to meet their favorite characters. Walt originally thought of creating a small park called "Mickey Mouse Park" but decided that a full fledged theme park would be a much better idea.

Walts small idea would eventually become a gigantic one. One that would begin to match that of other parks of his time, such as, Children's Fairyland, Greenfield Village, and Tivoli Gardens.

Walt Disney was no simple minded fool with a dream. He realized that a major, full fledged theme park, such as the one he wanted to build, would cost big money. Walt took his idea straight to the American home. He went to ABC and had them create a show that would be called Disneyland. This show would show his park to the nation and in return ABC would help finance the building of the park.

Construction began on July 18, 1954 on a 160 acre patch of land in Anaheim, California. It would ultimately cost $17 million to build the park. At the same time the new I-5 freeway was also being built to help deal with the traffic that was expected from the new Disneyland Park.

Walt Disney wanted to create an excitement about his park and he decided to hold special events. One of the special events, the "International Press Preview", was opened only to the media and other special guests. However, on the day of the event, thousands of people counterfeited tickets and the day was a complete disaster.

On opening day there was also many problems. The park opened on a 110 degree day and there was a plumber's strike which caused the water fountains in the park to not work. There was also horrible traffic on the main roads near the park and the asphalt had not had enough time to properly dry so many of the women's heels were sinking into the wet asphalt.

Although the first day was, in simple terms, a complete disaster, the park recovered and is now the most popular attraction in America. In fact, the park did so good that there is now a park in Orlando, Florida called Disneyworld and other Disneylands in Japan, China, and France. Also on February 8, 2001 another park was added adjacent to Disneyland called Disney's Califronia Adventure.

All of that isn't bad for a man with a simple dream.