Disneyland: The theme park that started it all!
“Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here, youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future,” Walt Disney proclaimed of its industry-launching theme park, Disneyland. It continues to be so today.
Although it’s been bettered in many ways by the four-park Walt Disney World complex in Orlando, Florida, fans of Disneyland often remark that the park that officially opened on July 17, 1955, preserves more of the “magic” envisioned by its founder. Located on 75 acres of what used to be an orange grove, the two-park Disneyland resort, which now includes Disneyland California, regularly attracts 15 million visitors annually.
The park now features 47 rides and attractions, 14 shows; 30 dining locations; and 48 stores and shopping locations. When the park initially opened, it consisted of five themed areas: Main Street, USA, an early 20th Century Midwest town; Adventureland, featuring jungle-themed voyages; Frontierland, a look at the Old West; Fantasyland, bringing fantasy to reality; and Tomorrowland, a glimpse into the future.
Since then, three other areas opened: New Orleans Square, based on 19th Century New Orleans; Critter Country, themed to the mountain forests of the South; and finally, Mickey’s Toontown, focused on the subjects associated with the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.”
Don’t miss either the Disneyland parade or the “Remember…Dreams Come True” fireworks show. Titled “Celebrate! A Street Party” for the park’s 50th anniversary, the parade runs once a day but sometimes on busy days occurs in the afternoon and evening. Each part of the fireworks show represents one of the "lands" and the rides in it.
Important HelloLosAngeles tips for visitors:
· To shorten line waits, consider using either Disney’s FASTPASS or the non-Disney alternative called RideMax.
· Visit the most popular rides or shows early, late or during parades when lines are shorter. Check with the cast member at the booth near the Adventureland entrance for current wait times.
· You can enter Disneyland through the Monorail entrance at Downtown Disney. It’s a real time saver – as long as monorails are running smoothly.
· The Disneyland web site is truly comprehensive. Check it thoroughly before your visit.
Posted by Jim Brown
