In my personal opinion, as a big Disney fan, here are 10 ways things have changed over the years at Disney and Disneyland in California. I used to be a manager for Disney and managed quite a few cast members. I still love Disney, but I bet if I could have gone to Disneyland when Walt Disney was alive, it would have been so much better.

 How Disneyland and the Company Has Changed Over the Years

1.  Disney movies have gotten more childish over the years.
2. More people are involved in decisions, such as movies or rides. This waters down the result and takes longer to make things happen.
3. Taking credit. So many things at Disneyland, Epcot and other parks are pulled from world culture. many of these do not push on people enough where they can learn more or visit. One example would be the Matterhorn ride. There should be obvious education about it in full view so people want to visit and don’t think they’ve already been there. What about inspiration for other rides? Any countries, cultures or people inspiring something could be mentioned so people realize that Disneyland is not the be all end all. For many annual pass holders, it seems Disneyland can be an escape that pulls from too many other escapes and friendships that could be built.
4. Mickey Mouse has turned into a superstar promotional tool.
5. Disneyland is now overpriced.
6. Cast members and managers are snobbier now. It has become almost like a Disney cult.
7. There are not enough new rides released or updated in Disneyland.
8. Less musicals and hit movies have been released by Disney in recent years since Beauty and the Beast, Lion King and The Little Mermaid. Now that Disney has bought Pixar, hopefully that helps but who knows.
9. I don’t feel they treat cast members all that well. Becauseso many people will do anything to work there they get paid less.
10. Core inspiration is gone. So many things feel fake now. This is good for me to see so I know to not go there too often.

This is all my opinion. I love Disney and Disneyland but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel things have changed with the company and parks over the years.

Disneyland becomes inevitably part of everyone’s life whether they realize it or not. Disneyland is constantly present on our consciousness and it has contributed greatly to the culture as we know it today. Some examples about how Disneyland has affected the lives of millions of people from around the world can be seen in these books:

1. The Astonishing Power of Emotions by Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks – Disneyland is seen as a place where anything is possible.
2. Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin – the journey of one man is told here and Disneyland is part of his personal architecture
3. Tree of Smoke: A Novel by Denis Johnson – this book is an extreme novel about adventure. There is also an audio version of this book that you might find interesting.
4. Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas – there is a Disneyland anywhere in various parts of the globe so it becomes part of the consciousness of people around the world. In particular, this book is set in France with some reference to Disneyland Paris.
5. The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein – would you consider Disneyland part of capitalism? Well, if it is, then it is capitalism in a good way.
6. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman – Disneyland has been in existing for a long time already and this book demonstrates an example on events have happened in Disneyland through the years.
7. 1,000 Places to see in the U.S.A. and Canada Before you Die by Patricia Schultz – when it comes to must-see places around the U.S.A. or even around the world, Disneyland would always come up. It is a place where fantasies come to life. People should never miss a chance to visit Disneyland.
8. The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them by Freedom Writers and Zlata Filipovic – find out how to change the world through writing through inspiration and perseverance
9. Heaven by Randy C. Alcorn – he states that even Disneyland, “the happiest place on earth, closes its gates at night.”
10. The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One that Isn’t by Robert I. Sutton – there are many icons and establishments around the world that changed the world around them, Disneyland is definitely one of those as can be seen on this book.

Imagineering is the concept that brought Walt Disneys dreams alive. Imagineering, originated by Disney himself describes the combined effect of both imagination and engineering. At a beginning of the Disneyland project, Disney put together a team of best architects, play writers, engineers, musicians, theatre personalities; all experts from the infrastructure and entertainment fraternity, whom he called as imagineers. They were the people who would imagine and create a wonderful world filled with fun and food for thought. There are a whole lot of Imagineering books written by the Imagineers themselves and by a few others, which give the spectator an insider’s view of the various facilities at Disneyland. Lets have a look at the top 10 Imagineering books.

1. Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look At Making the Magic Real by ImagineersThis book offers an insight to the technalities involved in designing amusement parks, accompanied by a whole lot of colorful illustrations and pictures of the buildings and rides in Disneyland.
2. The Imagineering Field Guide to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World by The Disney Imagineers The book, true to its name is a field guide to the Magic Kingdom, detailing the story behind the creation of each themed land and its attractions. Also, minute details are highlighted along with the Imagineers’ personal experience that went with them.
3. The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World by The Imagineers and Alex Wright This pocket guide doesn’t overburden the reader with technicalities. However, it does present the reader with a whole lot of facts and considerations that went into the creation of the Future World and the World Showcase pavilions at the Epcot Center.
4. The Imagineering Workout: Exercises to Shape Your Creative Muscles by The Imagineers This book is actually on what it takes to be an Imagineer. It contains hints on how to hone and apply creative skills and also few project ideas that could be tried out firsthand. The book, though intended for students will keep people of any age group occupied.
5. Designing Disney: Imagineering and the Art of the Show by John Hench, Wendy Lefkon, and Peggy Van Pelt From the design of Mickey to the Haunted House and the Pirates of the Carribean, the behind the scenes thought and execution has been highlighted elaborately.
6. The Imagineering Way: Ideas to Ignite Your Creativity By The Imagineers Another book on the creative process, that shares with reader the basics on creativity. The contents are in the form of essays written by the Imagineers.
7. Walt Disney’s Legends of Imagineering and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park By Kurtti, Jeff The book is an introduction to all Imagineers who worked at Disney, with their work experiences and contributions highlighted in detail. It also gives an insight into their working conditions during the early Disney days.
8. The Imagineering Field Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World by The Imagineers Another addition to the Field Guide series, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look into the attractions of Animal Kingdom and also a whole lot of interesting things to look out for on your next trip, lest you miss them.
9. The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak by Jason SurrellThe book provides an insiders view to all the Mountain Attractions at the Disney Parks worldwide. It may not be as exhaustive as the earlier works by the same author.
10. Designing Disney’s Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance By Neil Harris, Erika Doss, Yi-Fu Tuan, Greil Marcus

This book is not about Imagineering though. It offers a picture of how the architecture of the theme parks influence and was influenced by architectural trends around the world.

So, these are a few books that offer an insight into the Imagineers world. Do try and read them if you havent already done so.

Top 20 Secrets Most People Don’t Know About Disneyland

Disneyland is a magical place for anyone to visit. Everyone knows about Disneyland, in fact, a lot of people claim to know these areas intimately because they had been to Disneyland time and again. However, there are still some little known secrets in Disney that will amaze you and probably even make you wonder why you never noticed these secrets before. Here are the top 20 secrets most people don’t know about Disneyland:

1. Alcoholic beverages are not sold in Disneyland – In addition, alcoholic beverages are not sold because they want to keep Disneyland as wholesome as possible for the whole family to enjoy.

2. Gums are not sold inside Disney - it is bothersome for visitors to scrape gums off their shoes and Disneyland realizes this so they do not sell gum inside the area

3. Litters inside Disney are immediately cleaned up by a maintenance crew that are costumed

4. Walt Disney has private apartments in the area – when Disneyland was being constructed, the founder wanted to be near to see its progress thus he lived in the area.

5. Disneyland has different themes – when you enter one area of Disneyland to another, you will notice that going into each of these places is a whole new experience.

6. No Pepsi in Disney – Coca-cola has a deal with Disney for them not to allow the competing products to be sold.

7. Special birthdays – birthday celebrants can expect a special celebration in Disneyland

8. Get balloons for free at Disney –balloons that are lost will be replaced for free

9. Free coffee refills – when you buy coffee in the early morning, just keep the cup and it will be refilled for free throughout the day

10. Great view of the nightly Fantasmic show – go to the Disney Gallery to see an unobstructed view of the nightly show

11. Hidden Magic – the Mad Hatter Shop contains some hidden magic that will surprise the guests but actually, everything is a result of lighting tricks.

12. Hidden Mickeys – there are hidden Mickey Mouse ears found all over Disneyland.

13. Club 33 – there is a very exclusive private club in Disneyland to entertain important guests

14. Alcoholic beverages – this is connected to number 12, alcoholic beverages are only allowed inside the Club 33, it is prohibited throughout Disneyland

15. Limited members in Club 33 – there are only about 400 members in Club 33 and there is around 5 years waiting time to get membership in this club

16. Disneyland is full of surveillance equipments

17. Strict about their image – Disneyland takes good care of its image as a destination for families.

18. Disneyland used to have a very strict dress code - men with long hair were barred from entering

19. A topless woman? – this photographic image can be seen at the background of Rescuers

20. Disney is one of the best places of earth

Disneyland, in Anaheim California is a magic land where adults and children enjoy alike in the company of their favorite Disney characters. The rides, shops, restaurants and other entertainment shows are bound to keep everyone happy. The whole terrain is divided into eight themed regions, each offering its own share of excitement. There are about 60 rides, 50 shops and 30 restaurants spread across these regions.

 

MainStreet USA

This region takes you back in time to US in the early 1900’s. Steam Engine Ride on ‘Disney Railroad’ and classic cartoons at the ‘Main Street Cinema’ are attractions of this region.

Frontierland

Crash through an old gold mining town in the ‘Big Thunder Mountain railroad’ in an open rail car, take a thrilling trip to the ‘Tom Sawyer Island’ aboard the Twain Riverboat or Sailing ship Columbia, sing along and dance to the performance at the ‘Golden Horseshoe Revue’; Lots of activity at Frontierland.

Adventureland

Explore the remote amazonian forests in ‘Jungle Cruise’, climb through to the ‘Tarzan Treehouse’ that is about 80-feet tall, and follow the footsteps of Jones to locate the Temple of the Forbidden Eye in the ‘Indiana Jones Adventure’. Soak in the jungle sounds at the ‘Enchanted Tiki Room’. Adventure is in the air!

Fanstasyland

Get ready to enjoy fantasy adventures with Pinocchio, Alice, Peter Pan and Mr Toad. Ride on one of the world largest caroussel ‘King Arthur Carrousel’ and enjoy the ‘Princess Fantasy Faire’ theatre. ‘Matterhorn Bobsleds’ roller coaster ride however, is not for the weak at heart.

New Orleans Square

Quiet elegance and subdued excitement characterize the atmosphere here. Visit the ‘Disney Art Gallery’, enjoy the company of the ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ while on a slow moving ship, and get spooked at the ‘Haunted Mansion’

Critter Country

Ride a water log at Critter country’s ‘Splash Mountain’. A thrilling ride down the mountain, you are bound to get wet on this ride.

Tomorrowland.

Experience a slice of the ‘Future’. Check out the fast paced racetrack at ‘Autopia’, space travel at the ‘Space Mountain’, technology advances at ‘Innoventions’ and fight the enemy in ‘Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters’

Toontown.

Visit your favorited toon character homes and also take a ride in the ‘Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin’.

There are select locations in these regions where you could meet the Disney characters. Check on the Fast Track passes which allow fast access to a few select rides. Also each ride has specific height requirements. A few of them may not allow wheelchairs aboard. While you are busy with all these rides, be on time to catch up with the ‘Remember Dreams Come True’ fireworks’, the ‘Fantasmic!’ show and the ‘Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams’. True’ fireworks

Tokyo DisneySea ,is a 176 acre theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba near Tokyo. It opened on the 4^th of September 2001. It is owned by The Oriental Land Company, which has licensed the theme from The Walt Disney Company. Tokyo DisneySea has become one of the world’s most-visited theme parks and one of the most popular Disney Parks in the world. Tokyo DisneySea is also the most expensive theme park ever built, estimated to have cost over $4 billion US dollars to build.

Tokyo DisneySea has 7 themed ports, each having many attractions and complementing each other yet unique in their styles.

The seven themed ports are:

1. Lost River Delta

2. Port Discovery

3. Arabian Coast

4. Mermaid Lagoon

5. Mysterious Island

6. American Waterfront

7. Mediterranean Harbor

Some of the major attractions at these 7 themed ports are:

1. Raging Spirits

The attraction takes guests on a rousing, high-speed ride through the ruins of an ancient ceremonial site, visually based on the Incan buildings in The Emperors New Groove. The attraction is located in Tokyo DisneySea’s Lost River Delta section.

2. Temple of the Crystal Skull

Follow in the footsteps of Dr. Indiana Jones in a harrowing, life-or-death quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth. The Fountain is purported to be guarded by a vengeful, supernatural spirit known as the Crystal Skull. The attraction is located in Tokyo DisneySea’s Lost River Delta section.

3. Storm Rider

As there happens to be a rather large typhoon approaching Port Discovery at the moment, Guests at the Center for Weather Control are invited to board one of the Center’s flying weather laboratories and observe a mission to test one of the new “Fuses” by delivering it right to the center of the storm. The attraction is located in Tokyo DisneySea’s Port Discovery section.

4. DisneySea Electric Railway

This nostalgic electric trolley takes Guests over the horizons of time back to the turn of the century in American Waterfront. No matter where you sit on the elevated train, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tokyo DisneySea passing by outside the windows. The attraction is located in Tokyo DisneySea’s Port Discovery section.

5. The Magic Lamp Theater

This theater has been presented in a tent that has been pitched in the palatial courtyard of Arabian Coast, this hilarious show of illusion and laughter features Genie from Disney’s animated classic Aladdin and live magicians. The attraction is located in Tokyo Arabian Coast.

6. Caravan Carousel

At this fanciful two-level carousel located in the beautiful palatial courtyard, not only will you have an opportunity to ride unique animals such as camels and elephants, but also the Genie from Disney’s Aladdin. The attraction is located in Tokyo Arabian Coast.

7. Mermaid Lagoon Theater

This theater is based Inside a wooden hull of a sunken ship, guests will enjoy under the Sea, a one-of-a-kind live musical Liquid Theater experience featuring Ariel and her pals, as well as dazzling puppetry, colorful costumes, and amazing special effects. The attraction is located in Mermaid Lagoon.

8. Ariel Playground

For kids to climb, crawl, interact, and explore in many colorful settings that feature locations and characters from the classic Disney animated film The Little Mermaid in this fun-filled area created especially for children. The attraction is located in Mermaid Lagoon.

9. Scuttle’s Scooter

The above-the-sea area of the lagoon is just as whimsical as the undersea kingdom. Let a group of comical sand crabs organized by Scuttle the seagull takes you on a wacky round-trip. Scuttle himself will be watching from above. The attraction is located in Mermaid Lagoon.

10. Big Band Beat

Come swing to the music in this exciting jazz revue with energetic tap dancing to the sounds of a live big band. You’ll also find Disney characters taking center stage in song and dance, and Mickey’s incredible performance. The attraction is located at the American Front.

11. 20,000 Leagues under the Sea

Explore the depths of the ocean aboard research submarines designed by Captain Nemo, and discover a fantastic undersea world as an honorary member of his crew. This attraction is located at the Mysterious Island.

12. Venetian Gondolas

Enjoy a relaxing ride along the waterways of Mediterranean Harbor on an authentic gondola operated by gondoliers. This attraction is located at the Mediterranean harbor.

13. Aquatopia

Guests can board one of the experimental watercraft and embark on a twisting, whirling, wild ride through a labyrinth of fountains, rock formations and whirlpools. The attraction is located in Tokyo DisneySea’s Port Discovery section.

14. DisneySea Transit Steamer Line

Transit Steamers leaving from this dock will take you on a leisurely cruise to Lost River Delta. Other routes are available from docks in American Waterfront and Lost River Delta. This attraction is located at the Mediterranean harbor.

15. Big City Vehicles

Inspired by early 20th-century vehicles, the town car, a police wagon, delivery truck and other vehicles take Guests on leisurely one-way and round-trip tours of the New York and Cape Cod areas of American Waterfront.

The Tokyo Disneyland theme park is spread on a vast 115 acres of land and is located in Urayasu, Chiba near Tokyo. The park was constructed by Walt Disney Imagineering in the same style as Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida. It is owned by The Oriental Land Company, which has licensed the theme from The Walt Disney Company. It, along with its companion park, Tokyo DisneySea, is the only Disney parks not owned by The Walt Disney Company.

 

Tokyo Disneyland has 7 themed parks, each having many attractions and complementing each other yet unique in their styles.

The seven themed parks are:

1. Critter Country

2. Fantasyland

3. Toontown

4. Westernland

5. Tomorrowland

6. Adventureland

7. World Bazaar

Some of the major attractions at these 7 themed parks are:

1. Splash Mountain

Formerly called Chick-A-Pin Hill, Splash Mountain was renamed after an accident caused the Beaver Brothers’ dam to explode and flood the whole mountain. This attraction is available at Critter Country.

2. The Disney Gallery

The Disney Gallery is home to changing exhibitions. Shows out here keep changing. The newly opened “Disney Drawing Class” is also available. This attraction is available at World Bazaar.

3. It’s a Small World

Here you can enjoy and take part in the happiest cruise that ever sailed. You would admire the colorful scenes and the merry figures of children from around the world singing and dancing to the cheerful anthem “it’s a small world.” This attraction is available at Fantasyland.

4. Jolly Trolley

Take a one-way ride on this bob, pitching trolley that looks like a big wind-up toy. The Jolly Trolley runs between the residential area of Mickey Avenue and the commercial district, Downtown. This attraction is available at Toontown.

5. MicroAdventure

When Professor Wayne Szalinski from the Disney movies Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Honey, I Blew Up the Kid arrives to receive the “Inventor of the Year” award from the Imagination Institute, the audience gets caught up in a “little” adventure. This attraction is available at Tomorrowland.

6. Pirates of the Caribbean

During the Golden Age of Piracy, a band of merry buccaneers, known as the Pirates of the Caribbean, ruled the seas and ports. If you dare and can embark on pirate boats that would give a thrilling voyage back to the old world of adventure and romance. This attraction is available at Adventureland.

7. Country Bear Theater

The Country Bear Theater showcases the zaniest group of foot-stomping bears ever assembled on one stage. Guests are invited to set for a spell and listen as these “real” down-home bears put on an unbearably hilarious musical revue.

8. Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes

Paddle around the Rivers of America with the help of your explorer-guides. Out on the water, you’ll find beautiful views of Tom Sawyer Island and Critter Country. This attraction is available at Critter Country.

9. The Mickey Mouse Revue

After a brief film presentation, you’ll be treated to a concert of best-loved melodies from classic Disney animated films. The conductor is none other than Mickey himself. This attraction is available at Fantasyland.

10. Chip ‘n Dale’s Treehouse

These chipmunk pals have built their home in a big oak tree, which guarantees them a constant supply of acorns. You are welcome to climb up and explore their “nutty” home. This attraction is available at Toontown.

11. Starcade

A revolutionary arcade with both contemporary and state-of-the-art, cutting edge games. This attraction is available at Tomorrowland.

12. Jungle Cruise

Are you ready for the excitement of wild animals, hostile tribes and unpredictable river perils? Try venturing out deep into mysterious, danger-filled jungles on a tramp steamer. This attraction is available at Adventureland.

13. Big Thunder Mountain

There have been stories about ghostly forces at work in Big Thunder Mountain. When one mining company didn’t heed the rumors and blasted out all sorts of mine shafts and tunnels, mysterious and dangerous events started occurring. This attraction is available at Westernland.

14. Alice’s Tea Party

Like a scene straight out of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, this tea party will have you in a whirl. You can turn the wheel at the center of your colorful cup to change the speed and direction of spinning. Peeking out of the big teapot from time to time is the Dormouse. This attraction is available at Fantasyland.

15. Western River Railroad

At this remote trading outpost in the jungle, climb abroad a real steam train for an extraordinary historical excursion around the wilderness and through the fantastic primitive World. This attraction is available at Adventureland.

Disney has come a long was since the ‘Black Sunday’. Each year more visitors throng Disney Parks than any other theme park. The parks are also constantly innovating, adding new attractions and variations to the existing rides. What’s new at Disneyland this year? Following the golden jubilee celebrations last year, Disney has announced the next 15 months as “The Year of a Milllion Dreams”.

No contests, no purchases; just being in the right place at the right time could get you one of those million dreams. The Disney crew just distributes these dreams at a pre-determined place and time. The dreams cover a gamut of experiences like:

• Stay at the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland with a grand view overlooking both Disneyland and the California Adventure Park.
• Enjoy the experience of leading Disney parade in all Disney Parks worldwide
• FASTPASS access to Disney Rides
• Meet your favorite Disney Characters in Person
• Disney vacations and a whole lot of other dreams.

Apart from the dreams, there are lots of other attractions introduced. The little ones could train at the Jedi Training Academy to become Jedi Knights or take lessons from famous heroines at Disney Princess Fantasy Faire to become a princess.

Submarine Voyage at Disney, which was last seen during late 90’s, has been revived. The ‘Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage’ introduces one to all the characters of the movie ‘Finding Nemo’ almost in a life like setting. The whole experience has been modeled based on the movie itself.

Exciting variations have been introduced to the ‘Pirates of the Carribean’, with secret hideouts and treasure troves at the Tom Sawyer Island. Explore this land of unknown surprises where ghost pirates and curses abound.

Monsters Inc. is a new attraction introduced recently. Enjoy the ride with the main characters of this movie-based adventure as they take you through the streets of Monstropolis.

The Space Mountain too has been all spruced up with new background music and effects. The ride and the background blend together better than before to give a great outer space feeling.

Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters is an interactive game-like experience where you could chart your own plan and course and fight a personal war against the evil forces.

Disney High School Musical, a traveling show is another new attraction. Join with the members of this show in a great performance of song and dance; sing and dance along with them, in this exclusive experience for High School goers.

Of course don’t miss the Twilight Zone of Terror, where you travel up 13 floors in a high-speed lift and get dropped all the way down, just to be transported up again. This ride is not for the faint hearted.

For those who enjoy parades and shows, The Disney’s Electrical Parade is up and running again on popular demand at the California Adventure Park.

This year Disney has again innovated its attractions based on the current trends as well as popular demands and as always these changes make a difference both to the visitor and Disney!

Disneyland is known as the place of magic where anyone, both young and old, can dream and imagine. And indeed, Disneyland has earned its reputation. Hong Kong Disneyland is a fine example of what merging dreams and reality can result to. It is a magnificent project of architecture and design. People from all over the world go here to enjoy the activities and the entertainment available here. But as well-known as Hong Kong Disneyland is, there are still some little known secrets that people might find interesting, here are some of them:

• The Walt Disney Company paid close attention to the customs, cultures, and traditions of the Chinese when they built Hong Kong Disneyland.

• Hong Kong Disneyland was built to maximize fung shui benefits and the chi (energy).

• The various elements of the earth such as fire, wood, water, and metal are balanced throughout the area.

• The main gate at Hong Kong Disneyland is placed in a north or south direction according to the teachings to fung shui.

• There are many large rocks that are placed in Hong Kong Disneyland because it represents stability. In fact, there are two large boulders that are placed inside the park and there are also rocks in entrances and the poolside areas of hotels inside Hong Kong Disneyland.

• There are a bend that was put into the walkway near its entrance so that the chi will not go into the South China Sea.

• Water plays an essential role in the design of Hong Kong Disneyland because its landscaping includes ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the area. In addition, the hotels in Disneyland were built on locations that have water nearby so enhance the flow of energy from fung shui.

• There are 2,238 crystal lotuses in the Chinese restaurant inside the Disneyland Hotel since this number sounds like “easily generate wealth” in the Hong Kong language.

• Disneyland Hotel’s main ballroom is composed of 888 square meters because this is a wealthy number.

• Resorts and hotels in Hong Kong Disneyland don’t have the number four on their elevators because it is considered unlucky by the Chinese. Four sounds like the word “death” in the Chinese language.

• The color red is widely used throughout the area.

• Green hats are not sold in Hong Kong Disneyland stores because it is said that a man that wears a green hat is unfaithful to his wife.

The all time favorite Disneyland in California had a very humble beginning. Walt Disney and his brother Roy started the Disney Bros. Studio in the 1920’s, which then went on to be known as the Walt Disney Studios, with Alice’s wonderland being their first animated production. This venture being a moderate success, the much-famed animation character of Mickey Mouse was then created. Soon, all the other trademark characters like Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy were also added to Disney. The company produced many movies in the meanwhile. For Walt Disney, the 1940’s ushered in a spell of financial stability and success..

It was then that Disney started thinking about a fun place where he could introduce Mickey and all the other characters to the public, especially the children. The place was to be located closer to his Studio in Hollywood and would house the homes of all the toon characters. As the plans evolved, Disneyland became a magic land filled with themed amusement, water features, fantasy rides, entertainment shows, parades and theatres.

Disney wanted the park to be modeled on the lines of his home at Marceline, Missouri. It was intended to be a clean and safe environment where children and their parents could have a nice time. It was different from the amusement parks in vogue then, which offered roller coaster rides, with food and beer vendors in the vicinity and with no regard for proper sanitation facilities.

In 1952, Walt put together a team of imagineers comprising skilled architects, special effects people, writers and artists to bring alive the most beautiful and entertaining landscapes. He still needed the finance to build this dream project and had a tough time marketing and getting a dream funded. By 1953, a rough visualization of the park was in place, with the main regions highlighted in a pen and ink sketch and Anaheim was chosen as the ideal location for this grand scale project.

To promote funding for his project Walt followed the most innovative marketing strategy of his times by utilizing the television media. He entered into a long term programming contract with ABC Network in return for financial backup. As part of this agreement Walt presented a weekly show featuring the concepts of the themed regions of Disneyland. He also mortgaged his insurance and home and his dream began to take shape in the 1950’s.

It cost about 17 million dollars to complete the project and on July 17 1955, Disneyland was opened to the public. The visitors could stroll down the Mainstreet USA and towards the four different themed regions, which housed 26 attractions, few of which are active even today. The Opening day was a memorable one, when so many things went wrong, from the forged invitations to food shortage, gas leaks to shoes stuck in the soft gravel, ‘Black Sunday’ was covered live on ABC network. Since then there has been no looking back for Disneyland. Walt Disney died in 1966 but his spirit lives on with each new attraction added to this magic land.

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