Disneyland Park - Information On Disneyland Park Anaheim, California

Disneyland Park, which used to just be called Disneyland, originally opened on July 17, 1955 and was the only thing on the property. Later on, as the resort area expanded, the name was changed to Disneyland Park to distinguish it from Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney District. Although some people refer to it as the Magic Kingdom, that name is actually reserved for the similar park in Florida's Walt Disney World.

The idea of Disneyland Park came about after Walt Disney took his daughters to amusement parks in the 1930's. The original concept was to build a park next to his animation studios so that visiting fans would have stuff to do. When that lot proved to be too small he bought a large plot of land near Anaheim in 1953.

Construction on the 160 acre parcel started in 1954 and opened in 1955. In a world were any type of major construction takes years to complete, Walt built an entire theme park in a very short amount of time. Of course it wasn't anything like the park you see today and had far fewer attractions back then.

In fact, quite a bit has been added over the years. 1966 saw the addition of New Orleans Square, in 1972 they added what is now Critter Country, and Mickey's Toontown opened in 1993. In 2001, the resort area saw it's biggest addition which was Disney California Adventure Park that was built where the old Disneyland parking lot was.

Over the years many non-Disney businesses popped up and surrounded the Disneyland Resort and, at times, things didn't look all that great. So when it came time to build a second resort (in Florida) Walt made sure to buy up tons (over 40 square miles!) of land to make sure you wouldn't have undesirable things popping up right next to his parks.

These days, the Disneyland Resort does a pretty good job at keeping the outside world out, at least when you're on Disney property. The rides, landscapes, and backdrops are all carefully created to help make sure you see only what Disney wants you to see. One look at the parks from satellite imagery and you can see just how clever those Imagineers are!

Disneyland Park is an incredibly popular place and this California resort is also unique in that it has a very loyal local following that other parks around the world don't really have.

Once inside you'll notice what is now the classic hub-and-spoke design of many theme parks. Walk up Main Street U.S.A. and you hit the hub. Each spoke in the hub takes you to a different section, or "land", within the park. Each land has a different theme and each attraction will be themed to fit in with its land.

Disneyland Park Lands
Main Street U.S.A.
Adventureland
New Orleans Square
Frontierland
Critter Country
Fantasyland
Mickey's Toontown
Tomorrowland

If you're staying at one of the three Disney hotels (Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, or Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel) then walking anywhere on Disney property is usually pretty easy. If you're staying offsite at one of the nearby hotels, like a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, you'll either be able to walk to the park or take one of the shuttle buses they provide.

If you're driving in then you'll be directed to park at the main parking structure or one of the lots. Parking is an extra cost. Be sure to make a note of where you parked!

Getting around the park is very easy, and park maps will be provided when you enter. If you get tired of walking you can always hop on the Disneyland Railroad which has stops at Disneyland Railroad - Main Street Station, Disneyland Railroad - New Orleans Square Station, Disneyland Railroad - Mickey's Toontown, and Disneyland Railroad - Tomorrowland Station. If you want to leave the park in style you can board the Disneyland Monorail - Tomorrowland Station and exit at Disneyland Monorail - Downtown Station which drops you off in Downtown Disney District. You can enter the park the reverse way as well.

Inside the park you'll find plenty of restaurants and snack options as well as first aid centers, locker rentals, stroller and wheelchair rentals, and pretty much anything else you'd ever need. Expect to pay a premium price.