“To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past…and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America…with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
– Walt Disney July 17, 1955
59 years ago Walt Disney spoke these words that have become iconic to Disney fans worldwide. Today, we celebrate the continuation of Walt Disney’s dream. It is a dream that now lives on around the globe with Disney magic being shared during any given moment throughout any minute of any day. Today we remember that it all began in Anaheim, California.
“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
– Walt Disney
The Disneyland of nearly six decades ago is very different than the one seen today. There is now new attractions, new entertainment, new food, new experiences. Some of these changes have been accepted with open arms, others with a few raised eyebrows. One thing that continues to be consistent at Disneyland is that imagination continues to be exemplified. The magic that exists because of this imagination continues to draw millions of guests from around the globe.
“Disneyland is like Alice stepping through the Looking Glass; to step through portals of Disneyland will be like entering another world.”
– Walt Disney
Part of the appeal of Disneyland is leaving the world outside behind. Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a world where dreams continue to come true. Entering the gates allows people to leave behind the worries of the day and go to a world where they can ride aboard flying pirate ships, face Darth Vader and his Imperial Storm Troopers, or go and find their laughing place.
As Disneyland celebrates 59 years of magic and memories, it is important to remember that it was all started by a mouse… or a man with a dream that was personified by a mouse. Thanks for the memories Walt Disney and thanks for Disneyland.
Happy Birthday Disneyland! Here’s looking to the future and more magic!
