A lot has changed at Disneyland since the park first opened in 1955. Over the nearly six decades that have passed since its debut, many things at the Happiest Place on Earth have either been lost over time or met with a wrecking ball during one of the park's many expansions and refurbishments. We list five original Disneyland artifacts that existed in the park back when Walt walked Main Street, ...

Having first visited Disneyland as a 2-year-old, Fairfax journalist James Croot reflects after his recent sixth visit. "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 savour the challenge and promise of the future." Walter E Disney's words when he opened his theme park in July 1955 have never felt truer than ...

Today, Disneyland's Tomorrowland is populated with characters from "Star Wars," "Toy Story" and, increasingly, figures from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But long before there were meet-and-greet sessions with the likes of Captain America or Thor, Tomorrowland was home to a different sort of critter.. When the park opened 60 years ago today (July 17) in 1955, Tomorrowland was ready to welcome a ...

The Land that Never Was One of the themes that Disney toyed with was the birth of the nation, continuing on through the Colonial Era, following inventors and political figures that shaped our country. Officially, it wouldn't be referred to as a land per se, the same as Main Street USA, New Orleans Square and Toontown. Actually the proposed idea was a combination of two areas, the first being Liberty ...

It was the '60s, a decade of change. And just like society, Disneyland would change too - in dramatic fashion. 1960 Just like previous years, Walt Disney was constantly tinkering with Disneyland as the decade started. The first year of the decade, he added more scenes to the Rainbow Ridge Mine Train, and changed its name to the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland. The mules got a new name, ...

Going to a theme park is supposed to be fun. But listening to some fans, you've got to wonder if the thing they find most fun about Disneyland is complaining about it. I get it - theme parks are a passion for many of us. We have been going to Disneyland for years, and those visits have grown into a long-time love affair. We adore the rides, the food, the entertainment and the atmosphere. There are ...

When Disneyland opened its doors in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, the word astronaut was not yet a household term. But a bright white rocketship towered over Tomorrowland (and, in fact, the entire park), poised to blast off into soon-to-be explored galaxies. Behind it stood a geometric space station, red letters over the entrance labeling it "Rocket To The Moon," with two large spherical theatres ...

It was sometime in the 1940s, and a young father sat on an amusement park bench, licking a Popsicle and feeling slightly disgruntled. While his two daughters rode the merry-go-round, he waited restlessly, wondering why there was no amusement park that was equally "amusing" for children and adults. Had this been anyone else, the thought might have disappeared with the last slurps of the Popsicle. ...

1955 Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week in summer; closed Mondays the rest of the year. Size: 60 acres, plus 100 acres for parking. Zones: Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Main Street USA 18 attarctions Admission: $1 (including tax) for adults. 50 cents for children. Ride tickets, sold separately, priced from 10 to 35 cents. Employees: About 1,000 ...

Dear Dr. J: My family recently took a trip to Disneyland and noticed the park is about to commemorate "50 years of Magic." We really went down memory lane when we set sail on the Jungle Cruise and dropped in on the birds in the Tiki Room. When we got home we found some old postcards and tickets. I imagine they are collector's items now. What do you think? -- Arlene Smith, Ontario Dear Arlene: July 17, ...

Disneyland, which celebrated its 55th birthday in July, drew more than 1,300 rabid devotees to a two-day, sometimes irreverant, sometimes reverential convention starting Friday at the Disneyland Hotel. Being a Disney fan, I was there, feverishly taking notes in the dark as "Disney Legends," men and women who made Disneyland what it is today, pop singers and behind-the-scenes "Imagineers" -- the people ...

The year is 1954, and construction for Disneyland park is in full swing. The many creative faces of WED Enterprises were hard at work so that it would reach its ambitious opening date in 1955. Scaffolders were placing finishing touches on the rugged cliffs of Adventureland, engineers were developing the precise movements of Abraham Lincoln, and Walt Disney himself was faced with a massive decision. ...

Man's activities in 1986, the world of the future, are being presented in various exhibits In Tomorrowland by some of the major corporations in the United States. The earth's history, dating back three billion years, is portrayed through an animated display by Richfield, while the "Story of Oil," in Cinemascope, is also present. The Autopia, gasoline powered car which travels the ...