• Disneyland History (1954-2023)

Image credit Disney

Disneyland, the first and original Disney theme park, was opened on July 17, 1955 in Anaheim, California. The idea for Disneyland was created by Walt Disney and was designed as a place where both children and adults could enjoy themselves and experience the magic of Disney. The park originally consisted of five themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Disneyland was an instant success and quickly became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Over the years, Disneyland has undergone many changes and expansions, but it remains one of the most iconic and beloved theme parks in the world, with millions of visitors each year coming to experience the magic and joy of Disney.

Here is a comprehensive look at the many important moments in Disneyland history. After more than 60 years of operations, there is much to list here and much more to add in the future. I’m hoping there is a nugget or two in here that you may find new and interesting.

Disneyland History

1954: Construction on Disneyland begins
1955: Disneyland opens (July 17) – 1 year and 1 day after construction began
1956: Disneyland Hotel opens
1957: Holidayland opens
1959: Disneyland Monorail opens
1959: Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through opens
1959: Matterhorn opens
1960: Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland opens
1961: Holidayland closes
1963: Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opens
1966: New Orleans Square is added
1966: It’s a Small World opens
1967: Major refurbishment for Tomorrowland
1967: Carousel of Progress opens
1967: Pirates of the Caribbean opens
1969: The Haunted Mansion opens
1971: Indian Village closes
1972: Bear Country is added
1973: Carousel of Progress closes and is moved to Walt Disney World
1977: Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland closes
1977: Space Mountain opens
1979: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opens
1982: Casa de Fritos closes
1982: Individual ride ticket system ends
1983: Major refurbishment for Fantasyland
1983: Pinocchio’s Daring Journey opens
1984: Emerald of Anaheim hotel opens
1987: Star Tours opens
1988: Bear Country is renamed to Critter Country
1988: Disney assumed ownership of the Disneyland Hotel
1989: Splash Mountain opens
1989: Emerald of Anaheim becomes Pan Pacific Hotel
1991: Disney announced plans to build WestCOT
1993: Mickey’s Toontown is added
1994: Disneyland Skyway is closed
1995: Pan Pacific Hotel becomes Disneyland Pacific Hotel
1995: WestCOT project is canceled
1997: Mike Fink Keel Boats closes
1998: Rocket Rods opens
1999: Swiss Family Treehouse becomes Tarzan’s Treehouse
2000: The Mickey & Friends parking structure opens
2000: Disneyland Pacific Hotel becomes Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
2001: Rocket Rods closes
2001: Disney California Adventure opens
2001: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa opens
2001: Country Bear Jamboree closes
2001: Downtown Disney Opens
2002: A Bug’s Land opens at DCA
2003: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens
2004: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opens in DCA
2005: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters opens
2006: Monsters Inc, Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! replaces the infamous Superstar Limo ride
2010: World of Color debuts at DCA
2012: Carnation Plaza Gardens closes
2012: Disney California Adventure is re-dedicated
2012: Cars Land opens at DCA
2015: The Paint the Night parade and Disneyland Forever show begin
2015: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is announced
2017: Tower of Terror is transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
2018: A Bug’s Land closes at DCA
2018: Pixar Pier opens
2019: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens
2020: Disneyland closes for an extended period of time carrying over into 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021: Disneyland reopens from COVID-19 shutdown (April 30)
2021: Avengers Campus opens in the former A Bug’s Land area of Disney’s California Adventure (June 4th)
2021: DisneylandFoward is announced (Major Disneyland expansion)
2021: Disney Genie, Genie+ and Lightning Lanes debut (December 8th)
2022: Disney breaks ground on the new Mickey’s Toowntown area of Disneyland Park (April 28th)

Please note that some of these Disneyland historical dates are easier to find than others, so some of these are based on third party accounts and not official company reports. In other words: This is the best Disneyland history I can find, but I don’t guarantee anything.