Disneyland Park, originally Disneyland, is the first of two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, opened on July 17, 1955. It is the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. It was originally the only attraction on the property; its official name was changed to Disneyland Park to distinguish it from the expanding complex in the 1990s. It was the first Disney theme park.Disneyland ParkThe park’s icon, Sleeping Beauty Castle, in 2019.SloganThe happiest place on earthLocationDisneyland Resort, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, California, United StatesCoordinates33.81°N 117.92°WThemeFairy tales and Disney charactersOwnerDisney Parks, Experiences and Products
(The Walt Disney Company)Operated byDisneyland ResortOpenedJuly 17, 1955; 64 years ago^[1]Previous namesDisneyland (1955–1998)Operating seasonYear-roundWebsiteOfficial websiteStatusOperating

Walt Disney came up with the concept of Disneyland after visiting various amusement parks with his daughters in the 1930s and 1940s. He initially envisioned building a tourist attraction adjacent to his studios in Burbank to entertain fans who wished to visit; however, he soon realized that the proposed site was too small. After hiring a consultant to help him determine an appropriate site for his project, Disney bought a 160-acre (65 ha) site near Anaheim in 1953. Construction began in 1954 and the park was unveiled during a special televised press event on the ABC Television Network on July 17, 1955.

Since its opening, Disneyland has undergone expansions and major renovations, including the addition of New Orleans Square in 1966, Bear Country (now Critter Country) in 1972, Mickey’s Toontown in 1993, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019.^[2] Opened in 2001, Disney California Adventure Park was built on the site of Disneyland’s original parking lot.

Disneyland has a larger cumulative attendance than any other theme park in the world, with 726 million visits since it opened (as of December 2018). In 2018, the park had approximately 18.6 million visits, making it the second most visited amusement park in the world that year, behind only Magic Kingdom, the very park it inspired.^[3] According to a March 2005 Disney report, 65,700 jobs are supported by the Disneyland Resort, including about 20,000 direct Disney employees and 3,800 third-party employees (independent contractors or their employees).^[4] Disney announced “Project Stardust” in 2019, which included major structural renovations to the park to account for higher attendance numbers.^[5]

5 Meeting and Event Ideas Inspired by Walt Disney World

By Andrea Doyle -November 1, 2019  

Walt Disney World Creates Immersive Events

Walt Disney World and Disney Meetings & Events creates immersive events with the artistry and creativity that has made the company a global brand and leader in entertainment. Disney knows how to develop programs that draw attendance and engages audiences. Show producers, writers, set designers, creative directors, entertainers, and actors are at the ready to help you deliver your message in whatever way works best for your company.

Art of Storytelling, a Walt Disney World focus

The Art of Storytelling at Walt Disney World

During a Walt Disney World reception that was part of IMEX this September, concept paintings were created by an artist during the event as guests looked on. In addition, an Imagineer mingled amongst the crowd, teaching about his craft. The creative process behind storytelling was highlighted, a process that can be applied to successful meetings and events. During the event, Walt Disney’s quote came to life, “I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.”Wine Blending, Walt Disney World style

Wine Blending

Not only are the meeting facilities at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin extensive, but so are the experiences it offers groups. I recently got to experience a wine blending experience during a trip sponsored by Marriott’s Convention & Resort Network, led by Luciano Sperduto, director of food and beverage and a certified sommelier, and Kristian LaPlante, assistant director of food and beverage that was not only fun but enlightening. They led us on a hysterical step-by-step look at the winemaking process. It was then time to taste reds, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, and blend our own Meritage. Each red was paired with amazing cheese like brie and goat’s cheese. With only the magic Disney can provide, our wine journey started with a private photo session with Mickey. The Swan and Dolphin, part of the Marriott Convention & Resort Network, can plan similar events for group functions.Walt Disney World enchants with Snow White themed parties

Snow White’s Enchanted Forest

Your event will be the fairest of them all when you incorporate themed décor straight out of one of the most beloved fairytales. One recent group chose a King’s table for their seating arrangement, perfect for groups to mingle and network. Lanterns with glowing candles and red and green florals were arranged down the center of the table to create a larger-than-life storybook experience. Faux tree trunks at each place setting gave the feeling of dining in an enchanted forest.Hidden Mickeys, a Walt Disney World tradition

Mickey’s Surprise Party

There is no better time to dedicate an event to Mickey Mouse than this year, his 90^th birthday.

It’s all in the details, from the red, yellow, and black linens, to the Mickey Mouse balloons and floral arrangements. Planners can even provide a moment of “surprise and delight” with Mickey Mouse Ear Hats embroidered with each guest’s name placed at their table settings.

The culinary team can help create a festive menu with “Hidden Mickeys” incorporated into every dish and dessert.Shipwreck Beach at Walt Disney World

Shipwreck Beach

One of the things Disney does best is transformation. Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts has Shipwreck Beach that transports groups to a white sand beach with views of a New England-style lighthouse. It is the ideal setting for interactive games like cornhole as well to spark networking amongst attendees.