The Man Behind the Magic

Disneyland was born of a simple idea: Walt Disney's belief that there should be a place where everyone, from children to parents to grandparents, could have fun together. Over 400 million visitors later, Disneyland stands as a testament that Walt wasn't the only one who felt that way.

From that first notion, some 20 years before Disneyland even opened, came the riskiest venture Walt had ever undertaken. Though he had already established his legacy in the world of feature animation, bringing his vision for Disneyland to life was in many ways a venture into uncharted territory. But that had never stopped Walt before -- and it would hardly stop him now.

Realizing the Dream

By the time Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, Walt had created a destination unlike any other in the world, one driven by imagination and inspired by dreams ... and one where, for the first time, visitors could truly leave the everyday world and enter another one of fantasy and magic, of yesterday and tomorrow.

A Whole New World

Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." And since his passing in 1966, Walt's vision of growth and progress, of new and innovative ideas, has been upheld. And throughout Disneyland Park's continual metamorphosis, the magic -- and the memories -- continue.

Today, Disneyland Resort is a fun-filled vacation destination all its own. With the February 8, 2001, unveiling of the all-new Disney's California Adventure® Park, the Resort boasts two Theme Parks, three splendid hotels, a multiplex movie theater, and the huge shopping and eating Downtown Disney area.

Come experience the Disneyland Resort today. We think you'll agree that Walt's simple idea has come a long way!