Walt Disney's Disneyland

For many years, Walt Disney envisioned creating the perfect entertainment destination, and it was in the early 1950s that his carefully chosen team began making this dream a reality. This talented group of artists, architects, and engineers transformed a barren plot of orange groves, situated about an hour south of Los Angeles, into a beloved global attraction. Today, Disney resorts can be found from Paris to Shanghai, yet the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in history, enchanting over 800 million visitors since its grand opening. Since July 17, 1955, Disneyland has been a magical realm where history merges with fairy tales, the future becomes the present, and diverse cultures and distant galaxies spark the imagination. This richly detailed visual history delves into Disney's extensive historical archives, private collections, and the golden era of photojournalism to offer an unparalleled view of the creation, development, launch, and enduring joy of this sunny fantasy and fun oasis. "Disneyland" captures Walt Disney's initial inspirations and thoughts, the park's remarkable design and engineering milestones, its memorable opening day, and the distinct "lands" such as Main Street, U.S.A., and Tomorrowland, that invite guests on an immersive journey. Spanning six decades of evolution, this chronicle serves as a precious collection of original Disney knowledge. With insightful commentary from award-winning writer Chris Nichols, who leans on his deep understanding of Disneyland and the history of Southern California, readers are invited to explore the captivating story of what is known fondly as "the happiest place on Earth."