The first ever Disney theme park is still among the most popular parks in the world, ranking second only to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 2011 attendance (with some 16.1 million visitors). The park in Anaheim, California still retains the core of its original design and layout, which has become the template for Disney's other parks around the world. After entering the park on Main Street, U.S.A. guests can head to any of 7 themed lands. These are Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown and Tomorrowland.

Park History

Disneyland holds the distinction of being the only Disney theme park to have been constructed under the full supervision of Walt Disney himself. Disney claimed to have conceived the idea for the park after visiting Griffith Park in Los Angeles with his children. Frustrated by the lack of attractions that could be enjoyed by adults and children alike, he designed Disneyland to fulfill that need. The park took exactly one year to construct, and opened on July 17, 1955.