The Magic of Walt Disney’s Original Park
By: Madison Hackett
May 15, 2025
It's July 17, 1955.
A year of construction is complete, and it is the opening day of Disneyland Park. It is an exceptionally warm day and a little chaotic, with 28,000 people in attendance (only about half of which were invited to the preview.) Walt Disney steps in front of 24 cameras in an international press preview, the largest live broadcast attempted to date. He begins his speech, influenced certainly by the completion of a long-held dream:
"To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here, youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."
A new branch of the enduring storytelling of the Walt Disney Company emerges and that day the sun sets on a burgeoning legacy.
Almost 70 years later, in March of 2025, I step into this same park, a guest and an external partner in this same legacy. I am blown away by what can only be described as magic. The charm of this park remains.
Since 1955, newer and larger Disney parks have expanded around the world. My home park, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, absolutely dwarfs Disneyland, but as a Scottish philosopher once said, "The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity." The size comparisons of park icons are tiring and unnecessary when each park has a personality of its own. Here is what I love about Disneyland:
It feels local.
The mid-week crowds in March feel manageable. I am not local, but I can navigate without being swallowed alive by people. Resort dress is casual, and guest groups are diverse in age and composition. I see young families, teenagers, elderly couples, school groups, solo adventurers, and guided VIP tours alike. Ride instructions repeat in Spanish, a welcomed accommodation to California's populace. Most people do not rush like they are on their once-in-a-lifetime trip; they'll be back soon. Their ease may also be attributable to…
The size of the property. It is smaller, and that is welcome.
I easily park hop between Disneyland and California Adventure. The opening gates for these two parks face each other and are only a few hefty stone throws apart. On top of this, Downtown Disney, the shopping and dining district adjacent to the parks, serves as a preamble to park entrances. All three Disney resorts are within easy walking distance of the parks, with two having dedicated entrances for resort guests only.
Let me give you a feel for a daily itinerary. My morning begins with a walk through a very short security screening, followed by iced coffee from Sip & Sonder in Downtown Disney. I rope drop Disneyland, riding several rides and watching the Disneyland Band perform, then leave for a midday resort break, but not before handily grabbing a drink at Céntrico. After a short refresh in the resort, I head back out an hour or so later to park hop over to California Adventure to ride the Incredicoaster again (because I think I am addicted.)
I fit in a few more rides, lots of photos, and another snack at Lamplight Lounge. I then head BACK to Disneyland to catch fireworks in Galaxy's Edge, nary a bus needed. I have time for a few more…
Opening day attractions.
The most endearing of them, in my opinion, live in Fantasyland. It is incredible to see the immersion the original Imagineers were able to pack into these dark rides, many of which remain mostly unchanged since opening day. I ride all of them because how can I not? If you are a Disney history nerd, you must experience these. In addition to the opening-day attractions, I also visited the counterparts of all my East Coast favorites to compare.
In summary, I can't help but feel a deep appreciation for what Disneyland represents, not just for Disney fans but for dreamers everywhere. This park is a living time capsule and a vibrant, ever-evolving space where Walt Disney's original vision still pulses through every land and attraction. As a travel agent, I don't just help people plan vacations—I help them step into stories like this, where nostalgia and new memories blend effortlessly. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, Disneyland offers something undeniably special. And I'd be honored to help you experience it for yourself.
Let's connect and get you started on your magic journey! You can find my social media and my complimentary quote request form at the link here: https://linktr.ee/expedition.with.madison.