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On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates for the primary time to tens of 1000’s of individuals. The California park’s opening-day gala drew a crowd of 11,000 invited company, in addition to a number of thousand extra who tried to get in with counterfeit tickets.
Seventy years later, the “happiest place on Earth” nonetheless attracts followers of all ages, from younger youngsters to self-proclaimed “Disney adults.” About 17.3 million individuals walked by the turnstiles in 2023, in comparison with the estimated 4 million individuals who attended throughout Disneyland’s first full 12 months.
These in attendance on opening day had been charged a whopping $1 entry price, plus a further 10 to 30 cents per journey. Even accounting for inflation, the $50 ticket in in the present day’s {dollars} (which incorporates the entry price plus round 10 rides) is only a portion of in the present day’s price of attendance, which ranges from $104 to $206 per particular person relying on the time of 12 months.
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However Disneyland has expanded lots since its grand opening: The 160 acres consisting of 4 lands (Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland) has since became about 550 acres made up of 9 lands, the California Journey theme park, a procuring strip, parking heaps, and extra. And one other enlargement is on its method.
In Could of final 12 months, the Anaheim Metropolis Council accepted DisneylandForward, a proposal that permits Disney to broaden the theme park onto Disney-owned land, which was beforehand solely allowed for use for parking heaps and motels. California Journey will add two sights to the Avengers Campus, a “Coco”-themed journey, and an Avatar vacation spot, development of which can start subsequent fall.
In celebration of the park’s seventieth anniversary, Disneyland may also be unveiling an animatronic model of Walt Disney as a part of the brand new present Walt Disney—A Magical Life. Moreover, the quintessential Disneyland journey It’s a Small World will add a remaining verse to its catchy tune, which was launched to Disneyland in 1966.
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Los Angeles Examiner—USC Libraries/Corbis/Getty Photographs
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