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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 visitors, 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 folks walked by means of the turnstiles in 2023, in comparison with the estimated 4 million individuals who attended throughout Disneyland’s first full yr.
These in attendance on opening day have been charged a whopping $1 entry payment, plus an extra 10 to 30 cents per experience. Even accounting for inflation, the $50 ticket in in the present day’s {dollars} (which incorporates the entry payment plus round 10 rides) is only a portion of in the present day’s value of attendance, which ranges from $104 to $206 per particular person relying on the time of yr.
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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 changed into about 550 acres made up of 9 lands, the California Journey theme park, a purchasing strip, parking tons, and extra. And one other enlargement is on its method.
In Could of final yr, the Anaheim Metropolis Council accredited DisneylandForward, a proposal that permits Disney to increase the theme park onto Disney-owned land, which was beforehand solely allowed for use for parking tons and accommodations. California Journey will add two sights to the Avengers Campus, a “Coco”-themed experience, and an Avatar vacation spot, development of which can start subsequent fall.
In celebration of the park’s seventieth anniversary, Disneyland may even 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 experience It’s a Small World will add a last verse to its catchy tune, which was launched to Disneyland in 1966.
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