Disneyland, the first-ever Disney theme park, has been a magical destination for families worldwide since it first opened its gates on July 17, 1955. So, when is Disneyland’s 65th anniversary? The answer is July 17, 2020. However, this anniversary wasn’t celebrated with the usual grandeur and fanfare, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disneyland’s 65th anniversary was on July 17, 2020. This milestone marked 65 years since the park first opened its gates to the public on July 17, 1955. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual grand celebrations were not held.
Disneyland’s 65-Year Journey
Over its 65 years of existence, Disneyland has reached several significant historical milestones. Just one year after its opening in 1956, Disneyland had already welcomed 5 million visitors. The park introduced the “D” ticket in 1956, followed by the “E” ticket in 1959, which allowed guests to access the park’s most popular attractions.
Disneyland has also continuously expanded and added new attractions and experiences. The Haunted Mansion opened in 1969, becoming a fan-favorite attraction. In 1983, the park underwent a major renovation of Fantasyland, which included the addition of Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. And in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a highly immersive themed land based on the popular Star Wars franchise, opened to the public.
Disneyland has pushed the boundaries of technology and creativity, influencing the design of theme parks and roller coasters worldwide. The park continues to innovate and expand, ensuring that it remains a beloved destination for generations to come.
Celebrating the 65th Anniversary Amidst a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Disneyland’s 65th-anniversary celebrations. The park, which was initially planned to reopen on its 65th anniversary, had to postpone its reopening indefinitely due to the pandemic. However, the anniversary was still acknowledged and celebrated through merchandise and online messages.
Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock shared a message on his Instagram account celebrating the anniversary and thanking the cast members for keeping Walt Disney’s dream alive. The Walt Disney Family Museum also hosted a Virtual Community Day, which included Disneyland-centric virtual programming, trivia, and surprises.
Limited Edition 65th Anniversary Merchandise
Despite the park’s closure, Disneyland released several special merchandise and limited edition items for its 65th anniversary. Some of these items include limited edition pins, Funko Pop! figures, Disneyland Park 65th Annual Passholder Collection, and exclusive merchandise at BoxLunch and Target stores.
A Look Back at Disneyland’s Most Memorable Moments
Disneyland’s 65-year history is filled with memorable moments. The park’s opening day in 1955 marked a turning point in the amusement park industry. Disneyland’s 50th and 60th anniversaries were transformative for the park, leading to many subsequent changes.
Disneyland has contributed to its rich history and cultural impact, making it “The Happiest Place on Earth” for millions of fans worldwide. As we celebrate Disneyland’s 65th anniversary, we look forward to the many more magical years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “D” and “E” tickets at Disneyland?
The “D” and “E” tickets were part of the ticket book system used at Disneyland from its opening in 1955 until 1982. The tickets, labeled A through E, were used for admission to the various attractions in the park. The “D” and “E” tickets were for the most popular and newest attractions.
What is the Walt Disney Family Museum?
The Walt Disney Family Museum is a non-profit organization in San Francisco dedicated to presenting the story and achievements of Walt Disney, the man who raised animation to an art, transformed the film industry, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a distinctly American legacy.
Where can I buy the 65th anniversary merchandise?
The 65th anniversary merchandise was available in select Disneyland Resort shops, online on shopDisney.com, and at select retail stores like BoxLunch and Target.
What is the Disneyland Park 65th Annual Passholder Collection?
The Disneyland Park 65th Annual Passholder Collection is a set of exclusive merchandise items available only to Disneyland Annual Passholders. It includes a variety of items, such as clothing, pins, and collectibles, all themed around the park’s 65th anniversary.
Was Disneyland the first amusement park in the world?
No, Disneyland was not the first amusement park in the world. There were many amusement parks before Disneyland, but Disneyland was the first to be themed entirely around a specific concept, in this case, the films and characters of Walt Disney. It was also the first to be built and owned by a single entity, The Walt Disney Company.
