Happy Birthday, Disneyland!

[VJ]

I think amongst the negativity that's rampant about Disneyland (and Disney in general) today, there should be a place where we talk about all the good things about Disneyland and how the park has touched our lives over the past 63 years. I decided I'd make a thread to do just that!

Anyone who knows me knows that Disneyland is my favorite place in the world, and even with the missteps the park has taken in recent years, it always will be. I know it's an overused buzzword, but there's no other way to describe it: that purely magical feeling you get when you walk through the gates and realize... you're here, in the middle of Walt Disney's magic kingdom. I've experienced that feeling every time I've walked through those tunnels on Main Street and it never, ever gets old. Pure and simple, I love Disneyland. I love all the happy moments and memories it's given me since I was a kid, and I love the happiness it never fails to make me feel. And even when you're away for a couple years, coming back always feels like home, and you always feel like you belong. That's the magic of Disneyland for me.

How does Disneyland make you feel? Do you have a favorite Disneyland memory? Just wanna wish Disneyland a happy birthday? Let us know!

"10 magic years ago, you had your start.
Now you're the kingdom of the young and young-at-heart!
May you forever be the land of dreams come true,
Congratulations, Disneyland; happy birthday to you!"

 

[Californian Elitist]

Happy Birthday, my love! 63 years young.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Disneyland is amazing since its experiences remain relevant as you get older, you just change your perspective and how you experience them.

I love being able to read sources like the Long Forgotten blog and learn more than any rational human should about the Haunted Mansion.

I love that with every attraction and area of the park, there's years of history, changes, and stories to learn. Nothing at Disneyland operates on one level. Everything has depth.

Disneyland's the place I rode my first roller coaster. I remember when I finally braved Splash Mountain as a child, and have been a die hard fan ever since.

I remember going through that phase where it wasn't cool socially to enjoy Disneyland- Six Flags was where it's at since the rides are bigger and Disneyland had princesses.

It's also amazing how my interest in experiences has changed since I've gotten older. As a child, I despised Fantasmic (despite secretly enjoying the theme) since, you know, shows are a waste of time. After a 5 year hiatus without AP's, when I revisited in high school, Fantasmic blew me away and instantly became my favorite thing Disney has ever done (And today marks the official one year since it was cancelled. RIP).