Disneyland's known as the "Happiest Place on Earth," but it sure wasn't a happy place the day it first opened its gates in 1956. Temperatures hit 101°. The drinking fountains ran dry. A gas leak closed several sections of the park. The asphalt was still so fresh, people's shoes got stuck in it. For years afterward, Walt Disney privately referred to that day as "Black Sunday."
But Disneyland soon became a smash success, and over the last half-century the park's steadily grown, sprouting more rides, shows and Disneyland hotels. 2001 saw the opening of the adjacent Downtown Disney shopping area and Disneyland's sister park, California Adventure. Today Disneyland offers approximately 85 acres to explore. Every inch of the place is packed with stuff to see and do and eat and buy, and it can quickly get exhausting if you don't pace yourself. But whether you're looking for hours of excitement or a relaxing afternoon, you can find it there.
Adult tickets run a pricy $69, childrens' are $59. But children under 3 are free, and if you sign up for the Disneyland birthday program in 2009, you'll be admitted free on your birthday. Disneyland's hours change each day, so consult Disneyland's website for the current hours before you go.
The lines can be very long, but the park's much less crowded weekdays and during the colder months.
Posted on LosAngeles.com, 2009.
