He initially envisioned building a tourist attraction adjacent to his studios in Burbank, California to entertain fans who wished to visit. But he soon realized that the proposed site was too small.

The Disneyland location in Anaheim was formerly 160 acres of orange and walnut trees. Some of these trees still remain inside the property today.

A one-day ticket to Disneyland in 1955 cost $1 for adults and $0.50 for children. In addition to the price of entry, many of the attractions cost between $0.10 and $0.35.

Dating back to The Mickey Mouse Club television show, which had its first broadcast in 1955, Mickey Ears have been the quintessential Disneyland souvenir since the park's opening.

Since opening day, Sleeping Beauty Castle has majestically stood as the symbol of all dreams and magic for Disneyland guests. During the holiday season, the castle is transformed into Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, adorned with twinkling lights and special effects.

Although the number of attractions is disputed by some Disney enthusiasts, Disneyland started with just 13 rides on opening day.

In later years, Disney and his executives referred to July 17, 1955, as "Black Sunday". A gas leak temporarily closed Fantasyland, one of the many mishaps that had naysayers believing the park was doomed. The temperature was an unusually high 101 °F (38 °C), and because of a local plumbers' strike, Disney was given a choice of having working drinking fountains or running toilets. He chose the latter, leaving many drinking fountains dry. Cynical guests suspected this was just a way to sell soda. In addition, the asphalt that had been poured that morning wasn't completely dry, allowing women's high-heeled shoes to sink into it.

In 1961, Walt Disney began a search for a flying Tinker Bell to wow crowds at the park. He hired Tiny Kline, a Hungarian circus acrobat known for gliding down a wire with her teeth clamped on a metal bit. She was 70 the first time she "flew" from the Matterhorn to Sleeping Beauty Castle, suspended by a harness rather than her jaws. She retired from playing Tinker Bell in 1964.

According to the Ghost Host at the beginning of the ride, the Haunted Mansion is home to "999 happy haunts" ... but there's room for a thousand if you want to volunteer.

Incredicoaster opened to the public as California Screamin' on February 8, 2001. It is the fastest attraction at the Disneyland Resort (including Disney California Adventure) with a maximum speed of 55 mph. With 6,072 feet of track it is also the longest.