"If you can dream it, you can do it." Walt Disney

Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, and in the words of Walt Disney, on opening day, “To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” disneydreamer.com

Walt Disney opened his theme park in July 1955, over 50 years ago. The park is celebrating the magic of these 50 years from May 2005 – October 2006. When Disneyland first opened, admission to the park was only $1. The cost of attractions ranged from 10 to 35 cents. The park was divided into 5 sections: Main Street, U.S.A; Adventureland; Frontierland; Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Today there is also Mickey’s Toontown, Critter Country and New Orleans Square not to mention a whole other park – California Adventure, which has Hollywood Pictures Backlot, A Bug’s Land, Golden State and Paradise Pier.

The Disneyland theme park is a far cry from Walt’s original vision of an 8-acre park right next to the Burbank studios where his animation dreams came true . Plus there are parks all over the world now. To see a timeline of Disney throughout the decades check out: Disney Timeline. One of the things I found most fascinating was the inflation of park tickets.

In October 2006, my family and I are going to take a trip to the original Disneyland. It will be the first time for all of us, though I have been to Disney World twice and know more of what to expect than everyone else. My Aunt and Uncle already went to see the festivities last month. They brought back theme park maps and golden Mickey ears for the girls. One of the extras for the celebration: for a limited time Mickey’s ear hats are gold instead of black (Gold-dipped mouse-ears at $12 each, the caps may be worth more than their weight in gold). 50 Ways to Leave Your Living Room (in Honor of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary)

My husband keeps lamenting, “We all could have had our own personal computer for the price of this trip.” Despite the sticker shock, I know he’s going to love the rides and attractions as much as the girls (and myself). I can’t wait to share the fun and excitement of a Disney vacation with my family. So what, as a family, can we expect to see this October in honor of the golden anniversary? The park has spruced up their parades and firework shows. They have tweaked old favorites: the Haunted House, the Jungle River Ride, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Sleeping Beauty’s castle was remodeled to include royal tiaras, glimmering gold trim, and majestic banners. There is also “Disneyland – the first 50 years” an exhibit showcasing how Walt’s dream became a reality.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts President, Jay Rasulo said, “Since Disneyland opened its gates… Walt Disney's flagship park has been praised the world over for serving as the foundation for the modern theme park industry, and, moreover, for creating a unique place where the entire family can have fun and enjoy wholesome, quality entertainment together. Disney parks are at the heart of a timeless tradition for millions of families that pass down their experiences from generation to generation.” disneydreamer.com

I still have 5 more months to go before I can share the experience with the next generation. I know it will be a dream come true for everyone.