Disney Theme Parks History

By Robert Vaux

For a time, the Disney company was known primarily for its theme parks. Starting with Disneyland in California and expanding to parks all over the world, they remain some of the most popular tourist destinations of all time.

Disneyland

Walt Disney first conceived of Disneyland as a place where his fans could go that better matched their expectations than his rather Burbank production studios. It first opened in July of 1955.

Walt Disney World

The success of Disneyland prompted Walt to open a second theme park in Florida, to make it easier for East Coasters to visit. Walt Disney World first opened in 1971.

Expansion

Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have added new theme parks over the years. Disney World has added three--Epcot in 1984, Disney's Hollywood Studios in 1989 and Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998--while Disneyland added Disney's California Adventure in 2001.

Asia

Disney opened the Tokyo Disney Resort in 1983. Hong Kong Disneyland followed in 2005, and plans are afoot for a Disney resort in Shanghai in 2014.

Europe

Europe has seen a single Disney resort open on its soil. It was originally named the Euro Disney Resort. It has since been renamed Disneyland Paris, and it has been in operation since 1992.

About The Author

Rob Vaux has been a professional writer and editor since 1995. He has traveled throughout Europe and North America as well as parts of North Africa. Since 2000, he has been a professional movie critic at Flipside Movie Emporium, the Sci-Fi Movie Page and Mania.com. Vaux has a Master of Arts in English literature from Syracuse University.

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