The History of Disney Theme Parks

By Robert Vaux

Disney theme parks originated when fans of Walt Disney kept asking to visit his studios in Burbank, California. Rather than showing them his rather mundane workplace, Disney conceived of a park that would embody his dreams and beliefs.

Disneyland

The first Disney theme park was Disneyland, which opened in Anaheim, California, in July 1955. Despite a rough opening day, it soon proved to be a huge success.

Disney World

Because comparatively few East Coast residents traveled to California to visit Disneyland, Disney conceived of a second park to be built in central Florida. Walt Disney World opened to the public in 1971.

Expansion

Four additional theme parks have been added over the years in the United States. Walt Disney World opened Epcot in 1982, Disney's Hollywood Studios in 1989 and Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998; Disneyland opened Disney's California Adventure in 2001.

Asian Theme Parks

Disney also has two theme parks in Asia: Tokyo Disney Resort opened in 1983, and Hong Kong Disneyland debuted in 2005. A third theme park is set to open in Shanghai, China, in 2014.

Europe

Euro Disney Resort--since renamed Disneyland Paris--opened in the French capital in 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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