Disneyland 55th Anniversary

Disneyland continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of millions of guests every year. And in celebration of the park's milestone anniversary, cast members and guests will gather for a birthday celebration honoring the happiest place on Earth and listen to the opening day speech Walt Disney gave to the park's first guests back in 1955.

"Disneyland is your land," as Walt said on the park's opening day, 55 years ago today. "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."

"To all who come to this happy place, welcome," Walt famously said. "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."

As Disneyland Resort and The Walt Disney Company pause to remember how it all started, the resort looks forward to even more new events and attractions planned for 2011 and beyond. Rapunzel, the newest Disney princess and star of the upcoming animated feature Tangled, will begin greeting guests of all ages at a location in Fantasyland in October. The new 3D Star Tours adventures will debut in 2011 in Disneyland, taking voyagers — for the first time — to Coruscant and other destinations in the Stars Wars galaxy. The power of 'the force" and the magic of Disney once again will combine for this immersive experience in Tomorrowland.

Across the way at Disney California Adventure even more Disney magic is coming in 2011 with the premier of The Little Mermaid — Ariel's Undersea Adventure, the next big milestone in the ongoing expansion of the park. The Little Mermaid attraction will give new meaning to the phrase "immersive Disney attraction," taking guests under the sea to experience magnificent scenes and magical songs from the popular motion picture.

Meanwhile at the Disneyland Hotel, renovation continues including a new pool and water play area, enhancements to the existing pool, a new restaurant and bar and re-theming of the hotel's three guest room towers. Three new themed suites will also join the existing Mickey Mouse and Pirates suites.