Disneyland at 70: Why It’s STILL The Happiest Place on Earth

On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney invited the world to step inside a dream — not just to see it, but to live it. Seventy years later, that dream still shines in Anaheim. And for generations of fans, Disneyland isn’t just a park. It’s a time machine. A memory keeper. A second home. And yes — it’s still the Happiest Place on Earth!
Here’s why that magic still holds, even after all these years.

Disneyland Lives in the Hearts of Its Fans

For Disney fans, Disneyland isn’t a one-time trip. It’s a lifelong love…a place of traditions passed down through generations.

• It’s where your grandparents relive their childhood and buy you your 1st Mickey Ears with your name stitched in gold thread.
• It’s where your parents cheer for you as you’re finally tall enough for Indiana Jones Adventure.
• It’s where you and your siblings argued over whose turn it was to pick the next ride — and where you always agreed on Dole Whip.

The park weaves itself into our personal stories.  It’s where you can experience a fairytale proposal, a magical Birthday, a memorable Grad Night, or the best family reunion celebration! These aren’t just visits. These are chapters of our lives — bookmarked by parades, churros, and that familiar “Welcome, foolish mortals…” that gives you goosebumps every single time.  This. This is magic!

 It’s not just that I’ve been going to Disneyland my whole life — it’s that Disneyland has been part of my life at every major milestone!

 Disneyland Grounds Us in a World That’s Always Changing

So much of life is unpredictable. But Disneyland? Disneyland is there and provides an emotional anchor.

There’s comfort in the familiar, like that first glimpse of the Fire Department (with the light on upstairs), the scent of buttery popcorn, and the cheerful notes of the Main Street ragtime piano — all  instantly recognizable from our memories.

That moment of stepping into a new land and leaving the real world behind! Still as powerful as ever! For Disney fans, the park is more than nostalgia — it’s a reminder that some magic doesn’t fade with time. It deepens!

It Lets Us Be Who We Were — and Who We Still Are

Disneyland inspires and restores youthful energy and taps into our imagination. Best of all, regardless of your age, you have ‘Permission to Play’ there! With so many pressures in life, putting your toe into this creative pool of fun can really refresh your spirit like nowhere else! Sure, there are places to go to relax – but not many places encourage you to be a kid again!

One of Disneyland’s greatest gifts is its ability to make us feel young again — and not in a forced, awkward way. In a soul-deep, genuine, “this-is-who-I’ve-always-been” kind of way.

• • Here, adults belt out “Yo Ho, Yo Ho” without embarrassment.
  • Here, it’s completely normal to bound with the essence of your fave character.
  • Here, it’s natural to become giddy when giving Pooh Bear a hug!
  • Here, you’re not judged for crying during “When You Wish Upon a Star” — because the person next to you is probably crying, too!

In Disneyland, joy is allowed. Imagination is encouraged. And no one asks you to be anything other than fully, unapologetically you!

For 70 years, Disneyland has lived in our hearts not just because of what it is — but because of what it allows us to feel: wonder, joy, and belonging.

It’s Not Just a Place — It’s Ours (and Walt said so!)

Over 70 years, Disneyland has become a shared story.

It’s more than the bricks of Main Street or the spires of the castle. Its’ a place we’re all helped build-through our memories, traditions, and tears of joy! It belongs to all of us!
It’s where millions of fans have felt their hearts lift, time and again. Where kids grow up — and then bring their kids. Where couples, friends, and solo dreamers come to reconnect with the magic that shaped them!

Disneyland is STILL the Happiest Place on Earth — not just because of what it has, but because of what it gives: connection, comfort, and just a little bit of hope when we need it most.
Here’s to the memories behind us… and all the ones still to come.

As we celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, we want to end with a simple but heartfelt message: Thank you, Walt!

Thanks for dreaming up a place where kids and grown-ups could play together;
Where fantasy and memory walk hand-in-hand;
Where magic always feels just around the corner.

“Disneyland is YOUR land. Here age relives fond memories of the past … and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.”
— Walt Disney, July 17, 1955

If you would like to hear more about our discussion of Disneyland’s continued appeal after 7 decades, along with our personal stories of the park, be sure to listen to our podcast Episode # 369 and for details of what not to miss during the 70^th anniversary celebrations, catch our podcast Episode # 361 “Celebrate Happy.”

We’d love to hear about your favorite Disneyland stories!