Disneyland is the Mecca of childhood dreams for children across the world. Theme park attractions like the colorful stage, exciting themed rides and games, street shows with dancing and singing fairy tale characters, special tours of movie sets of popular films and food and accommodations mark a total family friendly environment. Millions of tourists from around the world visit the theme parks of Disneyland in different parts of the world.

Walt Disney came up with the idea of a theme park when he was visiting Griffith Park with his two daughters. While watching then playing, Disney thought to build a place where families could enjoy the rides and games.

The request from fans to visit the movie sets of popular films germinated the idea of a theme park that can recreate the fantasy seen in Disney movies.

To build the happiest place on earth as Disneyland is known tool a long time and services of many skilled and creative people. Walt Disney hired a consultant, Harrison Price from the Stanford Research Institute. Based on Price's report, Disney bought 160 acres of land in Anaheim, southeast of Los Angeles.

A partnership between Disney and ABC Network solved the issue of funding. For raising funds, Disney created a children's show called Disneyland. After first five years and support from Western Publishing and ABC Network, enough funding was available for construction to begin in July 18, 1954. After exact one year, Disneyland Theme Park was opened for the public.

A press conference was held before the opening day. However, the event did not go smoothly as planned. The 'special preview' was plagued by problems of counterfeit tickets, an unusually hot day, newly built asphalt grounds and plumbers strike that left the fountains dry.

To counter the problems and the bad press, Walt Disney invited special guests and friends in the media for a 'second viewing' so they could enjoy the real experience of Disneyland. After the viewing, Walt honored them with a party at the Disneyland Hotel.

Because of the problems that unfortunately occurred on that that fateful Sunday, it was referred as 'Black Sunday'. Since that day, Disney referred July 18 as Dedication Day and had never mentioned it as the opening day.

Finally in 2003, the former president of the Disney cruise Line, Matt Ouimet took over the management of Disneyland resort with Greg Emmer as Senior Vice-President of Operations.

Tauqeer Hassan - http://www.historyofthings.com/.