24 Disney Photos That Show How Much The Parks Have Transformed Over The Years
These magical Disney photos will transport you to the happiest place on Earth.
No matter how old you get, there's something about the magic of Disney that brings out your inner child. Who doesn't get excited after stepping through the park gates and seeing a slew of icons like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Chip and Dale? And while you'd probably love to take your own trip to Disney World or Disneyland right now to recapture some of that nostalgia and alleviate stress, the current COVID-19 pandemic may keep that from happening for a while. But thanks to some of the best Disney photos throughout the years, you can not only be transported to the happiest place on Earth any time you want, but you can also be transported to any period in time.
Through these historic Disney photos, you can see how your favorite theme parks have transformed over the years, going from some amusement parks in the 1950s and 60s to two of the most popular family vacation spots in the world. It may not be as fun as a real-life trip, but it's the next best thing, and it will remind you of all the fun to come in the future once social distancing and quarantine become a distant memory.
1955
American animator and film studio founder Walt Disney sits on a grassy lawn with his grandson, in front of the Magic Kingdom's castle in Anaheim, California at Disneyland.
1955
Hollywood celebrities and their children make up the huge opening day crowd at Disneyland.
1956
The President of Indonesia with his son, Guntur, 12, riding behind "Dumbo," in Disneyland.
1960
Patrons ride the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland attraction as they look up at an animatronic wild cat on a rocky outcrop. The attraction was a 7-acre train ride, which operated between 1960 and 1979 is Disneyland, and highlighted animals and landscapes in a desert landscape.
1966
A couple rides the gondola toward the Matterhorn Mountain in Disneyland.
1968
A view of the California Disneyland, with its then-new "People Mover" ride in the background.
1970
People ride the Mark Twain paddleboat on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland.
1971
Julie Andrews performs on Main Street during the grand opening of Walt Disney World in Florida.
1972
Children and Goofy go for a spin on the Mad Tea Party Ride at Disney World.
1973
Foster Sylvers and Patricia Lynn, two future members of R&B group The Sylvers, ride the Alice In Wonderland attraction in Disneyland.
1980
A view of Thunder Mountain Railroad Coaster in Adventureland at Disneyland.
1982
Boston College cheerleaders, along with the BC band, perform in front of the Cinderella Castle in Disney World.
1985
Minnie Mouse rides a float down Main Street on the 30th anniversary of Disneyland.
1987
Two families ride It's a Small World in Disneyland.
1992
A group of riders on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Coaster in Disneyland.
1993
Prince Harry (front) rides the log flume at Splash Mountain with his mother Princess Diana (back right) at Disney World.
1998
A young woman rides the new Astro Orbitor at Disneyland.
2005
Riders on Disneyland's Splash Mountain scream while they slide down the final chute on the ride.
2008
As Cinderella Castle stands lit in the early morning, a member of the custodial crew shines the Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue in preparation Disney World's opening.
2009
The Forbidden Mountain Rollercoaster at the Disney Animal Kingdom in Disney World.
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
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