"I am in no sense of the word a great artist. I have always had artists, working for me and whose skills were greater than my own. Behind Disneyland was this great organization...and we were doing it because we loved to do it. Disneyland is a work of love." - Walt Disney. A kind of underestimation, but all great people are used to underestimate their genius. These renowned artists, Walt Disney speaks about, comprised Walt Disney Imagineering, formerly known as WED Enterprises, who created thousands of art concepts before Disneyland California came to existence in July 17, 1955. As Walt Disney brought his idea of Disneyland into reality, he enormously enriched state-of-the-art California and made the American state famous worldwide.
As you enter the park, you find yourself right in the Main Street, USA, the recreation of the main street of a small town in the early 20th century with its own cinema, the City Hall and shops. The Adventureland is brought to reality through Asian bazaars, jungles and most thrilling attractions. The Frontierland that is actually located along the banks of the Rivers of America is relived through attractions like the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tom Sawyer's Island and the Mark Twain Riverboat. The New Orleans Square brings to life streets of New Orleans' spectacular French Quarter and is home to two of Disneyland's best known attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. The Critter Country is an adventurous country of Winnie the Pooh. The Fantasyland is based on classic Disney animated films, including Dumbo, Peter Pan, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland or Pinocchio. Certainly, here is the renowned Mickey's Toontown with Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto. And Tomorrowland is a glance at the future with its space shuttles, coasters and shows.
Above all attractions, events, and shows, shaking the virtual walls of the park daily, Disneyland California has consolidated the names of its creators for centuries. Probably due to the scope of the park amusement, its ultimate entertainment, shows and events, tons of fun and laughter, people are not always attentive to the modest signs, featuring the history and names of Disneyland California's creation. Notice these signs as going through the park and enjoying its attractions. The names on the second-story windows on the Main Street are people, who contributed to the design, implementation and running of Disneyland. Above the Fire House on the Main Street is Walt's apartment, which he used when he stayed overnight at Disneyland. A small lamp in the window is kept constantly lit in his memory. The petrified tree in the Frontierland, along the banks of the Rivers of America, was an anniversary present that Walt gave to his wife, Lillian.
In 1987, The Disneyland Art Gallery was opened. Built atop The Pirates of the Caribbean in the New Orleans Square, The Disneyland Gallery hosts a historic exhibition of art from Walt Disney Imagineering and also reveals its present and future, displayed via original paintings, intricate models and intricate posters. The exhibitions in the Gallery are constantly changing; hence, each time you visit it, you find new facts and stories on fascinating history of Disneyland California.