The Disney brand is known for its television shows, movies, soundtracks, products, and, of course, theme parks. There is Disneyland, there is Walt Disney World, and there are also parks in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Disneyland opened up on July 17, 1955, and it is located in Anaheim, California. The resort is also home to Disney California Adventure, hotels, and a district of shops and restaurants called Downtown Disney.
Magic Kingdom, which has been around since October 1, 1971, can be found in Bay Lake, Florida, which is near Orlando. Here, guests can also enjoy Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.
So, for decades, tons and tons of people have traveled to these amusement parks, all in order to soak up the fun. There are rides for all ages. There are entertainment offerings like shows, firework displays, and parades. There are lovable characters with which to take photos. And there is a magic that can’t be found anywhere.
While these spots have grown, been developed, and swapped out attractions over time, one thing has remained the same: This is where anyone and everyone can go to feel like a kid in paradise. That being said, enjoy these vintage photos of Disney theme parks, which feature visitors having a blast back in the day… just like today!
13 Opening Of Space Mountain
Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster in the Tomorrowland section of Magic Kingdom, and it can also be found at nearly every other Disney theme park, too. Since it opened up on January 15, 1975, it is the oldest coaster in Florida, as well as one of the most popular rides from this brand.
12 Thrills In The Tea Cups
Another popular ride is the Mad Tea Party, which has been at Disneyland since its doors first opened and which can be found at many other locations, as well. These spinning teacups come straight from Alice In Wonderland and, as this photo suggests, have been providing thrills for years!
11 Creepy Versions Of Mickey & Minnie
The face of Disney is Mickey Mouse, and his right-hand gal is Minnie. They have been seen in so many TV shows, films, and books, as well as at Disney parks; many characters wander around, and it is a true delight to spot these mice.
However, back in the day, they looked a bit different and really just super creepy!
10 Early Years Of The Haunted Mansion
Everyone knows about The Haunted Mansion, a dark ride that can be found and enjoyed at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disneyland. In California, the attraction premiered in New Orleans Square on August 9, 1969, and this image features a line waiting to get in, once upon a time.
9 Construction Of Spaceship Earth
As mentioned, Disney fans who travel to Florida can also go to Epcot, and the main attraction here, standing beautifully and boldly at the front, is Spaceship Earth; it looks like a giant golf ball, it houses a ride inside, and it has been in operation since October 1, 1982.
8 And Of The Castle
It is strange to think about some of these park icons not being around, but they had to be thought up and built before everyone could adore them. This includes the castles, which are the centerpieces in each of these spots. Just look at this one, under construction, and being created!
7 Michael Jackson Visiting
Disney’s amusement parks provide entertainment for all … such as celebrities! Yes, over the years, a great number of famous people have also visited these locales, including the late and great Michael Jackson.
He is pictured here, in a pic that was taken a few years ago, alongside Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
6 Shirley Temple Parading
On a similar note, Shirley Temple visited Disneyland, and she got to be in one of the celebrated parades. In this black-and-white photograph, she is walking next to Walt Disney himself, and it is so neat to see these two legends in this amazing place.
5 MGM Studios In 1990
Disney's Hollywood Studios, in Florida, used to be known as the Disney-MGM Studios Park, and it opened up on May 1, 1989. As the clothes in this photo suggest, these guests got to take in the film-inspired rides at MGM back in the day … just as many still do to this day!
4 Now-Closed Submarine Voyage
The Submarine Voyage was part of Disneyland from June 14, 1959, until September 9, 1998. It is now the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. However, pics such as this one exist, showing kids of all ages at this unique and missed attraction.
Things do change, for better or for worse.
3 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Set
Another attraction that is gone is the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure, which was at Hollywood Studios from December 17, 1990, to April 2, 2016. It was inspired by the film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and it featured larger-than-life items like grass, bugs, and toys.
2 Snow & Her Dwarfs
When new Disney shows and flicks come out, new characters are added to the parks. There are those, though, which have been around since the beginning and are classics.
Take this for an example: This is Snow White and her dwarfs, the stars of the first-ever Disney movie, which came out in 1937!
1 Old Disney Vacation
Last but not least, there is this awesome retro photo of a family on a vacation at Disney. While trends have changed, clothing styles have come and gone, and these people have grown up, things are still the same since many still flock here to soak up the thrills and the magic.