A Brief History of the Disney Parks: "Disneyland opened to a star-studded fanfare on July 17th, 1955. The opening of "the Happiest Place on Earth" was a media event that, even as late as the 1990's, has rarely been exceeded for glitz, glamour, excitement, and drama. Walt Elias Disney himself dedicated the park and each of the individual "lands" within it's bermed boundaries. Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland made up the lineup at that time. New Orleans Square, Critter Country (formerly Bear Country), and Toontown have since been added. Each of the original lands has been altered -- and had new attractions added -- over the years."