The park is divided into realms, which radiate like the four cardinal points of the compass from Central Plaza, and well-concealed backstage areas. On entering a realm, a guest is completely immersed in the environment and is unable to see or hear any other realm. The idea behind this was to develop theatrical "stages" with seamless passages from one land to the next. Disneyland Parks consisted of five themed areas:
- Main Street, U.S.A., an early 20th century Midwest town
- Adventureland, featuring jungle adventures
- Frontierland, illustrating western frontier
- Fantasyland, bringing fantasy into a reality
- Tomorrowland, looking into the future.
Since the initial opening, additional areas have been added:
In 1957, Holidayland, a 9 acres recreation area including a circus and baseball diamond which was closed in late 1961.
In 1966, New Orleans Square, based on 19th century New Orleans
In 1972, "Bear Country", themed to the forests of the Pacific Northwest. It was later renamed Critter Country and themed around Splash Mountain's Song of the South elements.
In 1993, Mickey's Toontown, themed around the Toontown seen in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit
An elevated berm supports a narrow gauge railroad which circumnavigates the park. Disney's California Adventure Park was added in what used to be a Disneyland parking lot.
- Main Street, U.S.A., an early 20th century Midwest town
- Adventureland, featuring jungle adventures
- Frontierland, illustrating western frontier
- Fantasyland, bringing fantasy into a reality
- Tomorrowland, looking into the future.
Since the initial opening, additional areas have been added:
In 1957, Holidayland, a 9 acres recreation area including a circus and baseball diamond which was closed in late 1961.
In 1966, New Orleans Square, based on 19th century New Orleans
In 1972, "Bear Country", themed to the forests of the Pacific Northwest. It was later renamed Critter Country and themed around Splash Mountain's Song of the South elements.
In 1993, Mickey's Toontown, themed around the Toontown seen in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit
An elevated berm supports a narrow gauge railroad which circumnavigates the park. Disney's California Adventure Park was added in what used to be a Disneyland parking lot.
The Dedication of disneyland's park: Plaque at the entrance"To all who come to this happy place - welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. Thank you." — Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955 4:43pm.
The dedication to all Disney Parks, begins with the phrase "To all who come to this happy place welcome..." with the exception of the Magic Kingdom park in Florida. The dedication there begins, "Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney..."