When you hear the phrase “the happiest place on earth,” what do you think of? Hopefully you said Disneyland because that’s the most well known slogan they use, but how did Disneyland receive its title as the happiest place on earth?

Popularized in 1956, just one year after its iconic opening by Mr. Walt Disney himself, Disneyland has become one of the most famous places in the world. The magical theme park made approximately 2 billion dollars in 2023 alone, and that is not including all things purchased or paid for outside of the park under the Disney name.

The Disney brand was created by Walt and Roy Disney on October 16, 1923, since then, the business has grown into 748 Disney owned movies, 12 Disney theme parks, and so much more.

While the other theme parks have many more rides and attractions, Disneyland is still one of the top places to visit just because it is the original, first built park. Walt Disney made the park into what he believed to be the happiest place on earth and to this day, many people agree. While the park has lived by that slogan for years, there are some people who might disagree.

When visiting the park back in April of 2023, I couldn’t help but notice the intensely high prices on food and merchandise alike. Things like Loungefly backpacks and Mickey ears range in price depending on rarity and how recently they have been released, so while some ears may be $30, others may be $50. Not only that, but tickets alone can cost between $310 and $555 depending on a person’s age, how many days they will attend, and if they choose to do a park hopper pass.

When asking Dolly Powers how often she goes to Disneyland, she said, “12 times a year.” I also asked how her family can afford to go and she said, “my mom is a travel agent and she works for Alaska so we have free standby tickets on a plane.” As a Disney lover, Dolly goes to Disneyland quite often, and with her mom’s help it is easy travel for her family which a big perk.

The people at Disneyland will do anything and everything they can to make your experience at the park the best it can be, one of those things is the Disney characters and their attendants. When referencing working as a Disney parks character, the cast members refer to it as being “a friend of” whatever character they work as so they can keep the magic alive for the children.

Another well known thing that the parks do is making the building in the background, like the less important ones on main street, a shade of green called “go away green” which is used to focus your attention away from them and onto the more colorful buildings and shops.

Disney is a household name, even if you don’t know it, you surely know something from it, whether it be Cinderella, The Avengers, or Mickey Mouse himself. While a Disney theme park may not be your thing, there’s always something that you can enjoy in the wide range of Disney items and movies.

Disneyland, the happiest place on earth, the most expensive, but still the most loved.