If you’re a fan of theme parks, chances are you’ve heard of Disneyland – the iconic attraction that’s been delighting visitors for over 65 years.
But have you ever wondered just how big Disneyland is?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Disneyland covers 85 acres of land in Anaheim, California.
However, there’s much more to explore when it comes to the size and scope of the Happiest Place on Earth. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the acreage of Disneyland, including the various lands and attractions that make up this beloved theme park.
The Basics: Understanding the Acreage of Disneyland
When Disneyland first opened in 1955, it consisted of just 85 acres. Today, the park has expanded to include two theme parks, three hotels, and a shopping district known as Downtown Disney. But how is that 85 acres divided up within the park?
How Disneyland’s 85 Acres are Divided Up
Of the 85 total acres, around 34 are dedicated to attractions and entertainment. These attractions include rides like Space Mountain and It’s a Small World, as well as themed lands like Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Another 16 acres are used for parking lots, and 10 acres are dedicated to the Disneyland Hotel and the Paradise Pier Hotel. The remaining land is used for park infrastructure, such as walkways and employee areas.
How Much Space Do the Attractions Take Up?
While the attractions themselves take up about 34 acres, it’s important to note that many of them are multi-level or underground. For example, the Haunted Mansion includes an extensive underground area that is used for ride mechanics and storage. Similarly, Pirates of the Caribbean has a large show building that is hidden from view. So while the attractions may not take up as much visible space as you might expect, they still require a significant amount of land to operate.
What About the Parking Lots and Hotels?
The parking lots at Disneyland take up around 16 acres of land. This might not seem like much, but when you consider that the lots can accommodate over 20,000 cars, it becomes clear just how much space is needed for parking. The Disneyland Hotel and the Paradise Pier Hotel take up around 10 acres of land, with the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa adding an additional 7 acres.
How Disneyland Compares to Other Theme Parks in Size
While Disneyland’s 85 acres may not seem like much compared to some of the larger theme parks in the world, it’s important to remember that Disneyland was the first of its kind. When Walt Disney was designing the park, he wanted to create a place that was immersive and interactive, with attractions that felt like they were part of a larger story. That focus on storytelling has made Disneyland one of the most beloved theme parks in the world, and its relatively small size is part of what makes it so charming.
That said, it’s worth noting that Disneyland’s sister park, Disney California Adventure, adds an additional 72 acres of attractions and entertainment to the resort. So while Disneyland may be small, the overall Disneyland Resort is still quite sizable.
For more information about the history and design of Disneyland, visit disneyland.disney.go.com.
A Closer Look at Disneyland’s Lands and Attractions
Disneyland is one of the most popular theme parks in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. The park is divided into eight themed lands and attractions, each with its own unique experiences and attractions.
Here is a brief overview of each of the eight themed lands and attractions at Disneyland:
- Main Street, U.S.A.: This is the first themed area that visitors encounter when they enter Disneyland. It is designed to look like a small American town at the turn of the 20th century and features shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Fantasyland: This land is designed to transport visitors into the world of fairy tales and Disney movies. It features classic attractions like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Peter Pan’s Flight, and It’s a Small World.
- Adventureland: This land is all about adventure and exploration. Visitors can ride on the Jungle Cruise, explore the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, and experience the Indiana Jones Adventure.
- Frontierland: This land is designed to look like the American Old West. It features attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Mark Twain Riverboat, and the Sailing Ship Columbia.
- Tomorrowland: This land is all about the future and space exploration. Visitors can ride on Space Mountain, explore the Star Wars Launch Bay, and experience Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
- Mickey’s Toontown: This land is designed to look like the cartoon world of Mickey Mouse and his friends. Visitors can explore Mickey’s house, ride on Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, and meet their favorite Disney characters.
- New Orleans Square: This land is designed to look like the French Quarter of New Orleans. It features attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Critter Country: This land is all about woodland creatures and nature. Visitors can ride on Splash Mountain, explore the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and meet some of Disney’s most beloved animal characters.
Each land and attraction at Disneyland is designed to provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience. Whether you are exploring the fantasy world of Fairyland or experiencing the adventure of Frontierland, there is something for everyone at Disneyland.
Disney California Adventure: Another 72 Acres of Fun
If you’re a fan of Disney Parks, you’ve likely heard of Disney California Adventure. This park, located right next door to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, opened in 2001 and has been a popular destination ever since. But just how big is it?
The Basics of Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure covers a total of 72 acres, making it about the same size as Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida. However, it’s important to note that the park has undergone some major changes in recent years, with the addition of new areas like Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus.
How the Acreage is Divided Up
The 72 acres of Disney California Adventure are divided up into several themed areas. These include:
- Buena Vista Street
- Grizzly Peak
- Paradise Gardens Park
- Pixar Pier
- Cars Land
- Avengers Campus
Each of these areas has its own unique attractions, dining options, and entertainment offerings, ensuring that there’s something for everyone at Disney California Adventure.
The Top Attractions at Disney California Adventure
Some of the most popular attractions at Disney California Adventure include:
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! – This thrilling drop tower ride takes you on a mission to free the Guardians of the Galaxy from the clutches of The Collector.
- Radiator Springs Racers – This high-speed ride takes you on a tour of Radiator Springs from the movie Cars, culminating in a race against another car.
- Incredicoaster – This roller coaster takes you on a wild ride with the Incredibles, complete with special effects and a launch at the beginning.
How California Adventure Compares to Disneyland in Size
While Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are two separate parks, they are located right next to each other and are both owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. In terms of size, Disneyland covers 85 acres, making it slightly larger than Disney California Adventure. However, when you combine the two parks and include the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district, the entire Disneyland Resort covers a whopping 500 acres!
Sources: Disneyland official website, Theme Park Insider
The Future of Disneyland: What’s Next for this Iconic Theme Park?
Disneyland has always been a beloved destination for families and Disney fans alike. With the constant expansion and addition of new attractions, there seems to be no end to the magic. Let’s take a look at what’s next for this iconic theme park.
The Ongoing Expansion of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
One of the most significant additions to Disneyland in recent years has been the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This immersive land takes guests to the planet of Batuu, where they can experience the thrill of piloting the Millennium Falcon, building their own droids, and even sipping on blue milk. But the expansion doesn’t stop there. Disney has announced that a new attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, will be coming to the park in the near future. This ride will put guests right in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order, and promises to be one of the most technologically advanced attractions ever created.
Upcoming Attractions and Lands
Aside from Star Wars, Disneyland has several other exciting additions in the works. Avengers Campus, set to open in 2021, will allow guests to become part of the Marvel Universe, with attractions featuring characters like Spider-Man and Black Panther. A new land based on the movie Frozen will also be making its way to the park, with guests able to visit Elsa’s ice palace and take a ride through the kingdom of Arendelle.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Disneyland’s Future
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Disneyland’s operations. The park has been closed since March 2020, with no set reopening date. However, Disney has been working hard to ensure that when the park does reopen, it will be safe for guests and cast members alike. This includes measures like enhanced cleaning and sanitation, reduced capacity, and mandatory face coverings.
What We Can Expect from Disneyland in the Years to Come
Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Disneyland remains committed to bringing magic and joy to guests. In addition to the upcoming attractions mentioned above, there are sure to be many more surprises in store. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Disneyland will continue to be the happiest place on earth for years to come.
Conclusion
So, just how many acres is Disneyland? 85 is the answer, but as we’ve seen, there’s so much more to explore when it comes to this beloved theme park.
From the various lands and attractions to the ongoing expansion plans, Disneyland is a constantly evolving destination that continues to capture the imaginations of visitors from around the world.
Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or simply curious about the size and scope of one of the world’s most famous theme parks, we hope this article has provided some insight into just how much magic can be found within those 85 acres in Anaheim, California.
