The first Disney park is Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, which officially opened its gates on July 17, 1955. It is the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney himself. Conceived as a "magical kingdom" where parents and children could have fun together, it revolutionized the amusement industry by moving away from traditional, often seedy carnivals toward a high-value, immersive "themed" experience. In 2026, the park remains a premier global destination, divided into iconic lands like Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, and the high-tech Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The opening day, famously known as "Black Sunday" due to various technical glitches and overcrowding, has become a legendary part of Disney lore. Despite the initial chaos, Disneyland's success paved the way for the global expansion of the Disney empire, setting the high-quality gold standard for storytelling and guest service in themed entertainment worldwide.