Nearly 71 years after Disneyland opened as the first Disney theme park, the resort in California has welcomed its one billionth guest.
Per a press release, the "unsuspecting" one billionth guest at Disneyland was Andres Robles from Arizona, who was celebrating his 8th birthday with his parents Alejandra and Jose Robles.
The family were invited to take part in a brief ceremony on the Main Street U.S.A. train station platform, also unveiling an updated sign at Disneyland that reads: "Population 1,000,000,000."
Disneyland Resort, which opened to guests on 17 July 1955, has welcomed its one billionth guest
Additionally, the Robles family received a VIP tour guide for the day, experiencing the new Soarin' Across America attraction and Walt Disney's private apartment.
"Welcoming our one billionth guest is a remarkable milestone for Disneyland Resort and a testament to the generations of guests who have made this special place part of their lives," said Jill Estorino, president of Disneyland Resort.
"For more than 70 years, Walt's original park has been a timeless symbol of Disney storytelling, where memories are made and shared, and we are honored to carry that legacy forward for guests today and for generations to come."
Disneyland opened to guests on 17 July 1955. Since then, it has grown to offer two theme parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District.
The destination will continue to expand, with the $1.9 billion DisneylandForward plan receiving final approval from Anaheim City Council in May 2024.
Through the multi-decade proposal, Disneyland will develop new attractions, hotels and retail outlets on its existing space, like parking areas and unused land.
The plan includes potential experiences inspired by Frozen, Tangled, Peter Pan, Zootopia, Toy Story, Black Panther, Coco and Tron, as well as an Avatar land and an Encanto attraction.
Images courtesy of Disney
