50 things to love on a Golden Anniversary

Fifty years ago, Disneyland opened its gates to its first generation of visitors.  Disneyland is now more than just a park — it’s a cultural icon.  "The happiest place on Earth" is one of the top vacation destinations in the world.  With half a billion visitors over the last 50 years, it's easy to understand why.

To celebrate Disneyland's 50^th anniversary, here are 50 unforgettable reasons to put on those mouse ears and smile:

1. Dream made reality. Walt Disney wanted to create a place for families, where parents and children could have fun together.

2. Disneyland Rail Road. Walt loved trains, so taking a spin around the park on the Disneyland Rail Road is one of the ways to see the park the way he used to see it.

3. Space Mountain. Newly redesigned for the Happiest Homecoming on Earth, Space Mountain was the original big thrill, sending passengers on a rocket through space.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean. A light-hearted look at the dastardly deeds of pirates pillaging a coastal town. Who can forget, "We wants the red-head!"

WDC #4 - Pirates of the Caribbean

5. Drivers License at Autopia. Guests are given a complimentary Drivers License at Autopia, just be sure to buckle-up before putting the pedal to the metal.

6. Fireworks. At Disneyland, the nightly fireworks shows are no ordinary display of pyrotechnics. The carefully choreographed shows are meant to wow you and tug at your heartstrings.

7. Blue Bayou Restaurant. Charming restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean, Caribbean dine in the bayou, under the stars, all without the worry of mosquito bites.

8. "it's a small world" The façade at night is simply magical. This Walt original is a must-see, even if it takes days to get the song out of your head.

9. Mickey Mouse. The "big cheese" isn’t too famous to hang out with his fans -- visit him at Mickey’s House in Toontown.

10. The Monorail. The Disneyland Monorail first opened in 1959 and has carried more than 150 million passengers to and from Tomorrowland.

11. The Disney Gallery. This gallery is nestled above Pirates of the Caribbean Caribbean and is host to rotating displays of Disneyland art pieces. It's a great way to take a break from the heat of the day and see some classic Disney history.

Tanya Segura #15 - Snow White: An Enchanting Musical

12. "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour. This three-hour tour gives guests a sneak-peek into the makings of Disneyland. You'll learn fun facts and even get a look at the lobby of Club 33, and exclusive, members-only club located in New Orleans Square.

13. Music. There's background music in every land and each attraction. Sometimes you notice it, as in the Enchanted Tiki Room, and other times you hardly realize it's there, adding ambiance.

14. Unique snacks. Pick up a churro, a deep-fried pastry with cinnamon and sugar, in Frontierland and grab a seat along the Rivers of America for a mid-afternoon break. Relax with a mint julep and corn fritters in New Orleans Square. Or, grab a Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar after singing along with the birdies at the Tiki Room.

15. Stage shows. They’re a little piece of Broadway in Anaheim. Today you can see Snow White: An Enchanting Musical, Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage or Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.

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