65 years ago the Happiest Place on Earth opened up to guests for the very first time. The world was so very different in 1955, and so was our beloved park! It didn’t have roller coasters, video boards, or laser lights, but some things have always been present - magic and joy.

I practically grew up at Disneyland. Walt’s heart for magic and joy is written into my DNA. Nowhere in the world do I feel so happy, excited, and at home. So on this 65th anniversary of my favorite place on the planet, I want to share some of my favorite pictures. While we can’t be there in person, we certainly can relive our favorite memories!

Hands-down, this is my favorite picture at Disneyland. This captures the first time my fiancee and I visited Disneyland together, and our first (of many) pictures in front of the castle!

My family is hilarious, and we visited the parks as much as possible. While this was taken at California Adventure, I had to include it, because it perfectly captures my family’s joy.

My sister pulled off the most amazing surprise - lunch at Club 33! This just might go down as my favorite Disneyland memory!

Speaking of my sister, she and I had a long series of brother-sister days at Disneyland and California Adventure. We had such a blast, and our days were an amazing mix of deep conversation and hysterical laughter.

Yes, we were those people who recited the entire script of the original Star Tours ride, word for word.

My now-brother-in-law even proposed next to Big Thunder Mountain!

My mom and I have spent some fun time at Disneyland, too! And clearly this DCA waterfall is a favorite photo spot.

Here’s our first look at the Millennium Falcon. I definitely didn’t shed a tear. Nope.

Our first time eating at Blue Bayou immediately followed an absolutely SOAKING on Splash Mountain. No joke, the money in our wallets was wet. It was nuts! While it’s not the best picture ever taken (hello, focus!) this picture of us drying off while dining next to the boats of Pirates of the Caribbean is one of my favorites, capturing one of my favorite memories.

Fantasmic! is, hands-down, my favorite show at any Disney park. It’s incredible!

And who didn’t love the Main Street Electrical Parade? I LIVED for it when I was a kid (if I could stay awake!)!

Happy birthday, Disneyland! Thank you for the magic and joy you’ve provided throughout my life, and will continue to bring to everyone who enters this happy place!