This children’s article, A kids’ guide to Disneyland parks, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about the history of Disney theme parks, and discover where the magic happens around the world. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
The very first Disneyland
Disneyland began with a dream. Walt Disney wanted a place where children and adults could have fun together. On 17 July 1955, he opened the first Disneyland in Anaheim, California, USA. It was a big hit from day one. Visitors could explore different “lands” like Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland, ride on spinning teacups, and even meet Mickey Mouse!
Over the years, the California park has grown, and a second park, Disney California Adventure, was added next door in 2001.
Spreading the magic worldwide
Disney didn’t stop with one park. In 1971, Walt Disney World opened in Florida, and it was even bigger. It had the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and later added Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Then came Tokyo Disneyland in 1983, the first Disney park outside the USA. People in Japan loved it so much that Disney built another park next to it: Tokyo DisneySea.
Next came Disneyland Paris in 1992, with its own beautiful castle and a mix of French and Disney magic.
Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005, with smaller versions of popular rides, and it has been growing ever since.
Then in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland opened with brand new attractions, including the largest Disney castle ever!
What comes next?
Disney isn’t done yet. The company continues to improve all its parks, adding rides based on new films like Frozen, Zootopia, and Moana. There are also plans for new lands, better hotels, and more shows.
There are rumours about Disney building parks in places like India or South America, though nothing has been confirmed yet. For now, millions of people visit the existing Disney parks each year to enjoy the magic, music and memories.
You can learn more about the different parks on Disney’s website.
Article vocabulary list
- Theme park: A large park with rides, shows, and attractions
- Attraction: Something that people go to see or do for fun
- Land: A themed area inside a Disney park (like Fantasyland)
- Castle: A large, fancy building like those in fairy tales
- Rumour: Something people say might happen, but it’s not sure
- Confirmed: When something is officially said to be true
- Spinning: Turning around quickly in circles
- Worldwide: In many countries around the world
- Improve: To make something better
- Memories: Things you remember from happy times
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Where was the first Disneyland park opened?
A) Florida
B) California
C) Paris
Answer: B) California
2. What year did Disneyland first open?
Answer: 1955
3. Which park was the first outside the USA?
A) Shanghai Disneyland
B) Disneyland Paris
C) Tokyo Disneyland
Answer: C) Tokyo Disneyland
4. What is special about Shanghai Disneyland?
Answer: It has the biggest castle
5. Which Disney park opened in 1992?
A) Disneyland Paris
B) Hong Kong Disneyland
C) Epcot
Answer: A) Disneyland Paris
6. What might Disney build in the future?
A) A water park on the moon
B) New parks in India or South America
C) A zoo with real dragons
Answer: B) New parks in India or South America
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
