No matter how old you get, there's something about the magic of Disney that brings out your inner child. Who doesn't get excited after stepping through the park gates and seeing a slew of icons like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Chip and Dale? And while you'd probably love to take your own trip to Disney World or Disneyland right now to recapture some of that nostalgia and alleviate stress, the current COVID-19 pandemic may keep that from happening for a while. But thanks to some of the best Disney photos throughout the years, you can not only be transported to the happiest place on Earth any time you want, but you can also be transported to any period in time.
Through these historic Disney photos, you can see how your favorite theme parks have transformed over the years, going from some amusement parks in the 1950s and 60s to two of the most popular family vacation spots in the world. It may not be as fun as a real-life trip, but it's the next best thing, and it will remind you of all the fun to come in the future once social distancing and quarantine become a distant memory.
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American animator and film studio founder Walt Disney sits on a grassy lawn with his grandson, in front of the Magic Kingdom's castle in Anaheim, California at Disneyland.
Hollywood celebrities and their children make up the huge opening day crowd at Disneyland.
The President of Indonesia with his son, Guntur, 12, riding behind "Dumbo," in Disneyland.
Patrons ride the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland attraction as they look up at an animatronic wild cat on a rocky outcrop. The attraction was a 7-acre train ride, which operated between 1960 and 1979 is Disneyland, and highlighted animals and landscapes in a desert landscape.
A couple rides the gondola toward the Matterhorn Mountain in Disneyland.
A view of the California Disneyland, with its then-new "People Mover" ride in the background.
People ride the Mark Twain paddleboat on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland.
Julie Andrews performs on Main Street during the grand opening of Walt Disney World in Florida.
Children and Goofy go for a spin on the Mad Tea Party Ride at Disney World.
Foster Sylvers and Patricia Lynn, two future members of R&B group The Sylvers, ride the Alice In Wonderland attraction in Disneyland.
A view of Thunder Mountain Railroad Coaster in Adventureland at Disneyland.
Boston College cheerleaders, along with the BC band, perform in front of the Cinderella Castle in Disney World.
Minnie Mouse rides a float down Main Street on the 30th anniversary of Disneyland.
Two families ride It's a Small World in Disneyland.
A group of riders on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Coaster in Disneyland.
Prince Harry (front) rides the log flume at Splash Mountain with his mother Princess Diana (back right) at Disney World.
A young woman rides the new Astro Orbitor at Disneyland.
Riders on Disneyland's Splash Mountain scream while they slide down the final chute on the ride.
As Cinderella Castle stands lit in the early morning, a member of the custodial crew shines the Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue in preparation Disney World's opening.
The Forbidden Mountain Rollercoaster at the Disney Animal Kingdom in Disney World.
Rafts on the Grizzly River Run thrill ride in Disney's California Adventure Park.
Fireworks go off at Cinderella's Castle during a taping of Disney Channel's Holiday Celebration at Disney World.
Sheriff Woody poses in front of the "Slinky Dog Dash" ride during a preview of "The Toy Story Land" at Disneyland.
A view of Sleeping Beauty Castle's lit up at night at Disneyland in early January.
Annie O’Sullivan
Assistant Editor
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping.
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