Walt Disney’s original theme park, an American icon that transformed the theme park  industry, marks historic milestone on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary 

ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 3, 2026) – Today, as the Disneyland Resort continues to celebrate seven  decades of happiness for its 70th Celebration, The Happiest Place on Earth commemorated another historic milestone: welcoming the honorary one billionth guest and their family through  the gates of Disneyland Park – a momentous occasion that few places in the world can claim. 

Alongside Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the unsuspecting one billionth guest Andres  Robles, celebrating his 8th birthday, and his parents Alejandra and Jose Robles of Arizona were invited to participate in a brief ceremony on the Main Street U.S.A., train station platform.  The family had the honor of helping unveil an updated sign at Disneyland Park that reads  “Population 1,000,000,000”, before embarking on an exciting day creating unforgettable  memories together.  

The Robles family received a VIP tour guide for the day, which includes a tour of Walt Disney’s  private apartment, the newly opened Soarin’ Across America attraction and other special  experiences that define a memorable Disneyland Resort visit. 

The Theme Park That Changed an Industry 

More than 70 years after opening the gates to its first guests on July 17, 1955, Disneyland  Resort continues to carry forward Walt Disney’s idea of “a family park where parents and  children could have fun – together.” Handcrafted by talented craftspeople and artisans, Walt  Disney and his Imagineers pioneered what guests around the world now know as the modern day theme park experience, filled with immersive theming, meticulous storytelling and family friendly entertainment, ultimately becoming “a place where adults and children can experience  together some of the wonders of life, of adventure, and feel better because of it.” From  vacations and reunions to birthdays and anniversaries, generations of visitors and their families  continue to choose Disneyland Resort as the place to celebrate their happiest moments.  

“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, 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.” 

Today, Disneyland Resort continues its legacy as an iconic brand and global industry leader in  entertainment and theme park experiences. The resort has since grown from an impossible  dream consisting of a single theme park in the city of Anaheim to include two Disney theme  parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney District and has served as the inspiration behind the creation of more Disney theme parks and experiences across the globe. 

As Walt once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there  is imagination left in the world”. Disneyland Resort continues to revolutionize and redefine the  theme park industry for the next billion visitors through boundless curiosity, groundbreaking  technology, limitless creativity and craftsmanship that exemplifies the Disney difference.