An Original 'American Utopia'

It's Disneyland's 50th birthday. Five decades after it was first launched, Walt Disney's dream has left a lasting impact on American culture.

1 minute read

July 17, 2005, 9:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"Disneyland's Main Street inspired cities to inject downtown revivals with old-town ambience. It contributed to the design of the modern-day shopping mall by linking stores so shoppers can meander from one to the next without stepping outside. And mimicking Disneyland, today's malls grew into entertainment complexes with movie theaters, restaurants, and, in some cases, amusement park rides.

Architects and urban planners greeted Disneyland with rave reviews in journals and at professional conferences. One called Disneyland "a symbolic American Utopia."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: A Park With a Powerful Spell

Sunday, July 17, 2005 in The Los Angeles Times

Social / Demographics United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Learn More

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.