Disneyland is celebrating 70 years of being "The Happiest Place on Earth." The summerlong festivities in southern California include the opening of "Walt Disney – A Magical Life," a show featuring a lifelike animatronic of the company's founder that debuts Thursday and also marks Disneyland's official anniversary.

A decade-by-decade retrospective that highlights the SoCal landmark's greatest creations, fascinating pivots and noteworthy blunders.

As Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary, see photos of the iconic park that paved the way for theme parks as we know them today.