New Orleans Square opened at Disneyland in July 1966 as the park's first new "land" since opening day in July 1955. The grand opening dedication was given by Walt Disney, with New Orleans Mayor Victor Schiro accompanying him. This three-acre land cost approximately $18 Million to build - $1 Million more than the park's original construction cost! This land authentically captures the winding streets, iron-laced balconies, and the intimate shops and courtyards of the city of more than a century ago. It was the first time Disney Imagineers used one single location - and one real city - as inspiration for the land, instead of using an amalgam of design concepts to create the overall feeling of time and place such as is found in Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Frontierland or Fantasyland - each drawing their inspiration from multiple sources.
