Disneyland Opening Day
On July 17, 1955 Disneyland Opened to the World
Disneyland opening day was July 17, 1955. The “1955 Disneyland” was very different than the Disneyland in California we know and love today.
The opening day of Disneyland in 1955 was a televised, star-studded event. The ABC television special was hosted by Art Linkletter and Bob Cummings. Some of the most famous people of the time – like Danny Kaye and Ronald Regan among others – made appearances.
Disneyland in California began as a dream.
Walt Disney decided 160+ acres of orange groves in Anaheim, California was the perfect place to build the original Magic Kingdom. Walt even made television appearances where he informed viewers of the building progress being made.
The 1955 Disneyland in California opened with 5 lands – Main Street, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland.
Disneyland history is fascinating to learn. The Magic Kingdom
is constantly changing and it is wonderful to see how it all began.
You’re sure to feel a sense of nostalgia for the way the park was, but the
Disneyland of today is just as magical as when it first opened
that historical and legendary day in 1955.
Walt Says:
"I don't want the public to see the world they live in while
they're in Disneyland. I want them to feel they're in another
world."
Disneyland Facts
- The Disneyland Monorail opened in 1959.
- Midget Autopia – which ran from 1957 to 1966 – was a special Autopia track for very young riders.
- Disneyland in California is the only park Walt Disney worked on and toured.
- There’s a secret, exclusive club in Disneyland called Club 33.
- You can ask for a seat in the front of the Monorail (this is pretty popular for those “in the know!).
Disneyland Opening Day - Then and Now
Were you one of the thousands that experienced Disneyland opening day? Do you have a story to share about the Disneyland of yesteryear?
