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Thread: This Day in History: Disneyland opened 61 years ago today

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    Default This Day in History: Disneyland opened 61 years ago today

    ABC News

    Disneyland, the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney, opened on Sunday, July 17, 1955. Construction lasted for exactly one year, and cost only $17 million to complete.

    The opening was only intended for about 11,000 invited guests and press, though a total of 28,000 attended due to a rush of counterfeit tickets. The event was telecast by ABC, anchored by actors Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings, and Ronald Reagan, whom were all friends of Walt Disney. Although initially intended to be an preview event preceding the opening to the public the next day, Disneyland adopted July 17 as the official date of its opening and birthday.

    On day one, Disneyland offered five themed 'lands' with a total of 20 attractions. At the start of the telecast, Walt Disney made his opening dedication speech.

    "To all who come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."

    Unbeknownst to Walt Disney or the television audience, the press event was rife with problems, in large part due to the unexpectedly large crowd and scorching outside temperatures of over 100 degrees. Drinking fountains were dry, restaurants ran out of food, rides were breaking down, and a gas leak in Fantasyland caused half the park to temporarily close. Company insiders would later refer to opening day as "Black Sunday."

    Walt Disney worked hard to restore faith in the park, inviting the press to return again once the problems had been sorted out.

    Disneyland has changed a great deal over the past 60 years, but many of the attractions that were operating on opening day are still there, today, albeit renovated or slightly tweaked. Here they are listed by their themed land.

    MAIN STREET, U.S.A.
    Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station
    Disneyland Band
    Main Street Cinema

    FANTASYLAND
    King Arthur Carrousel
    Mad Tea Party
    Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
    Peter Pan's Flight
    Snow White's Adventures
    Storybook Land Canal Boats

    TOMORROWLAND
    Autopia

    FRONTIERLAND
    Mark Twain Riverboat
    Golden Horseshoe Revue

    ADVENTURELAND
    Jungle Cruise

    Casey Jr. Circus Train and Dumbo the Flying Elephant both opened later in 1955, on July 31 and August 16, respectively.
    Last edited by hutch; 07-18-2016 at 04:59 AM. Reason: no video
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