On this day in 1955, the “Happiest Place on Earth” opened its doors for the first time and now Disneyland celebrates its 63rd anniversary!
The original Disney theme park celebrates another year during its first-ever Pixar Fest. The “Happiest March on Earth” included 63 Disney characters, Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and the Disneyland Resort Ambassadors marching down Main Street U.S.A.
Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955 to over 31,000 specially invited guests, including; Art Linkletter, Ronald Reagan, Bob Cummings, the Mouseketeers, Frank Sinatra, California Governor Goodwin J. Knight and Walt Disney who uttered the immortal words, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome…”
When the theme park opened it was hailed by many as the eighth wonder of the world and admission was $1 including tax for adults and 50 cents for children under 12. To take in all the attractions at Disneyland guests, priced at 15 to 50 cents, it cost an adult $8.70 and a child $5.15.
It was broadcasted on ABC and it was the biggest live telecast to date! The following day, Disneyland officially opened to the public. Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California on what used to be a 160-acre orange orchard, cost $17 million to build. The original park included Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.