Despite the skepticism of many, Walt Disney persevered and opened Disneyland in 1955. It has since become a cherished symbol of Americana and the blueprint for modern theme parks. Disney’s passion project revolutionized entertainment. Let’s explore Disneyland’s early years and the visionary behind it.

Walt Surveys His Kingdom

This evocative photo captures Walt Disney taking an early morning stroll through Sleeping Beauty Castle before Disneyland opened for the day. A hands-on leader, he preferred to walk through the park, observing its operation and making necessary adjustments, showcasing his dedication to the themed entertainment industry.

It Was All Started…in an Orange Grove?

Walt Disney’s dream of a theme park underwent several ideas and locations before deciding on a 160-acre orange grove in Anaheim. This image shows the grove prior to the construction of Disneyland.

Initially, plans included a Mickey Mouse park on a small plot near Disney’s studios in Burbank. However, upon moving to Anaheim, Imagineers had more space to create the now-iconic hub-and-spoke layout along with themed lands that still exist today. Interestingly, Disneyland resides in Orange County, California, while Walt Disney World, inaugurated in 1971, is found in Florida’s Orange County.

Walt Makes a Point

In order to finance Disneyland, Walt, along with his brother Roy, struck an agreement with the emerging ABC network. Walt spearheaded a weekly Disneyland television show, and in return, the network provided substantial investment in the park. Through this program, Disney not only showcased construction updates but also generated excitement for his groundbreaking vision.

This particular photo was captured during the very first episode when Walt unveiled his plans for the park. In later years, the Disney show transitioned to NBC, culminating in a full circle as the Disney company eventually acquired the ABC network.

Main Street U.S.A. Takes Shape

This picture displays workers diligently constructing Main Street U.S.A. during the building of Disneyland. Over the decades, this area of the park has remained largely unchanged. In the distance, scaffolding can be seen on the spires of Sleeping Beauty Castle, illustrating the ongoing efforts behind the scenes.

Disneyland’s Opening Day

This image captures a classic 1950s sedan parked at the entrance of Disneyland on July 17, 1955—the day of the park’s opening. Unfortunately, the debut was marred by unforeseen complications. Thousands of guests arrived with counterfeit tickets, leading to overcrowding. Women’s high heels sank into the unfinished pavement, and electrical power failures plagued the opening, which became infamously known as “Black Sunday.”

Walt Dedicates Disneyland

Amidst the various issues on opening day, ABC broadcast a live special of the event. Hosted by Art Linkletter and Ronald Regan, one of the key moments was Walt Disney’s official dedication of the park. A plaque near the entrance features his heartfelt words welcoming everyone: “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 the 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.”

Lowering the Drawbridge

This delightful scene depicts excited children rushing into Fantasyland on Disneyland’s grand opening day. Among the attractions that debuted in the park’s inaugural year were beloved rides like Peter Pan’s Flight, King Arthur Carousel, Dumbo Flying Elephants, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride—all attractions that have stood the test of time.

It Was All Started by a…Train?

Walt Disney’s enduring love for trains significantly influenced the creation of Disneyland. He owned a miniature train at his home and frequently invited guests for rides, which inspired him to incorporate a full-scale train into his park plans. After Disneyland’s opening, Walt took immense pride in the park’s train, which also encircles the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida.

Big City, Small World

Following Disneyland’s debut, Walt continued enhancing the park with new attractions. He and his team designed four landmark attractions for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, all of which were later integrated back into Disneyland. One such attraction, “it’s a small world,” became an instant classic during the fair and continues to enchant visitors today. In this photo, Walt is seen at the production facility where the ride’s doll figures were being crafted.

They Wrote the Songs

The talented songwriting duo of Richard and Robert Sherman composed numerous iconic songs for Disneyland and various Disney films, including Mary Poppins. In this image, they are rehearsing their beloved classic, “it’s a small world (after all).” Their songbook also includes “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” for the Carousel of Progress, “Miracles from Molecules” for Adventure Thru Inner Space, and many more memorable tunes.