Walt Disney’s dream comes true
July 17, 1955: Disneyland opened its doors to 30,000 special guests one day before it welcomed the public.
“Once-upon-a-time-land -- that magical land of fantasy and faraway places in the minds of little children -- became a dream come true yesterday,” The Times said.
Art Linkletter emceed the opening parade, which was broadcast by ABC as part of a 90-minute show.
Actress Irene Dunne christened the riverboat Mark Twain.
“All who come to this happy place -- welcome,” Walt Disney said in a speech dedicating the $17,500,000 park, The Times reported. “Here age relives fond memories of the past ... and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
