July 17 is a special day for Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Why? On this day in 1955, it first opened its doors to excited theme park goers who want to experience what it is like to be in the happiest place on Earth.
It has been 67 years and the California theme park has gone through many changes since the park's opening. To celebrate the anniversary, we are listing down some facts and trivia about Disneyland that you may not know about.
Disneyland Trivia: Construction for the Theme Park Finished After Exactly One Year
ABC 7's article points out that the construction for Disneyland in Anaheim lasted for exactly one year. No more, no less. That's pretty cool if you ask us.
How much did it cost to construct the happiest place on Earth? $17 million. However, do note that the value of money in 1955 is way different from its value today.
Disneyland Trivia: Special Invitations for Opening Day were Counterfeited
According to an article by History, special invitations were sent out for the opening day of Disneyland. ABC 7 says that these were only 11,000 in number. However, these invitations were counterfeited and led to thousands of people showing up on opening day even if they were really supposed to be invited. In fact, 28,000 ended up showing up.
Needless to say, it caused all sorts of problems.
"The park was not ready for the public: food and drink ran out, a women's high-heel shoe got stuck in the wet asphalt of Main Street USA, and the Mark Twain Steamboat nearly capsized from too many passengers," History's article narrates.
Read Also: Disney's Splash Mountain Ride History: From 'Song of the South' to 'Princess and the Frog'
Disneyland Trivia: Opening Date was Supposed to be on July 18
Per ABC 7, the 11,000 special invitations that were sent out were meant to be a for preview event scheduled for July 17, 1955. "The event was telecast by ABC, anchored by actors Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings and Ronald Reagan, who were all friends of Walt Disney," ABC 7 says. The grand opening meant for the public was scheduled for the day next, July 18.
Given the fiasco the ensued thanks to the counterfeit invitations that led to thousands more people arriving, it was eventually decided that July 17 would be the official opening date of Disneyland.
If you are wondering how the ABC broadcast went, the complete broadcast is actually available on YouTube and you can watch it below:
Disneyland Trivia: Disneyland Rides Present During Opening Day That You Can Still Ride Today
As we have previously mentioned, Disneyland has gone through countless changes in its 67 years here on Earth. Many of those changes involve the rides and attractions in the park. Many of the rides and attractions you can enjoy now were not available 20 or 30 years ago, much less 67 years ago.
However, did you know that there are rides that were already present during opening day that you can still enjoy today?
According to an article by Travel + Leisure, these Disneyland rides and attractions include the Mad Tea Party, Mark Twain Riverboat, Jungle Cruise, Main Street Cinema, and Disneyland Railroad, among others.
