"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.” — Walt Disney
It was 56 years ago today — July 17, 1955 — that Walt uttered those memorable words as he welcomed the first people to pass through the gates of Disneyland.
The first day was deemed a disaster because just about anything that could go wrong did.
But within 90 days, the park welcomed its 1-millionth visitor.
And the rest is history.
Also celebrating an anniversary today is Splash Mountain, which began putting a little extra Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah in everyone’s day on July 17, 1989.
One of my favorite rides. And I’m not alone. Twenty-two years after opening, it remains one of the biggest crowd draws with 90-minute waits and longer on busy days.
HAPPY 56TH ANNIVERSARY DISNEYLAND!!!
