Happy 55th Disneyland !

**EPCOT84** · 07-17-2010, 12:56 PM

Let's celebrate Disneyland's 55th Anniversary today !

From the Disney Parks Blog

“To all who come to this happy place … Welcome!”
July 17, 1955 – That’s the day Walt Disney opened the gates to Disneyland park. Now, here we are, 55 years later still celebrating his amazing dream. I remember celebrating the 50th Anniversary. I had just began my job a few months before in public relations and was assigned to produce some podcasts for the celebration. My all-time favorite in my 18-year career as a producer is the historical piece you are about to see. I love the vintage footage with Art Linkletter hosting a live broadcast with Ronald Regan at the grand opening – the official opening day for guests was the next day. A-listers like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., can be seen taking a drive in the Autopia cars. Only 15,000 guests were invited to the “invitation only” event, but 28,000 showed up! The lines were long and the day was hot, and not everyone thought this new Park would be a success, but it didn’t matter. The guests loved it and Disneyland park forever changed how Americans vacationed.

Here is the URL to the Disneyparks Official Blog

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

**faline** · 07-17-2010, 01:19 PM

Hurrah for Disney's dream park!

**NotaGeek** · 07-17-2010, 03:22 PM

Happy Birthday Disneyland ... one of my best days in the park EVER with 2 of my best friends was July 17th 5 years ago ... the 50th Celebration was MAGIC!

Be sure and check out the Front Page for a great podcast from the 50th anniversary...