It’s hard to imagine a time when Disneyland didn’t exist — when families couldn’t walk down Main Street, U.S.A., meet Mickey Mouse, or hop on rides inspired by their favorite films.
Yet, in the summer of 1955, Walt Disney’s grand idea was still brand new.
Built on what used to be a 160-acre orange grove in Anaheim, California, the park opened its gates on July 17 that year, offering a whole new kind of entertainment.
Back then, a ticket cost just $1 for adults and 50 cents for children — about $12 in today’s money.
But there was a twist: rides weren’t included. Guests paid separately, with prices starting at 23 cents for adults and 10 cents for kids.
Six Resorts and Counting
Fast forward to today, and Disney fans can choose from six major resorts around the world — two in the United States, one in Europe, and three across Asia. And the magic isn’t slowing down.
A brand-new park in Abu Dhabi is already planned for the early 2030s, expanding Walt’s original dream even further.
The Infamous “Black Sunday”
While the Disney brand is now known for smooth operations and meticulous planning, opening day was anything but perfect.
Employees still refer to July 17, 1955, as “Black Sunday” because of the string of problems that unfolded.
The California heat was so intense that the asphalt on the walkways softened, sticking to guests’ shoes.
Drinking fountains weren’t working, leaving visitors thirsty in the scorching sun, and several rides broke down before the day was over.
A Bigger Crowd Than Expected
Disneyland had planned for about 20,000 guests on that first day, sending invitations only to selected attendees.
But thanks to counterfeit tickets, around 35,000 people showed up — and many more crowded outside, hoping to get in.
The overwhelmed staff did their best, but it was clear Walt’s vision was going to need some fine-tuning.
Perfecting the Magic
Over time, Walt and his talented team — now known as Disney Imagineers — found the formula for unforgettable theme park experiences. Just over 16 years later, in 1971, they opened Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
It became the world’s most visited theme park, proving that Walt’s gamble on immersive storytelling had paid off in a big way.
A Glimpse at Day One
Despite the chaos of opening day, visitors in the mid-1950s still got to experience the first version of Disneyland’s magic.
From the early rides to the themed lands, it was the beginning of something that would capture imaginations for generations.