DISNEYLAND® 1955 and 2004

Current photo of the Mad Tea Party Ride

1955 - A look down Main Street

Disneyland Resort Map

“DAY ONE” JULY 17, 1955

The cars stretched bumper-to-bumper for seven miles on the Santa Ana Freeway in what police at the time called, “the
worst traffic jam ever seen.” The date was July 17, 1955, and the contingent of first-day invitees was on its way to
Anaheim where Walt Disney, known for his creative genius in the motion picture industry, was about to unveil a new
entertainment experience: his personal dream, DISNEYLAND®.

Tickets for the invitational opening day event had been given to Studio workers, those who had constructed the Park,
and to press, dignitaries and celebrities. But as the gates opened a year after groundbreaking on the 160-acre orange
grove, all was not quite ready.

Nearly 30,000 invited guests, along with countless people holding counterfeit tickets, poured through the gates to create
long lines everywhere. Rides broke down shortly after opening and restaurants and refreshment stands ran out of food
and drink. Fantasyland had to be temporarily closed due to a gas leak, workmen were still planting trees and in some
areas paint was wet to the touch. The blistering heat of the July day added to the distress as the spiked heels on women’s
shoes sank into the soft asphalt on Main Street.

Yet, Walt Disney was unaware of the chaotic situation. He was being shuttled from one part of the Park to another for a
live 90-minute television broadcast, “Dateline Disneyland,” showcasing his newly unveiled creation. Led by co-hosts Bob
Cummings, Art Linkletter and a man destined to become President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, 90 million
viewers witnessed the fantastic result of one man’s dream come true.

Celebrities on hand included: Buddy Ebsen and Fess Parker, who entertained in Frontierland, Charlton Heston, Eve
Arden, Maureen O’Hara, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Kirk Douglas, Danny Thomas, Eddie Fisher and Debbie
Reynolds. Also on hand were the Mouseketeers, an unknown group of youngsters - yet three months away from making
their television debut on a series that was to become a national children’s viewing habit, “The Mickey Mouse Club.”

It wasn’t until the following day, via press accounts, that Walt Disney became aware of the negative reaction to
DISNEYLAND. “Walt’s Dream a Nightmare,” “Park Can’t Handle Opening Day Crush,” “DISNEYLAND Opens Amid
Traffic Jams, Confusion,” etc., declared headlines across the nation. Ever afterward, Walt Disney would refer to that
fateful day as “Black Sunday.”

But as Hollywood columnist Sheila Graham reported after her first-day disappointments, “Don’t be discouraged, boys
and girls, Walt has always been a smart trader and I’m sure there will be some changes made.”

And changes there were. Walt immediately summoned his staff, and together they dealt with the problems of low ride
capacity, congested walkways, traffic jams and slow food service. Walt spent his days and nights at DISNEYLAND --
observing guests, ride operators, food servers, merchandise and custodial Hosts/Hostesses. He continually asked
questions in a relentless search to improve what was to become the most successful venture of his accomplished career.

After only seven weeks of operations, DISNEYLAND welcomed its one-millionth guest and at the close of its first fiscal
year, 3.8 million visitors had been hosted.

Today, more than four decades later, DISNEYLAND park’s success is world-renowned. A land of fantasy and
enchantment, it continues to entertain and delight children of all ages, unique in the world of family entertainment. On
July 17, 1955, the financial investment was $17 million and 18 attractions were showcased. Today over 60 attractions
exist, and since opening, DISNEYLAND has welcomed more than 300 million guests.

Today “Black Sunday” seems a distant memory of the magical land that Walt Disney built. As he said in his dedication
speech almost 40 years ago:

“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. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the
hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”

Walt Disney’s words are as true today as they were then, and they will be true for many years to come.

DISNEYLAND® Resort,  DISNEYLAND® park.  All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Disney Enterprises, Inc.,
and ABC, Inc.  © Disney. All Rights Reserved