July 17, 2019 - Celebrating 64 Years of Disneyland and 8 Lesser Known Facts about Disneyland Opening Day

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Celebrating 64 Years of Disneyland and 8 Lesser Known Facts about Disneyland Opening Day

Hey there and Happy Hump Day!!

Is this week going fast, or what?

I'm sure by now, you guys know how me and my gang are huge Disney fans.  In fact, not only are we Disney Vacation Club members and visit Walt Disney World annually (sometimes, even twice annually!), but, in between our visits, we are always staying in-the-know about new and exciting happenings, attractions and foodie finds!

My daughter Kelsey is our family's Disney aficionado, constantly watching videos, following blogs and staying up to date on the latest and greatest Disney 411.

As east coast gals, our most frequent Disney destination is Walt Disney World in Orlando.  It's a short two hour plane ride for us and as DVC members, we always enjoy wonderful accommodations and services.

However, a mere 64 years ago, the birth of a family theme park was born with the realization of Walt Disney's dream, Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Disneyland opening day, July 17, 1955 (photo credit: history.com)

Now, just because Southern California is not a hop, skip and a jump from lovely Long Island, doesn't mean that me and my girls haven't visited and enjoyed the delights of Disneyland -  the first-ever Disney theme park!

That's right!  Back in October of 2013, me, Gianna and Kelsey spent a delightful week roaming the west coast land of the mouse!!

Our first time to Disneyland - California Adventure, Oct. 2013 (c)travelincousins.com

Did you know that the official date that celebrates the opening of Disneyland is July 17, 1955 - -  64 years ago today!!

However, according to historic records, the actual official opening day was July 18th back in 1955.  It's true!

This is one of several lesser known facts about Disneyland.

8 Lesser Known Facts About Disneyland Opening Day

photo credit: history.com

1. What many do not realize is that Disneyland opening day was disastrous.  some of the park’s attractions weren’t ready to operate on opening day. The Rocket to the Moon, Peter Pan and Dumbo the Flying Elephant rides were all closed and Tomorrowland was yet to be finished.
2. Disneyland was transformed from a 160-acre orange grove in Anaheim, California,
3. The estimated cost to build Disneyland was $17 million.
4. In order to realize his dream, Walt Disney borrowed against his life insurance and sold vacation property to build his theme park.
5. Disneyland  was opened only one year and one day after construction began.
6. According to Neal Gabler’s book “Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination,” an estimated 70 million people—in a country of 165 million—tuned in to watch the unveiling co-hosted by actor and future president Ronald Reagan.
7. An estimated crowd of about 15,000 people was expected on opening day which by invitation only, however 28,154 passed through Disneyland’s gates thanks to counterfeit tickets.
8. Due to the unexpected visitors, Disneyland’s refreshment stands and three restaurants ran out of food.

* source: History.com  

Well, my dears, I'm off to do some errands.  

Toodles,
-Travelin' Elisa
xoxo