Today in History

July 17, 1955

Disneyland Park Opens

On July 17, 1955 Disneyland opened as America's premiere theme park in Anaheim, California. The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts division of The Walt Disney Company held ceremonies led by company president Walt Disney. Mr. Disney had personally supervised every aspect of the park's design and opening ceremonies. However, a few factors were out of his control. Numerous problems occurred on Day 1 such as a gas leak, newly poured concrete that had not hardened and temperatures over 100 degrees. The event went so poorly, in fact, that Disney officials for years after referred to the event as "Black Sunday."

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