Disneyland Turns 59
Mitch 
Happy 59th Anniversary to Disneyland. Disneyland opened on July 18, 1955 but thousands of people (only some of whom were actually invited) visited the park on July 17, 1955 during a press preview. Los Angeles Times photographers captured the events of both days and only recently have many of their photos been made public.
The photo above was taken during construction, not long before Opening Day. You can see some construction equipment if you look closely.
Look at those long lines! And a bus drop-off area right in front? This was July 18, the first official opening to the public, hence the people lining up to buy tickets.
Newsboys sell newspapers to passengers aboard the Disneyland Railroad. Look where the guests are sitting! (And standing). Can't ride there anymore.
Disneyland Police Department?? Anyone remember this? The building is still there and its exterior has changed very little. You might remember it as the Guided Tours building. It's located just South of City Hall.
Did someone leave their booze by the steps?
Cameras on the rooftops. Everyone looking dapper.
A residential neighborhood right by Disneyland way back in '55? When were those built? And we can see from this photo that this part of Orange County wasn't just oranges as far the eye can see, like we often hear. But yes, many orange groves.
Original Fanytasyland. Dumbo was way over there towards Frontierland and the Carrousel was much closer to the castle. The Mad Tea Party (tea cups) were located right behind the Carrousel. Storybook Land was still without plant life and miniature set pieces. And no Monstro.
The above photographs (and many others) were posted on Los Angeles Times Framework by Scott Harrison on July 16, 2014.
Illustration by Mitch.
Related posts:
Disneyland 1955 Model Close-ups
THEN AND NOW: Walt at Disneyland
Vintage Disneyland Home Movies- Meeting Walt Disney Himself
THEN AND NOW: Aerial Park Photos
Not Having Fun at Disneyland
THEN AND NOW: Disneyland [Part 1]
THEN AND NOW: Disneyland [Part 2]
Reader Comments (4)
Looks like there was at least some crowd management for the ticket lines, that's good. I forgot that there were still some orange trees back stage area to the north. My big question is in the Entrance Plaza. I wonder when the Baltimore style gas lamps were installed. In these photos there are tower lights located on either side of the entry turnstile's.
Wow! It is amazing to see how the park has grown. I love seeing all of the dirt lots and attractions that do not exist in the current Disneyland. I think every park should document their history as well as Disney has.
I love seeing how everyone is all dressed up to go to Disneyland. I can't imagine going there now in high heals the way the women in the picture are. My feet hurt by the end of the day at DisneyLand when wearing sneakers, I can't imagine how sore those women were at the end of that day.
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