Disneyland

On this day in 1955 Disneyland televised its grand opening in Anaheim, California. The general public was let in the next day, on the 18th of July, 1955. I can remember going to Disneyland with my parents and siblings in the early 70's, even have some pictures around here somewhere of my dad and oldest brother standing in line at what I think was the Small World ride.

Although the Disney family of theme parks is extensive, Wikipedia lists Disneyland as being the only one to hold the distinction of having been designed, built, opened, and operated by Walt Disney himself. I can certainly believe that. Well... he might not have *built* it himself, but I am sure he oversaw the building of it. And I heard somewhere that Walt passed away before Walt Disney World was completed.

Rebranded Disneyland Park in 1998, Disneyland has seen over 500 million visitors since it opened. I find it extra specially connected to my own childhood in that the seedlings of the idea were set as Walt Disney watched his daughters ride the Merry -Go-Round at Griffith Park. I used to ride that Merry-Go-Round and it was one of the points of inspiration for me in going on to collect carousel horse figurines today.

It's amazing how intertwined into my life Disneyland was. Right down to one of the most exciting (that I can recall) moments of my first 6 years being the discovery that I had been sent a membership to the Mickey Mouse Club. My mom had written to the club without my knowing and enrolled me in it. I do not remember what membership entailed, but I can clearly recall how excited I was. I think it was hearing my name over the TV or something, I just recall freaking out and my mom admitting that she had contacted the club for me.

Happy Anniversary Disneyland!