Paul Remember's It Well
Ain't it the truth
We had passes to the opening day through Whitman Publishing Company (Western Publishing) as they were involved with the Disney Company. We went with the Ralph, Carolyn, and Paula Lebowitz (Dad's boss). Paul called Paula from the park and talked to her... We both remembered the occasion well!
Some things do not dramatically change... That's a good thing!
Did You Know? - The park offered 5 themed lands with a total of 18 attractions. Disneyland opened as invitation only on this day, given to studio workers, construction workers, the press and officials of company sponsors. (The park opened to the general public the following day - July 18.)
Let's turn back the clock!
Did You Know? - Because tickets to the grand opening were counterfeited, a surprising 28,000-plus attended. The day was marked by numerous disasters, including a traffic jam, a shortage of food, and a gas leak in Fantasyland.
Even a chunk of window from the Mark Twain Steamboat crashed on the head of an invited state senator! Disneyland encouraged visitors to arrive before 4:15PM, as during the live ABC telecast the park's gates were closed from 4:20PM to 5:30PM.
Did You Know? - When Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, guests arrived in their fanciest attire . . . even children were dressed to the nines. It was sure different than today!
First Stop... Catal's Uva Bar
We began at the Uva Bar... Awaiting the arrival of the Duda's
Had to send this to Jon (our 26 year old Grandson)
Looking good!
Delightful mojito
To The Park
Do you recognize him???
We walked to the entrance and it was NOT zoo'ed out!
Paul remembers the trees being so small!
Sky was blue and the temperature in the low 80's! Perfect!
We found a spot at Christmas Tree Point!
Ladies in dresses... Men wore hats...
It was pretty classy compared to today!
The parade is underway
The opening day had characters walking the streets
We will see a "special parade" consisting of many original 1955 cast members!
Loved our pins
The trees were so tiny!
Pre-Dinner Visiting Is Underway
The handouts had a great summary of the park
Robin helped Bob with the big words
Nick is ready for dinner
Time to eat!
Paul's arms are too short for a selfie
"If I smile everyone will worry!"
Paul wore shorts eventhough they tend to scare small children and small animals
Root beer floats... It's a tradition
This is called "A Happy Snap"
Back To The Park
The originals on opening day!
On our way!
We found a great place to stand for the parade and fireworks
The clock says 8:00 PM
How it used to be
Sixty years ago today... Wow!
The street lights begin to turn on
The parade is 40 minutes away
Just visiting... Paul and Bob are holding our real location
Disney does it right
Just a few more minutes
When the parade approaches the light are turned off!
Here Comes The Parade
The parade on opening day was a little different!
Whirling and turning! Great sound/action coordination!
They change colors... LED's are amazing!
Tinkerbell never looked so good!
The drum changed colors and designs constantly
Now it is green and blue.... Exciting to watch!
The Genie is almost here
He is a big guy.... See the man underneath pulling the levers?
Video mirrors!
It can become anything!
Moving right along!
The Mack Truck was beautiful
What a cargo!
Sue had the best seat in the house!
The dancers were all lit up!
Under the sea of lights!
Buzz Lightyear and his friends!
"I am watching you!"
Beauty and the Beast
The candles follow them down the street
The ice castle was magnificent
The snowman was hidden in the trees
The walkers were beautiful
DUCK!!
The lights were quite bright
Here comes the boss... Mickey
The parade is done.... Ready for the fireworks??
Fireworks
Thank you Mister Disney... Thank you Mickey
You have made us happy for many many years
The lights in the sky were something new for us
We are underway
Note the buildings change color with the fireworks and sound
Typical Disney.... Beautiful and breathtaking
We had a pretty good location
...and the sky lite up
Wow!
Old Glory had the best seat for the fireworks
Golds and silvers...simply fantastic
The finale was spectacular
Beautiful
Checkout the walls of the Main Street buildings
We are done
Back To Catal For A Drink!
Peaceful and quiet inside
Good night glasses... See you soon
The monorail was taking people from the park to the hotels
