Disneyland.
Of course, to get into Disneyland on July 17, 1955, you'll need one of these:
And since Walt's new park is located way out in the country - amid the orange groves of Anaheim, you'll need to place to park once you get there.
Remember, this isn't just a preview day for you - it's a preview for the millions of television viewers who will be watching around the country. Disneyland's making this preview day into a live television show.
And thanks to the wonders of YouTube, you can watch it right here, right now. Say good-bye to the next hour and 13 minutes of your day:
I love this show not just for the views of the barren "Anaheim" beyond the berm, or the nearly treeless park. Don't miss the delicious commentary, such as: "There's Tomorrowland - the time is 1986 and the place is the city of the future, where a trip to the moon is an everyday thing."
Speaking of 1986, I wonder what that broadcast host on Main Street will be doing then….
Hey, if you missed the preview day, no worries. Just get there early the next day for the public opening. But you won't be able to get there early enough to buy the very first Disneyland ticket. That's already been sold - to Roy O. Disney, Walt's brother and the chairman of Walt Disney Productions.
I'd like to offer our thanks to Dave Smith and the Walt Disney Archives for allowing me in to look at and photograph these pieces of Disney history.
If you have some fun and interesting items of theme park memorabilia (old maps, tickets, photos, etc.), let me know and we'll feature them on Theme Park Insider's home page.
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