If I had to pick only one day to visit Disneyland in its past, it would most likely be opening day, July 17, 1955. Although some of my favorite attractions were yet to be built, the excitement, enthusiasm, and burst of last-minute creativity would have been a total rush. These first three photos show the Mouseketeers in Fantasyland, outside the Theater. Shots #1 & #2 show the filming of a number that would be inserted into the live ABC broadcast of the opening festivities. This little number essentially marked the debut of the Mouseketeers, and it must have been a real thrill for these children. In Photo #2, Annette Funicello can be seen in the back. Even at this early age, she stands out amongst her peers.
This shot is of a few of the Mouseketeers gawking at the 3D Jamboree poster, most likely taken a year or so later (thanks for the correction, Jason!):
Here’s that same poster in living color:
Back to opening day: here’s the whole gang shown entering Town Square:
Meanwhile up up at the Main Street Train Station, Ronald & Nancy Reagan, Art Linkletter, and Disneyland Press Staff member George Margolis share a quiet moment before the onslaught of guests arrive.
See more vintage Disneyland Opening Day photos on my Opening Day web page.
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