What happened when Disney first opened?

Disneyland's opening day was disastrous by many accounts — the park wasn't quite ready for visitors, it ran out of food and drinks, counterfeit tickets led to unexpectedly large crowds, and shoes even got stuck in freshly laid asphalt in 100-degree California heat.



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First awarded in 1955 to Dave MacPherson, the first member of the public to become a paying guest at Disneyland, the Pass is awarded to all Disney Legends and has been handed to dignitaries, the President of the United States and sitting heads of state, and all members of the board of directors.

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Christmas Eve 1998 was a tragic day for Disneyland. As the large Columbia ship was arriving at a dock, an employee jumped from the ship and prematurely secured its rope around a mooring post. The cleat, which was designed to keep the ship motionless at the dock, was not strong enough to stop the moving vessel.

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1956 – By October, 5 million people have visited Disneyland. The D ticket is introduced this year. The Skyway opens and is the first aerial tramway of its kind in the US. Tom Sawyer Island opens.

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For Disney, it would mean losing a significant source of revenue, as the company's Florida operations include four theme parks, two water parks, several hotels, and numerous other attractions that draw millions of visitors each year.

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Disneyland celebrates its 40th anniversary. Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye opens at Disneyland. Disney's Blizzard Beach opens at Walt Disney World Resort.

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The closure of the Orlando-area Disney parks has only happened eight times before now, according to media reports: For Disneyland, the two parks, Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, will close at midnight tonight and will stay closed until next month.

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In 1964, Walt Disney began secretly buying millions of dollars worth of Central Florida farmland. As vast areas of land were purchased in lots of 5,000 acres here, 20,000 there -- at remarkably high prices -- rumors flew as to who needed so much land and had the money to acquire it.

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The first baby was born inside the theme park in 1979. Parents Rosa and Elias Salcedo unexpectedly welcomed their daughter, Teresa, at the Happiest Place on Earth – but she didn't receive a lifetime park pass!

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While it's certainly possible to give birth at Walt Disney World in extenuating circumstances, doing so won't get you or your child any special perks—except for maybe some extra attention from the Cast Members! Stay tuned to Disney Fanatic for all the latest Disney news!

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