We'd like to wish Disneyland® Park a Happy 54th Anniversary!  As the oldest and only Disney Park worldwide to be designed, built, opened, and even run by Walt Disney himself, we would like to honor this trendsetter for theme parks around the world.  Theme parks today can only dream of becoming what the Disney empire has become and we think Walt would be proud of what Disneyland® Park and the Disneyland® Resort are today.  Many of us have heard the immortalized words of Walt spoken on opening day:

"To all who come to this happy place - welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America ... with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. Thank you."
—Walter E. Disney

These touching words started it all back in 1955.  Here are some facts you may not have known about Disneyland® Park's opening day:

• Opening Day was by-invitation-only and was broadcasted live on ABC.
• Temperatures reached 101º F and kept the asphalt that had been laid that morning even softer.
• The Park opened with five lands: Main Street, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland.
• Many of the rides were not completely finished and the Matterhorn and Monorail, now major landmarks of the Park, were not even started.
• King Arthur Carousel, Snow White's Scary Adventure, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan's Flight and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride all opened and can be enjoyed today almost exactly as they were on opening day.
• The Disneyland Railroad opened as the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad and transported guests around the Park.

As we reflect back on the opening day of Disneyland® Park, we can't help but think of the first time we went to Disneyland®.  With all of the changes that Disneyland® has been through, one thing has remained constant, it truly is a place where families, friends and loved ones come together and make memories that will last a lifetime.  Happy Anniversary Disneyland®!