On this day in 1955, the Casey Jr. Circus Train attraction opened. While Walt Disney hoped the attraction would debut when the park opened on July 17, 1955, it was delayed by two weeks to allow for additional safety measures to be installed.
Happy Birthday Disneyland! 66 years ago today Walt Disney’s first theme park became a reality.
n this day in 1955, Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary by hosting a party at Disneyland just days before its grand opening.
On this day in 1894, Disney Legend Joe Fowler was born in Lewiston, Maine. The retired Navy Admiral was tapped by Walt Disney to oversee the construction of Disneyland in 1954. In recognition of Joe’s effectiveness and positive outlook, he became affectionately known as “Can-Do Joe.”
On this day in 1955, Walt Disney hosted a Fourth of July picnic for a select group of Disney Studios employees and their families at Disneyland, just days before its grand opening on July 17, 1955. Those lucky enough to attend would be among the very first to ride some of the attractions and see Walt’s highly anticipated project.
On this day in 1908, John Hench - Disney’s Renaissance artist - was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In his legendary 64 year career with the Walt Disney Company, John left his mark in films, theme parks, and hotels.
Illinois. Ryman had an illustrious Disney career and cemented his legacy as the artist Walt Disney turned to when he needed someone to translate his dreams of Disneyland onto paper so his brother, Roy, could attract the financing required to build the park.
n this day in 1893, Walt Disney’s older brother, Roy Oliver Disney, was born in Chicago, Illinois. For more than four decades, the brothers worked side-by-side to create an entertainment empire.
On this day in 1955, Walt Disney received a memorandum from WED (the predecessor of Disney Imagineering) about the wording of the plaques that he wanted above the Disneyland tunnel entrances.
On this day in 1910, Morgan “Bill” Evans was born in Santa Monica, California. As Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar describes him, “Bill defined Disney theme park landscaping.”
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