July 17 is the 63 anniversary of Disneyland's opening day. This Disney loving librarian is planning on celebrating and won't be the only one either; it will probably be super crowded, and there will be lots of other pass holders eager to commemorate the day.
A visit to Disneyland holds many memories for Los Angelenos. For me, it stirs fond recollections of my childhood growing up in Southern California. My family went every year on "company night." Many corporations would rent out Disneyland for their employees to enjoy the park without having to use the infamous ticket booklet filled with A-E tickets. My sister and I would run from ride to ride with my parents trailing behind. Nowadays, I go for the afternoon, or dinner with friends [giant turkey leg!], ride a few rides and go home. If I'm meeting other librarians, we'll discuss books and library life, or play a photo treasure hunt of looking for all the book displays.
If you plan on going it alone, or just hate being bored waiting in line, download a supply of e-books and comics from the library. Reading is a great way to pass the time in line. Yes, reading...at Disneyland!
Check out these amazing pictures from our photo collection of Disneyland opening days!
Disneyland to open soon. Photograph caption dated July 5, 1955 reads, "You can ride on a passenger train, too. Disneyland is divided into four main realms—Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Adventureland. And each is a wonder itself. Disneyland is a 20-year-old Disney dream coming to life." [1955]. Herald Examiner Collection
Get ready for D-Day...Disneyland day, that is! It's Monday! Photograph caption dated July 16, 1955 reads, "Get ready, kids, we're close to H-Hour of D-Day! H is for Happy, of course, and D is for Disneyland, which will open officially to the public at 10 am on Monday. Here's an airview of the entire area, defined by numbers and letters: (1) The railroad station, main entrance and town square. (2) Main Street, U.S.A. (3) The Plaza. (4) Tomorrowland. (5) Fantasyland. (6) Frontierland. (7) Rivers of America. (8) Adventureland. (A) Parking area. (B) The Santa Ana freeway. (C) Harbor Boulevard. There will be a special preview tomorrow, but for invited guests only." [1955]. Herald Examiner Collection
Main Street at Disneyland a few days prior to the park's opening day. Photograph was taken for Mark & O'Rourke on July 12, 1955. Kelly-Holiday Mid-Century Aerial Collection
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Construction workers, equipment and supplies are seen around the castle. Photograph was taken for Mark & O'Rourke on July 12, 1955.Kelly-Holiday Mid-Century Aerial Collection
The Tahitian Terrace at Disneyland. Construction workers are seen completing projects in and around the structure. Photograph was taken for Mark & O'Rourke on July 12, 1955. Kelly-Holiday Mid-Century Aerial Collection
Photograph caption dated February 2, 1966 reads "Walt Disney holds one of the pirate heads." Disney held a press conference on this date to show off a collection of newly created pirate heads for the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean attraction to be installed at Disneyland. The event was held at his WED (Walt Elias Disney) Enterprises, Inc., factory in Glendale, California." [1966]. Herald Examiner Collection
Shirley Temple told the story of Sleeping Beauty during the official opening of the interior of the Castle at Disneyland, Sunday, April 28. Left to right: Daughter, Lori, three; daughter, Susan, nine; Ms. Temple and Walt Disney. Disneyland ladies in waiting stand by to escort them through the castle interior. [1957]. Herald Examiner Collection
Photograph caption dated December 5, 1958 reads "Disney here displays model of Matterhorn replica to be part of the expansion. Swiss mountain replica will be equal in height to 14-story building. He compares size to Fantasyland Castle." [1958]. Herald Examiner Collection
Books about Disneyland
The Disneyland Encyclopedia: The unofficial, unauthorized, and unprecedented history of every land, attraction, restaurant, shop and event in the original Magic Kingdom
Secrets of Disneyland: Weird and Wonderful Facts About the Happiest Place on Earth
Williams, Dinah (Dinah J.),
More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage at Disneyland
101 Things You Never Knew About Disneyland: An Unauthorized Look at the Little Touches and Inside Jokes
Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms
Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food
Disney Facts Revealed: Answers to Fans' Curious Questions
Three Years in Wonderland: The Disney Brothers, C.V. Wood, and the Making of the Great American Theme Park
Pierce, Todd James, 1965-
Disney's California adventure detective : an independent guide to exploring the trivia, secrets and magic of the park dedicated to California
Why does the other line always move faster? : the myths and misery, secrets and psychology of waiting in line
