Visiting Vintage: Disneyland

Disneyland was opened 57 years ago today July 17, 1955.

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.
—Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955

Apparently it didn't go perfectly and for a while Disney executives called it "Black Sunday" and referred to July 17, 1955 as the dedication with July 18, 1955 as opening day.

Page 39 of the August 15, 1955 Life Magazine has an multi-page article with photos and you can read it here.

You might enjoy these ads featuring Disneyland.

Swift's Premium Franks were served at Disneyland

April 16, 1956 Life Magazine

1956 Nash photographed in Disneyland

January 30, 1956 Life Magazine

Seats that lay flat so the weary wee ones can nap! (You can see a lot more if you click on these images and look for the magnifying glass)