Disneyland Had a Nightmare Start in 1955, but ‘Walt’s Folly’ Quickly Won over Fans

Disneyland had a nightmare start in 1955, but ‘Walt’s Folly’ quickly won over fans

Disneyland’s opening day on July 17, 1955 was a nightmare that would become known in Disney lore as Black Sunday — all broadcast live in front of a national TV audience of 90 million, the largest in television history at the time. Rides broke down. Restaurants ran out of food and drink. A plumbers’ strike meant drinking fountains were in short supply. Long lines formed at bathrooms. Bunting hid unfinished attractions. Women’s high-heeled shoes s…

Disneyland Almost Opened with Walt Locked in His Apartment. His Day Only Got Worse

Walt Disney debuted his Disneyland theme park on July 17, 1955, to much fanfare. Learn why the problem-filled grand opening became known as “Black Sunday.”