On July 17, 1955, the opening of Disneyland was covered on a live television special, Dateline: Disneyland. Hosted by Art Linkletter, he was assisted by Bob Cummings and Ronald Reagan, and the program featured various other guests, including various appearances of Walt himself as he dedicated the various lands of Disneyland. The future President of the United States Ronald Reagan introduced Walt Disney for his dedication speech “and now, Walt Disney will step forward to read the dedication of Disneyland”. I dedication you have no doubt hear before… now, what the entire broadcast!
“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 which have created America … with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” – Walt Disney July 17, 1955
So fun to see what has changed and what hasn’t!