Today is the 68th anniversary of Disneyland’s opening day. I grew up in Orange County. Over the years I have seen a lot of changes to the original Disney park. From new rides, to entire new parks where parking lots once were! I am fascinated by Disneyland history and random facts. To celebrate 68 years of the happiest place on earth, I thought of a fun idea. Here are some fun facts about Disneyland you may, or may not, know. Links included contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.

fun facts about Disneyland

A lot has changed in the 65 years that Disneyland has been opened. Oftentimes the changes are bittersweet. However, one thing I’ve learned over the years of seeing these changes–Disney almost always make improvements for the better. I like to think that–for the most part–Walt would be happy to see what his dream has become.

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“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.”

~ Dedication read by Walt Disney – July 17, 1955

things you may not know about Disneyland history

The original Disneyland park in Anaheim, California cost $17 million to build.

Disneyland had invited guests and planned on having about 15,000 guests on opening day. However, counterfeit tickets led to over 28,000 guests filling the park.

Because Disneyland’s opening day turned out to be such a chaotic mess, Disney insiders dubbed it “Black Sunday.” Rides were closed, tar on the streets melted (it was 101°!), and concession stands ran out of food.

Wondering how important the capacity rules on rides and spaces are? On opening day the Mark Twain Riverboat almost capsized from overcapacity. 

Walt Disney used to love standing in lines for rides with his park guests.

The drawbridge for Sleeping Beauty’s castle has only been lowered twice. It should also be noted that it is the only functioning drawbridge at a Disney park in the world.

The Disneyland Hotel first opened a few months after the park in October 1955. Back then it was owned by Jack Wrather, and Disney licensed the name. The Disney company didn’t acquire the park until 1988.

13 rides and attractions from Disneyland’s opening day are still operating today. They are: Autopia, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Disneyland Band, Disneyland Railroad, Jungle Cruise, King Arthur Carrousel, Mad Tea Party, Main Street Cinema, Mark Twain Riverboat, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, and one of my personal favorites–the Storybook Land Canal Boats.

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fun facts about Disneyland rides

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes can take brave guests around the Rivers of America. Be warned though–it’s not on a track. This is the only Disneyland attraction that is powered by guests! And very strong and capable cast members, wink wink.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was completed in 1979 and is modeled after Bryce Canyon National Park. Meanwhile, the version of the ride at the Magic Kingdom depicts Arizona’s Monument Valley.

Pirates of the Caribbean is the most popular ride at Disneyland. It’s also one of the longest!

Splash Mountain is, surprisingly, the fastest “mountain” ride. It reaches a speed of around 40 mph. Meanwhile, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad only get to about 35 mph.

Pay attention next time you’re at the Disneyland Railroad station in New Orleans Square. There’s Morse code you can hear from the train house across the tracks. The Morse code message is the first two lines of Walt Disney’s opening day speech at Disneyland.

Unlike in Florida, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion features a working elevator in the stretching room. This takes guests underground where they can actually walk outside of the park boundaries to the ride underground.

The Skyway opened a year after opening day. It operated for 40 years until it closed in 1994 due to safety concerns. The holes in the Matterhorn that the cars used to pass through have long been sealed up. However, you can still see some of the old skyway buckets on the Matterhorn being used as props–the Abominable Snowman has torn them to pieces!

No, there is not a basketball court at the top of the Matterhorn. However, there IS a basketball hoop.

Were any of these facts about Disneyland new to you?