Disneyland turns 70: Vintage photos show massive crowds at the theme park's opening day in 1955
Some of the rides malfunctioned due to overcrowding in the park. The Mark Twain Riverboat began to sink with too many riders, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride lost power when the park's electric grid became overloaded, KTLA reported.Rides that were open, however, were filled with joyous children. The Mad Tea Party ride, for example, saw kids fascinated by the spinning teacups that swirled them around a circular track.
Some of Disneyland's earliest rides still exist today. The Casey Jr. Circus Train, for example, traveled above the Canal Boats of the World. Both rides had simple designs at the time, and brought park-goers through patches of barren land.Today, Disneyland visitors can still ride the train and the renamed Storybook Land Canal Boats. Both rides have also been updated to bring passengers past miniature replicas of scenes from fan-favorite Disney films.
However, the same can't be said for other attractions. On opening day in 1955, Disneyland park-goers could ride mules through Nature's Wonderland, PBS reported.The attraction went through multiple changes over the years, including enhanced scenery and animated creatures. However, it was eventually closed in 1973 to make room for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
The Golden Horseshoe was one of the first restaurants to open at Disneyland. According to Disneyland's website, the Golden Horseshoe was one of Walt Disney's favorite locations within the park. He's said to have opened the establishment — which served food and hosted live performances — by celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary there.Disney also had a private booth — that's now open to the public — where he watched the "Golden Horseshoe Revue," which was once named "the world's longest-running live stage show" by the Guinness Book of World Records.
On opening day, some sharply dressed park-goers were photographed eating popcorn alongside a red-and-yellow food cart.Popcorn is still a staple snack throughout Disney theme parks. Multiple flavors are offered — maple bacon, chocolate caramel, and confetti are among the options — and character-themed popcorn buckets are always high in demand.
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