D is for Disneyland!

  • Published
  • Updated
Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse and sleeping beauty's castle

July 17 is the 63 anniversary of Disneyland's opening day. This Disney loving librarian is planning on celebrating and won't be the only one either; it will probably be super crowded, and there will be lots of other pass holders eager to commemorate the day.

A visit to Disneyland holds many memories for Los Angelenos. For me, it stirs fond recollections of my childhood growing up in Southern California. My family went every year on "company night." Many corporations would rent out Disneyland for their employees to enjoy the park without having to use the infamous ticket booklet filled with A-E tickets. My sister and I would run from ride to ride with my parents trailing behind. Nowadays, I go for the afternoon, or dinner with friends [giant turkey leg!], ride a few rides and go home. If I'm meeting other librarians, we'll discuss books and library life, or play a photo treasure hunt of looking for all the book displays.

book stacks at Disneyland
Disneyland to open soon. Photograph caption dated July 5, 1955 reads, "You can ride on a passenger train, too. Disneyland is divided into four main realms—Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Adventureland. And each is a wonder itself. Disneyland is a 20-year-old Disney dream coming to life." [1955]. Herald Examiner Collection

If you plan on going it alone, or just hate being bored waiting in line, download a supply of e-books and comics from the library. Reading is a great way to pass the time in line. Yes, reading...at Disneyland!

Check out these amazing pictures from our photo collection of Disneyland opening days!


Walt Disney and two kids waving from a train
Disneyland to open soon. Photograph caption dated July 5, 1955 reads, "You can ride on a passenger train, too. Disneyland is divided into four main realms—Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Adventureland. And each is a wonder itself. Disneyland is a 20-year-old Disney dream coming to life." [1955]. Herald Examiner Collection
Main Street at Disneyland
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland
The Tahitian Terrace at Disneyland
Walt Disney holds one of the pirate heads
Shirley Temple and Walt Disney
Disney here displays model of Matterhorn replica
aerial view of Disneyland
Get ready for D-Day...Disneyland day, that is! It's Monday! Photograph caption dated July 16, 1955 reads,

Books about Disneyland