Disneyland's Black Sunday

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The opening day of Disneyland, as some of you know, was anything but magical. Let's take a deeper look at what caused this horrible park opening, the day itself, and the aftermath.
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Videos Used:
• 1955 Disneyland Openin... - Disneyland Opening Day Broadcast - Marcio Disney
• Disneyland in construc... - Disneyland in Construction - Mousefiles

[@kitkatandcompany]

The bathrooms shut down because of the Anaheim water workers going on strike. It was either working water fountains or working bathrooms. They chose bathrooms. Good choice.

[@TooCooFoYou]

It's too bad the guests thought that it was just a cheap move by Disney to sell more drinks.

[@vincevdijk7430]

It is a pity that this is not really explained in the video.

[@battey4bricks]

Me: lol why is he showing us footage of some dude in a cowboy hat? Also me: oh wait that’s Walt....

[@barroldtrumboma9162]

Grahams 24/7 Because Cowboy hats are a part of Western culture

[@hangfried9429]

Who is that little short guy though?

[@tiffanymarlow2399]

FranktheDachshund probably Roy, Walt's brother

[@skylamoreno]

Grahams 24/7 me too

[@penelopejones6541]

yeehaw

[@arnold20139]

I’m surprised someone didn’t make a horror film based on Disneyland’s opening day. I’d pay to see that. Lol

[@MicrophoneCosplay]

Paige Arnold yo same

[@LilzMay-sk3ew]

Same😂

[@JFAOwner]

That's brilliant! I'd watch the hell out of that.

[@courageousclub2542]

*Ima go make one*

[@Cody-Bear]

So would I 😂

[@sageseancore]

"every single day you wake up, 365 days a year disney world is open." coronavirus:

[@broderickfamily1924]

Corona: Am I a joke to you?

[@debbralehrman5957]

Well this was done before Covid.

[@gabbyvillarreal1062]

Then Covid came and said “I’m the real Maleficient.”

[@tacoface6029]

the making of disneyland is like me doing my homework last minute

[@RWA2007]

Same

[@brycevo]

Now, you see, Even when Disneyland opened, nothing worked! Yeah. Well, uh, if Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the Pirates don't Eat the Guests.

[@AlextheHistorian]

I love that reference!

[@joh.6288]

I member Jurassic Park

[@joh.6288]

But does Jean Laffite eat the guests

[@brycevo]

Crash of The 90's His vision is based on Motion. He can't see us if we Don't Move.

[@BEANISS]

what?????/

[@OakViewFilms]

"If you can't afford the new ticket price increase, or you can't renew your annual pass, just bring a ladder". ANNDDDDDDD I'm banned for life from Disneyland.

[@loriadams1588]

Oakview Films LOL!!!!

[@spacecest.slimes9944]

His advice is why imma be errasted for breaking in with a ladder

[@Angie2343]

They have better security measures.

[@fallenangels5891]

He encourages us to break into a theme park!

[@xXMaoKittyCatXx]

😂

[@shepsfield]

Disneyland's opening was alot like tanacon

[@gravityfalller7642]

StellaeArts BAHAH

[@loriadams1588]

StellaeArts 😂😂😂😂

[@Ocean_Melody3982]

Best comparison in the universe 🤣

[@HallowIsSmol]

Topical

[@sirsmoss7362]

N O

[@jakelakota3010]

Guests sneaking in to Disneyland, now WDW has alligators protecting the park from fence jumpers.

[@TeegMonkey]

kinda uncalled for

[@mateusalbuquerque4433]

So this is why they decided to build WDW in Florida

[@largol33t1]

Jake, why else did Walt build it in Florida? He knew the gators would do the work for free! : ) Real fact that I got off a Disney history book: the reason for the park's enormous land area is not to expand but so that nobody could build anything next door and "leech profits" off his park. He learned that when he opened Disneyland. Ironically, I have a flight booked for Universal Orlando this summer...

[@dajosh42069]

+1 to you, good sir.

[@rickyricardo6725]

Well there is a employee entrance. I’ve used it many many times,25 years ago hahahaha. But you also need to know how to get there when you do act normal and just walk in like you work there. I’m sure today it’s different but yea a lot of free Disney trips

[@Musicgrl330]

I’m quarantine binging offhand Disney and I literally almost cried when he said “every day when you wake up, 365 days a year, Disneyland is open and operating” 😭😭😭😭

[@timm5362]

Knowing even Disneyland had screw ups on its first day is oddly inspiring in a sadistic way. Thank you :D

[@howtubeable]

Not sadistic at all. Everyone learns from his mistakes. It's inspiring because Disneyland was a huge success.

[@supme7558]

What's so over hiped and a lot of this is just rumors

[@sammcdonald769]

One item of note, concrete doesn’t soften regardless what temperature it is. But asphalt does, especially when it was just laid out the day before.😆

[@largol33t1]

That's what I hate about my city. If they lay asphalt, it takes a long time for it to harden when the temperatures are way past 100 in August. And yes, asphalt feels hot when you're walking on it.

[@sourgreendolly7685]

It crack more easily so I can see why it’s a trade off in some cases. Not in this case though.

[@trainzguy2472]

If the concrete was recently poured, then yes, it can get softer.

[@supme7558]

That black top it's the tar that melts

[@welcometomylives]

For the record, when I get arrested for trying to break into Disneyland with a ladder, I'm blaming you.

[@tracyderning3577]

" *when* "

[@Gr3nadgr3gory]

I kinda like this story, poor planning and impossible deadlines lead to massive problems for weeks to come. Sounded like walt remained optimistic throughout the initial loss he took.

[@skraegorn7317]

They learned a lot from their mistakes, given that Magic Kingdom had a 4 year construction schedule rather than 1 year. Putting the deadline above all else is a recipe for disaster.

[@titsbitchmcgee7502]

I'm surprised Disneyland ever bounced back from such an unmitigated disaster.

[@MattMcIrvin]

If I recall correctly, when Magic Kingdom opened in Florida, they braced for the same kind of crowd disaster, and hardly anyone showed up. (The apocalyptically huge numbers were apparently based on newspaper projections, though, not Disney's--the park people actually had a pretty good bead on what crowd sizes to expect.)

[@oopsibrokethecow]

I find it interesting that Reagan was there, as an actor long before becoming POTUS, and in Tomorrowland it was supposed to be about 1986, and Reagon became POTUS in the 80's.

[@tommaddux7186]

In July 1955 I was a 13 year old Eagle Scout. A busload of us were brought down from Los Angeles to do a flag raising ceremony in Tomorrowland. There were 49 flagpoles in a circular arrangement. One for each of the 48 states, (1955) , and one for the American flag. Afterward we were given a ticket book and set free to roam the park. I have no recollection of running into closed rides or restaurants. We saw a few of the days movie and tv stars. I suspect that crews were fixing problems as they arose. Had a good time. If you live in Southern California, 100 degrees is hot but tolerable. Humidity is not excessive here.

[@thrillsandmagic]

Was it really 100º that day?

[@jamesduvall6889]

A Ladder to Disneyland sounds like a good name for a book.

[@gamesalotgirlog8320]

Ya it does

[@drewdevall9316]

Kinda sounds like tanacon

[@emilt9959]

Drew Devall lol true

[@supme7558]

Only a little kid would say that

[@FuchsiaMuffin]

I love this. It makes my head boggle when people wish they were there on opening day because it was "cheaper" or a "simpler time". Like oh yea you want to wish you were at a place with no operating bathroom or restaurants and barely rides were working at the time? Have fun with that I guess.

[@VHShit]

When Disneyland first opened, the cost of admission was $1. Why would someone pay $5 to use a ladder?

[@dynasty0019]

Because the demand is high and people are willing to pay more to experience something. The ladder man is literally a form of scalping.

[@xamyx2205]

VHShit Because tickets for opening day were limited, and only by invitation.

[@mikek4610]

VHShit it was a dollar to get in....it 500 for ride tickets

[@Ocean_Melody3982]

People. Were. *DESPERATE*.

[@BlueBeck]

I think you also had to pay for the rides... much like at a fair. Admission was low, rides on the other hand...

[@ColinStuart]

My aunt & uncle took us to Disney's new "amusement park" 8 weeks after it opened, and I , at 4, don't remember any such mishaps!

[@mandafitpanda]

My moms best friend was the 1 millionth visitor when Disneyland first opened

[@lukab8407]

r/thathappened

[@lukab8407]

I low-key kinda maybe believe you a teeny bit but not really

[@Alice-sh1qy]

Is your mom’s best friend Elsa Marquez?

[@daniel1970ification]

My postman's wife know a guy who knows another guy that was born before 1963

[@bakaalpaca2986]

How to make death row at Disney land Step 1: screw everything up on the first day Step 2: accidentally let a tiger run loose on Main Street Step 3: enjoy the most magical death of your short lived life

[@111zoe]

“Every 364 days a year Disney is open and operating.” Coronavirus: I guess you haven’t met me yet.....

[@dontdriveat88]

Ronald Reagan? The Actor!

[@luislikespandas3506]

Dontdriveat88 BACK TO THE FUTUREEEEEEE

[@emmebiggs1920]

😒

[@SquishyZoran]

Then who's vice-president, Jerry Lewis? I suppose Jane Wyman is the First Lady? And Jack Benny is Secretary of the Treasury!

[@dontdriveat88]

Doc! I...came here in a time machine you built. Now I need your help getting back to the year 1955! -I'm glad to see there are other fans here.

[@SquishyZoran]

Dontdriveat88 I honestly don’t know anyone who isn’t a fan except the Libyans.

[@sylvrfish]

"every single day you wake up, 365 days a year" well that didnt age well

[@linkfan160]

Gosh it's amazing that the park ended up as successful as it was after such a disastrous opening day.

[@MrBreastGiveMeMoney]

Ladder Guy 637: I have a ladder, want to go to disney? Me: YES! Ladder Guy 637: 5 dollars so you can enter Disney buy climbing a ladder, fair deal right? Me: Pays 5 dollars and goes up and gets down Security Guard: You need admit one to party Me: That makes no sense Gets kicked out Ladder Guy 637: Laughs in background

[@HanSolofangirl]

I love how I was one of those 800 mill people to walk threw those Disney land gates

[@Phoenixesper1]

On opening day, What I imagine Sinatra says as he tours the park: "My god! Nothing works, there's panic in the streets, everyone's praying to god, the place is over run with teamsters, the owners are hiding in their castle, everythings falling apart, Giant Rats are everywhere, and there's no alcohol! They should call this prohibition land!

[@miraigaming37]

Offhand Disney is my version of cocaine

[@stephh1149]

C O K A I N

[@MaxEverywhereSystem]

**Insert JonTron’s anti-drug pssa**

[@kingspookyskeleton1820]

*PROPAINE*

[@Marylandbrony]

My version of cocaine is R_Disneyvacation.

[@hewokitty155]

What the what what!??!!!!!?😵

[@Memmyrabilia]

Happy 64th birthday, Disneyland!

[@RonnieMinh]

I was there on the 3rd it opened and there was still construction going on, but it was fantastic!

[@danielvibez4000]

Been a long time now. I HOPE you are still doing well.

[@RonnieMinh]

@@danielvibez4000 I’m doing great, thanks!

[@danielvibez4000]

@@RonnieMinh that's good to hear. I hope you keep doing well.

[@marcusisahooper]

“Disneyland is ALWAYS open.” Me in 2020: 😬😬😬

[@hangfried9429]

1 million visitors in the first 7 weeks! I was there last Summer, and I am pretty sure there were that many in one day.

[@SirSmoldham]

LOVE DISNEYLAND. The opening day inspired Michael C to write Westworld and Jurrasic Park.

[@rebeccabunch8904]

Black Sunday was basically Tanacon. Confirmed.

[@martinslater3]

$5 ladder, great video!

[@wmascolin]

Thats $45 a person with inflation, that man was a god damn genius.

[@kennedylyon7035]

Boo 😒 heet

[@MalkaLand1996]

You're one of my favorite KZbinrs! I'm a Disney fanatic and I love learning details about its history.

[@blaisebettenhausen2885]

Offhand Disneyland dang I mean Disney you our amazing! Thx for the amazing information you keep me entertained every time you upload a New video! Keep it up my friend!

[@foulfish]

Going to Disney California in May. So excited

[@hewokitty155]

You will love there!

[@alexplott1191]

I’m going in June but still not in summer

[@iansabin1262]

I'm going next week.

[@bizmarkie9112]

I'm so jealous. Have fun! May is almost here!

[@magmaman6384]

Good luck. In June, it’s really crowded, really hot, and the lines go in hours.

[@fishyfishy3140]

What if Walt Disney is actually.... JEAN LAFFITE?!?!

[@emilyherrera8633]

a rainbow Fishy da da daaaaaaaaaaa

[@themysteriousgravityfalls]

We all already know he is

[@jjgg275]

OMG

[@laurelheck5774]

the og tanacon

[@squirralicious]

SKDFSJDL all that information and good knowledge to end the video in "just bring a ladder". I love u.

[@RedCraftGaming]

"Every single day you wake up, 365 days a year Disneyland is open and operating" 😭

[@ZacharyTos]

I love this channel! Edit: I can't believe this video is so informative! Keep it up. All Hail Our Disney Overlords!

[@angie-noh8]

The opening of Disneyland was a 50s version of Tanacon.....way more people than expected showed up, it was swelteringly hot, and it was bashed my the media

[@stephenwimer7235]

There were two opening days. Press Day was number one. That's the one I one to at age 3. It wasn't so bad. No lines. I was the only one in Fantasyland because the drawbridge was up. I snuck around and got in by the back.

[@srayj]

“Every single day you wake up Disneyland is open and operating” *sigh* I wish that were true. 😞 July 17, 2020, the first time the park has been closed on this day since that crazy opening.

[@snowwhite19376]

even on there anniversy

[@richardstrainsandmore]

The +100 degree temperatures could be a myth.historical weather websites show the temperatures in nearby Fullerton and Santa Ana on July 17 1955 were only in the mid 70s, maybe the hot asphalt made it feel like 100 degrees?

[@albertice2]

just saying its more likely for it to be 100 degrees in the middle of july in california then 70 degrees.

[@Gee-xb7rt]

I'm on weather underground, they list a high in Santa Ana that day being 71, average 78, record 86. No data for Anaheim or Fullerton.

[@hrdkorebp]

Anaheim doesn't get that hot

[@Feelflowww]

Billy Batson I worked at Disneyland In 103 degree weather

[@dajosh42069]

Was it that hot on THAT DAY..? I can't answer that. I wasn't there. And I've never found or seen; 'a picture taken within the park, of a Thermometer, with a date-time stamp or newspaper with that days date on it'. Short of that..we very likely will never be CERTAIN BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT, of the temperature within the park on that exact day. There are, however, certain indicators that allow us to determine a few things with regards to the likelihood of such high temperatures in the region in general and in the park specifically. For starters, as many have already pointed out/claimed.. That part of California is pretty typically mild in it's temperatures. And while temps absolutely CAN reach those high levels of heat..it's not particularly common. That being said, I myself live in Las Vegas, Nevada. And although LV is traditionally much much hotter than a place like Anaheim, some of the same factors and variables are relevant to both locations. A particularly hot day, with relatively low wind, can result in quite a bit of heat more or less pooling in the air at it's given location. Couple THAT with the presence of the city itself, the park itself, as well as any adjacent man-made area...and you're looking at a situation where the heat is undisbursed without any natural weather factors to effect the temperature. Sidewalks, Buildings, (of just about any/every kind) Roads... *(ALL roads, but asphalt/blacktop in especially)* All of them both hold, and re-radiate immense amounts of heat.. causing temperatures to spike enormously at ground level. (You know...WHERE PEOPLE GENERALLY ARE!) The city itself acts as a natural heat generator, and causes the "in-town / in-city" temperatures to skyrocket.

[@justbealdc8712]

“Disneyland is always open and operating” Me: not anymore

[@ShadowBlazer3000]

The good thing is, when Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don't eat the tourists.

[@cooperminion825]

ShadowBlazer3000 nice JP reference

[@HappyMuffin]

Concrete and asphalt are completely different things...

[@jenthelonelypotato5880]

SO👏MUCH👏CONTENT👏IN👏ONE👏WEEK👏

[@ducktsu7767]

Tanacon 1950’s edition

[@1bigbeatlesfan]

It seems the biggest problem was Disney trying to open up the park too soon. If he had waited 6 more weeks there probably wouldn't have been so many problems.

[@shammydammy2610]

Yes, funnily is a word.

[@ADAMan123]

OFFFFFFHAAAAAND DIIIIIISSSSNEEEEEYYYYY DIIIIIISSSNEEEEEYYYYYYLLLLLLAAAAANNNNNNDDDDD

[@vic4884]

"just bring a ladder" LOL!

[@thearnotts121]

I have no desire to go to Disney land or Disney world and I’m not a Disney fanatic but I can’t stop watching these Disney videos lol

[@user-wt4wu1pg9n]

That was Awesome! Every time I watch your videos you take me back to my childhood and you make me excited for future Disney experiences!

[@znvorz]

i talked to an old man who snuck in on opening day while being a teenager. it was so cool listening to his story. its unimaginable now to even think about trying to climb or sneak into Disneyland

[@anxietyprimev6983]

Frank Sinatra was there? Holy shit. (I don’t know why I’m so astonished, it’s Frank Sinatra. I just really think he’s cool.)

[@ldcmcfly]

These comments 50%tanacon 49%L A D D E R 1%other

[@chiqen1766]

This seems like the work of JEAN LAFFITE!!!!!

[@spiderdad2003]

Packing a ladder for my next Disney trip, my new must-have. thanks dallin!

[@AstraLee-Investigator_Sapling-]

I had never seen the Disneyland construction time lapse video, thanks for sharing!

[@markie_p]

Overcapacity? No food or water? Beating sun? People showing up without real tickets? It's the original Tanacon!

[@madzz_c_]

For all who comes to this happy place, welcome

[@TomFury3310]

Great video... thanks for putting these all together

[@Lil_Angry_Bitch]

Yet Galaxy's Edge still had yet to see any crowds

[@richie-3485]

100°F is just standard Californian summer weather. definitely not a deterrant for us lmao.

[@ldcmcfly]

Agree over here were basically cooked alive

[@Legomovie970]

I'm surprised that this amusement park is still open today after the whole disaster was happening during "Black Friday".

[@imhappy5266]

I just had some sort of fever induced mad dream, but I actually wish it would happen. Basically in July 2019 Galaxys edge is doing crazy good, and park attendence is through the roof, but tomorrowland is being overshadowed by Galaxys edge. Sooo, with the boosted attendence Disney decided to close down all of tomorrowland, and rebuild/fix the peoplemover track, and move startours to galaxys edge, and create a newer, more advanced journy through inner space attraction. Honestly I wish that would happen, that sounds amazing.

[@raphaelmarquez9650]

Just like how Universal Studios Florida had an opening day disaster.

[@claudiobizama5603]

And EuroDisney

[@JONALDYT]

I'm watching as much of these awesome videos as possible before I go to Disney World (and yes, I know this video is on Disneyland) in just 3 days. Can't wait :)

[@sammykammy5851]

I find this oddly uplifting. I'm sure that after this disaster the people that were there thought it was going to be a huge mistake. Now its one of the most memorable destinations in the world. So if you start something, and fail miserably, just remember the melting pavement and broken rides on day one of the most successful place on earth. Or just get a ladder.

[@hornhospital]

Please learn the difference between concrete and asphalt. Concrete doesn't melt in the heat (neither does asphalt, but it does soften)

[@bradgroves2000]

Watching this in 2020 Disneyland closed for like 6 months

[@trollie2376]

However the real reason it failed is the creepy ripped mouth minnie and mickey

[@ReverendReverb]

Tomorrow is the one day I would change for a Monday- Wait, wrong Black Sunday

[@legothoron1]

At least when the attractions broke down, the pirates didn't eat the visitors

[@2rrkd]

You know what I wish? I want Disney to make a movie about the disaster that was opening day of Disneyland, over exaggerate some facts, like people literally getting stuck in asphalt, the horror that the restrooms weren't working, that Art guy cursing that he can't find his microphone, maybe go into more graphic detail in Davey Crockett's murder song, it would be the funniest movie they ever made.

[@drewaskeland6529]

I love the lesson in this video, it's a very universal concept, I've used it many times already

[@ofamilyonthemove1238]

1 year and 1 day is even more incredible if you think about how far construction methods and planning have come since then.

[@jeffreyverspaget4353]

Waoooow this is nice to see what a story I love it Disney land California is my favorite park Disney self work dear and it is the real first park that Disney self makes and opend beautiful gr Jeffrey 🍀🌞☕😘🌴.

[@batboy5023]

6:22 This shot is hilarious to me for some reason XD. Mickey looks so distraught to me LOL. Anyway, another great video, man!

[@instinctivelychelsea2905]

Disney's opening day is kinda like movies screen test audiences , it's good to hear there feedback and reactions but it's never the last say.

[@AlanMG1]

Just bring a ladder

[@largol33t1]

LOL, the Mickey Gestapo will be on you faster than you can blink! I've read hilarious stories by ticket counter people who see gate jumpers being dragged out of the park. It seems to escalate a little during the summer and winter.

[@AlanMG1]

largol33t1 I was quoting what he said in the video 😂 no need for ladder for me #AP

[@themysteriousgravityfalls]

I’m going to Disneyland in two days I’m excited 😆

[@joeyb7867]

The Mysterious Gravity Falls Person Remember if you can’t afford it bring a ladder! 😂

[@themysteriousgravityfalls]

Trust me... I already have a backup plan

[@joeyb7867]

Omg I just found out I’m going to Disneyland tomorrow!! I’m so excited 😁

[@themysteriousgravityfalls]

How did you just find out?

[@joeyb7867]

The Mysterious Gravity Falls Person it was a surprise from my parents

[@talonahlea7384]

When the video came out I was leaving Disneyland

[@snakes3425]

Employee: Sir we should just be happy the attractions didn't meltdown and set fire to the park

[@Disneylander]

Where is my #laddersquad at?

[@poopman2524]

Disneylander here

[@RachelAwkward]

Nope... I'm a banana

[@mikek4610]

Disneylander they got arrested stealing ladders from home depot

[@BabyTXGrl]

wow i didn't know so much went wrong that day

[@xonsarchives6620]

How magical.

[@rndmpinkiepie64]

I wouldn't suggest the ladder thing: Disney may have had security problems on opening day, but they can afford the snipers they have now

[@meghanteress]

Lmao just bring a ladder! Shouldn’t have renewed my annual pass

[@Liquidspaceman]

"...just bring a ladder" hahaha :)