Need historical info on Disneyland's opening

[bclydia]

Hello
I've made a couple of trips to Disneyland during the 50th celebrations.
I'm familiar with the July? official opening.
Today, I ran into a rather cranky older lady (who I really do try to be patient with ) who insists that Disneyland was open "unofficially" in Sept 1954. I thought that I saw on the Steve Martin movie that the park was built on a very short timeline and on opening day was less than finished - I remember that the tarmac wasn't properly set even, they said.
When I mentioned this, this lady insists that she was there for her honeymoon and she has pictures yada yada yada.
Am I crazy? Was Disneyland open then and I am just a fool for thinking it really was 1955?
Any idea where I can find some indisputable record of it. This particular lady will not give up, she never does. I'll need some kind of evidence to quote or this will never end!
Thanks so much!
I know if it's anywhere to be found, my Dis friends will know!!!
Thanks
Lydia

 

[OregonDisneyFanatic]

It opened on Sunday, July 17th 1955

I have the Disneyland Now and then book. It shows pictures of when it opened and pictures of the park then and now. If you could find that book it is a great book or can you search "Disneyland Opening" or something like that and find something on the internet that you could show her? There are also shows on Disneyland on the Travel Channel that you might be able to tape and show her. That would irritate me. Good luck!

Edited to add: I just looked and the Disneyland Behind the Sceens is on the Travel Channel on Feb. 25th at 1-2 pm!

You could tape it and wrap it up and give it to her LOL!

 

[exDS vet]

All you need is a photo of the dedication plaque on Main St. which is dated July 17, 1955. The old lady is old. 'Nuff said on that.
BTW. July 17 was a private event. The park didn't actually open to the public until Monday, July 18.
You might also want to let her know that they broke ground on July 17, 1954. It would have been impossible to finish the construction in just 2 months. The book "Disneyland...The Beginning" By Carlene Thie. Published by Ape Pen Publishing Company. I bought this book when I was at the park on July 17, 2005. I was just reading through it for the first time earlier tonight, and it hase some great information and many photos from construction through opening day and beyond.

Sometimes it's tough dealing with know-it-alls. Just spend some time on the Rumors and News board and you'll see exactly what I mean.

 

[PattiPB]

I have an idea you may not have thought of. I had an aunt who was adamant about a certain detail of her wedding---that her father (my grandfather) was alive. Well...when she got married, her father was dead. D-E-A-D dead!

Why was she so desperately, adamantly lying about it? She was PREGNANT when she got married, and has LIED to all 6 of her children for the past 50 years to hide the fact she was PG.

Nobody in the family cared anymore. They probably didn't care then! But to her deathbed she swore she was married a year earlier than she really was.

Just ask the crankpot if she has been lying about her honeymoon date for 51 years to cover some pre-marital activity. I'll bet she shuts up!

 

[stampinshauna]

Well, it sounds like you have some proof for the July 1955 opening. If she still disputes it ask her for some proof.

A previous poster was right when she said it wasn't open to the public until July 18th. That's my birthday (but not year), so no wonder I LOVE Disneyland!!!