On July 17, 1955, the world became a bit more magical...
























Opening day at "The Happiest Place on Earth," presented by Getty Images.
Walt Disney smiles as he stands in front of the Sleeping Beauty's castle at the grand opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 1955.
Planted flowers forming design of Mickey Mouse's face, with the Disneyland train in background.
A full parking lot on the opening day of Disneyland as several cars try desperately to find a parking space.
Children run as fast as they can to enter Disneyland on opening day.
Children running through gate of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
Park attendees enjoy the "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" attraction at Disneyland.
Cups and saucers filled with children in the Fantasyland section of the park.
Walt Disney, with a toy gun in hand, halts a stagecoach filled with smiling youngsters in the Frontierland realm of Disneyland.
A father and daughter ride the "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" attraction.
Actor Adelle August plays with the Esmeralda fortune reader.
Eddie Fisher offers a drink to an aluminum-clad astronaut as actor Debbie Reynolds looks on.
A quartet of showgirls in costumes have a drink between performances.
Children wait to take off on Disneyland's "Autopia" attraction.
Park attendees take a spin in go-karts on a track at Disneyland.
Parkgoers visit and rest at Tomorrowland's "Spaceport."
A crowded riverboat heads downstream at Disneyland.
An animatronic giraffe peers down at children on Disneyland's "Jungle Cruise."
Actor Kathleen Case poses with a monkey while fans and children look on.
The Disneyland opening day parade is met with crowded streets and smiles.
Walt Disney waves to the crowds with former California governor Goodwin Knight.
Walt Disney stands with a brass band and attendees to dedicate his park on opening day.
Park attendees crowd Disneyland's streets as the opening day parade passes.
Costumed characters from the films Alice in Wonderland and Dumbo parade down Main Street, U.S.A.
Walt Disney sits on a bench at Disneyland.