1955 Invitational Press Ticket to the Dedication of Disneyland

Sold For:

$1,320

Year:

1955

Auction:

2016 Fall

Lot #:

2159

Category:

Historical/Political/Pop Culture/Americana

Rare invitational press ticket to the dedication of Disneyland on July 15, 1955. The large-format silver-colored ticket features an illustration of Cinderella's castle on the front, while the reverse includes a road map of southern California (the Disneyland location is prominently noted). Two separate announcements on the reverse specifically mention that the dedication will be telecast live on television by the ABC television network (ABC had minority ownership stake in the park). This is the first Disneyland opening day ticket we have ever offered and we cannot recall having seen more than just a few others. Disneyland opened exactly one year and one day after construction began on the iconic theme park, and the dedication was viewed by an estimated 70 million viewers at the time (the population of the United States was approximately 165 million in 1955). Even though the park was plagued by numerous problems on opening day (none of which were seen by television viewers), the park was a smashing success and it took only a few months for attendance to exceed one million visitors. Disneyland is one of the most iconic vacation destinations for families world wide, making this a historically significant piece of American culture and one that would be at home in any number of diverse collectible fields. The ticket (6.5 x 3.5 inches) displays light handling wear, including a few tiny creases and edge wear, as well as light toning on the reverse. In Excellent condition overall. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).