“Here You Leave Today and Enter the World of Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Fantasy” On July 17, 1955, the Happiest Place on Earth opened its gates for the very first time. Disneyland was an idea that Walt dreamed up while watching his daughters riding on the Griffith Park carousel. He wanted to create something that the whole family could enjoy together. With an innovative team of creative minds, a television show, and months of planning, Walt Disney’s dream finally came to  ...