Opening Day at Disneyland in 1955 or WDW in 1971. Which day had more anticipation?

[Walt Disney1955]

Maybe it is an obvious question to some but to others it isn't. Think about it, in 1955 Walt built Disneyland from the ground up. It was a different theme park that was promoted like crazy prior to the opening. On hindsight we look back on it and realize that it was far from the perfect day. It was overcrowded, the sun was so hot it was making the newly paved pavement cave in and the water fountains didn't work. But the anticipation of this mystery park was huge and everyone seemed to want to see it. Lots of celebrities were there too.

Fast forward to 1971 with WDW opening and only the Magic Kingdom at the beginning. There was the knowledge of what to expect to an extent but still lots of excitement.

Which park had the most anticipated opening? Disneyland in 1955 or Magic Kingdom in 1971?

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'd say Disneyland, easily. Not only was it the first theme park from Disney, but many people though Disneyland would fail. Not to mention the television show, "Disneyland", which broadcasted the progress of the park on television. Many people were watching. Walt had to loan a lot of money to build Disneyland, and people knew that. Plus, like you said, all the celebrities that showed up on opening day. Speaking of opening day, opening day for Disneyland was a huge deal. Disneyland had never been done before in America, while Magic Kingdom was a copy of what had already been done. Both triggered anticipation, but I'd argue Disneyland was a bigger deal.

 

[FettFan]

I'd say Walt Disney World.

For obvious reasons.

 

[dave&di]

I love WDW history, I'll be interested to see info on this thread! Great thread @Big Phil

 

[ifuhadwings]

My Mom was there (living in the Anaheim area) in 1955 before Disneyland opened and I was living in Florida before Disney World. She was a teenager at that time. I was a little kid at the time for WDW opening. My mom visited Disney in its' first few days and we visited Disney world in its' first few weeks. I can remember that is all my friends on the block and in school talked and talked and talked about. My Dad took us too see WDW while it was still under construction. I can remember riding in golf carts or something and lots of gravel. I still have the Mickey Mouse figure from that trip and well he rules! Even though I'm biased I have to vote Disneyland. I always wonder what Mr. Disney would have done with WDW.

 

[NYwdwfan]

My Mom was there (living in the Anaheim area) in 1955 before Disneyland opened and I was living in Florida before Disney World. She was a teenager and I was a little kid! My mom visited Disney in its' first few days and we visited Disney world in its' first few weeks. I can remember that is all my friends on the block and in school talked and talked and talked about. My Dad took us too see WDW while it was still under construction. I can remember riding in golf carts or something and lots of gravel. I still have the Mickey Mouse figure from that trip and well he rules! Even though I'm biased I have to vote Disneyland.

That may be the coolest thing ever.

I voted World - Land people had no idea what to expect and therefore anticipate...World people had these grand expectations and were counting on the park to deliver.

 

[ifuhadwings]

That may be the coolest thing ever.

I voted World - Land people had no idea what to expect and therefore anticipate...World people had these grand expectations and were counting on the park to deliver.

Excellent point.

 

[draybook]

Disneyland. Had it failed, Walt and Co. would haven gone under.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Disneyland. Had it failed, Walt and Co. would haven gone under.

That conjures up the question..Who had the most anticipation? Walt Disney Company or the general public. If the question is directed at the public then I'd have to say WDW. We already know what Disneyland was and the idea that a second was opening in Florida with such a huge venue and promise of grandeur. People were going in with more than just curiosity, but, expectations as well. For the WDC, Disneyland must have been a nail biter. Everything was hinging on it's success. With WDW, they had a track record and knew their audience. I don't think that they thought for minute that it was going to fail in any area. My poll answer was based on public anticipation and therefore was WDW.

 

[JIMINYCR]

My vote for WDW made it 50% WDW... 50% DL who's going to be the tie breaker?
I think the TV promotions and excitement that the Florida site was chosen brought more anticipation to the public. DL already being a success, everyone thought Walt's new park would outdo DL in every way so the anticipation factor was much higher to see what he would do to improve upon his earlier ideas. They knew Walt would raise the bar.