What opening day special was better? Disneyland's in 1955 or Disney World's in 1971?

[Walt Disney1955]

I don't mean which first day was better because we all know from a technical standpoint Disneyland opening day was a disaster. But what is more fun to watch for you? This is Disneyland with Art Linkletter hosting, also Ronald Reagan, Bob Cummings and of course words from Walt Disney. There is the opening prayer at Disneyland, the national anthem and of course Fess Parker singing "Old Betsy".


Or WDW in 1971. Glen Campbell singing, Julie Andrews singing throughout Fantasyland and Bob Hope overseeing things with some funny jokes.

 

[englanddg]

My vote goes to EPCOT...with Danny Kaye!

 

[brb1006]

The opening of Walt Disney World, since the final where the entire crowd is singing "When You Wish Upon A Star" sent chills to me.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Let's not also forget Disney-MGM Grand Opening..


OOORRR...Animal Kingdom Grand Opening..

 

[englanddg]

Let's not also forget Disney-MGM Grand Opening..


OOORRR...Animal Kingdom Grand Opening..

EPCOT still greater. I mean, really. Danny KAYE!!! The singer of...Inchworm!

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

EPCOT still greater. I mean, really. Danny KAYE!!! The singer of...Inchworm!

you by chance read the article on mouseplanet about the grand opening filming with Danny Kaye? That's some messed-up stuff there.
https://www.mouseplanet.com/10082/Danny_Kaye_and_the_Opening_of_EPCOT_Center

 

[englanddg]

you by chance read the article on mouseplanet about the grand opening filming with Danny Kaye? That's some messed-up stuff there.
https://www.mouseplanet.com/10082/Danny_Kaye_and_the_Opening_of_EPCOT_Center

I had not. This is amazing. Thank you!

He told me, 'We are going to keep roping off areas, not to keep the guests away from Kaye but to keep him away from the guests.'

 

[englanddg]

Oh, I gotta link this now, due to this:

"Nunis was especially upset with the Smith-Hemion production Kraft Salutes Walt Disney World's 10th Anniversary that ran in January 1982. It had Michael Keaton as this long-haired, incompetent, snarky cast member doing things a cast member would never have been allowed to do, including having long hair and trying to pick up on barely legal Dana Plato. Nunis was still steaming from that special when the Epcot thing got underway. "



I, actually, have not seen this before.

@Cmdr_Crimson - Oh my, thank you. You made my week.

 

[englanddg]

Oh, they aren't kidding about Keaton. Holy crap...hahahahaha

HOW have I not seen this before?

This is Star Wars Holiday Special level of cringe.

 

[englanddg]

You know what's sad, watching this...my earliest memories of Disney were around this time. Right before we moved to Germany (we went to WDW first)...I am having some flashbacks from scenery. But, wow, this is bad.

 

[englanddg]

Oh wow...this is a Tribute? lmao....REALLY? This is a dumpster fire of a show. Postmodern deconstructionist poo. Thanks Kraft! (I'll never look at The Land the same again)....

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Oh, they aren't kidding about Keaton. Holy crap...hahahahaha

HOW have I not seen this before?

This is Star Wars Holiday Special level of cringe.

Oh, there are other odd specials from the Disney parks that are just downright strange.
like the grand opening of Captain EO an hour long special bunch of musical guests but not Michael Jackson.


then there's welcome to the world the grand opening of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom 50-min musical special and Space Mountain is shown at the end of the entire special..A whopping 8 or so minutes..


and let's not forget the other one Epcot celebrity circus.... Let's just say it was weird to begin with.

 

[englanddg]

Oh, there are other odd specials from the Disney parks that are just downright strange.
like the grand opening of Captain EO an hour long special bunch of musical guests but not Michael Jackson.


and let's not forget the other one Epcot celebrity circus.... Let's just say it was weird to begin with.

One at a time, one at a time! hahaha! I'm on their shopping spree right now. How....strange. Who the hell green lit this?

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

One at a time, one at a time! hahaha! I'm on their shopping spree right now. How....strange. Who the hell green lit this?

Oh there is so much more to phathom but, I'll leave this other one here.. remember the 70s Mickey Mouse Club....Sure no one does lol (JK) but, they too had a special..

 

[englanddg]

Oh lord, I never knew Luke Duke was a country singer (well, sortof did, but....wow....just............wow.....)

 

[englanddg]

Oh there is so much more to phathom but, I'll leave this other one here.. remember the 70s Mickey Mouse Club....Sure no one does lol (JK) but, they too had a special..

I actually toured MGM when they were still filming the new MMC there. Was part of the studio audience.

It was...underwhelming. But, I got to see pop sensations before they went insane, I suppose.

 

[TwilightZone]

The best opening day special is california adventure's

Or Drew Carey riding super star limo.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

Those are nice videos and all and I'll look around to them when I can..........but to the original question, any thoughts? None of these videos even exist without the first two.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

No one with any favourite moments in either one of these opening days? None? Julie Andrews singing with the kids from Small World or Bob Hope's jokes? Or Art Linkletter?

 

[Christian Fronckowiak]

Hooray for the 21st Century!