On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened to roughly twice as many people as invited — thanks to counterfeit tickets, forged credentials, and guests literally climbing fences. The fresh asphalt melted in the Southern California heat, sinking women's heels. The drinking fountains didn't work. A gas leak closed entire sections of the park. Rides broke down. Food ran out. ABC broadcast all of it live to millions of viewers. Employees called it \"Black Sunday.\" This episode of Sidequests covers the full disaster of Disneyland's opening day — and the more interesting story of what Walt Disney did with the failure, and why the worst opening day in theme park history became the foundation for every well-run theme park that followed.
","author_name":"Keith Conrad"}