Early in his career, Walt Disney had a vision of building an attraction next to his studio to entertain visitors — a place where a whole family could have fun together. In 1953 he bought 160 acres in Anaheim, California. Two years later, the $17 million Disneyland park opened to the public.

The opening was televised, anchored in part by future president Ronald Reagan.

Only 6,000 tickets were issued, but many people had bought forged tickets; the estimated attendance was over 28,000, far more than the venue could handle.

The day was so hot that the recently laid tarmac melted. A plumber's strike forced Disney to choose between functioning toilets or water fountains. Disney chose toilets. Some suspected the lack of water was a ploy to sell more Pepsi, a major sponsor.

Those weren't the only hiccups. Food ran out quickly and a gas leak closed part of the park in the afternoon. Traffic delays meant the special guests, who were supposed to arrive at intervals, all arrived together. One of the anchormen was caught on camera kissing a dancer, and Disney flubbed the reading of the Tomorrowland plaque.

Disney was largely oblivious to the extent of the problems while hosting the opening show. Later its executives would call the day "Black Sunday." Walt Disney later mended his relationship with the press by inviting them to special events so they could experience the park properly.

The day after the less-than-grand opening, attendees still queued up early. The park was a success. By 1965 around 50 million people had visited. Further parks were built in Florida, Paris and Shanghai, among others. The parks remain a major and iconic part of the The Walt Disney Company.