TLS, one page, 7.25 x 8, personal letterhead, November 27, 1954. In part: “While I am sure your program will be an interesting one, I am unable to accept…In the first place, I am not a speaker, plus the fact that the coming year will be one of the busiest of our entire career. This is occasioned by the fact that our DISNEYLAND Park is scheduled to open around July or August…” In fine condition, with several horizontal folds, with one fold through a couple letters of the signature, and probably trimmed slightly in size. Construction for Disneyland began on July 21, 1954, a meager 12 months before the park was scheduled to open. Walt stayed close to every detail of the Park's Construction, and he visited the site in Anaheim several times a week. Progress went sporadically despite exasperating obstacles. Opening day, was a day to remember. Six thousand invitations to the Grand Opening had been mailed. By mid-afternoon over 28,000 ticket holders were storming the Magic Kingdom. Most of the tickets were counterfeit. Walt Disney was 53 when he dedicated Disneyland Park. It was a memorable ceremony. There in Town Square, Walt could look around and see the fulfillment of his hopes, dreams, and ambitions in the form of a spectacular entertainment kingdom. Nevertheless, Opening Day was a terrible disaster. A 15-day heat wave raised temperatures up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, due to a plumbers’ strike, few water fountains were operating in the hot weather. Asphalt still steamed, having been laid the night before, literally "trapping" high-heeled shoes. After opening day, the heat wave continued, and almost wiped out the park. Beside the terrible opening day conditions, the park, of course, did eventually succeed. By 1965, ten years after opening day, fifty million visitors had come through the gates. COA Phil Sears and R&R COA.
