Original 1963 Disneyland Gold Pass, 4 x 2.5, issued to California governor Goodwin J. Knight, signed in blue ballpoint, “Walt Disney,” and signed on the reverse by Knight. In fine condition. Accompanied by a photo of Governonr Knight and Disney during a presentation ceremony at the Hollywood Bowl.
On Sunday, July 17, 1955, Walt Disney opened Disneyland with an official dedication ceremony witnessed by 25,000 invited guests including entertainers, government officials, Los Angeles and Orange county officials, national and local editors and journalists, local businesses and clubs, exhibitors and lessees of the park itself. Governor Knight, who assisted in the festivities, called Disneyland "a wondrous community with all the charm of the old world and all of the progress and ingenuity of the new world." The American flag was raised, followed by the National Anthem and an inaugural parade. ABC carried the dedication on national television with Disney and Art Linkletter as hosts. Coverage began at 4:30 pm as the Santa Fe and Disneyland passenger train made its first official trip around the 60-acre park with Disney and Knight as the engineers, previewing the five main areas of the park and ending at Fantasyland where all of the characters greeted them. Also participating in the dedication were The Mouseketeers whose program, The Micky Mouse Club, debuted that year. The next day, 50,000 visitors stepped into The Magic Kingdom for the first time.
In 1956, Disney issued the first Gold Pass to Jack Wrather and his family to express his gratitude; Art Linkletter and JFK also received one of the first Gold Passes. Such passes were mainly given to investors, business associates, and friends of the Disney family. They are extremely rare and this scarce 1963 pass was issued during the 1962 Christmas season, permitting Governor Goodwin and five guests year-long access to the park. Issued annually, these limited passes were signed by Disney himself until 1966. A particularly outstanding example, made all the better by its excellent association! Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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