Disneyland's 46th Birthday and Lincoln Grand Opening
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Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss
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Cynthia Harriss: Well good morning everyone and thank you for joining us. 46 years ago today, on July 17th 1955, Disneyland officially opened. Imagine the thrill it would’ve been to be here on opening day here at Disneyland. I wish all of us could've had that experience of being there to see Walt Disney himself stand right here in Town Square on Main Street USA and before the entire world, on live television, dedicate this magical kingdom. So let's take a moment and pause and relive that treasured moment that started it all.
Walt Disney gives the dedication speech
(c) Disney
Walt's voice over the loudspeaker:
"To all who come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age
relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of
the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have
created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the
world."
Cynthia Harriss: Since that historic day over 450 million guests have come through our gates. They've created memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. And today we feel the magic of Walt's vision as we strive to carry on his legacy of imagination, creativity and dreams. Here at Disneyland we treasure and embrace tradition but Walt also challenged us to keep Disneyland alive, growing and evolving. Our newest addition Disney's California Adventure represents the newest chapter in our dedication to his vision. And right here, where the magic began, we are proud to stir the imagination with the premiere of our all-new Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Walt himself personally supervised the original creation of this legendary attraction. He was thrilled to present the first human Audio-Animatronic figure to the Disneyland guests. But far from being a mere technical achievement, Walt saw to it that this attraction celebrated the spirit of someone for which he had a very special affinity, Abraham Lincoln. Today the enduring visions of both men continue to inspire us.
Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss
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Video: Cynthia Harriss (3 minutes, 26 seconds)
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It is therefore fitting that on Disneyland's 46th birthday we rededicate and reopen this attraction honoring both men. It is now my great pleasure to introduce a very special guest who not only worked side-by-side with Walt Disney and was here at opening day but also has been the individual who has led a fabulous team that has brought forth our new edition of our attraction, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Please join me in welcoming the Vice-Chairman and Principal Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, Marty Sklar.