Q: I was wondering at what time Disneyland closed for the public on the press preview day (July 17, 1955), because, as far as I know, the park only opened its doors at 2:30 p.m. for the people who had the silver tickets, but some people received green tickets to enter the park only after the telecast at 5:30 p.m., and others white tickets to enter the park at 6 p.m. Do you know until what time the guests allowed to stay in the park on that day? Also, besides the silver, white, and green tickets, were there press preview tickets in other colors? Thanks a lot for all the great information about Disney that you share with us!
Marco, Sao Paulo, Brazil
A: On July 17, 1955, Disneyland announced to its invited guests a closing time of 8:00 p.m., so they could get the park ready for the public opening the next day. To prepare for the live television special, all attractions closed at 4:00; they would then reopen as each land was dedicated. For the remainder of the summer, Disneyland would be open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Archives has only the silver Invitational Press Preview ticket, but I have also seen the green and white ones.
Dave Smith