A lesser known dedication speech on Disneyland's opening day!
The Walt Daily
A Word From Walt: The Dedication of Tomorrowland
- Hi everyone. Dedication speeches at Disney are a tradition that go back to the very first day of Disneyland. And not all of them are just for the parks. (upbeat music) On Dedication Day of Disneyland in 1955, Walt Disney delivered his iconic and well-known speech about the intentions for his park. But a lesser-known dedication that happened that same day was for Tomorrowland. First, a little context. The original Tomorrowland that opened with the park was nothing short of thrown together. Disneyland's park construction lasted for just over one year. And Tomorrowland was the last land to get started. It's said that Walt was originally planning to open Tomorrowland during the second phase of the park years later. So when it was decided to construct it, it was not only done in a short period of time, but also on a limited budget. Nevertheless, the land opened with the rest of the park. Let's listen to Walt's Dedication. (upbeat music) Before our preview of Tomorrowland, I'd like to read these few words of dedication. A vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man's achievement. A step into the future with predictions of constructive things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure, and ideals. The atomic age, the challenge of outer space, and the hope for a peaceful and unified world. (upbeat music) In his speech, he doesn't address specific attractions or designs that were there in 1955, but rather an overarching message that will carry with the land. Keeping the land of Tomorrow reflective of the future is no easy task. In some might argue, it's impossible, but as long as it continues to explore frontiers and showcase achievements by the people of the world, it would be something that Walt himself would be happy to see. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)