Many people have seen the iconic photo of Michael Schwartner and Christine Vess with Walt Disney. The two children were the official first visitors to Disneyland on July 18, 1955. But few people have seen the first ticket ever sold to Disneyland.
The ticket was sold by Walt Disney to his brother Roy for $1, the admission price back in 1955. The ticket is now part of the Walt Disney archives collection in Burbank, CA. When Dave Smith was head of the Disney Archives, he used to keep the ticket in his top desk drawer and would show this treasure to guests who stopped by. The guy had an amazing collection of random items including Steve Martin’s original employment card (he worked in the Disneyland Magic Shop) and a World Series championship ring from when Disney owned the Anaheim Angels.
So while Michael and Christine have the honor of being first to enter the Disneyland turnstiles, Roy Disney has the distinction of being the first to buy a ticket to the happiest place on earth.
Photo via Reddit
