Original July 17, 1955 Welcome to Disneyland Brochure, measuring 3.5 x 9 closed and opening to an overall size of 13.75 x 9, with a map of the brand new park inside, signed on the back of the brochure, over the Let’s Dine At Disneyland Guide, in blue ballpoint “Walt Disney.” Accompanied by two other original park brochures from 1955, a Bank of America Guide to Disneyland, which folds out to a color map of all five ‘lands’ in Disneyland and also listing the attractions in each area, as well as a Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad brochure, with a fold out map of the entire Western railroad system. Twenty-two thousand invitations were sent out for opening day on July 17, 1955. But thirty-three thousand showed up with invitations. It was discovered that false tickets were printed and sold all over Southern California. Outside companies were hired as guards and ushers. With the overcrowded park, the day turned into a disaster (which was later called “Black Sunday”) with a shortage of refreshments, long lines, melting asphalt, a shortage of water fountains and over flowing trash bins. Walt took the next two weeks and completely reorganized operations. In fine condition, with Disney signing over a failed first attempt at his first “W” due to poor ink flow and a bit of light handling wear. COA Phil Sears and R&R COA.
