TLS, signed “Walt Disney,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Disneyland Inc., letterhead, dated December 20, 1958. Disney writes to California Governor Goodwin Knight, presenting him with a Gold Pass, in part: “It is my pleasure to send you your 1959 Gold Pass to Disneyland and by means of this letter to give my personal welcome to you and your guests. We have scheduled—to be ready by June—some new attractions which we’re quite excited about. One of our big projects has been the building of a 1/100 scale model of the Matterhorn. We have added a bobsled ride down the mountain and the Skyway ride will go through it, viewing the interior glaciers and grottos. We have a Monorail Train and a Submarine Ride…and we’ve added new multi-leveled ramps in Autopia and new courses for the Motor Boat cruise. We’re anxious to have you see them and share our excitement. The Gold Pass is your key to our Magic Kingdom and will be honored anywhere in the Park.” With expected office notations and toning confined to edges, otherwise fine condition.
On Sunday July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates with an official dedication ceremony attended by 25,000 invited guests—an event witnessed across the nation by hundreds of thousands. Televised by ABC, the show began as the E. P. Ripley train made its debut trip, rolling along the Santa Fe Disneyland Railroad tracks with California Governor Goodwin Knight, Disney, and Mickey Mouse standing in as the train’s original engineers. Deriving from an integral period in the growth of the Disney franchise, this is a wonderful letter inviting Knight and his family to return and experience the park’s newest attractions—a destination which has since become an iconic piece of the Magic Kingdom. Pre-certified Phil Sears COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by Phil Sears
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