One of the most famous speeches to Disneyland fans may be Walt Disney’s dedication speech from Opening Day, July 17, 1955. It’s on a plaque at the base of the flag pole in Town Square. Part of it is shown during The Magic, The Memories, and You. Part of it is even tapped out in Morse Code at the Frontierland/New Orleans Square station of the Disneyland Railroad (more on that tidbit another time).

In case you’re not familiar with it–or you just want to hear it again–here is a video of Walt delivering that speech.

Go ahead and watch it again if you want to, I understand.

Finished? OK, good. Now, the title of this post refers to Disneyland Dedication Speeches, plural. Did you know there was more than one? Indeed there was. The one we know best is the dedication of the entire park, but each land had its own dedication. One reason the others are less well-known is that the only one that was actually installed was the Tomorrowland dedication plaque. Though it was gone for a while, you can see a newer version of the plaque at the entrance to Tomorrowland.

But what of these other dedications? What did they say? Here are a couple for you:

Fantasyland

“Fantasyland

The Happiest Kingdom of them All
Here is the world of imagination, hopes and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment, the age of chivalry, magic and make believe are reborn — and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young-at-heart — to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams do come true.”
     ~ Walt Disney; July 17, 1955

Adventureland

“Adventureland

 

Here is adventure. Here is romance. Here is mystery. Tropical rivers — silently flowing into the unknown. The unbelievable splendor of exotic flowers — the eerie sound of the jungle … with eyes that are always watching. 

This is Adventureland.” 

~ Walt Disney; July 17, 1955

Main Street U.S.A.

“Main Street U.S.A. 

Main Street U.S.A. is America at the turn of the century — the crossroads of an era. The gas lamp and the electric lamp — the horse-drawn car and the auto car. Main Street is everyone’s hometown — the heartline of America.” 

~ Walt Disney; July 17, 1955