Fun Fact: Disneyland opened on July 18, 1955. Temperatures soared to over 100 degrees Farenheit that day. The asphalt, which had just been laid hadn't dried completely, and it is said that ladies' high heel shoes sunk into the tar. More than twice the number of invited guests showed up at the park that day due to widespread counterfeiting of the tickets. Rides broke down and food and drink ran out. Other mishaps and malfunctions such as a gas leak near Sleeping Beauty's Castle occured as well. Autopia was one of the 18 rides that were running on opening day. Back then the ride didn't have a guide rail to keep the cars on track, and by the end of opening day, many of the cars had crashed and become inoperable. Despite the problems, guests loved the park, and attendance continued to grow. Less than 2 months later, Disneyland welcomed its 1 millionth guest. (information from squidoo.com)