Building a Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney vision of a family-friendly America.
DISNEYLAND UNVEILED (1954) -– In front of an early rendering by Disney legend Peter Ellenshaw, Walt Disney unveils his plans for Disneyland to a national television audience during the premiere of “Disneyland” the television show, October 27, 1954.
Disney
FUTURE SITE OF DISNEYLAND –- Originally covered with orange groves and made up of parcels of land owned by 17 different people, Walt Disney purchased 160 acres in Anaheim to build his dream of a place where parents and children could have fun – together.
Disney
MAIN SREET UNDER CONSTRUCTION (1955) –- Workers prepare to pour cement where the northern edge of Town Square meets Main Street USA.
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TOMORROWLAND UNDER CONSTRUCTION (1955) -– Only days before opening day, a crane lifts the “Rocket to the Moon” during construction of Tomorrowland.
Disney
SLEEPING BEAUTY CASTLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION (1955) – Two months before she "awoke" to opening day visitors, this Disneyland landmark was getting a few final touches from construction workers. Walt Disney wanted this castle to be a friendly and welcoming presence in his park so it was built on a smaller scale than its European counterparts.
Disney
OPENING DAY DEDICATION (1955) -– Walt Disney reads the Disneyland dedication plaque before a national television audience; “To all who come to this happy place - welcome…”
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OPENING DAY (1955) -– This is a rare color image of opening day taken outside the Main Entrance of Disneyland.
Disney
OPENING DAY, FANTASYLAND (1955) -– Hundreds of children run through Sleeping Beauty Castle after the long-awaited lowering of the drawbridge into Fantasyland.
Disney
MAD TEA PARTY (1966) -- This opening day attraction, based on a scene in "Alice in Wonderland," spins Disneyland guests in giant teacups. Pictured here at its original location, it was moved near the Matterhorn in 1983 during the construction of the new Fantasyland.
Disney
DISNEYLAND RAILROAD (1966) -- One of Disneyland's original attractions from opening day and arguably Walt Disney's personal favorite, the trains of the Disneyland Railroad have “covered enough track” in 50 years to circle the earth more than 200 times. The trains provide guests an overall view of the park as well as the Grand Canyon and Primeval World dioramas.
Disney
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