Tag Archives: Disneyland
Disneyland’s vast parking lot on opening day, Anaheim, California, 17 July 1955
I took one look at this photo and thought “I’ll never complain about the parking at Disneyland again.” This shot was taken on Disneyland’s opening day, 17 July 1955. These days, they have pictures of characters to help you remember … Continue reading
Disneyland parking lot at the main entrance gate, 1956
This photo was identified as being taken in 1956, which makes it only a year after opening. There are a couple of noteworthy things to mention: look at how close the parking lot was to the main entrance gate! It’s … Continue reading
Entrance gate to Disneyland in 1965, when parking cost 25 cents
This photo shows us the relatively plain and unadorned entrance to the parking lot at Disneyland. In 1965, when this was taken (Disneyland was only 10 years old at the time), parking cost 25 cents. Today, it costs 25 dollars. … Continue reading
Billboard advising drivers to turn onto Harbor Blvd for Disneyland, Anaheim, circa late 1950s
And here we have a photo taken while driving through Anaheim to Disneyland. The billboard alerts people to take Harbor Blvd to get to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The car parked on the roadside is a Chrysler Town and Country … Continue reading
Construction of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, Disneyland, circa late 1954
I almost didn’t want to post this photo because a part of me wants to think that magic fairy dust built Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland in one sparkling cinematic moment. But no. Real men sitting on real scaffolding put … Continue reading
Ticket booths at Disneyland, 1975
Being inside Disneyland these days is still a magical experience. Crowded, yes, but the place still maintains its enchantment, if you ask me. However, getting into Disneyland these days is a different matter. You line up to get into the … Continue reading
Disneyland’s Matterhorn ride under construction, March 1959
With the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opening at the end of this month, it’s a reminder that Disneyland is a constantly evolving world where old rides are retired and new attractions are added all the time. For as long as … Continue reading
Walt Disney sitting alone in Main Street, Disneyland just prior to opening, Summer 1955
This photo of an unusually somber Walt Disney was taken during the summer of 1955 just before Disneyland opened on July 17. Perhaps he’s not somber at all—just utterly exhausted. Getting the park up and running had been a long, … Continue reading
Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds rollercoaster ride under construction, as seen from the Submarine Lagoon, circa early 1959
The Matterhorn Bobsleds ride feels like it’s been at Disneyland forever, but it wasn’t constructed until 1959. Interesting, it started out as a great, big pile of dirt that resulted from the construction of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. To pretty it … Continue reading
Mad Tea Party ride at Disneyland during its first year, 1955
Click on the photo for a more detailed view (and then click again for a really detailed view!) The Mad Tea Party ride is one only 8 or so of Disneyland’s original opening day attractions in 1955 that and are … Continue reading