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Seven Takeaways from the Disneyland 1959 Souvenir Guide

10.17.2022 by Dan Heaton // Leave a Comment

The cover for the Walt Disney's Guide to Disneyland Souvenir book in 1959.

I’m amazed by how many gems from Disney history I’ve uncovered thanks to my parents. My dad visited Disneyland in the summer of 1959 when he was 15 and provided incredible photos of that trip. I had hazy memories of reading an old souvenir guide at my grandparents’ house from that era.… Read more...

Categories // Disneyland Tags // Books, Disneyland, Fantasyland, Souvenirs, Tomorrowland, Vintage Disneyland, Walt Disney

Operation Disneyland: An Ambitious Live TV Special

09.30.2020 by Dan Heaton // Leave a Comment

Credits for the 1955 TV look at preparations for the opening day Disneyland special.
The title credit for the 1955 TV special Operation Disneyland

The opening day of Disneyland carries an infamous story of unexpected crowds, miscues, and chaos. Viewed through today’s lens 60 years later, the issues on July 17, 1955 are an aberration.… Read more...

Categories // TV Tags // Disneyland, Reviews, TV Shows, Vintage Disney, Vintage Disneyland, Walt Disney

A Visit to Disneyland in 1959 (Photo Essay)

08.12.2020 by Dan Heaton // 8 Comments

Sleeping Beauty Castle stands tall in the middle of Disneyland in June 1959.
Sleeping Beauty Castle was Disneyland’s icon from the beginning.

My parents have been longtime Disney fans, and they are one of the main reasons for my passion for theme parks. Our annual trips to Walt Disney World (and one to Disneyland in 1985) made me into the fan that I am today.… Read more...

Categories // Disneyland Tags // Disneyland, Photo essays, Vintage Disney, Vintage Disneyland, Walt Disney

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