Disneyland Resort Newsroom

JACK SPARROW AND THE TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

In an extraordinary exhibition designed especially for the D23 Expo, an incredible collection of classic and contemporary Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” brings together such amazing pieces as the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; Michael Jackson’s costume from Captain EO; and other rare surprises from throughout Disney’s history. Ranging from the original Mickey Mouse Club and the musical classic Mary Poppins to recent hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and High School Musical, the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” is a never-before-experienced exhibition that’s a D23 Expo exclusive.  (Scott Brinegar/Disney)

Making 'it's a small world'

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Walt Disney "meets" some residents of the 'it’s a small world' attraction at Disneyland in California, during construction in May, 1966.   One of the most popular Disney attractions of all time, the show is a fun-filled and whimsical salute to the children of the world that conveys its message of peace and harmony through the international language of music.

Walt Disney

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:00:00 EST

Walt Disney takes an early morning stroll through his magic kingdom.

House of the Future

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Built of plastics, this four-winged "ultra-modern" house was on display from 1957 to 1967 in Tomorrowland at Disneyland.   The House of the Future featured the latest in furniture and appliances along with intercoms and other gadgets that were not common in most homes at the time.

Future Site of Disneyland

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

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.

Disneyland Unveiled

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

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.

Main Street Under Construction

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Workers prepare to pour cement where the northern edge of Town Square meets Main Street USA.

Tomorrowland Under Construction

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Only days before opening day, a crane lifts the “Rocket to the Moon” during construction of Tomorrowland.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Under Construction

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

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.

Opening Day

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

This is a rare color image of opening day taken outside the Main Entrance of Disneyland on July 17, 1955.

Opening Day Dedication - July 17, 1955

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

 Walt Disney reads the Disneyland dedication plaque before a national television audience; “To all who come to this happy place - welcome…”

Fantasyland Opens

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Hundreds of children run through Sleeping Beauty Castle after the long-awaited lowering of the drawbridge into Fantasyland on July 17, 1955.

Disneyland Hotel

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Disneyland Hotel opened across the street from Disneyland in 1955, but was built and owned by Walt’s friend, Jack Wrather until purchased from The Wrather Corporation in 1988.  The Disneyland Monorail track was expanded in 1961 to transport guests to and from the hotel, making it the only monorail in the country to cross a public street.

Walt Disney's Railroad

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

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.

Mad Tea Party

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

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.

Matterhorn Model

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Walt Disney reviews a model for the Matterhorn Bobsleds which opened in 1959 at a height of 147 feet.

America's Princess

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST

Former child star and future diplomat Shirley Temple joins Walt Disney at the opening of the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough at Disneyland on April 29, 1957.  The walkthrough, located inside the iconic castle, featured the story of Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty' told through a series of dioramas. 

Enchanted Tiki Room

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

The first attraction to feature sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figures opened June 23, 1963. The show features more than 200 birds, tikis and flowers.

Audio-Animatronics

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Legendary Disney Imagineer Marc Davis (L) looks on as Walt Disney examines their lifelike creation; an Audio-Animatronics figure created for Pirates of the Caribbean which opened at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. on March 18, 1967. It was the last Disneyland attraction personally supervised by Walt Disney.