For the December 18, 1966 NBC telecast of “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” the episode was titled, “Disneyland Around the Seasons.” I am presenting 3 publicity shots for that episode, beginning with a shot from the opening ceremony of it's a small world, showing Walt and Louis B. Lundberg pouring the ceremonial waters from around the world into the small world canal. Lundborg was the Chairman of the Board of the Bank of America, the sponsor of this attraction at Disneyland when Pepsi bowed out after the end of the New York World’s Fair.
Next up is the Fantasy on Parade, with Mickey on the oversized drum.
Last, and definitely not least is the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at The Town Square Opera House. Voiced by Royal Dano, the life-like three-dimensional figure of the 16th U.S. President amazed guests with its realism and stirring speech, culled from a number of Lincoln’s actual addresses.
Today, small world has recently been refurbished and polished to like-new perfection, parades still attract guests, causing them to reserve prime seating spots along Main Street at least 2 hours or so before showtime, and Mr. Lincoln is only months away from his re-debut.
See more Disneyland photos at my website.
Love that episode of Wonderful World of Disney.....actually, any of the ones where you get to see footage of the park are my favorites. I hope when Lincoln returns, he is reciting the orignal "compilation" speech....and I hope the headphones don't make a return! I'm really excited about getting to see Lincoln once again!
ReplyDeleteVery nice before and after group Dave. Looking forward to the return of Mr Lincoln.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that we can watch "Disneyland Through the Seasons" on DVD now!
ReplyDeleteThe "air date" of December 18, 1966 is interesting. just 3 days after Walt's passing. I guess "The show must go on".... It must have been weird to watch the show knowing Walt had just had passed three days before.
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note, I can not wait for Mr. Lincoln's return. I heard December 18 (coincidence?) is the scheduled opening date. I usually avoid events at DL where crowds can form, but I'm 100% there for this one! Maybe I'll see you Dave and some other bloggers there as well, that would be excellent to make a blogger event out of it.
I can't wait for Mr. Lincoln's return!
ReplyDeleteYup I loved seeing the Lincoln show and hope Mr. Lincoln's back later this year to bring some culture and pride... it adds an extra dimension to the experience. Walt didn't neglect (nor was afraid) to have some meaning along with the wonders, especially clear (and appropriate) in Main Street, Tomorrowland and Frontierland.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt there have been and will be "controversy" about Mr. Lincoln; the current folks at Disney all deserve a lot of credit for taking a position and restoring this valuable attraction.
Sweet dragon parade shot! Love that you can see the smoke. I'll admit that IASW is lookin' pretty sweet with the modern updating, but the song is still one that haunts me! ;-)
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