Disneyland Diary, 1957-1958

Since 1957 and 1958 were a bit lacking in the Disneyland Diary, I have combined them into one post.

1957 ADDITIONS

• HOUSE OF THE FUTURE (since removed) — Tomorrowland
• SLEEPING BEAUTY CASTLE Interior (Shirley Temple Black unveiled the walk-thru, featuring diorama scenes from the famous story) — Fantasyland



• MIDGET AUTOPIA (since removed) — Fantasyland



• TOM SAWYER ISLAND Additions (including caves, barrel-and-suspension-bridges, rock formations) — Frontierland
• VIEW-LINER (forerunner of the Monorail) — Tomorrowland
• FRONTIERLAND SHOOTING GALLERY (now Frontierland Shootin' Arcade) — Frontierland
• INDIAN VILLAGE RAFTS (since removed) — Frontierland
• HOLIDAYLAND (since removed), a facility outside the Park's berm, opened for group activities—company picnics, conventions, dances, etc.



HIGHLIGHTS

The park launched its first extensive nighttime program (open every night 'til midnight, mid-June to mid-September), including "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks every summer evening at 9 p.m.

Inauguration of "Date Nite" program Friday and Saturday nights, summer months, with four dance bands playing both nights, was another major addition.

Some 115 youth choruses performed during the "Christmas Festival."



Disneyland initiated its Community Service Awards program, honoring outstanding achievements by civic and charitable Orange County organizations. The Park awarded $9,000 to six organizations.

The ten millionth visitor arrived December 31, 1957.

FAMOUS GUESTS

• Prime Minister Suhrawardy of Pakistan (July)
• Former President Harry S. Truman (November)
• King Mohammed of Morocco (December)



1958 ADDITIONS

• THE COLUMBIA (Full-size, exact replica of the 18th century ship which became the first American vessel to sail 'round the world) — Frontierland



• GRAND CANYON DIORAMA (Longest diorama in the world) — on the Disneyland Railroad journey



• ALICE IN WONDERLAND — Fantasyland
• FIRE TRUCK — Main Street, U.S.A.



HIGHLIGHTS

Success of "Date Nite" brought about first New Year's Eve party at Disneyland. Some 7,500 people welcomed in '58 at the "Magic Kingdom."

More than 3,500 marchers took part in first "Christmas in Many Lands" parade.

Disneyland's Community Service Awards program saluted the achievements of six civic and charitable county organizations, awarding a total of $9,000.

FAMOUS GUESTS

• President Mario Echandi-Jimenez of Costa Rica (April)
• Prime Minister Cahill of New South Wales (May)
• His Royal Highness Mohammed Daud, Prime Minister of Afghanistan (July)
• Princess Sophie of Greece (November)

See more vintage & current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web pages.