60 Years Ago: A Banner Celebration

Shot almost 60 years ago, this September 1959 image shows a guest getting ready to quench her thirst in Disneyland’s Town Square. Is she even aware of the historic significance of the banner hanging behind her and all of the new attractions that have recently opened for her enjoyment? Probably not. She’s more focused on her cool leather purse with the hand tooled design on the front. Can you blame her?



1959 truly was an amazing year for new attractions. Get a load of the ones announced on the banner: The Submarine Voyage, Monorail, Fantasyland Autopia, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Motor Boat Cruise, and the Skyway via Glacier Grotto. I think I’d take those over Star Wars Land any day.

See more Disneyland Town Square photos at my main website.

1959 New Attraction Preview Map

This vintage image shows a New Attraction Preview map for Disneyland 1959. I have no idea where in the Park this was located, but I think it's pretty cool nonetheless. Even more than 3 years after opening, Tinkerbell is still the spokesperson rather than Mickey Mouse. Apparently the uncertainty of whether or not the Park would make it was the reason she was put front and center instead of Mickey.



A closeup of the Matterhorn/Skyway/Monorail portion of the map. It looks like a tunnel was originally part of the plan for the Monorail to the left of the Matterhorn.



See more behind-the-scenes photos of Disneyland at my main website.