Christmas at the Castle, 1956

This negative was sold as a 1957 image; however, looking through my collection, it seems more likely that this vintage Disneyland scene of the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Christmas is from 1956.



Here’s one of actor Alan Ladd (“Shane”) and his family from August 1956.



Notice that both photos have the Fantasyland map in front of the Castle? I believe by 1957 this map was removed.



And here’s how it looks in color:



See more Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle photos at my main website.

Wednesday WOW: "Shane" goes to Disneyland!

Best known as “Shane” (1953), Alan Ladd was a very popular actor in the 1940’s & 50’s. I am guestimating these shots to be from the same visit in August 1956 that saw Ladd attending the Grand Opening of the Disneyland Hotel. Here he is with his family aboard the C.K. Holliday. Wife Sue Carol was also his agent and the one who got him his breakthrough role in “This Gun For Hire.” Daughter Alana and son David (ex-hubby of Cheryl Ladd) smile in the background.

In shot #2, the family poses on a Surrey (wonder if they had to pay the 10¢?) parked in front of the castle. Sure wish I could reach out and grab one of those Disneyland Newspapers!



See more Disneyland photos at my website.