Yesterland A Visit to Disneyland in 1960

In honor of Disneyland’s 55th anniversary, Yesterland takes you back to another anniversary year evenly divisible by 5.

The year is 1960. The park is 5 years old.

Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland, July 16, 2010


Disneyland in 1960

Main Street Station is timeless.

Welcome to the Happiest Place on Earth in 1960.

Attraction posters on the wrought iron fence at Main Street Station invite you to visit the Golden Horseshoe Revue, the Jungle River, and America The Beautiful in CIRCARAMA.

While you’re here, catch a ride of the old-fashioned Passenger Train.

Disneyland in 1960

A one-way ride on the Main Street Omnibus is 10 cents or a “A” coupon.

Attraction placards on the side of the Main Street Omnibus promote the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, the Autopia, Rainbow Caverns, Storybook Land, and the Jungle River.

Look at the well-dressed guests on and near the bus. Is it a special occasion? No, that’s just how guests dress in 1960. See Dressing for Disneyland for more about guest attire at Disneyland.

Disneyland in 1960

The Tom Sawyer Island rafts go to Tom’s Landing, just to the right of the Old Mill.

The Rivers of America waterway is busy with traffic. The charming Old Mill sits at the tip of Tom Sawyer Island.

Disneyland in 1960

Look down from bridge—if you dare.

You can take a picture of crocodiles in the waters of Adventureland without getting on a Jungle Cruise boat. In fact, these crocodiles aren’t part of the boat ride.

There’s a bridge that goes over the waterway connecting the Jungle River of Adventureland to the Rivers of America in Frontierland. Walk across it and look down from the Adventureland side.

Disneyland in 1960

Narrator: “We never know when she’s gonna go off. That’s why we call her Ol’ Unfaithful.”

The newly opened Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland still includes the Living Desert and Rainbow Caverns from the older Rainbow Caverns Mine Train. But the expanded ride now goes through several new wilderness areas.

Disneyland in 1960

Look for a real, live mermaid in Tomorrowland.

You’re in Tomorrowland—“a preview of the wonderful developments the future holds in store.”

It appears that there will be mermaids in the future.

Disneyland in 1960

“A demonstration of CRANE Flow Control:
Operate the flying saucers in the pool
by turning the large colored valve wheels.”

When you think about the future, you probably ask yourself, what will the bathrooms be like? It’s your lucky day! The Crane Company invites you to visit the Bathroom of Tomorrow, also known as the Bathroom of the Future. This is one of those Tomorrowland attractions like Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry that doesn’t require an attraction coupon.

If you need an actual bathroom, you’ll have to take care of that somewhere else. This is only an exhibit.

Perhaps you’ll be interested in “the dramatic story of industrial valves.” And perhaps you won’t be.

Disneyland in 1960

After a long a day at the park, head over to the fabulous Disneyland Hotel and Restaurants.

You can’t miss the impressive Disneyland Hotel sign near the Disneyland parking lot exit. Spend the night in one of the 305 guest rooms. There’s convenient parking near the door of your room.

Wake up to the smell of orange blossoms. The Disneyland Hotel is set in the midst of an orange grove. Take the tram back to Disneyland.

Disneyland in 1960

“Facilities are restricted to hotel guests only.
Shuffleboard and Golf equipment must be checked in and out.
High heels not allowed on the putting green.
Towels available at pool.”

The Disneyland Hotel includes an Olympic-size heated swimming pool, wading pools, a putting green, and shuffleboard facilities. The Gourmet Restaurants consist of a coffee shop, a cocktail lounge, dining rooms, and banquet facilities. The hotel includes numerous retail shops, a barber shop, and even airline ticket counters.

It’s such an enjoyable, relaxing hotel that you might just want to spend a day at the hotel instead of returning to Disneyland.


 

For a completely different look at Disneyland in 1960, click on the link below:


Disneyland from the Air, 1962
Aerial Photo, 1960
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© 2010 Werner Weiss — Disclaimers, Copyright, and Trademarks

Updated July 16, 2010.

All photographs: 1960 by Roger J. Runck, courtesy of Robin Runck.