It's only fair to share...

ORANGEWOOD ALBUM

Description List

Disneyland Vintage Photographs

(1954-1955)

Prior to reading the description list below, please review the following bullet points to gather a more complete overview of the photo collection. While several vintage photographs of Disneyland exist, there are only a fraction of those that are considered collectible based on the time and place the photos were taken and the photographer.

Our research indicates that over 400 of the 600+ photos contained in this collection are unique and not known to exist anywhere.
Contains the only original photographs known to exist of the Disneyland Hotel ground breaking ceremony, outside of the photos found in the Bonita Granville estate 10 years ago (currently in the hands of the Wrather family).
Large number of photos of C.V. Wood taken during Disneyland’s construction. C.V. Wood’s participation in Disneyland has been surrounded in controversy since he was relieved of his duties shortly after Disneyland opened. These photos act as a photographic testament to Wood’s role at Disneyland.
Never previously seen photographs of children at Disneyland, during construction. This series of 12 photos are not only historic, but are also very artistic and emotional (one photo shows the children with their backs to the camera, holding hands looking up at Sleeping Beauty Castle, dreaming of the promise of what is to come). These photos are not only the earliest photographic evidence of children at Disneyland, but are also the only photos known to exist of these children.
A series of photos of Joe Fowler and Harper Goff on the water researching boats, to determine what type of boat would be appropriate for use on the Jungle Cruise attraction.
Artistic photos of Disneyland during construction, taken from unique vantage points, such as a photo of the Jungle Cruise boat taken from behind the waterfall.
Walt Disney and Joe Fowler walking side by side down Main St. in front of one of the first runs of a trolley on opening day.
Sleeping Beauty Castle at about 1/3 of completion and nothing in front of it but dirt and nothing above it but sky. A never before seen artistic view of the Castle completely separate from any other visible man-made structures.
Many photos of Walt Disney, Roy O. Disney, C.V. Wood, Joe Fowler, Harper Goff, Bonita Granville, Jack Wrather, Fess Parker, Buddy Ebsen and Richard Nixon.
Photos of virtually every attraction to be found at Disneyland during various stages of construction.
The most complete, historic and unique photographic collection of Disneyland during construction and through to opening day, ever known to be made available.

Descriptions

Early construction of City Hall and the Main Street Train Station.

Early construction of the Emporium, Wurlitzer’s, and Main Street.

Early construction of Wurlitzer’s, Main St., taken from the Main Street Train Station.

Potentially the earliest photo of the Disneyland Castle

Crane laying pipes in early land of Disneyland.

Construction of Sleeping Beauty Castle, taken from Hub and looking directly at the Castle. Early construction of Peter Pan’s Flight building and Snow White’s Scary Adventure building can be seen behind Castle foundation.

Land leveled prior to construction. A view across part of what will be the Rivers of America. No buildings yet can be seen, just a single truck driving across the land.

Land leveled construction. Good view of existing homes on the land before being moved or demolished. Several original trees can still be seen.

Bulldozer running over the land to level ground. Several original trees and homes can be seen in the background.

View of a man working in a building that has been converted into a plaster shop for construction of Disneyland.

Early construction of the Mill House (will eventually be the Opera House) showing the foundation and frame being built out.

Trees being cleared off the land by truck. Very early view of structures of Main St. being built in the background.

A single tree being transported across the land by truck. A worker securing the tree to the truck.

Todd Shipyard showing the hull of Mark Twain being built.

Very early construction of the Mark Twain keel and attached lower components in the drydock of Todd Shipyard.

Angle of very early construction of the Mark Twain keel and attached lower components in the drydock of Todd Shipyard.

Front of Mark Twain hull being towed from Todd Shipyard by truck to the park.

Sleeping Beauty Castle turrets, pre-assembled and ready to be constructed.

Mark Twain hull arrives at Disneyland to dry Rivers of America. Earliest known photo of the hull in Disneyland.

Rivers of America dug out, no water yet, and guiding rail has been laid. Construction of Tom Sawyer island can be seen in background.

Backside of early Main Street, early unpaved road used to move materials. Main St. building with beams used for supporting the structure can be seen.

View of early Main St. from the Hub looking toward the Main Street Train Station. All buildings are still under construction but a few facades have been worked on.

Earliest known photo of the interior of the Mill House (will eventually be the Opera House on Main Street). Main St. materials and facade pieces can be seen.

Rivers of America dug out, no water yet, and the loading area for the Mark Twain is being prepared.

Interior view of the plaster shop for construction projects, shows workers crafting pieces for facade of Main Street buildings.

Earliest known photo of Mark Twain hull rested on support crates in loading area of dry Rivers of America.

Rivers of America dug out, no water yet, loading area in final preparations for moving hull over.

Earliest known photo of a close-up of construction of what is currently Carnation Cafe. Showing truck parked in what is now the outdoor restaurant area.

Very early view of Main Street as viewed from Main Street Train Station. Only the Emporium has early facade built out. Trucks and workers all around and showing early dirt being moved to build the Main Street Train Station.

Early and close-up view showing construction of City Hall.

Crane lifting large metal cresting that rests atop City Hall.

Earliest known photo of close-up view showing construction of Main Street Gibson Greeting Card store and Swift Market House.

Earliest known photo of the Train Station on Main Street being built out. Dirt being formed to create the elevation and very first pieces of the foundation being constructed.

Crane over City Hall during early construction.

Construction vehicle helps place frame in early Main Street building. Appears to be Wurlitzer.

Very early construction of Main Street and Jungle Cruise area as viewed from Adventureland.

Very early construction of Main Street and Jungle Cruise area as viewed from an aerial vantage point.

Earliest known photo of front of Disneyland with Main Street and City Hall partially built out, Train Station just starting construction, and a fence and security booth regulating entrance into the park.

Very early photo of City Hall from Main Street Train Station, showing Train Station just starting to be built out. Workers on the mound of dirt just starting to build the foundation.

Very early land of Disneyland with original trees, single road with car driving down.

Very early land of Disneyland with original trees and homes, dirt road with car driving down.

Very early land of Disneyland with original trees and closeup of a home.

Very early land of Disneyland with first parking lot (naturally made by workers)

Very early land of Disneyland with original trees and homes, showing area that will be the future Adventureland and Frontierland.

Very early Jungle Cruise land (several of original trees) and early construction of Main Street.

Very early Frontierland and Rivers of America (several of original trees).

Very early Jungle Cruise land (several of original trees).

Very early Frontierland and Rivers of America (several of original trees), vehicles moving through Rivers of America.

Very early land of Disneyland with original trees and homes.

Very early construction of first building on Main Street.

Very early construction of buildings on Main Street.

Early interior view of the Mill House

Mark Twain hull being moved into dry Rivers of America.

Early construction of Train Station showing left side underpass of entrance and City Hall behind.

Very early photo of entrance of Disneyland still under construction.

Very early photo of Castle being built and surrounding Fantasyland buildings.

Early view of the land of Disneyland.

Very early photo of entrance to Disneyland still under construction.

Early build photo of Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. passenger trains.

Original Carolwood Lilly Belle Train (built by Walt Disney and first Imagineer Roger Broggie).

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel with shovels in ground – Jack Wrather, C.V. Wood, Roy Disney

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, C.V. Wood

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, Roy Disney

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – C.V. Wood, Roy Disney

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, Roy Disney

Grounbreaking Disneyland Hotel Photo of All Attendees from Above

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, Bonita Granville Wrather

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Bonita Granville Wrather, Roy Disney

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, Bonita Granville Wrather, C.V. Wood, Roy Disney

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, C.V. Wood

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, Bonita Granville Wrather, Roy Disney

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, Bonita Granville Wrather

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Bonita Granville Wrather

Groundbreaking Disneyland Hotel – Jack Wrather, Bonita Granville Wrather, C.V. Wood

Early construction work on a building in Disneyland.

Early Jungle Cruise construction with ‘Fowler and Sons’ crane.

Very early construction of Plaza Pavilion.

Early construction of Wurlitzer music shop on Main Street.

Jungle Cruise dry river.

Taken from perch, wide view of early construction of Main Street. Main Street Train Station construction in background.

Early construction of Main Street.

Parking lot and wood piles for construction.

Early Main Street showing Emporium.

Rivers of America dry and awaiting loading of the Mark Twain.

Early construction of Main Street showing backside of buildings and crane

Very early construction of the Main St. Train Station

Very early Tomorrowland construction

Early construction of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Backside of Main Street, Wurlitzer’s, during construction.

Joe Fowler, Harper Goff and others testing an engine for the Jungle Cruise in the Santa Ana River.

Close-up of boat engine that Joe Fowler and Harper Goff are testing for Jungle Cruise.

Joe Fowler, Harper Goff and others testing an engine for the Jungle Cruise in the Santa Ana River.

Early front of Disneyland under construction.

Early construction of Jungle Cruise and showing the famous Dominguez palm tree that Walt rescued, almost 120 years old.

Early Frontierland construction.

Parking lot and early construction components for Main St. buildings.

Early construciton of Jungle Cruise building w/ loading and unloading dock

Early construction of Plaza Pavillion

Early construction of the Main St. Train Station

Early construction of Main St. Train Station, looking straight at station from Main St

Front of the Castle under construction from Hub

Side view of Castle under construction, good view of bridge

Early Tomorrowland construction

Back of the Castle under construction from Fantasyland

Earliest known photo of bridge over water running through to Rivers of America.

Early Fantasyland buidling construction

Early Tomorrowland construction

One of the earliest photos of the Carnation Cafe on Main St., still under construction.

Early Tomorrowland construction

Early construction of Main St. buildings

Man posing in front of Main St. buildings

Backstage vehicle with “Disneyland” on side of car

Jungle Cruise dug out river, no water yet

Crane in Jungle Cruise

Crane moving Jungle Cruise block

Jungle Cruise block with workers posing

Crane moving Jungle Cruise block

Jungle Cruise block with workers posing

Jungle Cruise block

Workers moving Jungle Cruise stone

Early Mark Twain engine

Early build of the C.K. Holiday of the Santa Fe and Disneyland R.R. Train #1

Early construction of Tomorrowland buildings

Early Jungle Cruise showing Dominguez palm m tree Walt saved

Early Main Street Train Station

Early construction of Main Street Gibson Greeting Cards Shop and Swift Market House

Early Tom Sawyer Island

Early Jungle Cruise showing Dominguez palm tree Walt saved

Frontierland construction

Frontierland construction showing single tree planted

Very early photograph of Frontierland Indian Village

Early Frontierland contstruction

Sleeping Beauty Castle under construction, side view showing good angle of the bridge

Tomorrowland construction

Fantasyland building

Frontierland construction

Sleeping Beauty Castle under construction, side view showing good angle of the bridge

Frontierland construction

Main Street clock tower.

Sleeping Beauty Castle under construction – rear view.

Early Construction of the Plaza Pavillion

Fantasyland building

Fess Parker and Buddy Epson pushing up logs of Frontierland

Fess Parker and Buddy Epson sawing / axing logs of Frontierland

Fess Parker and Buddy Epson guiding a tour down Main Street

Refreshments for attendees of guided tour

Very early photo of Schweitzer Falls

Very early Jungle Cruise entrance

Band Stand construction

Disneyland construction worker chainsawing

Fess Parker & Buddy Epson tour guide guests getting refreshments

Fess Parker & Buddy Epson tour guide guests going down Main Street with Train Station in background

Fess Parker & Buddy Epson tour guide guests going down Main Street with Gibson Greeting Cards and Swift Market House in background

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in dress and suit about ages 8-10 holding hands and looking at the Castle from the Fantasyland side

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in dress and suit about ages 8-10 holding hands and looking at the Castle from the front site near the bridge, closeup

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in dress and suit about ages 8-10 holding hands and looking at the Castle from the front site near the bridge, further out and boy pointing up at the Castle

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in dress and suit about ages 8-10 holding hands and looking at the Castle from the Fantasyland side, girl pointing up

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in dress and suit about ages 8-10 holding hands and looking at the Castle from the Fantasyland side

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in dress and suit about ages 8-10 holding hands and looking at Main Street Wurlitzer music shop

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in dress and suit about ages 8-10 holding hands and walking down Main Street

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in early Casey Jr. train car

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in early stagecoach

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in early Casey Jr. train car

First known kids in Disneyland – girl and boy in dress and suit about ages 8-10 holding hands and looking Frontierland

Jungle Cruise river with track markers on dry river.

Castle with bridge just completed, dry moat

Early work to build out Mark Twain in the dry Rivers of America shortly after the hull has been delivered

Disneyland Helicopter just taking off from the ground

Underside of Disneyland Helicopter

Disneyland Heliopter flying past close to Tower

Disneyland Heliopter flying further away from Tower

Disneyland Helicopter panel open showing mechanics

Early Jungle Cruise construction of the loading and unloading area

Early construction of the Castle and Fantasyland showing the dirt of Fantasyland the Castle partially constructed. Good shot directly toward backside of the Castle from the yet to be developed Fantasyland.

Early Fantasyland food stand being built out

Aerial view of Los Angeles

Early Jungle Cruise construction of the loading and unloading area

Early Jungle Cruise construction of the planning and guiding of the dry river

Early Jungle Cruise construction of dry river bed coming right around the turn for Schweitzer Falls

Early construction of the Mark Twain in the dry Rivers of America with operating crane and Tom Sawyer Island in the background

Early construction of the Mark Twain in the dry Rivers of America with operating crane

Early Crockett & Russell Frontierland Store

Disneyland Frontierland stables

Sleeping Beauty Castle – Man on bridge looking up at castle

Early Frontierland stagecoach

View of Main Street from rooftop

Construciton crane in distance working on the Mark Twain

Construction crane moving the paddle of the Mark Twain onto the hull

Good close up of construction crane moving the paddle of the Mark Twain onto the hull

Laying down track directly under Schweitzer Falls on Jungle Cruise

Very early construction of Jungle Cruise showing front side entrance

Construction crane over the Castle and taken from Frontierland prior to several structures and trees that now block this view.

Jungle Cruise loading and unloading area, dry river

1955 Aerial View of Disneyland taken from a fly by east of the park.

1955 Aerial View of Disneyland taken from a fly by west of the park.

1955 Main Street + Surrounding lands air view showing Disneyland still under construction

Early construction of Castle, Bridge, and connecting Fantasyland buildings for Peter Pan and Snow White. The surrounding area still not built out yet.

Aerial view of Disneyland

Mark Twain engine being prepared on Frontierland grounds before being moved to the hull.

Orchestrion delivered to Disneyland

Early Disneylnd mechanical engineering work

Early Disneyland pavement

Port aft of the Mark Twain being constructed

Starboard aft of the Mark Twain being constructed

Early construction of Frontierland showing workers

Workers measuring and building a wall of the Castle

Sleeping Beauty Castle from Plaza Gardens.

Large Disneyland construction buildings

Construction crane working on dry Rivers of America

Sleeping Beauty Castle and moat during construction.

Jungle Cruise rail being worked on, dry river

Jungle Cruise rail being worked on, guide mechanism being tested, dry river

Jungle Cruise loading and unloading area showing palm trees and tower in the background and early boat being built in the dry river

Close up of Jungle Cruise boat being built out in dry river

Jungle Cruise dry river being worked on

Jungle Cruise Schweitzer Falls dry river with boat mechanism connected to rail

Jungle Cruise dry river being worked on

Rivers of America getting filled with water for the first time

Rivers of America getting filled with water for the first time and the Mark Twain in the distance awaiting to be completed and launched

Backside of Main St

Early construction of Main Street showing view toward the Train Station but blocked by early positioning of the Main Street Bandstand

Jungle Cruise hippos being transported by truck to the park

Disneyland Trolley delivered to the park and being taken off of truck, “Disneyland” written on the back of the Trolley

Horse drawn carts / coaches coming across the land of Disneyland

Early view of land of Disneyland with horses pulling cart

Early land of Disneyland

Very early construction of the Castle

Backside of Fantasyland showing very early construction, the Castle in the background and buildings built out for Peter Pan and Snow White and canal boats

Mark Twain at Fowler’s Harbor.

Crane and early construction work on Tomorrowland, Castle in background

Early construction of Tomorrowland being built out

Early pre-opening run of the Santa Fe & Disneyland R. R. trains

Wooden “Skeleton” of Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship

Mark Twain at Fowler’s Harbor, almost completely finished

Main Street Train Station almost completed

Early construction of Main Street Town Square with City Hall in the background, the Main Street Bandstand (before Walt moved it)

Early construction of Main Street Town Square with City Hall and the Emporium in the background and the Main Street Bandstand (before Walt moved it)

Shot through trees in Frontierland with the Castle center and off in the distance, still under construction

Early Tomorrowland construction

Early land of Disneyland

Early construction of Main Street Town Square with the Castle, Wurlitzer Music Shop, and the Emporium in the background and the Main Street Bandstand (before Walt moved it)

Backside of Tomorrowland structures almost completed

The laying of track for the Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R.

Very early construction of King Arthur’s Carousel in Fantasyland with the Castle, Peter Pan building, and Snow White building in the background

Early construction of the Opera House on Main Street near Town Square

Aerial View of Disneyland under construction shooting from the west side

Aerial View of surrounding orange groves, walnut trees and homes around DIsneyland

Aerial view of Fantasyland and the Castle under early construction

C.V. Wood and guests boarding the Good Year Blimp

Sleeping Beauty Castle and Fantasyland.

Aerial view of Tomorrowland almost finished being built out

Aerial view of Disneyland under construction shooting from the northwest side

Good Year blimp flying over front of Disneyland still under construction with guests meeting in the front

Aerial view of Disneyland under construction shooting from the north side

Camera tower used to document construction with Good Year blimp in background.

Mark Twain placing of smoke stacks using cranes

Mark Twain completed and getting surrounded by water

Mark Twain loading and unloading dock

Painting of Steam Engines E.P. Ripley and C.K. Holiday in Roundhouse, prior to receiving their train number designations.

Train controls being checked on steam engines E.P. Ripley and C.K. Holiday in Roundhouse, right after receiving their train number designations.

Train controls being checked on steam engines E.P. Ripley in Roundhouse.

Painting of “Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R.” on E.P. Ripley train

The back of the C.K. Holiday train

Passenger cars of the C.K. Holiday train

Jungle Cruise ride rails, dry river, guide mechanism attached.

Jungle Cruise dry river showing loading and unloading area and docking structures

Early construction of Jungle Cruise entrance

Early construction of Frontierland entrance

Early Jungle Cruise loading and unloading dock

Early testing of the E.P. Ripley on the train tracks

Jungle Cruise hippos getting installed in the dry river

Crocodiles ready to go

Jungle Cruise hippos.

Jungle Cruise hippo ready for water.

Jungle Cruise hippos installed and being worked on in the dry river

Jungle Cruise structures getting built out

Jungle Cruise hippo getting worked on in partial water

E.P. Ripley train tested across track with workers ahead

Early construction of Castle with Fantasyland in the background

Construction of preliminary Tomorrowland buildings complete

Sleeping Beauty Castle aerial view showing bridge built out and Fantasyland in the background

Sleeping Beauty Castle under construction from Main Street, crane moving last pieces onto the Castle

Castle almost built out with Bridge but moat is still dry

Jungle Cruise tribesman statue

Jungle Cruise structures getting built out

Jungle Cruise tribesman statue

Mark Twain amost finished

Jungle Cruise crocodile secured to motion mechanism

Jungle Cruise rhinos secured to motion mechanism

Construction crane working on Main Street Train Station while Main Street getting track and paved

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. Train E.P. Ripley with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse on board for test run

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. Train E.P. Ripley with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at end of test run

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. Train E.P. Ripley on test run without cars attached

Early Tomorrowland, preliminary buildings constructed

Early pre-opening Red Wagon Inn foreground and Tomorrowland background, taken from the Hub

Early Frontierland foreground, Adventureland background, taken from the Hub

Early construction of King Arthur’s Carousel (roofing only a quarter completed), Peter Pan, Snow White, and Castle

Early construction of Dumbo the Flying Elephant and surrounding structures in Fantasyland near side Castle structure

King Arthur Carrousel roofing about quarter completed and Peter Pan ride. Castle, Hub, Main Street, Frontierland in background

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. Train E.P. Ripley with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at end of test run (Walt’s conductor hat off)

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. Train E.P. Ripley with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at end of test run (Walt’s conductor hat on)

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse on Mark Twain, shot taken from a distance

Mark Twain with smoke bellowing and paddlewheel being tested in Rivers of America

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse standing in front of the E.P. Ripley train

Walt Disney and Joe Fowler waving up to the Mark Twain

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse aboard the Mark Twain

Aerial view of Harbor Blvd and surrounding areas to Disneyland

Aerial view of Tomorrowland in early construction with preliminary buildings completed

Aerial view of Disneyland from a distance and nearing completion

Aerial view of half of Disneyland from a distance and nearing completion

Aerial of Fantasyland and Castle with King Arthur Carrousel and early construction of the the Tea Cups and Pirate Ship

Aerial view of surrounding area to Disneyland

Aerial view of Santa Ana Freeway in the surrounding area to Disneyland

Aerial View of Disneyland Lalmost complete and taken from the northwest side

Aerial View of Disneyland Lalmost complete and taken from the north side

Aerial view of Santa Ana Freeway in the surrounding area to Disneyland

Aerial of Fantasyland and Castle with King Arthur Carrousel and early construction of the the Tea Cups and Pirate Ship. Also showing the Hub and part of Main Street, Tomorrowland, and Frontierland

Aerial view of Rivers of America

Main Gate and Mickey Mouse planter from air.

Aerial View of Disneyland with parking lot in the foreground

C.V. Wood, Buzz Price, and guests boarding the Good Year Blimp

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse aboard the Mark Twain

Walt Disney in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Jungle Cruise hippo in water and tested

Approaching Schweitzer Falls on Jungle Cruise.

Jungle Cruise hippo in water and tested

Jungle Cruise hippo surfaces

Frontierland Mule Pack on the trail

Mule being led offt truck and into Disneyland

Frontierland Mule Pack on the trail

Ponies in Disneyland

Worker holding smaller pony up

Frontierland Mule Pack on the trail

Worker holding smaller pony up

Ponies in Disneyland

Frontierland Mule Pack on the trail

Sleeping Beauty Castle from Snow Mountain

Bandstand moved between Castle and Frontierland

Jungle Cruise structures built out for ride

Top of the King Arthur Carrousel taken from inside the Castle

Construction at the edge of Fantasyland

Frontierland taken from inside of the Mark Twain while going by on Rivers of America

Pirate Ship construction, nearing completion, surrounding areas still under developed

Early Casa de Fritos (where Doritos chips were invented)

Main Street Train Station and Town Square taken from edge of Town Square

Town Square and Main Street looking toward the Castle taken from inside the Main Street Train Station

Early photo of Mark Twain arriving to the loading and unloading area

Main Street Train Station and Town Square with first guests

Novelties & Souveniors Shop but in this photo only has “Elias Disney” and “Contractor Est. 1895”

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. moving through a very early Frontierland

Walt Disney and Mark Twain Captain at bow of Mark Twain, Walt pointing at bow

First guests in line for the Train at the Main Street Train Station as viewed from the South side where guests are loading onto the Train

First guests in line for the Train at the Main Street Train Station as viewed from the North side where guests are walking up to and getting in line

First guests walking around Emporium

First guests loading and unloading the Train at the Main Street Train Station as viewed from the South side

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. moving through a very early Frontierland

Walt Disney, Joe Fowler, and Mark Twain Captain at bow of Mark Twain, with first guests on board

Frontierland with first guests arriving

Early view of Rivers of America and Frontierland

Walt Disney, Joe Fowler, and Mark Twain Captain at bow of Mark Twain, with first guests on board

First guests walking through Frontierland, stagecoach driving through

First guests riding the Mark Twain, view from very top showing smoke moving above Frontierland in background

“Mule Pack” ride carrying first guests

Walt Disney and Joe Fowler walking in front of first guest ride the Disneyland Trolley on Main Street with Emporium in background

Main Street Train Station and Town Square with first guests

Stagecoaches and other moving through Frontierland

Wide view of Frontierland and loading and unloading area for the Mark Twain as taken from the top of the Mark Twain

First guest ride the Disneyland Trolley on Main Street with Emporium in background

First guests waiting to load and unload the Mark Twain, taken from top of Mark Twain

First guests of the park pose

C.K. Holiday Train arriving to Train Station to receive first guests at the Main Street Train Station

First guests loading and unloading the C.K. Holiday Train at the Main Street Train Station as viewed from the South side

First guests riding stagecoaches through Frontierland, Mark Twian in the background

Wurlitzer Music Shop ready for first guests on Main Street

Fantasyland nearing completion with King Arthur Carrousel, Peter Pan, and Snow White appearing complete but the Tea Cups still showing underneath rotation mechanism

Rivers of America and Frontierland

Pirate ship in Fantasyland nearing completion, Dumbo in the background getting fitted with its rotation mechanism, Rivers of America in far background

Fantasyland nearing completion with King Arthur Carrousel, Peter Pan, and Snow White appearing complete but the Tea Cups still showing underneath rotation mechanism

Pirate ship in Fantasyland nearing completion, Dumbo in the background getting fitted with its rotation mechanism

Lumber being collected at edge of park

Rivers of America and Frontierland

Pirate ship in Fantasyland nearing completion, Dumbo in the background getting fitted with its rotation mechanism

Crane vehicle and operation taken from atop Crane

Tea Cups getting rotation mechanism installed with King Arthur Carrousel and Snow White in the background

Jungle Cruise native hut.

First guests aboard the Train and leaving the Main Street Train Station

Jungle Cruise elephant.

First guests arriving to Wurlitzer Music Shop, taken from Town Square

First black and white swans placed in and cooling in the Castle moat

Close up of the Upjohn Company Pharmacy

Swift Market House

First guests aboard the Mark Twain going by Frontierland and Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R.

Backstage to Tomorrowland

Backstage behind Fantasyland (behind Pirate Ship) showing train tracks at edge of park and beyond

Disneyland moat getting filled with water

Aerial view of Sports Stadium

Workers giving attention to the flagpole in Town Square with Main Street Train Station in background

Workers gathering in Fantasyland near Castle

Wide view of Rivers of America and Frontierland and the Mark Twain coming around the bend to the loading and unloading area

Tomorrowland construction

Workers finishing on Tomorrowland structure

Early Tomorrowland Clock of the World construction with TWA Rocket in background, soon to be entrance in front

First guests waiting between the ticket booths and the Mickey Mouse planter

First guests waiting on Main St near Train Station looking across Town Square at Emporium

Front entrance to Disneyland, ticket booths just starting to get built out, Main Street Train Station in background

Standing room only, on the freight train as it takes first guests around the park and Frontierland.

The Upjohn Pharmacy on Main Street

Mule Pack on the trail (future Rainbow Ridge)

Aerial of Caslte and Fantasyland showing the moat not filled in yet, King Arthur Carrousel mostly completed, Pirate Ship almost completed, Dumbo and Tea Cups still getting worked on

Close up aerial view of Disneyland taken from the north side

Close up aerial view of Disneyland taken from the southwest side

Aerial view of Disneyland in the far distance

Close up aerial view of Disneyland taken from the northwest side

First guests waiting on the wall of the Main Street Train Station

Castle Moat being filled with water for the first time

First guests and camera TV crew into Frontierland

First guests and camera TV crew at loading and unloading area for the Mark Twain

Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, and Joe Fowler aboard the Mark Twain up on top

Yale & Towne Key Shop on Main Street

Landscaping being completed for the Hub with the Plaza Pavillion in the background

First guests coming to the Castle, taken from Fantasyland side

First guests coming to the Golden Horseshoe

First guests and camera TV crew arriving to Frontierland

First guests and camera TV care arriving to Frontierland

Schweitzer Falls with water falling over and taken underneath

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. Train going around park, taken from Train

Schweitzer Falls on Jungle Cruise

Main Street Train Station and Mickey Mouse Planter completed

First guests loading and unloading the Train at the Main Street Train Station

Jungle Cruise Lion

Jungle Cruise huts

Jungle Cruise Ride

Jungle Cruise charging rhino

Jungle Cruise rhino and alligator.

Jungle Cruise Rhino

Jungle Cruise Alligators

Rivers of America completed

Upjohn Pharmacy on Main Street completed

Jungle Cruise river completed

Santa Fe & Disneyland R.R. Train going around park, aerial view showing edge of park with backstage on one side and parking lot on the other

Opening day of Tomorrowland taken from Good Year Blimp showing TWA Rocket and most of Tomorrowland

Opening day of Tomorrowland taken from Good Year Blimp

Opening day of Autopia taken from the Good Year Blimp

Opening day of Town Square and Main Street Train Station taken from the Good Year Blimp

Opening day of the Train going around the edge of the park behind Tomorrowland, parking lot with cars seen on other side as taken from the Good Year Blimp

Opening day of Entrance to Disneyland, showing parking lot, ticket booths, Main Street Train Station, Town Square, and part of Main Street, taken from Good Year Blimp (Train stopped at Station)

Opening day of Entrance to Disneyland and Main Street Train Station, Town Square, and the parking lot stretched far in the background with packed cars as taken from the Good Year Blimp

Opening day of Entrance to Disneyland, showing crowd rushing in, ticket booths, Mickey Mouse planter, Main Street Train Station, Town Square, and Main Street stretching all the way to the Caslte, taken from Good Year Blimp

Opening day showing front and back area of Main Street, taken from the Good Year Blimp

Opening day of Town Square, City Hall, and Emporium, taken from Good Year Blimp

Opening day Tram carrying Guests through the parking lot with Entrance in background

Opening day Tomorrowland showing TWA rocket and other builidings, taken from the Good Year Blimp

Opening day Fantasyland showing completed rides and guests, taken from the Good Year Blimp

Walt Disney boarding the helicopter

American Dairy Association guests and exhibition

Disneyland characters (Dumbo, Pinocchio, and Chip & Dale) in front of the Maxwell House

Maxwell House store and guests

Main Street Fire Department (Walt’s apartment on 2nd floor)

Main Street City Hall with first guests

Main Street Puffin Bake Shop

Frontierland Station & Western Union Telegraph Office

Western Union Stagecoach Treasure Chest Prop shown by Cast Member

Western Union circuitry

Western Union Operators

Frontierland Station & Western Union Telegraph Office

Exide Industrial Division apparatus

Jungle Cruise boat going by a hippo

Frontierland building on opening day

Main Street Police Cast Member stops vehicle in front of Crystal Arcade, Elias Disney’s store, and Toys store

Guests riding Stagecoach in Frontierland with Frontierland Cast Member driving Stagecoach and other Cast Member standing by

Jungle Cruise first guests loading and unloading

Main Street Opera House completed and first guests

Jungle Cruise boat riding guests through the ride

Main Street busy with first guests and trolleys, taken from above

Main Street Train Station loading and unloading first guests

Main Street City Hall with first guests

Frontierland Train Station loading and unloading first guests

Main Street Opera House completed and first guests

Main Street Train Station loading and unloading first guests

Main Street firsr guests gathering along the street

C.V. Wood and first guests standing for pictures at the loading and unloading at Main Street Train Station

Passengers loaded and the Train on its way from Main Street Train Station

Aerial view of Anaheim

Traffic Officers posing in front of the Temporary Traffic Information Center

Miss Japan (Keiko Takahashi) who visited Los Angelese in Los Angeles in 1955 but may be the only evidence that she visited Disneyland

Inside the Yale & Towne Key Shop

Fess Parker and C.V. Woods present key to Disneyland to Richard Nixon and family.

Kids from Indio pose at the Richfield Show

C.V. Woods present key to Disneyland to Richard Nixon and family.

David Rose (animator) and Train Conductor aboard the E.P. Ripley

E.P. Ripley loading and unloading

ONly known photo of the Firehouse 5 Plus Two playing in the Band Stand on Opening Day.

First guests driving Autopia cars with Tomorrowland in background

Mother and children looking, pointing to Richfield Oil sponsored Autopia

Richfield “The World Beneath Us”.

Richfield’s Autopia car ride.

Richfield “The World Beneath Us”.

C. K. Holiday Train stopped at the Frontierland Train Station

Indian Village in Frontierland.

Drummers for Indian Vilage in Frontierland

Tribal Dancers at Indian Village

20,000 Leagues Exhibit

20,000 Leagues Exhibit Nemo Organ

20,000 Leagues Exhibit diving suits.

20,000 Leagues Exhibit model of Nautilus

C.V. Wood and guests in front of the Castle

C.V. Wood and guests in the park

C.V. Wood and guests at a Fantasyland ticket booth

C.V. Wood and guests in Tomorrowland

Entrance of Disneyland showing Mickey Mouse Planter and Main Street Train Station still getting worked on

Opening day TV camera crew filming Main Street Train Station

Disneyland Hotel groundbreaking with Jack and Bonita Wrather, Roy Disney

Disneyland Hotel groundbreaking meal with C.V. Wood, Jack and Bonita Wrather at head table

Backstage vehicle with “Disneyland” on side of car

Disney Hotel presentation with artist drawing and C.V. Wood, Jack and Bonita Wrather

Disney Hotel ground breaking presentation room.

C.V. Wood and Jack Wrather posing at Disneyland Hotel groundbreaking

Roy Disney and Jack Wrather posing at Disneyland Hotel groundbreaking

Main Street Aerial View during construction

Aerial of Fantasyland completed showing rides and Castle and first guests