Celebrating the Decades:

As we approach the launch of the Diamond Celebration on May 22, let's continue our six-part series remembering each of the past six decades of the Disneyland Resort. Here, we take a look back at the magical years of 1965-74, the second decade of Disneyland.


1965... The yearlong "Tencennial" celebrates the 10th anniversary of Disneyland, complete with special de`cor,events and a new parade.


 Julie Reihm is selected as Miss Disneyland Tencennial, beginning the Disneyland Ambassador Program- a tradition that continues today.


July...


 "Great moments with Mr. Lincoln" opens at the Opera House at Town Square , Main Street, U.S.A., after debuting at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. The attraction  features an Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln that's so life-like, "National Geographic " magazine called it "alarming" in its realism.


Plaza Inn opens along Main street, U.S.A., replacing the Red Wagon Inn and bringing Victorian-style surroundings to Guests looking for a memorable dining experience.


December...


 The new Christmas spectacular "Fantasy on Parade" includes extraordinary new floats and more than 350 performers.




1966...


May...


After debuting at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, "it's a small world" opens at Disneyland. Waters from all seven continents are poured into its Rivers of the World at the attraction, with its almost 300 Audio-Animatronics children, represents over 100 regions of the world. And then there's that unforgettable song written by the Sherman Brothers.


June...


The Disneyland Hotel adds the Sierra  Tower Annex with 150 additional rooms. The Plaza Building shopping center is completed a few months later, and the Marina Tower is added in 1970 with the popular "Dancing Waters" show amphitheater.


July...


 Primeval World Diorama brings the world of the dinosaurs to life for Guests riding the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad. The giant dinosaurs, including a colossal Tyrannosaurus Rex, were first displayed at the Ford Magic Skyway in the 1964-65 New York World's Fair.


 Walt Disney and New Orleans Mayor Victor Schiro preside over the dedication of New Orleans Square, a new area along the banks of the Rivers  of America that would go on to house several popular shops, eateries and attractions.


1967...


March...


One of the most elaborate uses of Audio-Animatronics in Disney history, Pirates of the Caribbean takes guests by boat through scenes of vast treasures , cursed skeletons and plundering pirates.  The Blue Bayou Restaurant gives Guests a themed dining experience by seating them inside the building that houses the attraction.


June-August...


 After being closes for a year, Tomorrowland reopens with seven new attractions,including:


PeopleMover, which takes Guests on a tour of Tomorrowland from above in a perpetual-motion transportation system.


General Electric Carousel of Progress, highlighting electricity's significance to the past and the future on multiple sets, which the audience rotates around.


Adventure Thru Inner Space, where Guests travel on an "Atomoblie" through a massive microscope to see atoms from the inside.


Flight to the Moon, a simulation of a flight into space, including a view of Mission Control.


America the Beautiful, an update to the film journey across the U.S., this time in Circle-Vision 360.


Rocket Jets, where Guests control the height of their rocket as it flies through the air above Tomorrowland.


Tomorrowland Terrace, a new quick service restaurant and performance stage.


Club 33, a private membership dining establishment, opens in New Orleans Square.
(side note, Dr Lee was 15 years old....future Bartender,Club 33)




1968


March-May...


The inaugural St. Patrick's Day Parade and Cinco de Mayo Fiesta events celebrate the seasons at Disneyland.


1969


March...


On Love Bug Day at Disneyland, 101 decorated Volkswagen Beetles form a parade down Main street, U.S.A., to celebrate the release of the film "The Love Bug."


August...
 After more than a decade of development, the Haunted Mansion opens its doors (and its crypts) to Guests and ghosts alike. Originally conceived as walk-through attraction, the mansion was built in 1962-63 but sat vacant for six years as Guests speculated about what lurked inside.


1970


January...


 The Legacy of Walt Disney opens on Main Street, U.S.A., highlighting Walt's achievements with a display of his awards and memorabilia and an exhibit about the California Institute of the Arts.


June...


 Show Me America, a humorous musical revue with more than 120 costumes and highly detailed sets, premieres at Tomorrowland Stage.


Dr Lee graduation from Riverside Poly High School, Riverside, California and turns 18 on the 20th.


1971


March...


The inaugural Cinderella Festival includes fashion shows, garden tours and special dining options.


May
...
 The Indian War Canoes become Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, giving Guests a unique view of the Rivers of America as they paddle around Tom Sawyer Island.


June...


 Disneyland greets its 100 millionth Guest, kicking off a summer celebration called "Year of 100 Million Smiles."
 The All-American Collegiate Marching Band (now the All-American College Band) Program debuts, inviting top musicians from colleges across the U.S. to perform at Disneyland during the summer.


1972


March...


 A seventh land called Bear Country opens as a home for the Country Bear Jamboree, a country music show with 18 Audio-Animatronics bears. The land also features Teddi Barra's Swingin1 Arcade, named after one of the stars of the Jamboree, and the Hungry Bear Restaurant.


June...
 The Main Street Electrical Parade debuts, lighting up Main street, U.S.A., with half a million dazzling lights twinkling to an electronic version of "Baroque Hoedown," interwoven with themes from Disney songs.


October...


 Winnie the Pooh gets "pooh-litical" during Winnie the Pooh for Persident Days at Disneyland, which includes a daily tickertape parade, posters and campaign buttons.


1973
April...


 Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney Productions, The Walt Disney Story opens in the Opera house as a tribute to the legacy of the Walt Disney Company and the Disney family. Lillian Disney attends the ceremony.


1974


June...


America Sings opens in the bottom level of the Carousel Theater with a comical cast of over 100 Audio-Animatronics animals singing the history of America music, all coordinated by their leader, Sam the Eagle.


to be continued.....