History and Heritage:

Welcome, Mr. President:

Presidential visits, like that of President Barack Obama to Walt Disney World Resort last month, are nothing new for our parks and resorts. Since the Disneyland Resort opened in 1955, many future and past U.S. commanders - in - chief have made their way to the magical world of Disney.

In honor of Presidents Day (Feb.20), here are some of the U.S. presidents who have visited "The Happiest Place on Earth";

1955...Before becomimg president, Ronald Reagan helped host the Disneyland Park grand opening ABC special. In 1990, he returned to celebrate the park's 35th anniversary.

1957...Harry S.Truman and his wife, Bess, participated in parade down Main Street, U.S.A..

1959...John F.Kennedy, while he was still a U.S. senator, visited Disneyland with the president of Guinea.

1959...Richard M. Nixon cut the ribbon to dedicate the Disneyland - Alweg Monorail System and Submarine Voyage. (He also visited in 1955, 1961 and 1968.)

1961...Dwight D. Eisenhower visited with his grandchildern and was photograph in a fire truck on Main Street, U.S.A..

1971...Barack Obama visited as a child with his grandmother.

1975...Gerald R. Ford spoke at National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors dinner at the Disneyland Hotel. He also visited in 1964 and 1974.

1982...Jimmy Carter jogged through Disneyland Park.

1986...George H.W. Bush spoke at a fundraiser at the Disneyland Hotel and returned in 1988 and 1998.


Disney history at it's best...Dr Lee