“Tickets and ‘The Disneyland Show’”

Walt Disney’s Disneyland was no ordinary amusement center, but a new concept in family entertainment. Walt dreamt up the entire environment with a live-action “theater concept” in mind. Since 1955, the Disneyland Casting Department has hired Cast Members to fulfill a supportive “role” in the “show”, which often involves audience interaction. The Park itself was designed with “Backstage” areas, “On Stage” areas, and an “Inner Lobby” where colorful “attraction posters” build anticipation for adventures. With good reason, Disneyland Park has often been referred to as the “Disneyland Show”!

But even before entry, the Outer Lobby welcomes its audiences toward the Box Offices, where they purchased Disneyland Admission Tickets, which were then used for entry into the grand “Disneyland Show” (depicted above). Since 1955, Disneyland Admission Media has played a vital role – managing Guests (through proof of entry and timed Access), providing invaluable metrics (identifying and monitoring audience trends, guest flow, and successful attractions; influencing price adjustments), and driving revenue as it proves a main source of income for Disneyland.

Through the years, Disneyland Admission Media has changed in many ways, since those original, classic paper tickets. This is the storied history of Disneyland Admission Media.

“Globe Ticket Company Partners with Disneyland”

Founded in 1868, Globe Ticket Company soon began supplying roll-style tickets to movie theaters. During the 20th-century, Globe was incorporated and mass-producing admission tickets, parking passes, and coupon books to movie theaters, transit companies, parks, gardens, pools, and other tourist destinations. Some of their clients included Ringling Brothers Circus, Roseland (in Johnstown, PA), Playland at the Beach (in San Francisco), Rocky Springs Park (Lancaster, Pennsylvania), Chippewa Lake Park (Ohio), Crystal Beach (Ontario) and even Knott’s Berry Farm.

By 1949, the Philadelphia-founded Globe Ticket Company was expanding their operation nationwide, and had established one of its seven major U.S. regional manufacturing plant facilities in the Los Angeles area. By 1953-1954, Disneyland Inc. was already partnering with old reliable firms, so Globe Ticket Company was a natural fit. Beginning in 1955, Globe became the primary ticket vendor and manufacturer of Disneyland Admission Ticket Media.

Disneyland Admission Media produced by Globe Ticket Company had many solid features. It’s wavy-lined logotype paper stock deterred forgery. Sequential serial numbers assisted in accurately tracking revenue and identifying stolen or fraudulent batches. Most ticket books even included three-digit codes to help date their month and year of manufacture (see the central codes below that span from May 1968 to June 1978).

This decades-spanning partnership thrived, with traditional roll-tickets, standard admission ticket stubs, parking passes and more prepared by the Globe Ticket Company, exclusively for Disneyland. Globe even manufactured tickets for some of the bus and helicopter copter lines to the park.

“After Walt” the partnership between Globe Ticket Company and Walt Disney Productions persisted for a time, resulting in some early admission media for Walt Disney World.

“The Pre-Opening Complimentary Admission Passes to Disneyland”

Even before construction was completed, Guests were occasionally admitted through the Main Gate and onto the future site of Walt Disney’s Disneyland. Even at this time, entry required admission, which was often issued in the form of Complimentary Passes. These were administered to employees of Walt Disney Productions and its affiliates, Corporate Participant Sponsors, Lessees, members of the press, and other VIPs.

The Pre-Opening Complimentary Disneyland Pass admitted one individual, and was intended for one-time use. While they were honored with full courtesies, on ”any day” within the printed ranges of dates, they particularly omitted one day — Sunday, July 17th, 1955 (see below).

The **Disneyland Complimentary Pass**; Honored July 18 - 22, 1955.

“Press Preview Admission Tickets to Disneyland”

There was one ticket that permitted entry on Sunday, July 17, 1955 – the “Invitational Press Preview and Dedication of Disneyland” Admission Ticket. These admission tickets to Disneyland were not sold, but were mailed to a limited number of 6,000 Guests (by most accounts).

There were several types of color-coded tickets, which helped employees easily identify a Guest’s timed entry into Disneyland. The Silver Admission permitted a 2:30 pm entry, the Green Admission permitted a 5:30 pm entry, and the White Admission permitted a 6:00 pm entry.

A **Silver Invitational Press Preview and Dedication of Disneyland Admission Ticket** for Sunday, July 17, 1955 at 2:30 pm.

A **White Invitational Press Preview and Dedication of Disneyland Admission Ticket** for Sunday, July 17, 1955 at 6:00 pm.

Some of the “Invitational Press Preview and Dedication of Disneyland” Admission Tickets featured a convenient road map on their backs, to help guests to navigate their way to Disneyland. Others featured a blank field for the holder to sign their name.

A **Silver Invitational Press Preview and Dedication of Disneyland Admission Ticket** for Sunday, July 17, 1955 (back).

Accounts mention various numbers of additional un-invited Guests ranging from 18,000 to 25,000, “many with counterfeit tickets,” according to the Disneyland Dictionary. Disneyland Inside Story by Randy Bright recalled the words of C. V. Wood, former head of the Stanford Research Institute: “It was a madhouse… We printed either ten or fifteen thousand tickets. But people were counterfeiting the… things.” Richard Nunis later commented: “Someone forgot to count the tickets and we'll never know what the count really was!”

“The First Disneyland General Admission Tickets”

When Disneyland finally opened to General Guests on July 18, 1955, the primary means of entrance for most was through the purchase of Disneyland General Admission Tickets.

The economy itself was experiencing the stability of post-war prosperity.

In one Pre-Opening Day interview with Bob Thomas, Walt was asked, “How much will a trip to Disneyland cost?” In response, Walt said, “We haven’t determined that yet, I’m anxious to make it as low as we can and still break even. We want the repeat business, and if we make the cost nominal, folks will come back.” Van Arsdale France shared memories of meetings related to the price development of Disneyland General Admission: “Nat would say in his soft voice that the entrance price was to be twenty-five cents for adults and fifteen cents for children. The only reason for any price was to keep undesirables out.”

Meanwhile the pre-opening day publication, “Information for your visit to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom - Disneyland” ambiguously addressed the question “How much will it cost?” this way: “Disneyland is designed for the enjoyment of everyone and will always be within everyone’s budget.” But finally, the pre-opening “Information for your visit to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom - Disneyland” cited the Admission prices at the time of printing : “General Admission to the Magic Kingdom for Children under 12 is 50 cents ; for Juniors (ages 12 to 17), 70 cents ; and for Adults (90 cents).” Soon, another clarification (and a slight adjustment) was made in a special section, published in the Orange County Register (July 15, 1955), General Admission to Disneyland will cost $1.00 (tax included) for adults, 75¢ for juniors, and 50¢ (tax free) for children under 12.

All the while, Walt’s brother Roy was most skeptical that Disneyland would attract Guests from far and wide. But Disneyland did finally open on July 18, 1955, to throngs of Guests waiting to purchase Disneyland General Admission Tickets. What was the average price? Van France recalled: “When we opened in 1955, our General Admission was $1.00.” Showing that he was a good sport and that his little brother's idea was a good one after all, Roy Disney immediately hurried to the Disneyland Box Office and purchased the first Disneyland Admission Ticket #000001, for one dollar (below).

Disneyland General Admission Tickets were also available at special reduced rates, which were extended to groups and conventions, through writing the Disneyland Director of Customer Relations. A repeal of the 10% Federal Admissions Tax resulted in “savings in general admission prices which is being passed on to you.” At that rate, Adults paid 90¢ each, while Children Under 12 were 50¢ each, and Students, Servicemen, and Clergy were now 70¢ each. (These prices can be seen below on the side of a “first-generation” Disneyland Ticket Booth “Box Office”)

Apparently these tickets could be purchased in advance and saved for later. According to Dave Smith (Chief Archivist Emeritus of The Walt Disney Archives), “The original admission tickets sold at the front gate of Disneyland in 1955… did not have an expiration date.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016]

By the end of 1955, Disneyland Admission was proven to be ”within everyone’s budget” as Walt had intended. But a prime example of the lasting “value” was impressed by one of Jack Lindquist’s recollections (to Disneyland LINE, Vol.25, No.28): “It was our first Christmas Eve and I was walking down Main Street just before closing, behind a family. They were neatly dressed, but you could tell they were not well off. When they reached the Emporium, the little girl looked up at her mother and said, ‘You’re right, Mommy, this is better than having Santa Claus visit tomorrow.’”

By 1956, single Disneyland General Admission Ticket prices were as follows: for adults was $2.50, for juniors and senior students was $2.00, and for children under 12 was $1.50.

By 1957, General Admission Tickets were 50c (for Children under 12), 70c (for Juniors), and 90c (for Adults). This kept total costs low for individuals or family visiting. According to “A Complete Guide To Disneyland” (published 1957), “the average cost of a visit to Disneyland is $2.29, which includes admission to the Park, rides, amusements, souvenirs, and parking.”

By the Fall-Winter season of 1958, the Fall-Winter season of 1958, the Disneyland Group Sales Department (the team behind Holidayland) published the “Important!” Promotional Disneyland Admission Media (serial number “100-10-15; 1958 80M”), a bifold brochure, was issued to Guests before purchasing tickets (below). Inside, a small box advertised special discount rates on General Admission, for clubs, fraternal organizations and other groups.

Even seven years later, United States inflation had not drastically affected the price of general admission. Between 1955 and 1962 prices of goods and services rose by a total of about 12.7% over the entire seven-year period. The price of the Disneyland General Admission Ticket kept in step with this, and by 1962, prices were adjusted to the following: Adult, $1.60; Juniors, (12 thru 17 yrs.) $1.20; and Children (under 12) 60¢. Children under 3 years are admitted free to the Park and on most rides and attractions, when accompanied by an adult or older child.

By 1982, Disneyland General Admission Ticket prices were $12.00 (adults), $10.50 (juniors), and $9.00 (children).

“Disneyland Guided Tour & Main Gate Admission”

In 1958, the Disneyland Guided Tour and Main Gate Admission was inaugurated as a new medium of admission for Guests. The Guided Tour Program was well suited for those Guests who were older or were first-time visitors, were “tour oriented”, had a limited time to visit Disneyland. [You can read more about the history of the Disneyland Guided Tour Program through THIS LINK]

During the Fall-Winter season of 1958, the “Important!” promotional Disneyland Admission Media (serial number “100-10-15; 1958 80M”), a bifold brochure, was issued to Guests before purchasing tickets (below). The Guided Tour was recommended for guests who were seeing Disneyland for the first time, and were not accompanied by friends who had visited Disneyland before.

Disneyland’s Guided Tour included general admission to the park, and a personally conducted tour along six attractions, which were included as part of the package price.

A little later in 1961, “Disneyland’s Guided Tour” was #1 of 3 Disneyland Ticket Plans being offered through Disneyland Ticket Booths. The “3 Wonderful Ways to Enjoy Disneyland” trifold brochure, published for 1961, contained a brief description of the experience that was “specially designed for first time visitors”.

By the Fall – Winter season of 1961, Disneyland Guided Tour was being pushed to the forefront of promotional campaigns. While the tour was available to both Adults and Children, it was specifically marketed for, and recommended to primarily adult visitors who were visiting Disneyland for the first time. The package included General Admission and an exciting “two hour safari” which was hosted by a Disneyland Tour Guide, who was described as “an interesting, helpful and attractive young woman”.

“An Important Message for First-Time Visitors”, published for the Fall-Winter of 1961, was an un-serialized publication which was distributed to Guests before purchasing tickets). Once unfolded, Guests found that all three of its interior leaves were dedicated to presenting the Disneyland Guided Tour Program.

By Spring 1966, one contributing writer of Disneyland Backstage magazine wrote: “How many tickets have been used since the park opened? Guided Tour Tickets, 1,365,000.”

Below is a 1967 Disneyland Guided Tour Admission Ticket.

Below is a 1978 Disneyland Guided Tour Admission Ticket.

Below is a Disneyland Magic Kingdom Guided Tour (Adult) Admission Ticket, 1977.

“Complimentary Disneyland Passes”

Complimentary Disneyland Press Pass Cards

As far back as 1955, Disneyland Incorporated issued Complimentary Disneyland Pass Cards. These were printed on heavy business cardstock, featured the “Disneyland Inc.” name, and stamped with inclusive dates of admission. The cards entitled the holders to admission on all rides and amusements, and were typically valid on one date only, which was stamped on a blank field.

These Complimentary Disneyland Pass Cards were issued to specific individuals - members of the Press, who were reporting the construction and other developments happening on site, in Anaheim, California.

**Disneyland Complimentary Press Pass**, 1955.

Complimentary Disneyland Admission Tickets

After Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, other types of Complimentary Disneyland Admission Tickets were issued. Sometimes, these were promotional in nature and issued to Guests of visiting organizations or groups, as was the case with the Special News Carrier Boy Guest Admission (pictured below), which was stamped with the date October 21, 1956.

Even Walt Disney issued the Disneyland Complimentary Admission to his personal Guests, as is evident by the following specimen, which is stamped with the date of admission on March 24, 1957, it’s fields filled with the illustrious hand-written script of Walt Disney himself.

The Disneyland Employee Family Christmas Shopping Pass could be used for admission into Disneyland Park and occasionally offered discounts on select merchandise from certain shops. By Spring 1966, one contributing writer of Disneyland Backstage magazine wrote: “How many tickets have been used since the park opened? Employee Christmas Shopping Passes, 46,000.”

Some Disneyland Complimentary Main Gate Admissions were issued to members of various participant corporate organizations that leased space and sponsored exhibits at Disneyland.

Other types of Special Complimentary Disneyland Main Gate Admissions were issued to employees or guests.

The Complimentary Pass was referenced in a tongue-in-cheek skit performed by Walt Disney and comedian Jack Benny on The Jack Benny Hour, airing November 3, 1965.

“Disneyland Attraction Coupons”

Walt Disney intended the adventures and shows of his Disneyland Park to be economical for visitors. On one occasion he said a “word in regard to the concept and conduct of Disneyland’s operations tone… There will be none of the ‘pitches,’… and devices to milk the visitor’s pocketbook.” Attesting to this are the words of Van France who shared: “If you've ever wondered about the kind of ticket book to purchase at Disneyland, you may be surprised to learn that in the beginning nobody even thought of them… When we opened in 1955, our General Admission was $1.00, and then all attractions had individual prices, from 10¢ to 35¢.”

“Lettered” Disneyland Attraction Admission Tickets

When the Park first opened, Disneyland Ticket Books containing their Disneyland Attraction Admission Ticket “Coupons” did not exist yet. The only way to get aboard a “ride” or see a show was by purchasing a “Lettered” Disneyland Attraction Admission Ticket from a Box Office of Disneyland Park. These “roll-tickets” admitted the holder to the a choice of qualifying attractions, indicated by the letter printed on their faces.

“A” Tickets were for the Main Street (Street Car, Surrey, Fire Wagon, and Cinema), Tomorrowland (Space Station X-1 or 20,000 Leagues Exhibit), and Fantasyland King Arthur Carrousel.

“B” Tickets were for the Frontierland Conestoga Wagon or Freight Train, Tomorrowland Phantom Boats, and Fantasyland (Mad Tea Party, Casey Jr. Train, Dumbo Elephant, Mickey Mouse Theater).

“C” Tickets included the Frontierland Mule Pack, Stage Coach, Mark Twain Riverboat, Main Street Passenger Train, Fantasyland Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, Snow White, Tomorrowland Autopia Car, T.W.A. Rocket to the Moon, and the Adventureland Jungle River Boat.

Van France recall: “when we first opened in 1955,… all attractions had individual prices, from 10¢ to 35¢.”

In 1959, the addition of six spectacular adventures commanded a new tier of “Lettered” Attraction Admission Tickets – the popular E Ticket (below)!

Disneyland Individual Attraction Admission Tickets

As Disneyland Individual Attraction Admission Tickets did not feature letters, they could not be used for the variety of attractions in the Park. These distinct Admission Ticket Coupons were purchased exclusively through select Ticket Booth Kiosks in each land (note that some even had the issuing Booth Number printed on them).

Most of the Disneyland Individual Attraction Admission Tickets were small, “single-roll” tickets permitted their holder into the specific attractions or shows that were printed on their face. Further, these featured unique sequential serial numbers along with their cash value, and some contained the distinctive words “child” or “adult”.

Some Disneyland Individual Attraction Admission Tickets even featured custom logotype fonts for the attraction’s name and the participant sponsor (like the TWA Rocket to the Moon Admission, below).

Below is a Disneyland “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” Attraction Child Admission Ticket

The Disneyland Skyway Admission Ticket was made available to Guests who wished to depart from either Fantasyland or Tomorrowland. These unique tickets featured the name of the land that Guests departed from, and were also available in “one way” or “round trip” options, totaling four variations (below).

The Disneyland Individual Attraction Admission Ticket was punched with a hole when it was redeemed and the word “Void” if it was used on display (as in the windows of Ticket Kiosks).

Below is a c.1959 Disneyland “Pack Mules” Admission Ticket, Courtesy of The Collection of James Keeline.

By 1962, individual tickets for most rides and attractions were priced from 10¢ to 40¢ for children (under 12 yrs.) ; 10¢ to 50¢ for adults.

Note the variations of the Disneyland Monorail Admission Ticket (below) that permitted the holder to either a trip from the “Tomorrowland Station to Hotel” or a “round trip (no stopover) from the Hotel Station.

This Monsanto Adventure thru Inner Space Attraction Child Admission was printed across two roll-style tickets and comprised of two stubs. Each stub uniquely featured a liability disclaimer printed on each one.

The eventuality for most Disneyland Individual Attraction Admission Tickets was to be torn, counted, shredded and finally disposed.

Disneyland Attraction Non-Roll Admission Tickets

Most Disneyland Attraction Admission Tickets were printed on roll-style ticket stock. But a few were designed to be distinctly different – with stylized logotype and graphics, printed on a special type of Globe Ticket Paper Stock.

One of the most outstanding of the Disneyland Attraction Admission Tickets was the “Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad First Class Passage” Admission Ticket which made stops at all depots.

Another outstanding Disneyland Attraction Admission Ticket was the “Disneyland River Packet & Steam Navigation Company” Steamboat Mark Twain Admission Ticket. This letter (below) accompanied one Special Pass for the Maiden Voyage of the Mark Twain, valid on July 17, 1955.

In 1955, Disneyland Guests could gain passage aboard the Steamboat Mark Twain, for a grand tour of the Rivers of America, with the “Disneyland River Packet & Steam Navigation Company” Steamboat Mark Twain Admission Ticket. Admission Tickets for this attraction were available for individual purchase at the Ticket Booth stationed in front of the Frontier Loading Dock, from 1955 until the Columbia began operation in 1957.

Through the years, these admissions were not printed on roll ticket stock, but four different colors of Globe Ticket paper stock (red, pink, yellow and green). Each included a detachable “Purser’s Check” stub with matching serial number, and was good for passage only if it was presented with the Purser’s Check attached to the entire ticket.

“Disneyland Admission Ticket Books”

Remember the words of Van Arsdale France (mentioned earlier): “If you've ever wondered about the kind of ticket book to purchase at Disneyland, you may be surprised to learn that in the beginning nobody even thought of them.”

It wasn’t until late in 1955, that a new admission system was developed, to provide a discounted package of Main Gate and Attraction admission to visiting Guests. During development, this system was heavily criticized. Another difficult challenge was structuring the system due a limited number of attractions and their related capacities.

A Day at Disneyland Ticket Books

The first Disneyland Ticket Book was offered for sale beginning on October 11th, 1955. Titled “A Day at Disneyland,” the book provided a package to be marketed at the Main Gate. Each book was comprised of one (1) Main Gate Admission Ticket and eight (8) “Ride” Admission Tickets (sub-divided into those aforementioned A, B, and C categories), all at a stipulated cover cost of $2.50 for Adults.

The “Ride” Admission Tickets featured unique logotype for each land, a 10¢ face value, and were printed on three different colors of Globe Ticket stock.

Still, “A Day at Disneyland“ Ticket Book was a success – well suited to Disneyland operations for four main reasons:

The ticket book provided a package to market at the Main Gate which in turn provided the best value for the guest.
The ticket book permitted the guest to receive the best show for a more enjoyable visit.
The ticket books served to distribute the guests throughout the Park.
Ticket books served to utilize the attraction capacity of the Park most efficiently.

In the end, sole mortal Guests (and especially family groups) just couldn’t resist the “token” fee, for this reasonably-valued Disneyland Admission Media! A prime example of the “value” is best explained by one of Jack Lindquist’s recollections (to Disneyland LINE, Vol.25, No.28) perfectly reflecting feelings of young guests during 1955. “It was our first Christmas Eve and I was walking down Main Street just before closing, behind a family. They were neatly dressed, but you could tell they were not well off. When they reached the Emporium, the little girl looked up at her mother and said, ‘You’re right, Mommy, this is better than having Santa Claus visit tomorrow.’”

Very soon, “A Day at Disneyland“ Ticket Book went through at least two minor revisions. The printed expression “exchange for one 10¢ admission” was changed to “exchange for one… admission”. After that, the word “ride” (which was printed under each letter) was swapped with the word “coupon”.

1956 Disneyland Admission Ticket Books

In 1956, new attractions were installed and Park capacity increased, necessitating improvements for the Disneyland Ticket Book Program. During June of 1956, a new Disneyland Ticket Book plan was put in effect, offering admission to the Park and a choice of eight (8) rides from a list of 25, all for a single package price. The plan was soon revised to include ten (10) “fabulous rides of your choice”.

The first 1956 editions of “A Day at Disneyland” Ticket Books still included three lettered tiers.

“A” Coupons were for the Main Street (Street Car, Surrey, Fire Wagon, and Cinema), Tomorrowland (Space Station X-1 or 20,000 Leagues Exhibit), and Fantasyland King Arthur Carrousel.

“B” Coupons were for the Frontierland Conestoga Wagon, Freight Train, and Keel Boat (the latter which recently debuted), Tomorrowland Phantom Boats, and Fantasyland (Mad Tea Party, Casey Jr. Train, Dumbo Elephant, Mickey Mouse Theater).

“C” coupons included the Frontierland Mule Pack, Stage Coach, Mark Twain Riverboat, Main Street Passenger Train, Fantasyland Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, Snow White, Tomorrowland Autopia Car, T.W.A. Rocket to the Moon, and the Adventureland Jungle River Boat.

However, the second Summer edition of the 1956 Disneyland Ticket Book added the “D” Ticket for the first time, totaling four “lettered” tiers of adventures (see the 1956 “The World’s Greatest Entertainment Value - Day at Disneyland Ticket Books” flier above, and the 1956 “More Room… More Rides… More Fun… and now More Value - A Day at Disneyland” flier below).

The makeup of a typical 10-ticket book would look like this:

(3) “A” coupons included the Main Street Horse Cars, DMC Horseless Carriage, Surreys or Wagons, Fire Wagon, Main Street Cinema, 20,000 Leagues Exhibit, Space Station X-1, King Arthur Carrousel

(2) “B” coupons included the Shooting Gallery, Skyway to Fantasyland, Mad Tea Party, Keller’s Jungle Killers, Skyway to Tomorrowland, Dumbo Flying Elephant, Mickey Mouse Theatre, Conestoga Wagons

(2) “C” coupons included the Autopia, Astro Jets, Tomorrowland Boats, Peter Pan Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Snow White, Mike Fink Keelboats

(3) “D” coupons included the Passenger Train, Rocket to the Moon, Storybook Land, Rainbow Caverns Mine Train, Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules, Rainbow Mt. Stage Coaches, Mark Twain, Freight Train, Tom Sawyer Island Rafts, Indian War Canoes, and Jungle River Boats

Disneyland Ticket Books from this era also uniquely did not include a letter in their printed serial numbers (see the 1956 “A” Admission Ticket below)

These prices can be seen on the side of a “first-generation” Disneyland Ticket Booth “Box Office” as it appeared in 1956 (below).

1957 Disneyland Admission Ticket Books

By 1957, Regular Admission Tickets were 50¢ (for Children under 12), 70¢ (for Juniors), and 90¢ (for Adults). This meant that “the average cost of a visit to Disneyland is $2.29, which includes admission to the Park, rides, amusements, souvenirs, and parking,” according to “A Complete Guide To Disneyland”, published 1957.

April 1957, saw the creation of the Disneyland Group Sales Department, which was instrumental in creating various value programs and packages for large groups who desired to visit Disneyland. The first two Disneyland Admission Plans offered were the “Big 10” Ticket Plan and the Day at Disneyland Guest Card.

In 1957, the Disneyland “Big 10” Ticket Plan (above) was billed as one of two plans available to visitors, and offered a savings of up to 34% over single price admissions. The “Big 10” Ticket Book contained one Admission to Disneyland and “the choice of every adventure” through 10 Disneyland Attraction Admissions.

Also in 1957, a new physical feature of the Disneyland Ticket Books was their change to a larger and taller size. Depicted below is one of those large, Disneyland "B" Adult Admission Coupons printed c. June, 1957 - August 15, 1958.

In 1957, the Big 10 Ticket Book was joined by the Jumbo 15 Ticket Book. During Summer 1957, the Jumbo 15 Ticket Book received top billing in an “unserialized” bifold brochure, which was issued to Guests before purchasing tickets. The campaign was centered around family groups who wished to “have more fun for less money with Disneyland Ticket Books”.

During Fall 1957, Promotional Disneyland Admission Media (serial number DL-HB-9-16-57), another bifold brochure, was issued to Guests before purchasing tickets.

Depicted below is a yellow Disneyland "B" Junior Admission Coupon, (c. June, 1957 - August 15, 1958)

Depicted below is a Disneyland "C" Attraction Child Admission Coupon (35¢ Value), (June, 1957 - September, 1958)

The ticket below needs to be researched for date.

1958 Disneyland Admission Ticket Books

In 1958, it was resolved that all future Disneyland Ticket Books would include all paid attractions and would continue to be the primary Admission Media for Disneyland.

Depicted below is a presumably early 1958 Disneyland Jumbo "D" Coupon 35 Cent Value.

By Fall-Winter 1958, there were (3) three Disneyland Ticket Books – The Big 10 Ticket Book, Jumbo 15 Ticket Book and the Golden 20 Ticket Book. See the “Important!” Promotional Disneyland Admission Media (serial number “100-10-15; 1958 80M”), another bifold brochure, which was issued to Guests before purchasing tickets (below). The ticket books were touted with the tagline: “NOW, even a greater value! With EVERY Ticket Book purchased, you receive 2 free rides!”

In 1958, the Disneyland Ticket Book size returned to its original height, similar to standard US currency (and suitable to fit inside a wallet). Disneyland Ticket Books remained this size until they were eliminated in 1982.

The ticket below is a presumably late 1958, yellow Disneyland "C" Coupon.

“The ‘E’ Ticket”

In 1959, the popular “E” Ticket was added in 1959.

By 1959, pre-arranged groups of 25 or more qualified for a ten percent discount of both the “Big 10 Ticket Book” and “Jumbo 15 Ticket Book” under the Ticket Book Plan, enabling large groups to enjoy massive savings. The orders were placed two days prior to the visit and the tickets were conveniently waiting for the group at the Group Window of the Main Gate.

By 1960, Disneyland had grown to 43 attractions, including the six spectacular adventures that debuted during the summer of 1959, and the new for 1960 Mine Train and Pack Mules through Nature's Wonderland.

So, early in 1960, the Disneyland Group Sales Department (the team behind Holidayland) published the “Important!” Promotional Disneyland Admission Media, serial number “175M – 8-11-60 (1)”, a bifold brochure, which was issued to Guests before purchasing tickets (below). According to the publication, “more than 11 million visitors” had “selected Disneyland Ticket Books for their day in the Magic Kingdom.” For now, two Disneyland Ticket Books were recommended - the Big 10 Ticket Book and the Jumbo 15 Ticket Book.

The 1960 Ticket Books changed the wording at the top of the ticket to read "Good For Choice of One"

Below is a yellow, DISNEYLAND D ticket Face value $.45, Summer 1960.

This 1961 “Two Wonderful Ways To Enjoy Disneyland” Excerpt (below) expounds on savings through purchase of “The Big 10 Ticket Book” and “The Jumbo 15 Ticket Book”.

“An Important Message for First-Time Visitors”, published for the Fall-Winter of 1961, was an un-serialized publication which was distributed to Guests before purchasing tickets). Once unfolded, Guests found that three interior leaves were dedicated to presenting the Disneyland Guided Tour Program. The two Disneyland Ticket Book Plans were offered as a secondary alternative to visitors (depicted below).

The 1961 Disneyland Special Season Ticket Book

In 1961, the “Special Season Ticket Book” was #2 of 3 Disneyland Ticket Plans being offered through Disneyland Ticket Booths. The “3 Wonderful Ways to Enjoy Disneyland” trifold brochure, published for 1961 (depicted below) elaborated on this unique Disneyland Ticket Book.

In 1961, the words “Special Ticket Book Price” were added (for the duration of this promotion) to the faces of the Disneyland Ticket Books (similar tickets in 1962, 1963, 1964 and in 1965, the prices increased).

Disneyland Starlite Ticket Books

Disneyland Starlite Ticket Books were designed especially for those who wished to enjoy Disneyland After Dark. These Ticket Books were sold from 6 P.M. until closing each evening. Each Starlite Ticket Book contained general admission tickets and choice of 12 tickets for Disneyland's rides and attractions. These Ticket Books were priced at $5.00 and were meant to be used by persons of any age group.

Starlite Tickets were only intended for use during the evening hours from 6 P.M. until closing, throughout the summer, and until September 22.

Below is a Disneyland "A" Coupon (printed for December 1961 - September 1963). Notice the Babes in Toyland Village Exhibit at the Opera House, which was an operation from December 17th, 1961 to September 30, 1963.

Below is a c.1962 Disneyland “B” Attraction Admission Coupon valued at 25¢.

Remember that between 1955 and 1962, economic inflation in the United States steadily rose by a total of about 12.7%. The aforementioned price of Disneyland General Admission Tickets werekept in step with this, (e.g. 1962, prices: Adult, $1.60; Juniors, 12 thru 17 yrs., $1.20; and Children under 12, 60¢.). Individual tickets for rides and attractions were also inflated by the same scale, and by 1962 were priced from 10¢ to 40¢ for Children under 12 yrs.; 10¢ to 50¢ for Adults. Policy stated that Children under 3 years (like the little one below) were admitted free to the Park, and on most rides and attractions, when accompanied by an adult or older child (with the exceptions of the Carrousel, Midget Autopia, and Pack Mules).

By 1962, all 43 Disneyland attractions and rides were listed in each Disneyland Ticket Book. The best values laid within the “Big Ten” Ticket Book. For instance “Big Ten” Ticket Book forAdults, contained a Main Gate Admission Ticket and (10) coupon tickets that could be exchanged for a variety of attractions, all at a cost of $3.75. If General Admission and the same tickets were purchased separately, the total cost would have been $5.50.

What was one of the largest orders filled for Disneyland Admission Tickets in 1962? It may have been during December 1962, when an amazing order of 1,018 5-Ride Ticket Books were requested for distribution to the 13 participating choirs of the annual Disneyland Holiday Parade.

1964 Disneyland Ticket Books

In 1964, the “Admission & 20 Adventures in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom” Disneyland Special Guest Book was offered. Make up of coupons (prices and attractions) were as follows:

The 1965 Disneyland ‘Tencennial’ Ticket Books

The Tencennial arrived and with it, “Two Wonderful Ways to Enjoy Disneyland” (possible serial number #65322), a trifold brochure published in 1965, showcasing the two Disneyland Ticket Book plans available.

1966 Disneyland Ticket Books

By 1966, Disneyland would offer one of the largest varieties of alternatives to its standard, Main Gate General Admission (for Adults, Juniors, and Children). Disneyland Ticket Media included the Guided Tour & Admission (Adult, Junior, Child), the Date Nite Book (for Couples Only; Adult and Junior), the “10 Adventure” Book (Adult, Junior, Child), Magic Kingdom Club “10 Adventure” Book (Winter Only; Adult, Junior, Child), Magic Kingdom Club “12 Adventure” Book (Summer Only; Adult Junior Child), and the “15 Adventure” Book.

“Daily Operations Reports” gave supervisors a day by day picture of the performance of each show, but also served as a source of valuable information for future research. The reports especially determined changes in the makeup of the Disneyland Ticket Book for 1966.

One of the biggest changes to occur to the Disneyland Ticket Books of 1966, was that the ticket stock used for printing did not carry the standard faint “Globe” brand logotype as a watermark. In its place was a new, secure, magical image, featuring a star and Sleeping Beauty Castle motif (depicted below).

Another addition to the Disneyland Ticket Book was a special Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln Admission Coupon. These Disneyland Coupons (generally admitting “children” ages 3-11 or “juniors” 3-17 ; pictured below) had no letter designation (or value) meaning that they could not be exchanged for any other attraction. These coupons were only valid for admission to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. For some time, one of these special coupons was included in each coupon book (in addition to purchase of other “letter” coupons). The back of the Disneyland Ticket Books even made mention of the complementary ticket inside.

But perhaps the most memorable change was, the order of ticket placement within the books. The desirable “E” Ticket was moved to the front of the Disneyland Ticket Book. This feature remained for more than a decade (see below).

As a result, by Spring 1966, one contributing writer of Disneyland Backstage magazine wrote: “How many tickets have been used since the park opened? Coupon Books, 25,843,090.”

1967 Disneyland Ticket Books

Naturally, price increases for Disneyland Ticket Books followed in 1967. However, The number of plans was reduced to two – the Disneyland “Big 10” Ticket Book and the Disneyland “Deluxe 15” Ticket Book.

The “Big 10” offered $8.10 worth of individual adult admission and attraction tickets for a total price of $4.50. Similarly, for a $10.80 value, the “Deluxe 15” cost adults only $5.50. The individual attractions of Disneyland were listed; broken down into letter categories. The most expensive were “E,” the next “D,” and so on to “A.” Both the “Big 10” and “Deluxe 15” offered tickets in all categories, with more “E” and “D” tickets than “C,” “B” and “A.”

Disneyland Magi-Pak Ticket Books

The Magi-Pak blow a 1967 Ticket Order Form for Girl Scout Day.

For the next few years, it seemed that most of the changes to Ticket Books would be related to the addition or deletion attractions or price increases.

THE LOSS OF WALT DISNEY

Walt Disney’s 65th birthday fell on December 5, 1966. Ten days later, on Thursday, December 15, 1966, at 9:35 a.m., a brother, a friend, and a leader, died. Many Disney personnel who were present, still remember the tragic day.

Soon after, Roy O. Disney, President and Chairman of the Board of Walt Disney Productions addressed the staff with an official statement, in which it was conveyed:

“Walt Disney spent his entire life and almost every waking hour in the creative planning of…Disneyland… and the other diversified activities that have carried his name through the years. Around him Was Disney gathered the kind of creative people who understood his ways were always unique and he built a unique organization. A team of creative people that he was justifiably proud of… Many have been with us for over thirty years. They take great pride in the organization which we helped to build. Only through the talent, labor ad dedication of this staff could any Disney project get off the ground…

Much of Walt Disney’s energies had been directed to preparing for this day. It was Walt’s wish that when the time came he would have built an organization with the creative talents to carry on as he established and directed it through the years. Today this organization has been built and we will carry out this wish.

Walt Disney’s preparation for the future has a solid, creative foundation. All of the plans for the future that Walt had begun… the expansion of Disneyland… will continue to move ahead.”

The repercussions of Walt’s passing reverberated through all of Walt Disney Productions, even impacting Disneyland Admission Media. During the Summer of 1967, Disneyland Ticket Books replaced Walt Disney’s “signature” name on the “Welcome” stubs with the name of the organization that was carrying out his wishes, hopes and dreams – “Walt Disney Productions.”

1968 Disneyland Ticket Books

In 1968, the Anaheim Area Hospitality Book was offered. During the Spring of 1968, the Disneyland Magic Key Ticket Book was also offered, including admission and 10 attractions of a Guest’s choice.

By 1968, the tickets were once again printed on the Globe Ticket Company paper stock featuring the “Globe” watermark. However, the “E” Ticket remained in the front of Disneyland Ticket Books.

1969 Disneyland Ticket Books

In 1969, the Haunted Mansion opened at Disneyland, and its name “materialized” in the Disneyland Ticket Book.

While General Admission was included with the contemporaneous “Big 10” Ticket Books ($3.75-4.75), “Deluxe 15” Ticket Books ($4.75-5.75), the Guided Tour package ($3.50-6.50), and the Magic Kingdom Club “12 Ride” Book ($3.50-4.50). General Admission was not included with the “10-Ride” Ticket Book ($3.00; composed of ABCDE tickets) or the “5-Ride” Ticket Book ($3.00; Any five attractions).

In the end, mortal visitors would still pay one of those aforementioned “token” fees - each one, a reasonable value for Disneyland Admission Media!

These prices can be seen below on the side of a “second-generation” Disneyland Ticket Booth “Box Office” as it appeared in 1969.

1971 Disneyland Ticket Books

1972 Disneyland Ticket Books

In 1972, a new attraction was added – Bear Country.

1973 Disneyland Ticket Books

Pictured below is “The Walt Disney Story” featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln Family Admission Ticket - Front then back (April 8th, 1973 - February 17th, 1975)

1974 Disneyland Ticket Books

The next major change occurred in 1974, when the letter text was boldened.

Below is a unique 1974 Disneyland “D” Attraction Admission Ticket with a $.70 face value, featuring America Sings (opened June 1974), the “Disneyland Railroad” (rebranded when Santa Fe participant sponsorship ended in October 1974), and Flight to the Moon (which would close by January 1965).

1975 Disneyland Ticket Books

In 1975, the iconic “Disneyland” logotype was modified to the newer medieval calligraphic font that we know today (compare the first 75¢ Adult Admission sample from 1975 with the later 85¢ Adult Admission sample from a later year).

Pictured below is “yellow”-colored Disneyland “C” Attraction Coupon (with a 40¢ Value).

In 1975, the cash value was also removed from Disneyland Admission Ticket Coupons

1976 Disneyland Ticket Books

1977 Disneyland Ticket Books

In 1977, Disneyland Ticket Admission Ticket Books added Space Mountain (see the c.1977, bold-lettered, “E”-topped Disneyland Ticket Book below).

1978 Disneyland Ticket Books

1979 Disneyland Ticket Books

In 1979, Disneyland Ticket Admission Ticket Books added Big Thunder Mountain.

1980 Disneyland Ticket Books

The Disneyland Courtesy Guest Ticket Book contained admission coupons which were good for various attractions A through E.

Disneyland Hospitality Ticket Books

In a synergistic move to increase Disneyland attendance through tourism, and promote the growth of local business and infrastructure, the Anaheim Area Hospitality Book plan was developed. The Anaheim Area Hospitality Book was not sold at the Disneyland Box Office, but was exclusively available to guests of hotels and motels that belonged to the local Anaheim Area Visitor and Convention Bureau.

The Anaheim Hospitality Book contained “1st Day” and “2nd Day” Main Gate Admission Coupons, which were good at any time during Disneyland's regular operating hours. They also contained a complimentary admission coupon for “The Walt Disney Story featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”, and 15 Attraction Admission Coupons lettered “A” through “E,” which were good for a variety of attractions. All of this was originally valued at $14.10.

The Anaheim Area Hospitality Book program operated from the late 1960s and through the 1970s. During the 1970s, the Anaheim Area Hospitality Book program dropped “Anaheim Area” from its name in a move to become more inclusive to other area inns located throughout Orange County. It adopted the natural name – Disneyland Hospitality Book, and continued to offer special savings on ticket values and early entry into Disneyland.

1982 – The End of Disneyland Ticket Books

Disneyland Ticket Books were “wonderful ways to enjoy Disneyland” and continued a tradition for nearly 27 years. During that era, the Disneyland Ticket Book Program saw numerous special editions, and many revisions.

Beginning Wednesday, June 16th, 1982, Disneyland offered just one kind of ticket - Disneyland Passports which became the exclusive admission media for Disneyland. Since Disneyland Passports were good for admission and unlimited use of Park attractions (except shooting galleries), attractions were no longer required to be designated as A, B, C, D or E adventures. A provision was made for all “A” through “E” Coupons that had been previously purchased, to be redeemable toward discounts on the purchase of a Disneyland Passport.

June 16th, 1982 was the first day that guests only needed to purchase a Disneyland Passport and nothing else. Disneyland Attraction Coupons had served a purpose but were now obsolete and being discontinued.

LEGACY

But, Disneyland Ticket Books lived on for a time through other Disney Theme Parks like Tokyo Disneyland.

**“The ‘Admission & 15 Adventures in Disneyland Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom’ Replica”**

On December 11, 2007, the much-anticipated DVD: Disneyland - The Secrets, Stories and Magic of the Happiest Place on Earth was released with bonus “replica” of a 1959 “Admission & 15 Adventures in Disneyland Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom” Ticket Book.

This was not a facsimile, but truly a celebratory, imitation. The book was manufactured to mimic the colorful ink tints, hues and tones, and printed to resemble Globe ticket cardstock. Thoughtful details included the cover stub featuring Walt’s “Welcome to Disneyland” message.

But enthusiasts noticed little “fantastic” differences – the serial number (F000001) was printed in the wrong location, and the honored attractions on each ticket didn’t match those on authentic ticket coupons from the era. Though the back of the book had the “Admission & 15 Adventures in Disneyland Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom” logotype on it, it only had five replica tickets inside.

But just in case there was still any confusion with a true-life Disneyland Ticket Book, the back of the books even carried the disclaimer: “For souvenir purposes only. Not valid for theme park admission or attraction use. No cash value.”

All together the “Admission & 15 Adventures in Disneyland Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom” Ticket Book replica was a fun tribute to the original, and the closest that most fans would come to holding a complete ticket book in their hands!

“Disneyland Admission Ticket Book Voucher”

The ”Admission Book to Disneyland” Voucher Card was first available from 1955 to 1956. The card was presented at the Disneyland Box Office in exchange for one (1) Disneyland Admission Book, good for admission to the Park and its amusement. While it was good any time during 1955 and 1956, the card below was validated for 1957.

“‘A Day at Disneyland’ Special Guest Cards”

The Day at Disneyland Special Guest Cards (for industry members) were a precursor to all-inclusive Passports which would not appear for more than two decades. Day at Disneyland Special Guest Cards (billed as “an exciting new plan to visit Disneyland”), offered guests the magic key to unlocking all of Disneyland’s wonderful rides and attractions (at a value of $4.00 for children 12 and under, and $6.00 for all others). This was available for the first time in 1957, and was also called “the finest way to visit Disneyland”! (See “Plan 2” on the “Important!” Disneyland Admission Media, published 1957; depicted below).

“Disneyland Gold Passes”

The Disneyland Gold Pass was issued on an annual basis, “by Disney Executives to Disney Board Members, leaders of companies that are Disney Participants, and other VIPs”.

By 1978, the Disneyland Gold Pass entitled the holder all parking privileges, unlimited admission to the Main Gate for dependents and Guests, and unlimited complimentary tickets from City Hall. The Disneyland Gold Pass was also good for admission to any attraction in the Park, however it was more convenient for the bearer to obtain complimentary tickets. The employee passes entitled the holder to discounts on Merchandise. Non-employee card holders would have “NE” typed in the upper right corner on the signature side of their cards. The non-employee passes did not entitle the holder to discounts on Merchandise.

According to Dave Smith (Chief Archivist Emeritus of The Walt Disney Archives), “The number of Gold Passes, which began during Walt Disney’s lifetime, has not been released, but there are not many of them.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016]

“Disneyland Silver Passes”

On October 3, 1956, the Disneyland Silver Pass was extant, and gifted by Disneyland Customer Relations Director Jack Sayers to the five-millionth Guest – four-year-old Debra Rutherford (of Quincy Washington) and her sister Patricia and their parents - who had passed through the turnstiles of Disneyland Main Gate.

In January 1957, Walt Disney personally gifted an Annual Silver Pass to Walt Disney Studio Animator Ward Kimball, encouraging him to “visit… often… as Disneyland continues to grow.” (See document below; Walt Disney Family Museum)

By 1978, the Disneyland Silver Pass admitted the designated pass holder and a specified number of dependents or Guests to the Parking Lot and Main Gate of Disneyland and/or Walt Disney World every day of Park operation. In addition, the pass holder may receive a corresponding number of complimentary Magic Key Ticket Books from City Hall on Main Street. The Disneyland Silver Pass itself is not valid for admission to attractions in the Park or for complimentary tickets from any of the In-Park ticket booths. Non-employee card holders will have "NE" typed in the upper right corner on the signature side of the card. They are not entitled to discounts on Merchandise.

“The VIP Disneyland Travel Passport”

The VIP Disneyland Travel Passport program was developed by Milt Albright, Phil Bauer, Jack, and Eleanor Heldt.

In 1961, the “Passport to Disneyland” was one of three Disneyland Ticket Plans being offered through Disneyland Ticket Booths.

According to the “3 Wonderful Ways to Enjoy Disneyland” trifold brochure, published for 1961, it was billed as “the right ticket” for “king-sized fun and king-sized thrills”.

However, this year, it was available for purchase up to March 19, 1961.

The VIP Disneyland Travel Passport was offered to Adults (the green-colored cover below, for $5.00) and Children (the red-colored cover below, for $3.75). The Adult package was valued at $10.00 and the Children’s package was valued at $

Much like a true-life U.S. Passport Book, the VIP Disneyland Travel Passport opened with a special fields for information that would provide Guest identification - special fields to write their name, street address, city, and state of residence, their signature, and another field where Guests could attach a photograph of themselves (though photos were not necessary for validation).

Each trifold VIP Disneyland Travel Passport contained one (1) Main Gate Visa (which was valid on the date sold) and sixteen (16) Attraction Visas (which were valid anytime during Disneyland’s normal operating hours when Ticket Books were on sale).

One central leaf even contained an informative, current list of adventures which would honor the VIP Disneyland Travel Passport.

Many details of the Disneyland Travel Passport were continuously, meticulously being developed. Below, a 1964 Disneyland Inter-Office Communication composed by Milt Albright discusses possibly some misleading wording (and suggested corrections) related to a promotional poster for the VIP Pass.

“Disneyland Private Party Admission Tickets”

During the era of private parties, the Disneyland Private Party Admission Ticket admitted the holder through the Main Gate and permitted them to unlimited use of most attractions (often discluding the shooting galleries).

The Park presented its first Private Party on Friday, May 13, 1960, when 5,042 Knights of Columbus enjoyed exclusive use of Disneyland. On October 22, United California Bank held a Private Party at Disneyland with 6,315 people in attendance. Their party continues today to be an annual event at the Park.

For the 1960 Democratic National Convention, Disneyland created the Democratic National Convention Disneyland Guest Certificate Request Form (see the image below) for the purchase of Disneyland Special Guest Ticket Book Certificates by members of the Democratic National Convention Committee.

The Disneyland Special Guest Ticket Book Certificates were valid until July 22, 1960, and could be exchanged for two types of Disneyland Special Guest Ticket Books – the 12-Ride Book or the 20-Ride Book.

Below, a 1969 Disneyland Private Party Special Event Admission Ticket to the San Bernardino County Employees Association presents “Public Employees Night”.

What were the requirements for holding a private party at Disneyland in 1970?

“Disneyland Armed Forces Admission Tickets”

During the mid-1960s (approximately 1965), Disneyland began offering a Special Disneyland “Admission and Adventures” Ticket Book to all returning Viet Nam Servicemen as a “Welcome Home” and “heartfelt thanks”! The $9.00 Value Package cost $1.00 to United States “Servicemen”, and included a Special 10 Ride Ticket Book (valued at $8.00) which was not available to the public. These offers continued from c. 1965 - 1975.

“Disneyland Magic Kingdom Club ‘Magic Key’ Tickets”

April of 1957, saw the creation of the Disneyland Group Sales Department. Thanks to Milt Albright (the creative mind behind Holidayland), and his staff, the Magic Kingdom Club Program was soon added to the Disneyland Group Sales Department during 1957.

Eleanor Heldt (Magic Kingdom Club Administrator) oversaw the program which made the Magic Key Ticket Books available to Guests during that very Fall of 1958 (see the promotional flyer below).

The Magic Key Ticket Books included Admission to Disneyland and coupons for Admission to any 10 attractions of guest’s choice.

By 1959, Larry Tryon of Disneyland Finance was overseeing Disneyland Admissions, Doc Lemmon of Operations was overseeing the Ticket Sellers and Ed Ettinger of Public Relations was overseeing the Disneyland Magic Kingdom Club. Within a year of its creation, the Disneyland Magic Kingdom Club had grown to a membership of a quarter of a million. The Disneyland Recreation Club joined the Magic Kingdom Club late in 1959, to offer club benefits to all Disneylanders.

Several things happened in 1959 –the popular E ticket had been added to Disneyland Magic Kingdom Club Ticket Books in 1959. The program policies outlined that pre-arranged groups of 25 or more qualified for a ten percent discount of both the “Big 10” and “Jumbo 15” ticket books under the Disneyland Ticket Book Plan, enabling large groups to enjoy massive savings. Related orders were placed two days prior to the visit and the tickets were conveniently waiting for the group at the Group Windsor at the Main Gate.

By 1963, brand new “Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom Club” Membership Cards (depicted above) were available on June 1st, promising 48 attractions to some 340,000 “members of the more than 1000 business firms and military bases that are members of the MKC” in Southern California. [Disneyland News, Vol.1, No. 2]. Many organizations like the Welfare and Recreation Department of Autonotics, in Anaheim, or the Naval Construction staff of Port Hueneme (below) availed themselves of the Magic Kingdom Club benefits.

The Disneyland News (Vol.2, No.3 ; Fall of 1964) announced the return of the Magic Key Books on its main page headline, and the prices were listed - $3.95 (for Adults), $3.45 (for Juniors), and Children under 12 ($2.95).

Depicted below is a 1966 Disneyland Magic Key Junior Coupon (featuring that unique star and Sleeping Beauty Castle motif Globe paper stock that was only used that year).

Walt Disney and Disneyland’s partnership with the Gene Autry and the Angels resulted in “Disneyland Double Headers”(days of baseball ending with an evening at the Magic Kingdom)!

By Spring 1968, the Disneyland Magic Key Ticket Book offered admission and 10 attractions of Guests’ choice.

By 1971, the Magic Kingdom Club had been operable for 14 years, with Milt Albright serving as Executive Director of the Magic Kingdom Club. At that time, the club also offered special discount prices for major first-run Walt Disney motion pictures shown at theatre box offices.

Below, are two c. 1974 - 1980s Disneyland Magic Key Coupons.p

From September to May, in 1979 and 1980 - September to May, Magic Key Tickets (1 Day Admission, 11 Attractions) were $15.90 fir Adults, $14.90 for Juniors, $11.80 for Children.

When the Disneyland Annual Passport was introduced in 1983, Disneyland Magic Key Attraction Coupons suddenly became obsolete. However, a provision assigned a point value to each coupon. A maximum of 50 coupon points (which equalled $5.00) was allowed toward each Disneyland Passport purchased. Those maximums insured that the total points allowed per transaction would not exceed the point value of the Disneyland Admission Media being purchased. Full Disneyland Ticket Books with admissions attached were on a “one book for one Passport” even exchange basis and had the point value of the Disneyland Passport price. Redemptions were transacted at the Disneyland Ticket Booths when purchasing Disneyland Passports on each visit.

“The Disneyland Passport”

In 1966, Day at Disneyland Special Guest Cards (for industry members) were a precursor to all-inclusive Passports which would not appear for more than two decades. Day at Disneyland Special Guest Cards (billed as “an exciting new plan to visit Disneyland”), offered guests the magic key to unlocking all of Disneyland’s wonderful rides and attractions (at a value of $4.00 for children 12 and under, and $6.00 for all others). This was available for the first time in 1957, and was also called “the finest way to visit Disneyland”!

In 1978, the Disneyland Main Gate Pass admitted the designated pass holder and a specified number of dependents or Guests to the Parking Lot and Main Gate of Disneyland and/or Walt Disney World every day of Park operation. It was not valid for Disneyland Attraction Admission Tickets or free admission to any attraction. These were available to employees and the public. Non- employee card holders had “NE” typed in the upper right corner on the signature side of their cards. They were not entitled to discounts on Merchandise.

From September to May, in 1979 and 1980 - September to May, the Disneyland Passport was offered (Adults, $8.50 ; Juniors [12-17], $8.00 ; and Children [3-11], $7.50)

Beginning Wednesday, June 16th, 1982, Disneyland offered just one kind of ticket - the Disneyland Passport! The Passport, good for admission and unlimited use of Park attractions (except shooting galleries), became the exclusive ticket media for Disneyland. No longer were attractions designated as A, B, C, D or E adventures. Previously purchased A through E coupons became redeemable for discounts on the purchase of a Passport. The ticket prices were $12.00 (adults), $10.50 (juniors), and $9.00 (children).

Sometime later in 1982, “a Handstamp and Disneyland Passport… [were] required for Readmission,” as indicated by signs.

By 1984, a number of Disneyland Passports were available including the Senior Citizen Passport (Age 60 and above, Thurs. & Friday only) $10.00, Disneyland 1-Day Passport ($14.00-$ 9.00), Disneyland 2-Day Passport ($24.00-$16.00), Disneyland 3-Day Passport ($31.00-$22.00), Magic Kingdom Club Passport ($13.00-$8.00), Magic Kingdom Club 2-Day Passport ($22.00-$14.00), Magic Kingdom Club 3-Day Passport ($28.00-$19.00), and the Magic Kingdom Club Annual Passport ($65.00-$45.00).

The 1984 Walt Disney Productions Quarterly Report shared that “revenues were favorably influenced by June 1984 admission price increases at all parks, partially offset by slightly lower attendance.” Passports Adult ($14.00), Children 3 thru 12 ($9.00). The Federated Disneyland Holiday Passport Certificate (below) was valid once daily from December 1 through 24, 1985 allowing admission and use of attractions during regular operating hours.

In 1985, Disneyland One-day Adult Passports were $16.50, while Passports for children 3 thru 12 were $10.50.

By 1985, Walt Disney’s Disneyland Executive Club Ticket Certificate (pictured below) featured the Disneyland Passport which included admission and unlimited use of adventures and attractions, or a Guided Tour for first-time visitors.

In 1987, the price of Disneyland One day Passports was $28.00 for Adults, and $21.00 for Juniors (children 3 thru 11). Tickets and hand stamps were still required for re-admission.

Commemorative Disneyland Passports

By the 1980s, Disneyland Admission Media was important for revenue to the revenue of Disneyland Park. In fact, by 1981, Disneyland Ticket Sellers and Takers contributed $91,641,000 (Main Gate) and $1,873,000 (In Park) in revenue (of $94,576,000 area sales) for Center Stage at Disneyland. It isn’t any wonder that a new form of Disneyland Admission Media would be added.

From the 1980s-1990s, Disneyland Special Edition Commemorative Passports were occasionally used in gift-giving promotions.

Some had novelty “scratcher” boxes or other fields that would reveal prizes to the ticket holder.

But most of all, Disneyland Special Edition Commemorative Passports celebrated milestone anniversaries, the opening of new lands and adventures, or even seasonal parades, shows and parties. These exquisite Passports often presented as a “cherished addition to any Disneyana collection” and were usually made available in a limited number and at an exclusive value.

The Disneyland Annual Passholder Program

In 1983, the Disneyland Annual Passholder System introduced the Disneyland Annual Pass, which was valid for one year of admission to Disneyland, consider considering a few blockout dates and other restrictions which applied. This historically gave rise to the term Annual Passholder (AP) - one who purchased the ticket media that provided admission to both parks for one year.

For a short time, the program assigned a point value to previously-purchased Disneyland Main Entrance Admission Tickets and Attraction Admission Coupons, and those points were allowed to be redeemed toward the purchase of the Disneyland Passport. An admission ticket from the books was redeemed toward a Passport and Attraction coupons from books were redeemed toward a Passport. Magic Key coupons were also worth coupon points. A maximum of 50 coupon points (which equals $5.00) are allowed toward each Passport being purchased. These maximums insure that the total points allowed per transaction would not exceed the point value of the admission media being purchased. Full ticket books with admissions attached were on a one book for one Passport even exchange basis and have the point value of the Passport price. Redemptions would be transacted at the Disneyland Ticket Booths when purchasing Passports on each visit.

In 1986, a provision allowed Disneyland Annual Passholders to bring a Guest to Disneyland for only $9.95 after 5p.m.

“New Magical Opportunities for Disneyland Admission Media”

The Disneyland Admissions System is progressive, and has marched ever-forward, in step with the times. Meanwhile, its Disneyland Admission Media has evolved to assimilate new developments in technology. In 1955, Disneyland began with “top-of-the-line” Perey Ticket Boxes (where tickets were deposited into canvas bags, which were then protected behind locked steel doors).

The Disneyland Admission Tickets were soon coupled with hand stamps for a system that would permit Guest reentry into the Park.

In 1992, the era of “hand-stamped” paper Disneyland Admission Tickets finally came to an end when barcodes were added to Disneyland Admission Media. The transition ushered in brand-new, technological turnstiles that could “read” the barcode printed on the tickets, validate them, stamp them with the current date, and punch holes through their corners in an effort to track used Disneyland Admission Media.

It would be thirty-five years later (on July 9, 2017), when the entire archaic “handstamp” reentry system was entirely phased out.

All the while, economic inflation influenced the price value printed on each piece of Disneyland Admission Media.

The MagicBand+ (which debuted at Disneyland Resort in 2022), utilized RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Tags, Bluetooth Chips, Haptic Vibration Motors, motion-detecting “Accelerometers” and small rechargeable batteries. All of these high-tech internal components contribute toward wearable, interactive Disneyland Admission Media that can be used for Park Entry, Lightning Lane entrance, and Disney PhotoPass access.

In 2015, Disneyland Resort officially launched the official mobile app and Disney eTickets. Built on earlier concepts of Disneyland Admission Media and new technologies, Guests could now conveniently store and link their tickets digitally. Once they arrived at the Main Entrance Gate, Guests could then access and scan the unique ticket barcode directly from their mobile devices.

“Disneyland Admission Media”

What will become of all those original, wonderful, paper Disneyland Admission Tickets? Their gorgeous graphic designs and luxurious logotype were often printed on vibrant, colorful, jewel-like paper stock, and yet they were destined to be as evanescent as a rainbow, or short-lived as a sunset. The majority were shredded by employees, discarded by Guests as ephemera, and have been long forgotten. Owing to this fact, it has become increasingly scarce to find a fully-intact, unused ticket, let alone a complete book of Disneyland Tickets.

But some Disneyland Admission Media has escaped that awful fate, only to preserved by some guest as a souvenir memento of the time they visited Walt’s magic kingdom. Was it a family vacation, a milestone anniversary, or a first-time visit? Occasionally, we find those treasured keepsakes where they had been carefully mounted for preservation all those years ago, tucked neatly within the pages of vacation scrapbooks or photo albums.

Contemporary fans, may agree, that in this modern, digital world, where passes live on smartphones or apps, there is a certain rush of excitement in discovering physical Disneyland Admission Media. Theme Park Historians know the feeling of holding a tangible specimen in their hands, beholding and pondering over the vintage artifact’s place in history. But to those who once purchased and redeemed them, Disneyland Admission Ticket Media is a sure, nostalgic, tangible “touchstone” into that bygone era when it all started at Disneyland!