Walt Disney once said, “Music has always had a prominent part in all our products.” [Wisdom magazine published December 1959] With this expression in mind, it isn’t hard to imagine why (since Disneyland’s conception), a marching band - evoking those of a bygone era - has always been part of Walt Disney’s vision of “a typical American town at the turn-of-the-century”! On the LP recording “Walt Disney Takes You To Disneyland,” Walt (himself) describes what he sees “at the end of the street, the marching band appears in full regalia!”

“Disneyland revolutionized outdoor entertainment and established a new approach to showmanship. The concept of a living stage was a radical change from the conventional amusement park, fair or fun zone. A variety of live shows entertained Guests throughout the day.”Many Disney characters - Disneyland Band, mountain climbers, Disney guest bands, and other people contribute to a constant living show throughout the Park. Whether they’re playing concerts in Town Square or marching down Main Street U.S.A., the popular 18-to-20-piece Disneyland Marching Band seems to always entertain Disneyland guests with old-fashioned concerts. Even more the “hometown band’s” gay and entertaining music (of band classics like a grand old Sousa march, and modern standards) has come to embody the “Disneyesque Magic” that keynotes Disneyland’s musical moods and shuts the world of everyday life outside Disneyland’s gates!

Now, I invite you to please “step off” and keep in “step this way” as we explore a few “keynotes” and rare Vintage Views of the Disneyland Band!

The success of the Disneyland Band is owed to its first Band Director - Vesey Walker! Many of us may be too young to remember the man who, (according to the Official Guide to Disneyland, published 1956, only months after the Park opened), had “won world-wide acclaim as band leader.” This “world-wide acclaim” was (of course) due to his resume of previous experiences, not withstanding his new career for Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. By this early time in Disneyland history, Vesey Walker may have already been known as “the pride of Main Street,” but the Sheffield, England native got his start 30 years prior, first taking up his baton with the Army Bandmaster School during World War I, and later becoming the Assistant Bandmaster to the 41st Infantry.

When the war was over, Vesey Walker came to America, and soon “found his footing” as bandmaster of the “Milwaukee American Legion Band, winning four national band championships for the American Legion and the International band contest in Geneva, Switzerland in 1934, as well a an Elks national competition and a Veterans of Foreign Wars contest,” (according to Vacationland magazine, published Winter-Spring of 1964). The album of “Walt Disney’s Disneyland Band Concert,” (published by Disneyland Records) continues Vesey’s story this way: “He came to California from Milwaukee (then one of the country’s most renowned cities of concert band music) during the 30s to take over the direction of the Los Angeles Elks Lodge 99 band, the famous “Toppers.” (This was not the first and would not be the last band that Vesey founded in his lifetime, founding the Marquette University Band and some 50 others all together.)

It was likely his performance in a Tournament of Roses Parade of Pasadena, California, that Walt Disney was first impressed with the British Bandmaster’s conducting. As mentioned, Vesey was leading the Los Angeles Elks 99 band (a role that Vesey filled for some 21 years, from 1936 to 1955). It is clear by this time, that Vesey Walker had developed quite a reputation, for he had “won more than 50 state and international prizes.” Amidst these successes, Vesey had conducted many college bands and military bands (like the Milwaukee American Legion Band, which he had led to “four national championships, plus an international one in Geneva”). Kesey led both school bands, and youth bands (like the Los Angeles County Sheriff Biscailuz Boys Band and the Inglewood Boys Band). Vesey’s own son Tommy even went on to become a drum major and Band Leader with the University of Southern California.

According to Vesey Walker’s wife, Walt Disney now inquired about Vesey Walker, and hired him “late in 1954,” to organize the band procession planned for Disneyland’s big televised opening day event, which was just a few months away. The “Disney News” (Fall of 1966) preserves Vesey’s memories of what happened next : “‘Walt asked me to put together a small band for the Park’s opening and a two-week engagement,’ Vesey says.” Next, “Some of the best bandsmen around, many of them alumni of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, gene Krupka, Tommy Dorsey and even the Ballet Russe and Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra, got together with their leader,” according to the every same“Disney News” (Fall of 1966).

Cornet musician Ted Tracey recalled: “one day in 1955, the union called and said that a band was being formed for Disneyland and that the job was for two weeks.” Jim Barngrover remembered the date he received “the call”: “On July 10, 1955 the local musicians' office got a call for musicians at Disneyland. It was to last for two weeks and a 16-piece band was wanted. The band was put together by Tommy Walker and Tommy's father, Vesey Walker soon became the first Disneyland Band director.” Ted goes on: “We had a week to rehearse and get ready and workmen were running and stuff was being hammered together...all the time we were rehearsing.”

During their contemporaneous time with Disneyland, Vesey Walker (and son, Tommy Walker) would go on to open their own business - “Walker’s House of Music” (located at 220 North Los Angeles Street, c. 1958). The shop (managed by Gail Beverly) was advertised as a “Band and Orchestra Headquarters”, specializing in instruments, instruction, rentals, repairs, and sales. In addition, Vesey would see his son Tommy go on to serve in Entertainment managerial roles for Disneyland (in Disneyland Guest Relations and as Disneyland Director of Entertainment), in which Tommy was most influential in encouraging the education of youngsters involved in music and arts programs.

Before Disneyland even opened, the Disneyland Band was reckoned among “Disneyland rides and amusements” that “will delight the very young, the teen-ager, young married couples, the middle-aged, and grandparents alike,” as some of the following Vintage Views testify [Anaheim Bulletin “Premier Souvenir Edition - Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom - Disneyland” Insert ; Friday, July 15th, 1955].

“The Press Preview & Grand Opening”

Cornet musician Ted Tracey remembered: “Cables were running up and down Main Street for the T.V. crews. It was hot! We played the Colonel Bogey March and the Washington Post.”

Beginning in July of 1955, the Disneyland Band was originally organized to perform “only a two-week engagement”. According to “The Spirit of Disneyland” (prepared by Walt Disney Productions, in 1984), this limited contract indicated “the tentative nature of the times.” However the Disneyland Marching Band became so popular with guests. Knowing their audience, Disneyland Operations decided that the Disneyland Band would be “held over.” They would go on to play daily concerts throughout the Park, under the direction of the Disneyland Band Founding Director Vesey Walker. For instance, the Disneyland Band would perform under the Bandstand from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Coronet musician Ted Tracey remembered how “Sometimes, on Sunday morning, Walt would sit on a Park bench, wearing a slouch hat and listen to the band.”

The Disneyland Band was present nearly seven weeks later, to welcome Elsa Marquez (the 1-millionth visitor) to Disneyland, as they played “Happy Days Are Here Again”, “Davy Crockett”, and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at the Disneyland Main Gate. By the spring-summer of 1956, the Disneyland Band soon found themselves giving “Welcome to Disneyland”concerts for large groups (and conventions) of 25 - 5000 guests, in coordination with Disneyland Guest Relations Department (then Directed by Jack Sayers and Assisted by Tommy Walker). “55er” Ted Tracey recalled: “In the early days, the Band dressed in a tent in back of Carnation. it was HOT in the tent and our clothes NEVER dried out. We would strip down to our shorts and from the OUTSIDE, you could see the hairy legs walking around INSIDE!”

Soon, the Disneyland Band’s very first album was recorded at Disneyland (and sold through Wonderland Music Shop, by August of 1956). Vesey and his Disneyland Band (c. 1956) can readily be seen preserved on film (wearing their red, white, and blue uniforms and shako hats, and surprisingly no band name on the drum head), in the “An Adventure in the Magic Kingdom” episode of Walt Disney’s “Disneyland” television series (filmed in 1957, and airing in 1958)! The very same footage (originally filmed in color) was reused in “Disneyland, U.S.A.” (a “People and Places” feature film, released in the U.S. on December 20, 1956 through Buena Vista Film Distribution Company). As a sidelight, the custom (and authentic) wardrobe of the Disneyland Band was likely provided by Warren Ackerman’s House of Uniforms (yes, “uniforms”), then located in Beverly Hills, California.

“Melody Times”

By the year 1956, the Official Guide to Disneyland had figured “the Disneyland Band gives 1,460 concerts annually in Disneyland.” This meant a lot of performances held in various parts of the Park, and not just on Sunday (as was traditionally done around the true-life turn-of the century) but twice, daily. These old-fashioned concerts took place in both Town Square (at 11:00 a.m.) and then under the Magnolia Gardens Gazebo, before heading into the wilds of Adventureland and Frontierland for impromptu concerts. You may recollect seeing the Disneyland Band (clad in their red, white, and blue uniforms and shako hats), performing in a few odd locations during this era - from the backs of King Arthur’s carousel horses, from the lower deck of the Mark Twain sternwheeler, or even maintaining Vesey’s dictated tempo, while spinning and twirling in the Mad Hatter’s tea cups (as seen in “Disneyland U.S.A.”, released December 20, 1956). Next, the Disneyland Band would parade back down Main Street U.S.A. and through the Park (usually from noon to 1 p.m.), before their final performance during the Flag Retreat in Town Square (from about 5:45 to 6:15). The only time their routine performances were interrupted, was during Disneyland’s “Yuletide Season” (which began in 1955, when they performed 2-3 shows daily in the Mickey Mouse Club Circus at Holidayland). By 1959, Art Linkletter (host of “Disneyland ‘59” Presented by Kodak) could say : “The Disneyland Band, Directed by Vesey Walker (and man, he struts) is coming up - the ‘Marching-est Band In The Whole World’ covering every cranny of Disneyland! They play on the river boats, covered wagons, the carousel, and the jungle launches. You name it, they’re there, and so they’re here for the opening of our big parade!” A few years later, (by 1968/1969), the Disneyland Band’s schedule of appearances and route through the Park had changed little. By then, the band usually performed a Main Street Parade and Town Square Concert (from 10:45 a.m. to 11:05 a.m.), then marched through Disneyland and gave a concert aboard the Mark Twain (from 11:20 p.m. to 12:15 p.m.), after which they would head to the Plaza Gardens for a concert (from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.), and then finally participate in another Main Street Parade before the Retreat Ceremony (from 5:25 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.)!

Ted Tracey remembered: “One time we had a sax plover, who was always the first to rush off after a concert. The last strains of music would barely fade away when he would grab his music stand and rush off. Well this time, the clarinet player nailed his stand to the floor, and when the auy tiled to charge off, he couldn't move the stand!!”

“Make Mine Music”

Vesey may have found it challenging to teach his own pet Mynah Bird to talk via the recording method. However, like some sort of “musical kaleidoscope” the versatile Disneyland Band performed a variety of requests - “state songs, old-time favorites, children’s tunes and songs from Disney motion pictures”, (according to Holiday magazine, published 1957). Some of their finer music includes “The William Tell Overture”, “Basin Street Blues”, “The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You”, and novelties as “The Clarinet Polka”. Occasionally, new songs would be rehearsed and performed for the seasonal holiday festivals and special ceremonies. From 1955 to 1969, “every President of the United States since 1946 except Lyndon Johnson, 15 princes and princesses, six kings, and a number of Prime Ministers and Premiers, several maharajahs, Congo Tribal Chiefs, Ambassadors, three queens, and a number of noted Russians - save one” have visited Disneyland. (Disney News, Fall, 1969). On some of these occasions, the Disneyland Band would perform special song arrangements, as when a special “Circus band Concert” was performed for members of the National Circus Fans Association, on Friday, June 14th, 1957. On one occasion the Disneyland Band performed a song “written by King Bhumibol of Thailand” before his visit to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Yes, all sorts of individuals visited Disneyland (from the world over), for an opportunity to hear the Disneyland Band under the Direction of Vesey Walker!

Magnolia Park (located between the Rivers of the World in Adventureland and the Frontierland Station of the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad) was the setting of the Bandstand and Gazebo from the Spring of 1956 to 1962. To understand the location of Magnolia Park in relation to other sights and sounds of Disneyland - it was quite common to hear the sounds of the Cambodian Ruins along the Mekong River, smell the aroma of fresh fried chicken (from the Chicken Plantation), and see the passenger and freight trains (of the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad) roll by - all at once!

These smiling guests are enjoying a bygone American pastime - a concert in the park - Magnolia Park, that is! From the Spring of 1956 to 1962, Magnolia Park’s resident Bandstand and Gazebo were home to old-fashioned Disneyland Band concerts in the Park during daytimes and holidays. The new encompassing stage was able to support large instruments - even a piano and drum kit. Rows of park benches were added by this time, to accommodate families and large groups of guests desiring to listen to a concert in the Park!

The Disneyland Band (lead by Vesey Walker) gives a morning concert from Town Square, Main Street U.S.A., (c. 1957)

Vesey Walker’s Disneyland Band was also known to act as “musical ambassadors from the Magic Kingdom” (as they were so-called in the biography of “Strike Up The Band”, released 1969 by Vista Records). “Appearances have included the…Hollywood Bowl Concerts, Anaheim’s big Halloween Parade, and Disney motion picture premiers in Hollywood and other cities.” The Disneyland Band performed for the Ground-Breaking Ceremony for Jack Wrather’s first Disneyland Hotel Tower (in 1961), and (led by Mickey Mouse) they helped dedicate Anaheim Stadium and salute the California Angels by marching from Center Field on Saturday, April 23, 1966! Up to 1969, the Disneyland Band had even marched in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parades (an event that Band Leader Vesey Walker was well-acquainted with).

When Holidayland opened at Disneyland, it was a common sight to see popular Disneyland acts performing from the stage within “the world’s largest candy-striped circus tent”. The Disneyland Indian Village representatives, the Trio Gonzales mariachi band, and Golden Horseshoe Revue cast all had their turn in the Holidayland spotlight. The Disneyland Band also performed in Holidayland numerous times during its presence from June 16, 1957 - September, 1961. In this Vintage View, a Pepsi-Cola sponsored event (in honor of the Jaycees youth organization) featured a performance by Vesey Walker and the Disneyland Marching Band!

Those PBX operators upstairs received a free concert every morning, as the Disneyland Marching Band played in front of the Main Street Opera House! As guests entered the Park, occasionally a young admirer (pictured) may wander near the Band Leader. Vesey Walker had a habit of allowing these young admirers to lead the band, while he gave expert advise in the form of a few “pointers” on conducting! This was usually done “around the flagpole in Town Square” (according to Vacationland of Winter-Spring, 1964), and occasionally (in the early days of Disneyland) near the Main Street Opera House. On October 4, 1956), the five-millionth Guest - four-year-old Debra Rutherford (of Quincy Washington) helped lead the Disneyland Band. Another instance of Vesey helping a young Guest lead the Disneyland Band was on Easter Day (of 1956), which has been preserved in “Disneyland U.S.A.” (released through Buena Vista Film Distribution, December 20, 1956).

After performing a concert in Town Square, the Disneyland Band (lead by Vesey Walker) would continue to march its way through the rest of the Park.

Vesey Walker and the Disneyland Band were immortalized on a number of souvenir post cards during their era.

Here, the Disneyland Band performs from the Magnolia Park Bandstand (which has been relocated to the middle of Disneyland Plaza), while some exciting developments take place just west of Sleeping Beauty Castle!

By the spring of 1959, the Disneyland Band was performing 1,692 concerts annually. As mentioned, the band was first directed by Vesey Walker who had won world-wide acclaim as a band leader. The band consisted of 18 top musicians from name bands throughout the country.

In the distance, Vesey hands the baton to a young guest, allowing him to lead the Disneyland Band!

Vesey Walker leads the Disneyland Band marching block from the Hub, and down Main Street U.S.A.

"Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom" goes the Disneyland Band!

This picturesque scene played out daily, and one Disneyland Flag Retreat Ceremony was even featured on the cover of Vacationland, Fall of 1964.

Walt acknowledged “Everything here at Disneyland and the Studio is a team effort.” It was once written about Director Vesey Walker : “The versatile and highly mobile band which he directs at Disneyland is made up of top-class professionals, many of whom came here after notable accomplishments in other areas of the music world.”

Many popular musicians have had the good pleasure to have been accounted among the members of the Disneyland Band! You may recognize the names of such top-class professionals as “Jim Barnsgrover…Forrest Clark…Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Ray Anthony, Gene Krupa, [and] Tex Beneke.” In fact, you may have heard some of these perform solos on their own, or with their very own band at Disneyland. For instance, “Cass" Aroke of the Disneyland Band performed nightly at the Gourmet Restaurant.

In these formative years, other members of Vesey Walker’s Disneyland Band now included the Clarinet section members (Jack Williams, George Landier, and Bernie Flymen), Saxophone section members (Don Baker, Eddie Stelnicki, Cornet section members (Herman Terrando, Warren Gale[who would become Assistant Disneyland Band Director in 1974], Eddie Shiner, Ted Tracey (who went on to become Staff Arranger and Librarian), Trombone section members (Jim Barngrover Jr., Ozzie Stock, Eddie Thomas, Horn musician (Ed Liston), Baritone Horn musician (Cass Arpke), Tuba section members (Jim Sexton, Donald M. Heaston), and Drums section members (Morris Castleman, George Richter). Drummer Sonny Anderson (who would become Disneyland Entertainment casting Director) performed on one of the Disneyland Band record albums.

The number of Disneyland Band members constantly fluctuated over the years of Vesey Walker’s Direction. For example, the band had 18 members (during the winter of 1957/1958), 16 members by the Spring of 1959, and by 1961 the Disneyland Band had a total of 20 musicians! However, from 1964 to 1969 (and just before Vesey’s retirement in 1970), the Disneyland Band was advertised as a “17 of the nation’s finest musicians” and later (again) as a“16-man aggregation”.

By the summer of 1966, the Disneyland Band included newer (and familiar) faces - Al Francis (a regular on clarinet) occasionally filled in on drums, Ralph Gary, Jim Barngrover, Ted Tracey, and others!

One of the newest members (late under Vesey’s Walker’s Direction) was Robbie Robinson (of Marceline, Missouri), who ultimately worked with the Disneyland Band for 23 years (beginning in 1961/1962), and retiring in 1985. Robbie had the good privilege to speak with Walt Disney on a number of occasions, and the two (no doubt) had much to talk about over their old home town.

The Disneyland Marching Band would also perform an appropriate selection of folk songs aboard the Mark Twain Steamboat.

During the late 1960s, the Disneyland Band often marched through Disneyland (from 11:20 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.), ending with a concert aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat. This common sight was reminiscent of “Walt Disney’s Disneyland Band Concert” (the Disneyland Band’s 1956 “on location” record album cover. We can almost hear the Riverboat Medley (“Waitin’ For The Robert E. Lee”, “Cruisin’ Down the River”, and “Here Comes The Showboat”) now!

The Disneyland Band (occasionally billed as the “Disneyland Town Band”) was accounted among the $1,000,000 worth of 150 entertainers that filled out Disneyland’s big show during the 1960s! By this time, their prior “parade through the Park” would change (to conform to a structured schedule of appearances), and three “Sub-Groups” of the Disneyland Band would start to make appearances in different parts of the Park - the Saxophone Quartet (of Main Street U.S.A.’s Plaza), the Polka Band (of Fantasyland), and the Strawhatters (of Frontierland’s Orleans Street, and New Orleans Square). These would be distinguished by costumes and uniforms specifically designed to carry out the atmosphere of each land. In the following sections we will briefly examine these Disneyland Marching Band “breakaway sets”.

Today at Disneyland, Atmosphere Entertainment complimenting the theme of areas is staged to entertain Guests on an immediate and personal level. According to Dave Smith (previous Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives), “In its early years, Disneyland did not have the atmosphere bands that are used today. In fact, in 1955 there was only the Disneyland Band and the small band in the Golden Horseshoe… It would be several years before other bands appeared on a regular basis.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016] But eventually, twice daily the band divided into three (3) groups:

1) Dixieland Strawhatters at Frontierland Gazebo

2) Town Band in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Adventureland

3) Keystone Kop Saxaphone Quartet on Main Street

Cops in long blue coats and bucket hats completed the startling illusion.

The Keystone Cops Quartet was a breakaway “Sub-Group” section of the Disneyland Marching Band associated with the of the turn-of-the-century locale. In this way, the Keystone Cops Quartet was similar to the Dixieland “Hatters”(not to be confused with the Strawhatters) of Frontierland, as well as the “Town Band” of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland).

Before Main Street had a barbershop quartet, this quartet of Main Street’s Policemen (or, Constables) performed unique “sweet an low” instrumental arrangements in several select areas of the turn-of-the-century locale (twice daily, in the afternoons), during the late 1950s and 1960s.

The Keystone Kops Quartet also favored the sidewalk in front of the Main Street Cinema because of all the passing traffic coming right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A.

The Keystone Cops Quartet was renown for playing their golden saxophones in close harmony (on the street). All that laced with comedy, on the streets of Main Street U.S.A.! In the previous Vintage View they can be seen performing next to the Bank of America building (just through one of the tunnels to Main Street; on the East side of Town Square). Here, “Main Street’s Keystone Kops provide sidewalk entertainment for Disneyland guests,” even when some of the sidewalks are inaccessible. Their saxophones were also heard throughout the Park’s Plaza! The Keystone Cops Quartet can readily be seen preserved on film, in some footage of “Disneyland, U.S.A.” (a “People and Places” feature film, released in the U.S. on December 20, 1956 through Buena Vista Film Distribution Company). The Disneylander (May 1957) honored four by name - George Landier, Johnny Schmidt, Bernie Flymen, and Eddie Stelnicki.

Here, the Keystone Kops Quartet heads to the location of their next performance in the Plaza.

Near one of the entrances to the Main Street Emporium, the Keystone Kops Quartet prepare to play.

The Keystone Kops Quartet also performed for guests dining on the patios near the Plaza.

This isn’t a Keystone Kops Quartet uniform, but this particular ensemble was worn by Disneyland Security. It is similar in style to those worn by the Disneyland Marching Band members of the popular “breakout set.” Let’s take a closer look at the careful details applied to this turn-of-the-century-inspired costume.

Lastly, the custodian-style hat tops off the ensemble!

Though they have their origins in England, custodian-style hats like these were worn by officers in larger metropolitan cities (like New York) during the turn of the century. Here, we get a close-up of the fine craftsmanship of the crest atop the Victorian-style hat. Perhaps you recall inspecting the crest while “Mitch” the Keystone Kop (or, some other Constable) wrote you a ticket on Main Street U.S.A.!

The quartet (of all the Magic Kingdom’s saxes) had a legacy (of sorts) in the Main Street Saxophone Quintet (Gary Scudder, Barry Streeter, Dave Friedrichs, Alan Palmer, and Jeff Phillips) which premiered during the Disneyland Family 25th Anniversary Reunion held in April of 1980. During July 20-26, 1987, both the Keystone Quartet and the Sax Quintet were performing in the Park simultaneously. In 1991, the band’s saxophone section donned striped jailbird uniforms as they were transformed into the “Duckburg Burglars” for their “Disney Afternoon”-inspired afternoon sets on Afternoon Avenue.

The Fantasyland "Polka" Band was a seven-piece breakaway “Sub-Group” band from the Disneyland Marching Band. The Disneylander (VOL. 5, NO. 6; JUNE, 1961) announced their arrival: “Added to the Fantasyland scene will be the brightly attired ‘Schnickle-Fritz’ Polka Band which will parade and serenade our guests.”

They could often be identified by their Bavarian hats and lederhosen. Their unique “toot, whistle, plunk & boom” was heard around Fantasyland and the Matterhorn, and the subset was even involved in occasional evening events like New Years Eve Celebrations.

Photographs for this catalogue (one of which included the Polka Band and a guest aboard a Schwinn Hollywood) were shot at Disneyland during the Tencennial celebration of 1965. A year later, the Disneyland Band was also one subject of a Look Magazine photo shoot (in conjunction with new Disneyland 3-D post cards) on May 24, 1966.

When New Orleans Street opened with Disneyland in 1955, the Strawhatters (a Disneyland Band “Sub-Group”) added to the surrounding ambiance for Frontierland’s riverside restaurants. This they originally did - twice daily - from beneath the wrought iron Gazebo in Frontierland! “Disneyland U.S.A.” (released by Buena Vista Film Distribution in the U.S., December 20, 1956) catches this rare sight, as the Strawhatters take a break in their set, while the Disneyland Band performs aboard the Main Deck of the passing Mark Twain! The Strawhatters also performed alongside the Disneyland Band, once a day, from the Magnolia Park Bandstand. The band released one record album with four tracks on two sides - “Fidgety Feet”, Muskrat Rumble”, Jazz Band Ball”, and Mississippi Mud”.

According to the Strawhatters’ “Dixieland at Disneyland” record album (released 1957 through Disneyland Records) :

“The five members of this lively group [were]… hand-picked professionals, all of whom had established reputations with America’s “name” bands before coming to Disneyland.

Jim Barngrover : Plays Trombone. Worked with the bands of Jack Teagarden, jan Garber, Joe Venuti, Ray Herbeck, and Tommy Dorsey.

Jack Williams : Plays Clarinet. Started his career at Majestic Ballroom, Long Beach. Played with Ted Staeter, Jan Garber, Jack Teagarden and the Dorseys.

W.B. ‘Sonny’ Anderson : Drummer. Native Californian. Formerly Freddie Slack, and had as his own band, the Long Beach Municipal Band.

Wally Ruth : Saxophone and Piano man. His credits were acquired with Freddie Slack, Rudy Vallee, Warner Brothers Studio - ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues’, ‘Star Is Born’, and the Hit Parade. Seven years with Spade Cooley on KTLA-TV.

Warren Gale : Trumpet. Played in Long Beach, California since 1939, with exception of 3 years in Army Air Force Bands. Spent 6 months with Will Osborne’s Orchestra.”

Though the Frontierland Gazebo (later called the “Dixieland Bandstand”) disappeared during 1961, the Strawhatters (wearing striped blazers) continued to swing out “St. Louis Blues” and other Dixieland classics in Disneyland! Dixieland at Disneyland events were held frequently (with a number of performers being featured). It was common to see artists like Bob Crosby and his Bobcats, Teddy Buckner, Doc Souchon, The Fire House Five Plus Two, Nellie Lutcher, Santo Pecora, Matty Matlock, Turk Murphy, Kid Ory, The Young Men From New Orleans featuring the banjo man Johnny St. Cyr, and even old “Satchmo” himself - Louis Armstrong - performing from atop various watercraft while making their way down the rivers of America. For many of these artists, Dixieland at Disneyland events were like a reunion of old friends. Louis Armstrong’s Disneyland debut (in 1961) was also the first time that he and Kid Ory had performed together in 41 years.

When New Orleans Square opened in 1966, the Strawhatters continued to make appearances, even performing alongside newer bands, like the Royal Street Bachelors! The Strawhatters appeared in visual media like “Disneyland Showtime” (a c.1970 Wonderful World of Disney episode), providing the melodies for Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox to dance. Today, the Strawhatters have a legacy - the Straw Hatters! The band currently performs both in New Orleans Square and Main Street U.S.A.

A young Guest wears a boater hat while enjoying the Dixieland melodies of the Strawhatters.

The Disneyland Strawhatters and other performers would entertain guests from beneath the awning during the daytime. Occasionally (during Dixieland at Disneyland events), they would perform while floating across the Rivers of America aboard a Tom Sawyer Island rafts!

“Here we go a-marching and a-shouting merrily!” Yes, “The ‘harum-pa-pa’ of marching music quickens the steps and widens the smiles of Disneyland guests as the Disneyland Band parades up Main Street”, with Band Leader Mickey Mouse leading the march, at the beginning of the procession! It must be Vesey Walker’s day off.

(A Complete Guide To Disneyland, 1956)

The band was well-polished by 1964, and with their audience in mind, the collective members of the Disneyland Band would become renown for performing “Dixieland, pops, marches, novelty tunes, and almost any other kind of music requested by its legion of admirers. Noted for its versatility and polish, the group has memorized more than 250 pieces and has a repertory of hundreds more,” according to Vacationland magazine (published for the Winter-Spring of 1964). The Disneyland Band also performed seasonal arrangements for their marches down Main Street (before peak attendances of Guests from around the world) during the Christmas holiday season (as during the inter of 1963). Vesey Walker and the Disneyland Band were recognizable, partially owing to appearances made in both theatrical features (like “Disneyland U.S.A.”, released December 20, 1956), and television specials (like “Disneyland ‘59,” and the 5th episode of “Meet Me At Disneyland”, airing on ABC in July of 1962).

From 1955 to 1969, “every President of the United States since 1946 except Lyndon Johnson, 15 princes and princesses, six kings, and a number of Prime Ministers and Premiers, several maharajahs, Congo Tribal Chiefs, Ambassadors, three queens, and a number of noted Russians - save one” have visited Disneyland, (according to Disney News, Fall, 1969). If Vesey Walker had “won world-wide acclaim as band leader” as the Official Guide to Disneyland (published during 1956) heralded, then such praise was only compounded by the early-to-mid-1960s!

It was common to see the Disneyland Band starring in publicity shots, as one photograph which featured 19-year old Tahitian native Tarita (Marlon Brando's co-star of Mutiny on the Bounty) marching alongside Vesey Walker. By 1964, the Disneyland Band had “performed from all 50 American states and more than 100 foreign nations. And, with Vesey holding the baton, it has greeted dignitaries ranging from King Mohammed V of Morocco to former Presidents Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.” According to “Disney News” (Fall of 1964), “His most recent accolade [in 1964], and perhaps the most important, was the reaction from the nation’s bandmasters at this year’s national convention of the American Bandmaster’s Association [A.B.A., in Wisconsin] when, as he completed an appearance as guest conductor, they gave him a standing ovation.”

At some point around this time, Vesey fell ill. By December of 1965, Wally Boag (Backstage Disneyland Editor) noted the “Vesey Walker's remarkable recovery from an illness that would have permanently floored the average man.”[Backstage Disneyland, Vol.4 No.4]

During 1966, Vesey Walker was invited to perform (as Guest Conductor) on the I.T.R. Railway in Illinois, before being led by Mickey Mouse at a Pre-game “Walt Disney and Disneyland Salute to the California Angels” at the new Angels Stadium on Saturday, April 23rd, 1966! Vesey Walker would march with his band for two more years. From December 16, 1967 to January 1, 1968, the “famous band, under the baton of Jim Barngrover” would entertain guests in different part of the Magic Kingdom. The founding director, Vesey Walker would direct the afternoon concerts from December 24th thru 31st. Aside from the Christmas Parades, the band would “march through the different lands and play small concerts.” The Disneyland Marching Band performed sets at the General Electric Carousel, Small World, around Fantasyland, aboard the Mark Twain, and with the new Jungle Book Parade that occurred in Adventureland. On January 1st, 1968, the Disneyland Marching Band appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade, “in conjunction with the Helm’s Bakery float, ‘The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.’” [“Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule,” prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968].

When Vesey wasn’t directing the Disneyland Marching Band, he periodically enjoyed competing in periodic D.R.C. sponsored golf tournaments against fellow Disneylanders like Ray Van De Warker, in his leisure time. This he did until his retirement in 1968.

The Disneyland Band donned their old red, white and blue uniforms that they once wore during Disneyland’s first year of operation.

As several models of KODAK Instamatic camera models were available for rental, guests captured an abundance of Disneyland Band memories during this era.

The Disneyland Band looked most “at home” assembled around the Flag in Main Street USA’s Town Square.

The Disneyland Marching Band took part in numerous Flag Retreat Ceremonies. During later winter seasons, they were occasionally joined by the Disneyland Christmas Carolers (under the direction of Dr. Charles C. Hirt and lead by Mr. Robert G. Hasty), from December 16th, 1967 thru January 1st, 1968. [“Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule,” prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968]

Guests line the crowded streets for the afternoon parade lead by Mickey Mouse and the Disneyland Marching Band.

With Vesey announcing his retirement in 1968, the Disneyland Band members would need direction, but the choice was not difficult. By 1968, the second Disneyland Band Director (and Vesey Walker’s successor) was distinguished by his Performance Excellence, and selected - Jim (or, James) Christensen. Jim had been “a staff arranger and trombonist with the West Point Band and director of the prize winning University of Wisconsin Marching Band. Prior assignments as arranger-conductor in television, radio, records, commercials, and road show productions resulted in nation-wide acclaim” for Jim Christensen. Not withstanding this impressive resume, Jim also become an Assistant Director to the Disneyland Band during Vesey’s era, even directing the (then 17-piece) band for the recording the 16 tracks of “The Disneyland Band” (a record album published 1969, by Vista Records). A number of popular selections from “Walt Disney’s Jungle Book” and “Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins” were among the album’s tracks. These were also performed by Director James Christensen (on Woodwinds), Bud Smith, Francis P., Al F., Dick S., Joe Miller, D. Baker (on Trumpets), Herman T., Joe, Warren Gale, Ed Erickson (on Trombones), Assistant Director Jim Barngrover, Robbie Robinson, Don Gustafson (on Baritone), George Werner (on Tuba), Randy Anglin (on Percussion), and George Richter, and John Whited.

As to the 15-year anniversary, coronet player and Staff Arranger Ted Tracey remembered “My most memorable experience was the 15-year Anniversary... I felt like I was one of the family.”

Jim Christensen was capable to serve as Director to the Disneyland Band, as well as “composer-arranger-conductor” for the band. By the summer of 1973, the Disneyland Band was performing popular songs (as the “Mary Poppins Medley,” “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” the Circlevision theme “America the Beautiful,” and “The Old Home Guard” the latter arranged by Sonny Anderson) Tuesday thru Sunday. Songs performed also included Jim’s original compositions - “Clarinet Party” and “Trombone Concepts.” By this same time (1973), the Disneyland Marching Band was (again) a 20-piece band (with new snare and bass drummer Joe Shaw), had marched (rank and file) at last 2,000 miles, and performed over 5,000 concerts.

The band was still a Park Wide Atmosphere Band. Their daily schedule (around November 26, 1972 - December 15, 1972) included (1) a Main Street Parade & Town Square Concert, (2) a Parade through Frontierland, Mark Twain Concert, Adventureland, Castle Concert; exit Tomorrowland, (3) Character Parade, (4) Concert in Plaza Gardens, (5) breaking into Strawhatters, Keystone Kops, Polka Band, Town Band, (6) Retreat, Town Square, and (7) another Character Parade.

Jim Christensen would move on to serve as Director of Bands for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Band. As mentioned, during this time, the Disneyland Band’s Assistant Director role would be filled by (another Jim) Jim Barngrover Jr. (a Disneyland Band trombonist of Vesey Walker’s era). A few years later (during the summer of 1977), Stanford (Stan) Freese would Direct the 20 virtuosos of the Disneyland Band, to play ragtime and contemporary tunes (ranging from those of the Beatles to Harry James and Glenn Miller). Stan would become Walt Disney World Assistant Band Director.

Then, on Friday, November 11, 1977, Vesey Walker (the founder of the Disneyland Band) passed at the age of 84. For all the joy he brought to Disneyland guests for fifteen years, he would be mourned by millions who had the pleasure of meeting him or at the very least had watched him perform.

Jim Christensen would go on to conduct the Disneyland Band for twelve years, until his final performance for the first “Disneyland’s 25th Birthday Parade,” (held just before his retirement from Disneyland in 1980).

By this time, the Disneyland Band uniforms would differ depending on the season. “dressed in smart white (summer) or deep crimson (winter) uniforms the band salutes each new day at the Magic Kingdom with a vibrant and music filled march down Main Street U.S.A.” according to “The Disneyland Band” record album (published 1969, by Vista records).

Music stands were pre-arranged in picturesque Main Street U.S.A.’s Town Square, where benches offered guests a view of the Disneyland Marching Band’s morning performances. The Disneyland Band never sat, but always stood during the Flag Retreat Ceremony in the afternoon.

By 1972-1973, the Disneyland Band provided atmosphere to different areas of the Park, on four schedules.

Who’s the leader of the band? Mickey Mouse was known for leading processions down Main Street U.S.A. and around the Plaza, before heading toward Town Square, and taking time to interact with guests!

The Disneyland Band would perform the National Anthem as the flag is lowered by a member of Disneyland Security. After the ceremony, the last number performed is usually a rendition of “Til We Meet Again”.

Some time before this Vintage View was captured, Vacationland magazine (Vol.20, No.4 ; published Spring of 1977) published an article about the present Disneyland Band entitled “The Disneyland Band - Music in Sweet Accord”. During this era, the Disneyland Band gave quite a few “send offs” for 20 year employees of Disneyland.

In “step” with Disneyland’s 25th, the Disneyland Marching Band received special blue costumes (with silver highlights), and matching military style “shako” hats with plumes of white feathers on top!

A few Disneyland Band Members march along an opening parade unit for one of Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary Parades.

On July 17th, 1982, the Disneyland Band had stepped off more than 2,900 miles since their first march on opening day in 1955. And so, on July 17th, 1982, at 4:00p.m. (less than thirty years after their Disneyland debut), the popular Disneyland Marching Band had marched for three decades and given its 50,000th performance from the fabulous Carnation Plaza Gardens! This historic performance of the then-20-piece marching band, was highlighted by a special introduction by the Dapper Dans, as well as concluding presentations by representatives from the City of Anaheim, Ron Dominguez, and Ron Logan. In between, the Disneyland Marching Band’s 50,000th Performance included the following sets :

(1) Remember When

(2) Main Street U.S.A. (in collaboration with the Dapper Dans)

(3) Original Disneyland March (Legionaires of the U.S.A.)

(4) Waitin’ for the Robert E. Lee

(5) On The Mall

(6) Barnum

(7) Tribute to the Fifties

(8) Star Spangled Spectacular

(9) Whispering-Groovin’ High

(10) Nashville Concerto

(11) Glenn Miller Medley

In honor of their 50,000th performance, Charles Boyer immortalized the Disneyland Marching Band in a work of art that was released as a lithograph (limited to 1800).

In honor of their 50,000th performance, Charles Boyer (one of Disneyland’s own resident portrait artists) immortalized Band Director David Warble and the Disneyland Marching Band in a work of art entitled “27 Years and The Band Played On”! This piece was released as a lithograph (limited to an edition of 1800). Charles tribute also graced the cover of Disneyland LINE (vol.14 ; no.28), July 15, 1982. Because of their limited quantity, these were initially offered through a lottery and the remainder were subsequently offered to Disneyland Cast Members (for $7.50 each) until supplies were depleted. (Disneyland LINE, August 19, 1982, Vol.14, No.33)

By this time, the Disneyland Band performed for the Flag Retreat Ceremony four days a week, during Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of June 13 - 17, 1983. However, on Tuesday, the band was replaced by a “taped version” of their ceremony fanfare. Yes, the Disneyland Band truly “played on” - even on days when they were absent from the Park.

Though Vesey Walker had retired from Disneyland more than a decade prior, he (and his little marching band) had certainly “started something”, and it was now marching strong into its third decade running by 1986! Now, the Disneyland Band was conducted by David R. Warble, and occasionally performed “Orange County Young Listener Concerts” in cooperation with the Orange County Music Administrators and the Orange County Philharmonic Society. The Disneyland Band consisted of a number of brass instruments (trombone, sousaphone, trumpet, and tuba), a variety of woodwinds (flute, piccolo, clarinet, saxophone), and several types of percussion instruments (bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals). Though many of Vesey’s members had been with him for more than ten years (at one point), with the exception of Warren Gale, the Disneyland Band now consisted of newer members who had not performed under the direction of (the late) Vesey Walker during Disneyland’s first decade. By this time, the Disneyland Band consisted of the following members :

Eric Marienthal - Woodwinds

Bill Liston - Woodwinds

Sal Lozano - Woodwinds

Mike Whitman - Woodwinds

Lemoyne Taylor - Woodwinds

Roger Bissel - Trombone

Art Dragon - Trombone

Les Benedict - Euphonium

Warren Gale - Trumpet & Associate Producer

Gary Halopoff - Trumpet

Greg Prechel - Trumpet

Brian Atkinson - Trumpet

Joe Shaw - Drums

Ray Templin - Drums / Piano

Vesey Walker passed away during November of 1977, knowing nothing of the Disneyland Band’s third director. The Disneyland Band had now come to run through a number of forms including “marches, polkas, jazz, [and] waltzes”, according to Disneyland LINE (Vol.14, No.28 ; July 15, 1982). By 1986, the Disneyland Band was conducted by Director David R. Warble, and the band occasionally performed “Orange County Young Listener Concerts” in cooperation with the Orange County Music Administrators and the Orange County Philharmonic Society. The Disneyland Band consisted of a number of brass instruments (trombone, sousaphone, trumpet, and tuba), a variety of woodwinds (flute, piccolo, clarinet, saxophone), and several types of percussion instruments (bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals). By this time, theDisneyland Band consisted of the following members : Eric Marienthal - Woodwinds, Bill Liston - Woodwinds, Sal Lozano - Woodwinds, Mike Whitman - Woodwinds, Lemoyne Taylor - Woodwinds, Roger Bissel - Trombone, Art Dragon (who would go on to Direct the Disneyland Band) - Trombone, Les Benedict - Euphonium, Warren Gale - Trumpet & Associate Producer, Gary Halopoff - Trumpet, Greg Prechel - Trumpet, Brian Atkinson - Trumpet, Joe Shaw - Drums, and Ray Templin - Drums / Piano! Though many of Vesey’s members had been with him for more than ten years (at one point), with the exception of Warren Gale, the Disneyland Band of 1986 consisted of newer members who had not performed under the direction of (the late) Vesey Walker during Disneyland’s first decade.

In addition to the Strawhatters, other Disneyland Band Sub-Groups (or, “breakout groups”) emerged during this era. As the Disneyland Marching Band would perform in front of the Main Street Opera House, the Frontierland Marching Band could be found decked out in Frontier duds, performing near Frontierland’s Davy Crockett Arcadeduring the 1980s. Kindly former Cast Members helped us identify this as one such unique Frontierland group : “Those are Disneyland Band members on a break out set.” Apparently, they would break off into a “bass section and a woodwinds section”, “in order to provide better park coverage”. “On the far left is Art Dragon who eventually became leader of the Disneyland band.” Now, if we could only identify this group by name!

(The Collection of Bob Penfield ; The Walt Disney Hometown Museum)

(The Collection of Bob Penfield ; The Walt Disney Hometown Museum)

Two years later (during 1988), the Disneyland Band marched in yet another momentous event - a Disneyland parade in honor of Mickey Mouse’s 60th Birthday! Nearly a decade later (in 1997), Bob Penfield (in full regalia) led the Disneyland Band before his retirement ceremony.

The Disneyland Band has a legacy of sorts, becoming a Disney Parks tradition. For instance, Tokyo Disneyland opened on April 15, 1983, with its very own Tokyo Disneyland Band. Other Disney Parks have also carried this Disney tradition.

By 2015, the Disneyland Marching Band was down to 16 members (one of whom had been with the band for 44 years). As Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary marched ever closer, it was decided to “reimagine” the Disneyland Marching Band. So, the present, seasoned, Disneyland Marching Band alumn gave one final performance on July 16th, 2015 - a day before Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary!

Disneyland has always taken note of its anniversaries. But never has there been another tribute to Disneyland’s “family” of employees like the Disneyland 25th Family Reunion Celebration!

“It’s our year, and it’s your year too!” 1980 was the year that Disneyland celebrated its 25th Anniversary! “I was there!” and “I was at the biggest birthday party in the world!”, were the slogans on souvenir buttons and hats gifted to guests on July 17th, 1980. All Disneyland employees were welcomed to join the Disneyland Family Reunion, as “we’ve all grown up together, and because you’re a special part of our family.” The event was marked by twice-daily “encore” performances of the “Disneyland 25th Birthday Parade” (also called “Disneyland's 25th Anniversary Family Reunion Parade”), special Kids of the Kingdom performances, memorabilia merchandise, a memorabilia exhibit at the Main Street Preview Center, a special “Re-Union” newspaper, encore performances by past entertainers, and a “25 Hour Party” (Disneyland was open until 1:00 a.m.)!

Long before the festivities began, developments were underway to assure that the 25th year was a milestone year for Disneyland!

The Disneyland Band received a whole new wardrobe.

A new Main Gate was a project several years in the making - a collaboration of WED Imagineering and Disneyland Industrial Engineers, Disneyland Planning Department, and Main Street personnel!

Other plans included “Celebrate the Lands” (a seven-week individual salute to the themed lands), a memorabilia exhibit at the Main Steet Preview Center, and even the production of an informative 46-second Pre-Rope-Drop Announcement (for the Main Street Area), designed to welcome guests to the 25th Birthday celebration of Disneyland. All of these plans in addition to other festivals (like Festival Japan, Festival Mexico, Festival Canada) and celebrations (like Encore Nights) that would occur during the 25th anniversary year!

“Here’s a place made of dreams, a kingdom full of magical things!” What better reason would there be to commemorate Disneyland’s 25th Year with twice-daily performances of the “Disneyland 25th Birthday Parade” (also called “Disneyland's 25th Anniversary Family Reunion Parade”)! Some of the following “Vintage Views” feature the various parade units which celebrated the spirit of Disneyland’s individual lands with plenty of floats and character guest stars in the “25th Birthday Parade”. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, and Goofy lead a cast of 150 performers who bring alive a quarter-century of memories for each of the Park’s seven theme lands. After a year and a half in the making, the Disneyland Entertainment Division production debuted on January 5th.

A “25 Hour Birthday Party” was held at Disneyland - the party (similar to that of New Years’ Eve) began at 12:01 a.m., and lasted for 25 hours, from Wednesday, July 16th, 11:30 p.m. until Friday, July 18th, 1:00 am! Admission was $12.50, and included unlimited access to all attractions, free parking, free family pictures, birthday hats, noisemakers, and buttons, and a special Birthday Meal with free birthday cake. A giant birthday cake was installed in the Hub planter bed. Special shows highlighted 25 year of dance styles, with performances by The Dirt band, Billy Preston and Syreeta, Skiles and Henderson, Papa John Creach, and the S.O.S. Band, Becky Hobbs and Lee Dresser, Rupert “Pina Colada” Holmes, as well as Les Brown and His Band of Renown. All of this, in addition to 59 major attractions was certainly a reason to celebrate!

The Disneyland Entertainment Department prepared to bring back “selected ‘oldies but goodies’ as well as present stars who first got their start here in the Magic Kingdom,” according to The Disneyland Line (December 13, 1979). The Plaza Gardens hosted “Happy Birthday Disneyland” - “a fun lovin’ band of Disney characters,” afternoons (at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 PM)! Disneyland presented the “Top 40 Night” on June 7th, 1980. The stages around Disneyland featured various big bands for the nightly entertainment, in addition to special performances by the Kids of the Kingdom, The All American College Band, with appearances by 30 Disney Characters, and a few encore performances by past entertainers. Popular performers included K.C. & The Sunshine Band and Teri De Sario (on the River Stage), Shalamar (on the Space Stage), Sunshine Balloon (on Tomorrowland Terrace), Papa Doo Run Run (in the Plaza Gardens), Polynesian Revue (at Tahitian Terrace), and Teddy Buckner & His Jazz All-Stars (on the French Market Stage).

Memorabilia merchandise, a memorabilia exhibit at the Main Street Preview Center, a special “Re-Union” newspaper, helped commemorate the experience. After all, this was also a time for Disneyland’s participating corporate sponsors (i.e. AT&T, Gerber, Bank of America, Elgin, Orville Redenbacher and others) to celebrate 25 years of Disneyland!

A televised special made use of Cast members - many of them were featured on camera. Former Disneyland Cast Member George Trullinger recalled his involvement and experiences while contributing to the Disneyland 25th Anniversary Year : ”I worked Jungle Cruise ‘79-’81, and was sent to work that parade a few times…[I] also participated in the last scene of the 25th Anniversary TV special, hosted by Danny Kaye… I was very lucky to meet a lot of celebrities during my time at the Park. To celebrate the 25th, they had a private party night, that was truly a night of stars, mostly people who had done films and television for Disney. I did meet Michael Jackson early one morning before the Park opened. He had been riding Pirates of the Caribbean before the rope drop, and I bumped into him running to my opening shift.”

The Disneyland 25 Fantasy in the Sky Spectacular immediately followed the first Main St. Electrical Parade, approximately 9:40 p.m., July 17th, 1980. The show was coordinated by Fred Duffy. An opening announcement was followed by the ignition of “Disneyland 25” aerial set-piece at approximately 450’ altitude, presented over “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Next a fanfare and intro of the aerial fireworks show Disney section begins. This was followed by a specially augmented patriotic finale.

In addition to Disneyland’s current entertainers, “Mousekedays” brought members of the original Mickey Mouse Club (Cubby, Sharon, Tommy, Lonnie, Bonnie, and Sherry) to the Space Stage in Tomorrowland for the Mickey Mouse Club 25th Anniversary Revue - a singing and dancing tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club! Show times for the latter were at Noon, 1:00, and 4:00 p.m.!

The traditional and modern 25th anniversary year gift is silver, so Disneyland’s 25th color theme was silver (and blue). Buttons bearing the silver and blue “Disneyland 25” logo (like this one), were given to guests upon entry at Disneyland Main Gate!  

There was (of course) much (non-complimentary) commemorative merchandise offered during the year-long birthday party.

Disneyland coupon books were still around for Disneyland’s 25th anniversary year, but would be gone two years later.

City Hall was draped in blue and silver bunting for Disneyland’s 25th!

Gas lamp posts (decorated with the Disneyland 25th plaques and matching bunting) lined Main Street U.S.A.!

“We’re 25 years old today!” Decorative fiberglass signs like this with shimmering blue and silver letters were fixed to Main Street USA’s light posts for the celebration, and reminding passerby of the Park’s important milestone!

Special silver and blue bunting lined the pathway from the Compass Rose to “the happiest land of them all”!

Other guests of “Disneyland 25 Years” include the water fowl that regularly visited Swan Lake!

The Music Festival (in force by this name, during the late 1970’s) generally spotlighted youth bands, marching bands, choirs, singers, and drill teams across several weeks. As a “sidelight,” it is believed that this Music Festival Program cover illustration is the work of Gene Calmelat Disneyland Illustrator.

In addition to their usual Main Street marches, concerts in Town Square and the Plaza, as well as their involvement in the Flag Retreat Ceremonies, the Disneyland Marching Band performed in Disneyland’s 25th Birthday Parade! In “step” with Disneyland’s 25th, the Disneyland Marching Band received special blue costumes (with silver highlights), and matching military style “shako” hats with feathers on top! For all of its memorable highlights, Disneyland guests were encouraged : “Don’t let this parade pass you by” (Vacationland, Summer, 1980). As one of his final acts as Disneyland Band Director, Jim Christensen would direct the band for the Disneyland’s 25th Birthday Parade just before his retirement from Disneyland during 1980.

Yes, a brand new parade was created, “guaranteed to stir up memories of days gone by,” according to The Disneyland Line (December 13, 1979). In preparation, one of the most technologically advanced sound systems was installed by the Disneyland Engineering Designers “in conjunction with WED and Walt Disney World… The “revolutionary sound system [was] destined to demote all present systems to the realm of obsolete… During the quiet hours, when the Park was closed, a trench was dug along the Parade route. Into this trench, at 23 locations, high powered antennae were embedded. These are signal receivers for a computer-commanded operation that will give our Family Reunion parade the sound of the future,” according to The Disneyland Line (December 13, 1979).

The Disneyland 25th Anniversary Parade was ushered in with a royal entourage of knights riding “steeds” atop floats (which kept the “horses” in stride). I would like to add just a little “sidelight” about these floats - this unit was originally used during Fantasy on Parade, 1966!

These little horses marched in Fantasy on Parade, of 1966.

“‘Clang, Clang, Clang’ went the trolley, ‘Ring, Ring, Ring’ went the bell” of the Horse Drawn Street Car of Disneyland’s 25th Birthday Parade, “FAMILY ON PARADE” Main Street Unit!

The turn-of-the-century Disneyland Cast follows, “walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A., where it’s the heartbeat of America, the heartbeat of a holiday!”

The Big Band stands under the bandstand gazebo and serenades the crowds with “A Bicycle Built For Two”.

British-Indian elephant Colonel Hathi (formerly of the Maharaja’s Pachyderm Brigade) and his Dawn Patrol, march along the route of the afternoon parade.

Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary Parade also featured an Adventureland Unit with King Louie’s monkey court, a steel drum band and Tahitian Terrace hula dancers!

“It’s calling to you - Adventure!”

The Surrey leads our next unit, a tribute to Walt Disney’s last addition to Disneyland - “New Orleans Square”!

One former Disneyland Entertainment Department Cast Member (Karen Dedrick, pictured left) shared with one of our historians : “I performed during the 25th Anniversary Parade…I started out as a floater, so I did a different part every day for most of the year. Then in the Fall I was placed in the New Orleans Square Dancers Unit for the rest of the year…Remembering the night of the celebrities’ private party it was so surreal to look out and see them watching us. I remember seeing Carl Malden, Caesar Romero, Annette and many others that I can’t recall.”

The members of the “Hay Ride” unit would periodically leap from the wagon and have a good ol’ fashioned “ho down”!

The next unit is a “Roller Disco” - themed float, which was sometimes lined with characters (and at times lined with musicians)!

“Just around the corner is a Fantasy-land” (Fantasyland Unit, that is) highlighted Walt Disney’s cast of animated characters from feature films like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan!

Cinderella waves to the crowd while riding inside her magnificent Crystal Coach pulled by six toylike Shetland ponies.

Mike Leslie (of the Pony Farm) travelled “about 12,000 miles just to round up the extra horses needed for the parade,” according to Disneyland Line (January 17th, 1980). All of Mike’s work payed off when, (according to Vacationland, Summer, 1980 ; page 16) it was observed that “the most memorable unit of all is the appearance of a six-horse team prize black Percherons pulling the shining 1907 steam calliope that was first seen in the 1955 opening of the park. It’s the silver and blue icing on the cake of an impressive salute to the first quarter-century of the Magic Kingdom.”

There were a total of 10 Percherons (with eight working, while 2 had the day off). Seven of these “were purchased especially for our 1980 25th Anniversary celebration,” according to one Disneyland LINE magazine column (published 1979). Before the festivities commenced, these seven were entered in multiple “Draft and Pleasure Driving Horse Show” competitions at the Los Angeles County Fair (which occurred September 23rd - 25th, 1979).

But soon, the big day came and Horse Walkers were assisting the shiny six-horse finale unit along the Disneyland “Family on Parade” route. We must take this time to also mention the diligent Unit (though not pictured), which kept the streets of Disneyland swept clean during the parade performance!

Finally, the traditional 1907-style steam-powered Disneyland Dragon Calliope with its pipe organ (and pianist) stops to delight crowds periodically! You may recollect that this was one of nine circus wagons that Walt Disney purchased from Bradley & Kaye’s Kiddieland amusement park in Beverly Park. Walt had this particular circa 1907 circus wagon redesigned, utilizing parts from other circus wagons. The result of the $50,000.00 overhaul, was the one-of-a-kind “Dragon Calliope”!

The Dragon Calliope was first seen in the opening day parade and went on to be featured in numerous events over the years, beginning with the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade in 1955. The Dragon Calliope was also featured in at least one Walt Disney Production - “Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks With A Circus” released in Sarasota Florida on January of 1960. The Dragon Calliope was also notably featured among the circus-themed units in the Independence Day Parade of 1962. Two years later, Walt Disney donated the circus wagons to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, but he kept his custom-built Dragon Calliope!

Now (in 1980), the calliope received a minor refurbishment. None of the original insides were altered, except two fine whistles which were installed, (in order to increase its musical ability two full octaves)! The Disneyland 25th “Family On Parade” would be one of the Dragon Calliope’s final Disneyland appearances (reappearing for seasons of Circus Fantasy from 1986-1988). When the parade ended, the Calliope (along its polished pipes) was shipped off to Walt Disney World (in Florida) to play a part on the Walt Disney World Tencennial celebration, before being utilized in Disneyland’s Circus on Parade!

Casey Junior brings up the rear (in the final unit). You may recall that this version of Casey Junior (looking very much like the “Toys For Tots” logo) appeared in a Fantasy on Parade during Walt Disney’s lifetime. This year, he is flanked by a cast of characters from Walt Disney’s newest animated feature film Robin Hood!

“Come on , my friends!

Let’s sing along…

Disneyland is Your land!…

Where ev’ry wish will come true,

ev’ry thing you ever do!”

In earlier Fantasy on Parades, Casey Junior would make his way along the parade route until he reached the Main Street Station. Upon his arrival, he would then release hundreds of balloons into the air! This year, Casey releases silver and blue balloons in honor of Disneyland’s 25th!

A portion of the parade debuted as the opening unit of the 91st Annual Tournament of Roses Parade, on January 1st!

The Disneyland 25th Parade Float also made a local appearance in perhaps one other parade outside Disneyland, to celebrate the “silver anniversary”.

Yes, the Disneyland - 25 Family Reunion was also celebrated at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Florida! There, a version of the Disneyland 25th Parade opening unit float also made an appearance, topped with a Cast of family celebrants.

According to “Walt” (published by Walt Disney Productions, 1975), Walt Disney once said, “The important thing is the family. If you can keep the family together - and that’s the backbone of our whole business, catering to families - that’s what we hope to do.” Keeping in step with Walt’s values were the multitude of activities planned for the 7,600 staff members during periods of anniversary celebrations as those held during Disneyland’s “silver anniversary” of 1980!

Owing in-part to Cam Alexson (Disneyland Advertising Manager), both a televised Disneyland 25th Anniversary Commercial Recording (filmed on November 20, 1979), and a special broadcast recording starring Danny Kaye and sponsored by Kraft (filmed Saturday, February 9, 1980) made use of Disneyland Cast Members! Many true-life Cast Members were featured on camera in this “happy-ever-after land,” to help celebrate Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary (and the image above was featured on the cover of “Today at Disneyland” brochures). A special early screening of the 25th Anniversary Birthday Commercial debuted Saturday, December 9th, 1980, 9:30a.m., in the Fantasyland Theater.

Caption - The previous “Vintage View” belonged to a former Cast Member who stands with their good friend Jerry beneath the “A” in this scene of the Disneyland family, from the Danny Kaye Kraft Special.

Former Disneyland Cast Member George Trullinger recalled his involvement and experiences while contributing to the Disneyland 25th Anniversary Year : “I worked Jungle Cruise ‘79-’81, and was sent to work that parade a few times…[I] also participated in the last scene of the 25th Anniversary TV special, hosted by Danny Kaye… I was very lucky to meet a lot of celebrities during my time at the Park. To celebrate the 25th, they had a private party night, that was truly a night of stars, mostly people who had done films and television for Disney. I did meet Michael Jackson early one morning before the Park opened. He had been riding Pirates of the Caribbean before the rope drop, and I bumped into him running to my opening shift.”

Of course, the spirit of Disneyland is about people - the individual roles of the Disneyland family that work together efficiently and effectively to produce the grand dream of the Disneyland show. Walt once spoke of the community known as the Disneyland family: “Togetherness, for me, means teamwork. In my business, many minds and skillful hands must collaborate. The more diversified our labors and interest have become in the modern world, the more surely we need to integrate our efforts to justify our individual selves and our civilization.” [“The Spirit of Disneyland”]

“Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary Show“
Disneyland Cast Members were invited to Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary Show - a special event honoring Disneyland - held Monday, February 25, 1980, at the Avery Fischer Hall, in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York! The show was presented by Donald F. McHenry - a representative of the United States of America to the United Nations. UNICEF recognition was presented to Richard A. Nunis (Executive Vice President of Disneyland), and Nancy Englert (1980 Disneyland Ambassador) introduced “Disneyland is Your Land” (a special musical presentation honoring Disneyland’s 25th birthday).

Not withstanding the first major strike to occur at the beginning of the year, the Disneyland family festivities commenced. Due to an Attendance Projection Revision, Jerry Wright suggested that the operating hours for the Family Reunion Celebration (Gala Night) be changed to Friday, April 11, to 7:30-12:30. All Disneyland Lessees & Supervision were notified.

Soon, the Family Reunion Night (on April 11) offered evening entertainment to very special VIP guests as a tribute to Disneyland’s 25th anniversary year! Yes, all Disneyland employees were welcomed to join the Disneyland Family Reunion, as “we’ve all grown up together, and because you’re a special part of our family.”

“25th Anniversary ‘Disneyland Family Open House’“

Up to this point many Disneyland Cast Members may have never seen Main Street Electrical Parade Elliot’s inner “dragon works,” the Club 33 Trophy Room, or “the little computer that keeps a minute-by-minute count of attendance.” For four magical evenings, a total of 17,022 Disneyland Cast Members enjoyed an authorized night off as they became VIP Guests themselves. Upon being welcomed by Dick Nunis at the Main Gate, these were invited to explore the expertise of these Disneyland Backstage and On Stage areas (and more) that produce the unique Disneyland Show. The 25th Anniversary Family Open House was truly unique, as nothing like this “once-in-a-lifetime” event had ever been offered.

Now, Disneyland Cast Members became Guests and could finally get an“opportunity to see how the magic is created”! Park operating hours were specifically reserved for Disneyland Cast Members and not open to the general public. Disneyland Trams departed from the hub every seven minutes, transporting Guests on a unique backstage tour. Along the route, the tram made five stops. The following stops were made along the tour : (1) “Main Street U.S.A. Stop”, (2) the “Building Trades Stop” (featuring the Staff Shop, Paint/Sign Shop, Cycling Shop, Mill, and Country Bear Show Operations), (3) the “Parade Area Stop” (featuring Entertainment Rehearsal Hall, Parade Float Building, and Parade Costume Building), (4) the “Warehouse Stop” (featuring the Refreshment Center, Warehouse, Mechanical Building, Service Station, Garage, and Circle “D” Corral, with its Carriage Lot), (5) The “Decorating Stop” (featuring Decorating, Landscaping, Retlaw Maintenance Services, and Small World Boat Storage). Areas that were generally not open to all Cast Members - Main Street Area Offices, the Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln Projection Booth, the Primeval World Diorama, The Bakery, The Center, The Disneyland Fire Department, the Golden Horseshoe Stage and Dressing Rooms, Big Thunder Control Tower, the “Mark Twain” Steamboat, Custodial Offices, the Adventureland/Frontierland/New Orleans Square/Bear Country Offices, The Tokyo Disneyland Planning Center, Tokyo Disneyland Work Center, Club 33, New Orleans Square Main Kitchen, Pirates of the Caribbean Control Tower, The Haunted Mansion Ballroom Scene, Country Bear Jamboree Show Operations, Space Mountain Control Tower, Coke Terrace and Underground Tunnel, Submarine Dock, America Sings Entertainment Offices, and Tomorrowland/Fantasyland Offices. In addition, Disneyland’s Cast was also encouraged to visit the Administration Building (featuring the Wardrobe Issue, Wig Room, Work Room, Costuming, Offices, Entertainment Administration, Disney University, Creative Services, Finance Offices, Anniversary Tunnel, Executive Offices, Community Affairs, Financial Management, and Security)!

“Tokyo Disneyland Planning Center”

Of note was the Tokyo Disneyland Planning Center. As part of the Family Open House, the Tokyo Disneyland staff opened the doors of the Tokyo Planning Center and Work Center, and offered a descriptive tour of the facilities. This was a unique opportunity to see how a "Theme Show" is planned and created.

The success of the unique Disneyland Show was a direct result of the quality and dedication of the thousands of people who produced it - yesterday, today and tomorrow. It was because of this unqualified success that Disneyland was presently involved in one of the most challenging enterprises ever attempted by Walt Disney Productions — Tokyo Disneyland! In 1974 Disneyland Management was approached by a Japanese leisure industry company, the Oriental Land Company, with a proposal to construct a Disneyland in Japan, on Tokyo Bay. Envisioning yet another means of promoting the Disney ideal of ‘the finest in family entertainment,’ Disney entered into intensive negotiations with the Japanese company. After several years of discussions, an agreement was finally reached and the contracts signed in March of 1979.

From the very beginning, the main concern in the creation of Tokyo Disneyland was that the quality that many strived to achieve at Disneyland must be retained. To ensure that standards were met in all facets of the new Park, the Tokyo Planning Center was established in August, 1979 in a suite of offices overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America. This placid setting belied the high level of activity generated by this division.

Working in close affiliation with WED and MAPO, the Tokyo Planning Center was constantly aware of every detail involved in the massive enterprise. The Project Master Plan, manpower planning, Tokyo Disneyland organizational structure, key management personnel training at Disneyland and the Summer Work Experience Program were just a few of this division's responsibilities.

Souvenir maps (of these locations and descriptions) were distributed to all members of Disneyland’s Cast. Disneyland Cast Members and their family members also enjoyed a complimentary Family Open House Dinner, September 22, 23, 29, and 30, 1980, at 4:30 p.m. The complimentary meals were served in three locations - at Plaza Inn, Plaza Pavilion, and Carnation Plaza Gardens. Cast Members can still enjoy reminiscing the event, as Disneyland LINE magazine (Volume 12, No. 39 ; July 17, 1980) preserved highlights of Disneyland’s 25th Birthday and Family Reunion!

“Disneyland 25 Family Reunion Picnic”

Disneyland LINE magazine announced the sale of Disneyland 25 Family Reunion Picnic tickets (Adults : $3.50 and Children : $2.50) in Cast Activities. The picnic was held at the Phoenix Club, on August 9, 1980! Disneyland’s family, friends, and a few of its cast of characters attended. There were prizes, entertainment, and “all you can eat”!

“26th Annual Disneyland Christmas Party“
In December, nearly 10,000 Disneyland Cast Members and their family members stepped through Disneyland’s turnstiles for the 26th Annual Disneyland Christmas Party on Monday, December 7th. For the evening, Disneyland management, WED and MAPO, and Walt Disney Studios took the responsibility of operating attractions and merchandise locations in addition to serving food.

“Disneyland Silver Jubilee Christmas Dinner-Dance“

Two weeks later, the Disneyland Silver Jubilee Christmas Dinner-Dance offered Disneyland Cast Members and their families one final opportunity to meet new friends and get reacquainted with old ones. The dinner-dance was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel, on December 21, 1980, from 6:30 p.m. until midnight. Tickets were $12.50 per person. Featured entertainment included cocktails, dinner, and dancing, with special guests the Lennon Sisters, Stan Freese, the Disneyland Orchestra, and local radio personality Jim Lowe, all under unique holiday-themed lighting effects!

Disneyland LINE (Vol.12 ; No.29) would celebrate “Disneyland 25” for current Cast Members to relive Disneyland’s first twenty-five formative years. Though Disneyland’s “silver summer” and “silver anniversary” would fade, the guest and Cast memories would remain for a lifetime, thanks to the “outstanding success” of “all of our Disneyland people” in hosting guests (according to Dick Nunis)!

Tim Brandt (Disneyland Security) and Priscilla (Disneyland First Aid) meet Dale during Disneyland’s 25th Family Reunion Private Party, proving that Disneyland is “for boys and girls, and moms and dads” and that the primary product of Disneyland has always been happiness!

Tim Brandt (Disneyland Security) and Priscilla (Disneyland First Aid) meet Little John during Disneyland’s 25th Family Reunion event!

Tim Brandt (Disneyland Security) and Priscilla (Disneyland First Aid) meet Prince John during Disneyland’s 25th Family Reunion event!

Tim Brandt (Disneyland Security) and Priscilla (Disneyland First Aid) meet Bianca during Disneyland’s 25th Family Reunion event!

Tim Brandt (Disneyland Security) and Priscilla Reynolds (retired Disneyland First Aid “Health Services” Cast Member of 26 years) meet Pluto during Disneyland’s 25th Family Reunion event!

Walt acknowledged “Everything here at Disneyland and the Studio is a team effort.” A big part of the success of the Family Reunion lay in the teamwork which contributed to the overall efficient and effective showmanship of the Disneyland Entertainment Department and Disneyland show. After the festivities were through, the Disneyland Entertainment Department parade Cast Members could look back on the fulfillment of their individual roles and responsibilities which contributed to the overall environment consistent with defined Disney behaviors. These Cast Members posed for a final photograph commemorating their contributions toward the overall success and “Performance Excellence” of both Family on Parade and the Disneyland show!

“The 30th Year of the happiest place in Earth… And The Best Has Just Begun!”

Disneyland’s 30th Year was a special chapter in Disneyland history - “a 365-day celebration”! Themed celebrations were held on various weekends throughout the year to celebrate “30 Years of Magic”, and it all began with a rededication hosted by Disneyland Ambassador Melissa Tyler! A 24-hour celebration began at 12:01 for guests who purchased “Party Night” Tickets. Tinker Bell (Gina DeMarco) illuminated 30 candles over Main Street and 30,000 balloons were released into the night air, as colorful search lights illuminated a rainbow over Disneyland. After the rope drop, festivities included the premier of the colorful and musical “30 Years of Magic Parade”! Local radio station KRLA and Television stations and crews (including the British “Today Show”) were on hand to share the magic!

“Special Party Premiums” included a free gift - Disneyland 30th Birthday Poster (a limited edition 5,000 lithographic print) signed by artist Charles Boyer - at the Gift Redemption Center near the Mr. Lincoln attraction or at the Gibson Greeting Card Shop on Main Street U.S.A. In addition, guests were invited to enjoy a Birthday Brunch between the hours of 12:01 and 8:00 a.m. through many Disneyland restaurants - the Plaza Pavilion, Plaza Inn, Carnation Main Street, Blue Bayou Restaurant, French Market, River Belle Terrace, Tomorrowland Terrace, Stage Door Cafe, Carnation Gardens, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Cafe Orleans, Village Haus, and Casa Mexicana.

“The Most Magical Party Celebration Ever Telecast”

During August of 1985, “Disneyland’s 30th Anniversary Celebration,” a two-hour special aired (Monday, February 18th, at 8p.m.) on NBC-TV Network (advertised on the cover of Walt Disney Productions Quarterly Report for three months ended December 31, 1984)! The star-studded two-hour celebration was co-hosted by John Forsythe and Drew Barrymore! David Hasselhoff (of television’s Knight Rider) joined Julie Andrews, Donna Summer, Julian Lennon, Alabama, the Pointer Sisters (performing the “Neutron Dance” alongside program characters from the world of TRON, and Electrical Parade Floats), Debbie Allen, Roy Clark, Marie Osmond, Peter Allen, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Mickey Mouse to observe Disneyland’s 30th anniversary festivities.

The Official 30th Year Birthday Party Opening Ceremony was held in Town Square, Main Street U.S.A., on July 17th, 1985, at 12:01 a.m.! The Mayor of Anaheim, Tokyo Disneyland Cast Members, and Dick Nunez addressed the crowds before a large release of colorful balloons, confetti, and “HAPPY 30th DISNEYLAND” skywriting filled the sky south of Disneyland!

At Disneyland, signs were themed to support the stories with respectful graphics, colors, fonts, terminology, the overall design of sign, materials (wood, metal, banners, etc.), and verbiage used on the signage.

Without a doubt, Disneyland’s “hottest summer ever” would be remembered for the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, the debut of Videopolis, and assuredly Disneyland’s 30th Birthday Celebration! From January 1, 1985 to 1986, the Gift Giver Extraordinaire Machine assured that every Disneyland guest became a winner! The Gift Giver Extraordinaire (a computerized machine developed by Scientific Systems at Imagineering) was originally programmed to award prizes to every 30th guest, while keeping track of the date, the time of day, and the number of guests to enter the Park during the celebration!

The Gift Giver Extraordinaire Machine (also known as the “Incredible Countdown Clock”) was situated in the middle of Disneyland Plaza, awarding prizes to every 30th guest (ages 3 and up) all year long, and according to Disneyland Line will “add up to a winner every minute”. The $12 million worth of prizes, included 400 new General Motors Cars. According to the same publication, “3,000 gifts - including two cars” had been given away by only three days into 1985.

Many smaller prizes included drinks at the Orange Juice Bar, Disneyland popcorn, and Disneyland Souvenir pins (featuring Disneyland’s different lands)! How were the winners decided? The publication continues : “The incredible Gift Giver Extraordinaire Machine [was]…a sophisticated computer monitoring system which counts eligible [paid admission] guests and automatically awards prizes. The computer system dispenses a Contest Entry Card to each eligible guest who passes through a turnstile, and the numbers printed on the card by the computer determine if the guest has won, and what the prize category will be. If there is a computer breakdown, the scratch-off cards will be distributed to eligible guests as the guests pass through the turnstile[s]. The contest odds will remain the same for the scratch-off cards.” According Cast Member Information Cards (published for 1985), the approximate odds of winning prizes were as follows :

•Disneyland “Unlimited Use” Passport (1 in 30)

•Mickey/Minnie 20” Plush Toy Collection (1 in 300)

•Disneyland 30th Anniversary Commemorative Wristwatch (1 in 3000)

•1985 Chevrolet Cavalier CS 4-DR Sedan (1 in 30,000)

•1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera LS Sedan (1 in 300,000)

•Buick Century Custom Sedan (1 in 300,000)

•1985 Pontiac Sunbird LE (1 in 30,000)

•1985 Cadillac Sedan De Ville (1 in 3,000,000) - the grand prize valued at $25,000!

Some Gift-Giver Extraordinaire tickets had the chronological number of the Disneyland guest printed on the front, while others did not.

These tickets are stamped with a “30” indicating that the holder has won a Disneyland Unlimited Use Passport.

According to Dave Smith (previous Chief Archivist Emeritus of Walt Disney Archives), “photos are not usually available of individual Disneyland contest winners.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016] For the first few decades of operation, this certainly proved to have been the case. Pictured above, another guest (of Disneyland’s 30th year) displays her winning ticket and a giant key used to redeem her prize! Numerous other guests won the Grand Prize. Some of these winners were featured in publication, while a master list of winners could be acquired within a few weeks of the contest’s end.

Other winners included Michael Stone and Donna Boronda. Tamia Richardson from Edington, Alberta, Canada returned won free passes and returned 30 years later (in 2019) to bring her family to Disneyland.

“It Looks Like We Started Something”

The Gift Giver Extraordinaire - “the greatest gift giveaway ever” - was so popular that it returned for a second year - 1986! According to Bob McTyre, this year’s marketing strategy is “for long-term events, ones that will allow time for interest to build and spread, thus attracting more guests during traditionally slow periods”. Now, the theme of the Gift Giver Extraordinaire contest is : “Everyone Wins Every Day”, with prizes ranging from “free popcorn and juice bars to RCA 25” TVs and Pontiac Firebirds”, according to Disney Newsreel (published February 21, 1986).

•1986 Pontiac Sunbird LE (1 in 30,000) - Through the Main Entrance, the Pontiac Firebird Showcase featured the brand new Pontiac Firebird - “the official car of Disneyland ‘86”!

•1 PSA Round Trip Airline Ticket

•1 Disney Home Video Cassette (from available stock)

•1 RCA Color TV

•1 Kodak Camera

•1 Lorus Mickey Mouse Watch

•Unlimited Use Passports

•Disneyland Collectable Pins

•Popcorn

•Super Juice Bars

Prizes were redeemable from the Prize Redemption Center near the exit of the “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln” attraction or the participating food locations!

Winners were only responsible for paying any federal, state, or local taxes that would apply. Guests visited Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and before exiting, validated winning tickets at the Prize Redemption Center! Sadly, no burros were ever actually awarded among the more-than 400,000 prizes given away.

“Looks Like We Started Something”

The prize giveaway concept was so popular that it continued the following year.

“Thirty Years of Magic and we’ve only just begun!” Ribbon dancers make their way down the parade route, heralding the beginning of the parade, and the approach of the Opening Float! Yes, “Thirty Years of Magic and the best is yet to come!”

“Thank you, Mickey! Thank you, Donald!” Thank you, Minnie too! “Let’s all give a cheer! The whole world wants to thank you for 30 happy years!”

Many Disneyland Parades had a balloon float which released numerous colorful balloons into the air! Rather than just one big balloon release, these floats were designed to release the colorful balloons periodically as the unit progressed down the parade route.

Mouseketeer Days at Disneyland was a month-long event also referred to as Mickey Mouse Club Month! Souvenir buttons featuring Bobby Burgess and Sherry (and the slogan “Disneyland ‘86, On Tour” were given to guests of Mouseketeer Days, at Disneyland!

The shields were made by staff shops - the department and group of departments that specialized in the fabrication of ornamental decoration (fiberglass, wood, plaster, metal).

In addition to pins, there was plenty of 30th anniversary merchandise for collectors of Disneyana. Pride Lines Ltd. had already manufactured a mechanical coin bank and many electric railway streetcars featuring Disney characters (powered either by an AC/DC wide tinplate style motor or a magnet motor and worn gear drive). Now, Pride Lines Ltd. released the motorized and metallic Disneyland 30th Year Streetcar, a limited edition “Our 30th Year” Mickey Mouse figure, and an illuminated street lamp, each compatible with “O” gauge.

A special 30th Anniversary name tag was worn by Cast Members all year long!

These commemorative coins were attached to the cards that were sent to Cast Members, inviting them to “Join Us For A Family Celebration”…and the “Disneyland 30th Anniversary Open House”. This event was a backstage look behind-the-scenes at our Disneyland Show May 6, 7, 8, and 9. A complimentary dinner was served. Cast Members needed to indicate the preferred date that they would like to attend using the enclosed Reservation Card.

According to “Walt” (published by Walt Disney Productions, 1975), Walt Disney once said, “The important thing is the family. If you can keep the family together - and that’s the backbone of our whole business, catering to families - that’s what we hope to do.” These ethics were constantly seen at work especially during the periods of anniversary celebrations. More than 18,000 Disneyland Cast Members and their family members were invited to the 30th Anniversary Family Open House and a Complimentary Dinner (by R.S.V.P.) on Tuesday, May 6th & 7th, 1985, at 7:45p.m.! Highlights included a behind-the-scenes tour of the illusions of the Haunted Mansion, Club 33, the control room for all the Park’s Audio Animatronic figures, and the offices of Walt Disney Inc. (at the time, housed in the apartment meant for Walt Disney, located above Pirates of the Carribean).

Two months later the 30th Anniversary Family Reunion Picnic was held at Heritage Park, on Sunday, July 28, 1985. The ticketed event included a barbecue chicken or tri-tip steak lunch with all the “fixins”, and light snacks (like chili dogs, lemonade, ice cream sundaes, and beer) available all day long. Entertainment for the day included an executive softball game, BINGO competitions, and character appearances for kids of all ages. Lastly, the Grand Prize of a Walt Disney World and EPCOT Center trip for two was raffled off and awarded to one lucky Cast Member.

Disneyland Cast Member Giveaway in Honor of Disneyland’s 30th Year - By the publishing of Disneyland LINE magazine (June 27, 1985), Disneyland was projecting and expecting its 250 millionth guest. In conjunction with sponsor Coca-Cola, a contest was held to guess the exact time that lucky guest would walk through the turnstiles. The contest was open to all Disneyland employees, who could visit the Center at Disneyland between July 1st and July 17th and fill out a form with spaces for the month, date, hour, minute, and second (including a.m. or p.m.). After completing the form, it was “time-punched” and submitted. A total of 30 prizes were given away in honor of Disneyland’s 30th year of operation. The Grand Prize was a vacation for two to Mexico aboard Holland American Lines, while secondary prizes included a trip to Walt Disney World, roundtrip airfare to Hawaii, roundtrip airfare on Continental Airlines to anywhere in the domestic U.S. or Mexico, and much more. Just a few of the lucky Guess Winners included Lucy Moerer, Bob Hayes, Joan day, Michael Dunlap, Michael Vogel, Janet Maher, Judy Nuzum, Linda Sullivan, Sue Freleaux, Kent Warren, Ken Klunke, Leslie White, Kathy Rogers, Janet K. Howard, Ed Clary, Claude Christopher, Carol Whitaker, Tim East, and Marian Guiver.

Finally, on December 5, 1985, “Skyfest - A Million Balloon Salute” (a record-shattering balloon release of more than one million balloons) would occur over Katella Avenue (from Harbor Boulevard to West Street), in order to commemorate what would have been Walt Disney’s 84th birthday! Much preparation went into arranging this “million balloon salute to Walt Disney and Disneyland’s 30th birthday” - alerting local law enforcement agencies, and notifying the federal Aviation Agency. Volunteers (made up of more than 800 Cast Members, their family members, and their friends) assembled in “Camp Skyfest” - a tent in the southwest corner of Disneyland’s Parking Lot. Balloons were filled with 7,500 pounds of helium (enough to carry 190 people) and then loaded into balloon tubes (each carrying about 1,000 balloons) which were arched over Main Street until the climax of the big ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Anaheim Mayor Don Roth, who released the first balloon at precisely 2pm, as a signal to release 1,121,448 other helium balloons. This release set a Guiness World Record, beating the previous record of 300,400 balloons. Anaheim Mayor Don Roth was led by Disneyland’s Cast of characters, as well as the Disneyland Band, and joined by the business community and local area residents of Anaheim who were invited to visit the Park (through a special “buy one Passport, Get one free” offer). T-shirts and buttons helped commemorate the momentous event. In addition, Disneyland’s resident artist - Charles Boyer - commemorated the occasion with one of his signature works of art, which was released as a limited edition lithograph to Disneyland employees through the Center.

Walt once spoke of the community known as the Disneyland family: “Togetherness, for me, means teamwork. In my business, many minds and skillful hands must collaborate. The more diversified our labors and interest have become in the modern world, the more surely we need to integrate our efforts to justify our individual selves and our civilization.” [“The Spirit of Disneyland”] A big part of the success of the 30 year anniversary celebration lay in the teamwork which contributed to the overall efficient and effective showmanship of the Disneyland Entertainment Department and Disneyland show. After the festivities were through, the Disneyland Entertainment Department Cast Members could look back on the fulfillment of their individual roles and responsibilities which contributed to the overall environment consistent with defined Disney behaviors. These Cast Members posed for a final photograph commemorating their contributions toward the overall success and “Performance Excellence” of both Disneyland 30 Years and the Disneyland show!

July 17, 1990 marked 35 Years of Magic (1955 - 1990) for “the happiest place on earth”!

Disneyland had much to celebrate. Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, with 18 major attractions and now there were 60 attractions in the Park. By 1990, Disneyland staff numbered more than 9,000 men and women, with Winter period employees totaling 6,000.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were joined by Roy E. Disney, Michael Eisner, Ronald Reagan, Art Linkletter and Bob Cummings for a rededication ceremony. Disneyland’s first two guests also returned for the celebration! President Ronald Reagan would briefly speak at the rededication of Disneyland, calling it “a national treasure.” You may recollect that Ronald Reagan hosted the televised dedication of Disneyland in 1955 alongside Bob Cummings and Art Linkletter.

In taking to the stage below the Main Street Station in Town Square, President Ronald Reagan confessed : “Its an honor and a privilege to join with you as we rededicate one of America’s treasures - a place that has captured the imagination and earned the affection of four generations of Americans, and a place that has served as host and “Goodwill Ambassador” to millions of visitors from abroad. Disneyland exemplifies the essence of the American spirit and continues to show us the way to follow our dreams - however big or small!”

During the 35th anniversary, the Plaza Inn porches (south and north) were used as interview areas for the event. The Interview Center was located in the South Solarium in the Media Center at the Plaza Inn.

The proposed Walt Disney stamp was reviewed by the U.S. Postal Service. The plan was to have a "First Day of Issue" ceremony at Disneyland on July 17th.

Even before the Main Entrance, the milestone event was celebrated. An enormous (12'x 15’) assemblage of 35 years of Disneyland memorabilia (by Ridlon) was on display in the Main Entrance Mall throughout 1990. During October of 1990, a promotion of the General Motors 1991 car line was displayed in the Main Entrance Mall. This served as an exclusive introduction of the new product line.

From September 20-23, 1990, a UNICEF Charity Auction tie-in event between Disneyland and with the UNICEF International Children's Conference hosted 40 top world leaders at the United Nations. Both Gorbachev and Bush were present at Disneyland to acknowledge children around the world in a major press event generating worldwide publicity.

During November of 1990, an exclusive Charity Auction offered 35 years of collectible Disneyland memorabilia. Sotheby's assisted in planning and executing the auction. All monies raised were donated to charity. Some of the approximately 100 items auctioned included an original, hand-painted Carrousel horse; the "D" from the Disneyland marquee; an Autopia car, etc. By including well-known celebrities and items with an international theme, such as Small World dolls, worldwide press coverage resulted.

The Great American Race was themed to the 35th Anniversary.

Escorts wore a white 35th Anniversary logo sweatshirts accompanied by Disneyland name tags and their Press I.D.s.

The itinerary included the Opening Day Rededication Ceremony at the Main Street Train Station, Party Gras Parade, and a News Conference at the Videopolis Stage. Dinner in New Orleans Square included entertainment performances by the Four Tops on the River Stage at 8:30pm.

There was a Splash Mountain Backdoor event scheduled for the media. The Plaza Inn porches (south and north) were used as interview areas for the event. The Interview Center was located in the South Solarium in the Media Center at the Plaza Inn.

There was even an Embarkation Ceremony on the Queen Mary Ship’s Bow where the media attended a special Ship Christening Ceremony.

A special partial performance of the Party Gras Parade was pre-staged for the media. It was not a normal performance of the parade. The parade would step off at Small World and hold at Matterhorn Way until celebrities were in place on the floats.

Current Disneyland Cast Members got into the spirit of “Disneyland - 35 Years of Magic” with commemorative name tags bearing the anniversary’s logo!

At Disneyland, signs were themed to support the stories with respectful graphics, colors, fonts, terminology, the overall design of sign, materials (wood, metal, banners, etc.), and verbiage used on the signage. Two giant Thirty Five Years of Magic signs hung over the Disneyland Tunnels leading to Main Street U.S.A.

Colorful and festive bunting (as well as reflective decor), were created for the lampposts that lined Main Street U.S.A.!

The Central Plaza hosted a character meet and greet area near a backdrop of the Park’s 35th anniversary logo! Here, Disneyland guests could meet special guests, like the Gummi Bears (the current stars of Disney Television Animation) when they weren’t appearing on the Disney Afternoon Cavalcade parade.

Before the Partners Statue sat in the Central Plaza, the area was often used for photographic backdrops and promotional displays. Though it was impossible to miss the Dream Machine, Disneyland maps detailed its location (in the center of the Plaza) for guests!

In Disneyland Plaza, the dazzling “Dream Machine” was dedicated before giving away millions of dollars in prizes! The giveaway offered one lucky lever-pulling Guest the chance to win a brand new 1990 General Motors Geo or 1986 Pontiac Firebird every day. Millions of dollars worth of giveaways were awarded to guests throughout 1990, including Delta Arlines tickets, one million dollars in U.S. Savings bonds, and 400,000 other fabulous prizes (like Mickey Mouse watches and Disney Home Videos on VHS)! All of this was in celebration of the biggest party in Disneyland’s 35-year history! Hometown publicity stories were planned around guest experiences at the birthday machine, located at the Hub.

Among the winners of a car were Anna Hernandez

The majority of Disneyland 35th Anniversary Dream Machine Tickets featured a number of colorful Disneyland characters, so whether you were a winner (or not) the tickets became popular collectables among guests!

One particular rare style of Disneyland 35th Anniversary Dream Machine Ticket featured the event’s logo!

This award was given to Jack Lindquist (“a dreamer, a guru”), and an honored member of the team that dreamt up the “Dream Machine” for Disneyland’s 35th! The trophy given him features the actual “Dream Machine” handle, which was triggered by 72,822 Disneyland guests during “the 35th Anniversary Year 1990”. But, just who was Jack Lindquist?

Like Walt, Jack too was born in Chicago, but on March 15th, 1927. As a boy, he became a child actor with a filmography including Hal Roach’s “Our Gang” series, and the Lucille Ball film “Best Foot Forward”. After graduating Hollywood High School, he spent two years in the United States Air Force, and attended the University of Southern California. These were all fine accomplishments, but things would really change for Jack Lindquist that would make him a household name among later Disney historians.

In 1955, Jack Lindquist was personally hired by Walt Disney to work in the Disneyland Marketing Department. Marketing was a division that Jack continued to be affiliated with for most of his career. In 1972, he was appointed Vice President of Marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Later (in 1982), he became Executive Vice President of Marketing for Walt Disney Attractions for Walt Disney World (including Independence Lake and EPCOT Center), Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. He soon established the separate Marketing Division for Walt Disney World in Tokyo. In 1987, he was named President of Disneyland. This was a big deal. According to Jack: “At an awards banquet in 1989 it was announced that effective tonight, Jack Lindquist is the president of Disneyland. It was a complete surprise to me because we never had a president at Disneyland. I thought it was the best job in the world and there's just no better job.”

There were many interactive units of Party Gras! which invited guests to join the party, and perhaps the most memorable was the Extremely Secret Royal Eternal Fraternal Order of Armadillos.

During “35 Years of Magic,” Atmosphere Entertainment complimenting the theme of areas was staged to entertain Guests on an immediate and personal level. Perhaps you recollect receiving colorful commemorative 35 Years of Magic coins from the Armadillos - members of the Extremely Secret Royal Eternal Fraternal Order!

The Armadillos extended membership to some of the Party Gras guests, administering these cards to members added to the Order!

“Welcome to the celebration! Its a jubilation! It’s a Party Gras!” Party Gras - a brand new parade with a Caribbean-Calypso feel, directed by Disneyland Entertainment Senior Show Director Michael Maines (which ran from January 10 - November 18, 1990). The parade was inspired by a trip to New Orleans, by Michael Maines, Mike Davis (Disneyland Entertainment Director), and Bob McTyre (Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment). At two special selected points along the route (near Matterhorn Mountain, and on Main Street), the parade would stop to perform a street show and guests would be invited to do join the party and do the conga.

More than 100 street performers and six enormous incarnations of Disney characters bring the “hot, hot, hot” 35th anniversary parade to life! Party Gras would feature six balloons of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and Roger Rabbit, which towered more than forty feet in the air. The Genie balloon stood 33-feet-tall in addition to his float. These were all designed and modeled by the Disneyland Entertainment Art Department, and manufactured by Aerostar (of South Dakota). In addition, there were more than 168 street performers (Characters, puppeteers and stilt walkers) draped in Mardi Gras elements. Costumes were designed by the legendary Jack Muhs, with new characters by Alyja Paskevicious Kalinich. These were choreographed by John Addis. Music would be produced by Bruce Healey.

The 35th Anniversary parade featured five giant (45-foot) inflatable character balloons and a Calypso/Latin American theme. Two “cold-air blowers” kept the towering Party Gras! balloon floats continuously inflated.

Colorful confetti and necklaces would fill the street as the parade units advanced to the beat.

Two Souvenir Guide covers immortalized different parade units.

Mickey and friends (in special overdressing) hosted a live stage show on the Plaza Gardens stage, in honor of 35 Years of Magic! The 35 Years of Magic event also featured two live stage shows. On the Videopolis Stage audiences enjoyed the daily “One Man’s Dream Stage Show,” from December 16, 1989-August 17, 1990. This show which premiered at Tokyo Disneyland is based upon Walt Disnev's dreams and his creations from Mickey Mouse to movies to Disneyland, etc.

There was another show on the Carnation Gardens Stage.

A special float was added (this year only), to the Main Street Electrical Parade. Cast Members enjoyed a special evening event entitled “The Spirit of Disneyland” - an hour of nostalgia, reminiscence, and a look at Disneyland’s future, hosted by Jack Wagner (“the voice of Disneyland”), Dick Nunis (President of Disneyland and Walt Disney World), and Ron Dominguez (Vice President, Disneyland Operations)! The parade even featured the Mouse-O-Rail - a retired Monorail.

Occasionally unique Units and floats would be included within the Main Street Electrical Parade reflecting and current celebration and keeping the parade fresh! The Main Street Electrical Parade of Disneyland’s 35th anniversary year featured this special tribute float to Disneyland - 35 Years of Magic!

“Souvenir Merchandise, Promotional Gifts, and Prizes”

There were many ways to commemorate Disneyland’s landmark anniversary! On Main Street U.S.A., the Disneyland - 35 Years of Magic logo created a backdrop where guests could have their photos taken. The logo was licensed for sweaters, “fanny packs”, keychains, and commemorative coins.

A set of commemorative pins were released, featuring Disney, Amblin Entertainment, and Lucasfilm characters highlighting some of Disneyland’s most popular attractions. Of note were pins featuring Hooter (in promotion of Captain EO), Roger Rabbit (in promotion of the Haunted Mansion), and C-3PO (in promotion of Star Tours). Another popular souvenir was the Commemorative pop-up Disneyland map that was released.

If customers bought Kodak film during 1990, they could get a “free watch”! Yes, Disneyland sponsor Kodak ran a “Magic Colors” promotional tie-in contest, where (in addition to) 5 Trips to Disneyland and 100 Kodak Explorer Cameras, 1000 Lorus watches bearing the “Disneyland 35 Years” logo were awarded as prizes! A celebrity charity auction took place in which one capital “D” from the old Disneyland marquee was awarded to a lucky bidder!

*Some sources state August, 1957.

Back in 1951, Walt Disney and Art Linkletter visited the famous entertainment complex Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. He was researching and talking notes to build a family entertainment center and Tivoli was much like what he envisioned. It was clean, directed to the entire family, fun, entertaining and educational. Walt noted how important it was to have a lot of places for guests to sit down and a wide variety of eating spots that served excellent meals.

Let’s explore the one-time cafeteria with the New Orleans motif; home of the best barbecued sandwiches, ribs and chicken ever served at Disneyland - Don Defore's Silver Banjo!

“The Recipe for Success”

Don DeFore had a distinguished film career! Don appeared in feature films A Guy Named Joe, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, and It Happened On 5th Avenue. But perhaps his most notable roles were on television series Ozzie and Harriet, and Hazel. Don eventually had the good pleasure of serving as the President of Academy of Television Arts and Sciences from 1954 to 1955. Owing to this 2 terms as president (and success of being the first president to at sell the National Broadcast of the Emmy Awards to NBC), Don would win an Emmy Award. Incidentally this attention would establish a historic meeting with someone we are well acquainted with - Walt Disney! It just so happens that Walt served on the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Board of Directors. Upon receiving his Academy Award, Don received a special phone call, over which Walt invited him for a personal tour of Walt Disney Studios (and its heavily guarded sound stages full of models and conceptual artwork of Disneyland).

Soon, Don and his family were invited to participate in the opening of Disneyland, riding in Autopia cars down Main Street USA!

“Let’s Dine at Disneyland”

Disneyland Participant Corporate Sponsors were carefully selected. High quality, long term corporate sponsors would provide incremental income that enabled Disneyland to enhance its show and attractions, offset some operating expenses, and capitalize on marketing opportunities.

The friendship started, and Don opened Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue, a table service restaurant operated in the old Casa de Fritos location. The restaurant location was an efficient maximum utilization of space, opening next to Aunt Jemima Pancake House in Frontierland (near the Rivers of America) for five years! The business partnership between Disneyland, Inc. and the Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue was synergistic, both partners creating happiness and acquiring profit. By September of 1958, Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue was contributing a routine portion of accounts receivable to Disneyland, Inc. For example, in 1958, Bank of America appraisers figured of the total income received from leases, 16.02% was derived from the selling of advertising rights and 40.12% from the leasing of space to concerns whose main reason for occupancy is for advertising purposes. The remaining 43.86% of the lease income was derived from stores that sell various products and food.

By October of 1959, the company was (1) of over sixty-eight other firms playing a vital part in the team effort to bring happiness to Disneyland’s Guests. Some were small, specialized individual operators; some were huge companies such as Swift & Co. - the Bank of America - United Paramount Theaters (which you hear as UPT) - Carnation - Richfield - General Dynamics - Crane - and many others. These companies used the park to publicize their wares, leased space in the Park to sell their wares, and Disneyland collected advertising fees from them.

“Because of the trees, there just wasn’t a way to get a good shot of Silver Banjo. We wound up sharing photos with Dave Smith and Becky Kline because there aren’t many photos of the restaurant in existence.” Below you will be able to view a few of these (courtesy of Ron DeFore).

“This is a great shot of my dad [on the right] …probably the best shot of the restaurant because you can see the name in the background. He [Dave Smith] said, ‘Your dad must have been really close to Walt to allow your dad to have his name on the restaurant.’”

“This [the gentleman on the left] is a guy I’ve loved all my life - Uncle Vern, who managed the Silver Banjo. It was Bud Coulson who called by dad about a year after we were all in that parade. He said, By the way, you need to know that Walt hired me [to handle all the lessees in the park]. They had Carnation, Kodak, and all these companies…on five-year leases.

Frito Lay was in this spot, and they felt it wasn’t big enough. The owner [of Frito Lay] wanted to move closer to the entrance [of Frontierland]. So, Bud called and said, ‘We got some space. How would you like to open up a barbecue restaurant?’ The one condition was that Uncle Vern take a Business Management class, which he did at UCLA!”

He was so good at what he did, that he would go on to manage other establishments inside Disneyland after their five-year lease was finished.

Don De Fore’s Silver Banjo Barbeque provided “Complete Family Dinners” and “Child’s Plates” to Western Square Dance Association Members belonging to a variety of 49 clubs, as well as their family members during the “Fifth Annual California Square Dance Convention” hosted by Disneyland (on April 11, 12, 13, 1958). Meal options included Ribs, Pork, Beef, Ham, or Chicken, as well as Sandwiches, French Fries, Baked Beans, and Fish N’ Chips.

In 1958, Don De Fore’s Silver Banjo Barbeque also hosted the 23rd Annual PCAM Convention delegates in Frontierland at Disneyland. Menus heralded the Complete Family Dinner, Child’s Plate (of ribs, beef, pork, ham, or chicken), sandwiches, French fries, baked beans, fish n’ chips with the following message: “Featuring our famous wizard of the kitchen waving his magic ladle… you will see cutting barbecue ribs in half, pulling chickens from a glass rack, a ham that will not perform, beef that will not moo, pork that will not squeal (divulging our mystic powers), all presented for your enjoyment with a final flourish of entrancing barbecue sauce. You will enjoy this show of culinary magic to the end as the curtain comes down with a roll.”

The synergistic relationship between the commercial lessee and Disneyland, Inc. was good. Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue yielded some revenue for Disneyland Inc. - $5,871 (of a total $211,550 income from Frontierland) for the fiscal year ending September 29, 1957 and $12,201 (of a total $229,026 income from Frontierland) for the fiscal year ending September 28, 1958.

As a sidelight, by October 1959, Jim Baker (of Merchandising) was overseeing the Disneyland Food Administration and Souvenir Sales.The “Disneyland Dictionary” (published October 1958) describes Don Defore's Silver Banjo operated by Don and Verne Defore as a cafeteria with a scope of sales including “barbecued sandwiches, ribs and chicken.”

At Disneyland, signs were themed to support the stories with respectful graphics, colors, fonts, terminology, the overall design of sign, materials (wood, metal, banners, etc.), and verbiage used on the signage.

All fixtures were placed in their correct motif and many light fixtures of Disneyland were authentic antiques. The restaurant had two separate types of lighting: Character lighting, and Functional Lighting. Character lighting such as a chandelier, kerosene lamp, or banjo, was themed to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior. These added to the show, but didn’t necessarily create enough illumination for operation. Functional lighting on the other hand, offered substantial light without being obvious, or distracting from the show. The image above gives us an idea of the size of the illuminated sign, which was the size of a true-life banjo!

“Fortunately I have been able to preserve a few of the signs that once hung in Silver Banjo. My father renovated that [sign that hung above the restaurant], and then I inherited that.”

-Ron DeFore

“Struttin’ With Some Barbecue” - “55er” Homer Holland fondly recalled “Don Defore's SILVER BANJO. wonderful for barbecued sandwiches.” This menu sign gives us an idea of some of the menu choices available at Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue - sandwiches, chicken, ribs, and sides! Not mentioned - the Fish and Chips. Check out these prices - a chicken dinner for $1.75…coffee for ten cents. Carnation Farms would also serve this and 14 other wholesale customers who operated restaurants and snack bars in Disneyland.

(Photo : Don’s son Ron points out a preserved Love’s Wood Pit Barbecue neon sign at Valley Relics Museum, before sharing the secret behind his dad’s amazing barbecue sauce.)

The secret in the success of Don DeFore’s barbecue was in the sauce! Since 1948, the family had their heart set on one recipe - the secret recipe of Love’s Wood Pit Barbecue in Encino, California! Don’s brother Verne DeFore (who managed Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue) would make regular 2-way, near-50-mile drives from Love’s to Disneyland. This was a lengthy drive during the 1950s and 1960s, as roads and highways were so different than what they look like today. But, it was worth it to deliver the five gallon bottles of sauce to the Silver Banjo Barbecue!

Don DeFore attempted to cut a deal with Love’s Wood Pit Barbecue to acquire the secret of their sauce, but this was not possible. Don’s brother Verne had previously taken night business classes at UCLA, and had the idea to take a sample to the college campus and have it examined. This endeavor was fruitless because there were so many components that went into the sauce.

Don’s son Ron recollects the flavor of Silver Banjo Barbecue :

“I have been trying to recreate [two outstanding menu items] for years. One - the Combination Barbecue Sandwich. One day, my brother (who worked in the Barbecue Kitchen) put up a sign (jokingly), and Uncle Vern got mad and made him take it down. It said : ‘When in doubt, put it in the combination.’

I know it wasn’t true, but it was some of the left over meat off of the ribs (a sort of combination of pork and beef). The thing that I loved about all the sandwiches served there was the great sauce that my mom came up with. It was mixed in with the meat, and it was almost like a ‘Sloppy Joe’. To this day I’ll try ordering a pulled pork, and if it comes dry, that’s not ‘my type’ of ‘pulled pork’ sandwich.

During a [previous] … Disneyana event, they had the hotel chefs recreate the entire Silver Banjo Menu. It was not only for presentation, but we all got to eat the buffet, and it was pretty dang close to the original ribs and barbecue sandwiches.

I never got tired of the Silver Banjo food.”

“Don DeFore - Sixth Annual Holiday Festival, Frontierland Celebrity Master of Ceremonies”

“In those days, a celebrity would be a Master of Ceremonies, and my dad was at the top of the Golden Horseshoe, emceeing and announcing the floats that came by.

One year, my dad was up on top of the Golden Horseshoe, and someone told him, ‘Walt’s on the phone for you. Don, did you bring your kids? You have to send them down to the front gate because my grand children haven’t shown up and I can’t ride in this parade in the horseless carriage without kids.”

Don (and son Ron) rode in a few holiday parades aboard a surrey, with Walt Disney himself! This wasn’t the first time the DeFores were involved in Disneyland parades. Don DeFore and his family first rode an Autopia Mark I down Main Street on July 17th, 1955!

“Gee, Do We Have To Go To Disneyland Again?”

“We were down there almost every weekend. Dad eventually bought a second place house down in Anaheim so we would have a place to stay, and have storage for the restaurant. Vern (who lived in Van Nuys), bought a house down there too.

In the summer, we would be down there weeks at a time. I know its hard to imagine, but me (and my brother and sisters) got completely bored to death with the attractions, after we’d been on them a zillion times.

I will tell you a fun thing was bringing a friend because then I could show off. We would take my dad’s pass (for example) and most of the ride operators knew who the DeFore kids were. We would take his pass and we would get in front of the line and ride the rides as many times as we wanted. We didn’t even need to get off [at times].”

Eventually (in 1962), Disneyland Participant Affairs and Disneyland Lessee Don DeFore could not negotiate a new cooperative agreement to maintain their ongoing relationship, so Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue would close its doors. But that wasn’t the end of the story, as Don’s son Ron recorded much in his book.

Ok, so “Growing Up In Disneyland” is mostly a metaphor for Ron DeFore’s life, but at least 3 of 48 chapters discuss the business relationship of his father (actor Don DeFore) and Walt Disney - from their meeting, to the establishment of “Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue” in Frontierland, and the DeFore’s involvement in numerous Disneyland Holiday parades! Oh, and Ron discusses his childhood antics in “the happiest place on Earth,” as he spent more time in Disneyland than most young children ever did! Those three chapters alone are worth the economical “price tag of admission.” You’ll want to add a copy of Ron’s book to your Disney-related library section today!

Just visit Ron’s official page through the following link - HERE!

If you would like to read even more about Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue, it’s my pleasure to recommend adding Marcy Smothers’ “Eat Like Walt - The Wonderful World of Disney Food” to your personal Disney Home Library! Therein, Marcy has extensively researched and finely crafted a small section of a chapter dedicated to “Walt Disney’s Disneyland - Frontierland.” If you would like to bring the magic of Disneyland restaurants and concessions to your dining room table, “please step this way” toward www.eatlikewalt.com where Marcy has shared a few recipes for memorable Disneyland menu options, so you too can “Eat Like Walt.”