Early thumbnail sketches and other concept artwork of Disneyland seemed to be unencumbered by restrictions of budget, schedule or the laws of nature and physics. Though guided by Walt, his artists appeared to engage in “free-thinking,” as if implementing the modern “Blue Sky” Imagineering process. On August 31, 1948, an important document was circulated among artists of the Walt Disney Studios, in which a “Mickey Mouse Park” is described. The Park was to be located on a 11-acre triangular plot across the street from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, and was to feature a riverside gazebo band stand (pictured below).

As Walt Disney’s Disneyland evolved, included were descriptions of a bandstand to be located in “Recreation Land.” According to “Disneyland” (prepared for Disneyland Inc. by WED Enterprises), “A Leisure Land - a shady park set aside for reservations by clubs, schools, or other groups for picnics and special outings. A catering service supplies foods or lunch in a basket. There is a little old-fashioned bandstand pavilion for dancing and entertainment and an area for games.”

A gazebo (under which a band may perform concerts) had been part of Disneyland’s plans since the Orange County plot was mapped out. As early as February 14, 1955, Marvin Aubrey Davis’ Site Plan (or, Plot Plan) drawings of Disneyland (for the 160 acres in Anaheim) were produced. Details labeled this area ‘Root Beer Garden (Expansion Area)’. The same documents depicted a “Band Stand” in Town Square. Later, a Gazebo can also be seen in the center of the “Band Concert Park” of the 1/4-inch-to-a-foot scale model that appears in “The Story of Disneyland” (a c. 1954 episode of the “Disneyland” anthology series).

By the time construction began, a gazebo (on which the marching band could play) was originally intended to be the centerpiece of Town Square. That is where it was originally placed. However, when you stood in Town Square, the gazebo blocked the view of Sleeping Beauty Castle, which was the “weenie” drawing visitors to the Central Plaza Hub at the end of Main Street.

The full-scale Gazebo was moved several times during Disneyland’s construction phase (from Town Square to other locations) during April to May of 1955. Lastly, approximately three months before Disneyland opened, the Flag Standard would be built in the center of Town Square, and the gazebo was moved to a park-like setting just west of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The Magnolia Gardens Bandstand was constructed as an ornate wood plywood and lattice bandstand with a metal roof supported on turned wooden posts. It has a pine floor measuring 1,375 square feet and covered portion. About 1958, the entire structure was appraised and valued at $12,000.

Here (before the Park’s big opening), a couple of painters pose for the camera, next to the newly painted bandstand - and future platform for Disneyland Band concerts! Jim Barngrover recalled: “We used to play on a GAZEBO in what is now PLAZA GARDENS. There was no seats for the guests and there was NO SHADE. So nobody came to listen! That's when we started marching.”

Since the beginning, Atmosphere Entertainment complimenting the theme of areas was staged to entertain Disneyland Guests on an immediate and personal level. For a brief period, the Disneyland Band Stand was host to Vesey Walker’s Disneyland Band throughout the year.

That’s not Tommy Walker’s band! A high school marching band makes their way just West of Sleeping Beauty Castle as they head for the Disneyland Christmas Bowl.

The Disneyland Band Stand was also host to many high school marching bands performing during the very first Christmas season at Disneyland. The Christmas Bowl was performed under the DISNEYLAND Band Stand (just off the Plaza) during the 1955 winter season (between Thanksgiving and January 8th).

Fast forward a few months, to 1956! “Shortly after the first of the year, Walt Disney revealed his plans for the then distant summer season. In fulfillment of the promise made on opening day, that ‘Disneyland will never be completed’ Walt made public plans to add extensively to the Park’s facilities. Whole new areas were to be opened : Magnolia Park.” [‘Disneyland - 1st Anniversary Souvenir Pictorial”]

Here, the Disneyland Band performs from the raised Bandstand (which has been relocated to the middle of DisneylandPlaza), while some exciting developments take place just west of Sleeping Beauty Castle! Soon the Bandstand and Gazebo (not pictured) would be relocated to shady nook (between Adventureland and the Chicken Plantation in Frontierland), appropriately called Magnolia Park! Soon the Bandstand and Gazebo (not pictured) would be relocated to shady nook (between Adventureland and the Chicken Plantation in Frontierland), appropriately called Magnolia Park!

“New Pages for the Disneyland Story”

Yes, the Gazebo would be moved again, this time to a 1,375 square foot area called Magnolia Park (as it was so-called in The Disneyland News Vol. 1 No. 12, published June of 1956), part of an extensive Frontierland expansion.

Frontierland originally had a New Orleans Area with a New Orleans motif that was of the period up to the Civil War. The footbridge and winding flowerbed flanked path leading to Magnolia Park and the Magnolia Gardens Bandstand opened for the first time during June of 1956, along with Tom Sawyer Island, as part of the more than $1 1/2 million worth of Magic Kingdom additions and improvements. Magnolia Park consisted of a shaded area with a bandstand and seats much like that of towns of that period. For about a year, its resident DISNEYLAND Band Stand and Gazebo were the home of concerts in the park. These were more than a Sunday occurrence - but a daily delight! In fact, these concerts even happened during holidays.

Though the park lacked the space to hold a dance floor, it currently held the capacity to accommodate large groups of guests desiring to listen to a band concert in the Park! An addition was made to the gazebo area (appraised at $3,606) while land improvements were made to Magnolia Park (appraised at $36,196). A new encompassing stage was able to support a couple of large instruments (not typically associated with marching bands) - both a piano and drum kit. Rows of park benches were brought into Magnolia Park by this time. Finally, by September 28, 1958, Disneyland, Inc. made approximately $ 19,200.00 of land improvements to the bridges, $19,586.00 of improvements to the lighting, and $123,459.00 of improvements to the landscaping.

By 1959, the Magnolia Park Bandstand (Entertainment) shaded "amphitheater" was still a place where bands and special groups performed free during peak seasons and Band Concerts were performed daily.

By 1960, there were two bandstands in Disneyland - Magnolia Park and Plaza Gardens.

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! If this description still doesn’t help you make sense of its location, aerial footage (likely recorded from a Sikorsky helicopter) of the location was taken, and is included in the theatrical release “People and Places : Disneyland U.S.A.” Magnolia Park was located in an area that would eventually become New Orleans Square.

As for the vacant plot west of Sleeping Beauty Castle, it would come to be known as…

You may recall hearing how Walt Disney, on the eve of Disneyland’s first day of operation, promised that “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow, to add new things, as long as there is imagination left in the world.” Now, after a year of operation, Walt (with audiences in mind) knew that adult and young adult guests were in need of a location to (not just listen to popular music, but) dance to live bands and enjoy refreshments into the evening hours. Thus, the Carnation Gardens was born!

“Setting the Stage”

Artists like set designer Wilson “Bill” Martin (who had left 20th Century Fox, to work on Walt Disney Productions’ Disneyland project) was influential in the design of Carnation Plaza, his talents as art director applied to the attraction. Artwork was produced with at least one painted concept featuring a bridge leading to a covered pavilion illuminated by Yablochkov candles. According to The Disneyland News (September of 1956), architectural elements were inspired by the “Disneyland Central Plaza which it fronts,” while the red and white candy striping represented the Carnation Company.

During the summer of 1956, a new permanent, covered pavilion (complete with bandstand stage and dance floor) became the site of Disneyland’s swinging evening entertainment! Here, the Disneyland Band, Date Nite dance bands, and other special groups entertained free during peak seasons. This early map excerpt (pictured below) shows the general area where the Carnation Plaza Gardens was situated - off the Plaza, just west of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

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. Several of these “reliable old firms” sponsored the “abundance of restaurants devoted to pleasing all tastes and all budgets,” according to “The Story of Disneyland”, published 1955.

Much how Disneyland participant Swift’s sponsored several locations around Disneyland, Carnation would also sponsor more than one Disneyland dining location. Carnation Gardens quick service restaurant cafeteria would offer a menu of choices including hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages, and snacks like soft yogurt cones and (of course) ice cream cones & sundaes. Occasionally the Carnation menu offerings changed. Guest Services and Accommodations included restrooms to the left of the Plaza Gardens dance area.

Guests could now dine (and enjoy band concerts & dancing) at Disneyland, just West of Plaza Circle at the Plaza Gardens! Even years later, Walt Disney’s Guide to Disneyland (published 1963) referred to this area as the Plaza Dancing Area, while Walt Disney’s Guide to Disneyland (published 1964) referred to the Plaza Gardens as a place where one could have “a gay twirl with your best girl to the dance rhythms of Disneyland’s popular Date Niters orchestra” and “a Summertime evening favorite”!

Just over the bridge to Plaza Gardens is the dance floor where guests could dance to melodies provided by the the biggest bands as we shall see.

The colorful floral beds (full of the shade plant Coleus and small stunted cypress bushes) prove that the Carnation Plaza Gardens was just that - a garden!

Character lighting was themed to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior, such as a chandelier or kerosene lamp. These add to the show, but don't necessarily create enough illumination for operation.

This map excerpt gives a general idea of what the Carnation Plaza Gardens entailed - a concession area (where hamburgers, sodas, and ice creams were ordered), and a dining area / dance floor! Both were shaded underneath the red and white striped, tent-like canopies. As with other shops and restaurants, the Disneyland Food Division took over operations of Carnation Plaza Gardens in October of 1965, shortening the name to Plaza Gardens. By 1967-1968, Carnation Gardens was under the immediate Supervision of Lou Mayan, overseen by Tom Olsen (Fantasyland Food Units), Max Sloan (Manager of Food Controls) and Bud Taylor (Manager of Systems & Procedures), and Jim Armstrong (Director of Disneyland Food Services).

Tucked within the colorful Plaza Gardens, was a popular covered pavilion!

The Strawhatters also played the Plaza Gardens Stage during the daytime.

Under the Disneyland Food Division, many other changes took place. For example, during 1977, Plaza Gardens Hostess Debbie Dvorkman took advantage of the Disneyland Creative Idea Program and suggested that the Plaza Gardens serve applesauce instead of coleslaw. Carnation Plaza Gardens occasionally hosted special events, like Private Parties (e.g. GM and Hughes Employees, January of 1986).

“Let’s Dance at Disneyland”

How do you increase guest attendance at Disneyland? Why, the very same way you rig a “parent trap” - you’ve got to “get them under the moon,” and “play their favorite tune!” Naturally, the Plaza Gardens Stage entertainment venue would accompany the Plaza Gardens restaurant.

From the 1950s to the 1960s, the sounds of Bill Elliott and the Elliott Brothers Orchestra could be found emanating from the Plaza Gardens during Date Nites at Disneyland (8 p.m. to midnight). You may recall the Elliot Brother’s Date Nite at Disneyland album published during 1958, by Vista Records. The cover featured (slide saxophonist) Bill and (trombonist) Lloyd Elliott’s band on the Plaza Gardens stage. Though some test recordings were made in Plaza Gardens, the sound engineers ultimately preferred the closed-hall of the Golden Horseshoe to the open-air sounds of the Plaza Gardens. Still, the duo (and their band) were a regular sight and sound at Carnation Plaza Gardens during the 1950s and 1960s.

At the time Bill Elliott (on saxophone), along with his brother Lloyd (on slide trombone) lead the “Disneyland DateNiters” band for four hour concerts, six nights a week during the summer at the Magic Kingdom…and at a great expense at first. Beginning in 1957, they were occasionally joined by vocalist Tony Paris. But, by 1963, Bill had “licked a king-sized commuting problem. Bill, a resident of Malibu, had been pounding the freeways for more than 160 miles each evening - about 80 miles each way to and from Disneyland. The solution : an airplane naturally! A licensed pilot, Bill now drives his car from Malibu to the Santa Monica Airport, flys ‘across town’ to the Fullerton Airport, and then steers the band’s bus to Disneyland. Total travel time : about 45minutes - 20 of them in the air”, according to Vacationland magazine (published Summer, 1963).

“PLAZA GARDENS - A ‘HAPPENING’ PLACE”

Many performances were held on the Plaza Gardens Stage through the years. You may recollect dancing to the swinging tunes of Pete Jacobs and his Wartime Radio Revue Orchestra, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Artie Shaw Orchestra, the Xavier Cougat Orchestra, the Woody Herman Orchestra, Myron Floren and his Orchestra, and many other popular big bands! Limited engagements like Mel Torme, the Osmond Brothers, Lionel Hampton, and Wayne King and his orchestra (1965) performed here. Even local radio stations (like Los Angeles’ KFI 640 kHz) would broadcast live from the Plaza Gardens stage. The stage was also used for special Cast Member events (like the Creative Idea Awards of 1976, when Ron Dominguez awarded Doug Runyan, Debbie Dvorman, and Hans Bekerthy). Some may recall the “Children’s Theater” (a Disney Character Show) was presented for guests of all ages weekends and select weekdays. Let’s explore a few years of entertainment now!

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1957: During Date Nite of 1957, Plaza Gardens was one of four locations hosting live entertainment and the stage for the Main Street Plaza Gardens Orchestra.
1958: Pete Henderson and Bill Skiles (Hub and Bub of the Mickey Mouse Club) often performed here, before moving on to Guided Tours.

1961 : During Disneyland’s second ever Memorial Day festivities, Benny Goodman performed a three-night engagement for the Memorial Day weekend program. As a sidelight, Benny Goodman was “the first big-name star” to ever appear at the Magic Kingdom for more than one performance (according to The Disneyland Diary). This may have been where he filmed his live Disneyland segment for The Benny Goodman Show (airing on NBC-TV on September 15, 1961). During Date Nite at Disneyland (held the Summer of 1961), the Elliott Brothers Orchestra performed in the Plaza Gardens on Main Street. The unknown Osmond Brothers performed for the first time at the Carnation Plaza Gardens in 1961.

The Disneyland Marching Band regularly played the Carnation Plaza Stage venue.

1962 : June 2, 1962 brought the “Cavalcade of Bands” to Disneyland for the first time ever. Admission for this special night of stars, big bands, and swingin’ fun ranged from $4.95 to $5.50, but it was a fare well spent. This first show featured names of renown including Tex Beneke, Charlie Barnet, Ray Eberle & the Modernaires, Paula Kelley, andboth the notable Glenn Miller Band as well as Count Basie and His Band! During this time, the Plaza Gardens would become the setting of a few acts featured on the second episode of the local KTTV program “Meet Me In Disneyland” which was filmed in the Park. The show starred Johhny Jacobs, The Elliott Brothers, and The Disneyland Date Nighters (whom had been a Park standard for six years by then)! The Plaza Gardens hosted The Harry James Orchestra (July), Benny Goodman (August), and Ray Anthony’s Orchestra (August) among other entertainers featured at Disneyland during the summer of 1962!

Eddie Grady and the Commanders performed from the Carnation Plaza Gardens stage during the 2nd Annual Disneyland Grad Nite! Saturday night, July 30, 1962, the eighteen-year-old Frank Sinatra Jr. asked the Elliott Brothers if he could perform with them. According to television writer James Bacon, “They said yes, and he stepped to the mike, and belted our the familiar Cole Porter tune ‘At Long Last Love’ as if the famous songsmith had written it just for him.” So, it wasn’t a surprise to see him return to the Plaza Gardens stage again during August of 1963, to also perform with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra!

Photo : The initial press release (accompanying this photo) read : “Frank Sinatra Jr., 19, following in the footsteps of his father, sings with the reincarnated Tommy Dorsey Orchestra at Disneyland. The young crooner wows the bobby soxers, singing in a a style similar to his father’s.”

1963 : The Plaza Gardens Dance Area served as a facility for “checking ladies’ coats and purses,” while the Plaza Gardens Sign was used as a Grad Nite Photo Location at the third annual Grad Nite at Disneyland of 1963. The “Cavalcade of Big Bands at Disneyland” event (Saturday, June 1, 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.) brought many big names to Disneyland, including Count Basie (June), the Tex Beneke Orchestra, (July), the Tommy Dorsey Package Band with Frank Sinatra Jr. (August), and the Harry James Orchestra (August). Some of these bands would even perform during the Hootenanny events held on Monday evenings!

1964 : During June of 1964, Disneyland held the “Big band Festival” featuring Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Wayne King and other orchestras. Other special appearances in the Park included Spike Jones (August), Perez Prado (August), Harry James (September). The Elliott Brothers Orchestra and the Strawhatters played Grad Nite.

1965 : The Disneyland Summer ‘65 Big Band Line-Up was one of the biggest events of the year! Preparations (staging, fabrication of signs and banners, etc.) were made for this event during near-weekly meetings held by Ben Harris (of Disneyland Production), running from June to August of 1965. Special gifts were fabricated for each of the performers of the Disneyland Summer ‘65 Big Band Line-Up! Medallions (manufactured by Libby & Associates) featured various instruments for Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, and Tex Beneke. Wayne King also performed nightly for a short period in 1965.

1966 : Bob Crosby and his band (Eddie Miller on tenor sax, Wayne Sanger on clarinet, John Best on trumpet, Moe Schneider on trombone, Stan Wrightsman on piano, Walter Yoder on bass, and Nick Fatool on drums) performed from the Plaza Gardens on Main Street U.S.A. during the 1966 edition of Dixieland at Disneyland!

1967 : Teddy Buckner (on trumpet) performed with his band (Arthur W. Edwards on bass, Caughey W. Roberts on sax-clarinet, Jessie J. Sailes on drums, Chester C. Lane on piano, and Al Rieman on trombone) from 8p.m. to 12 midnight, during Disneyland Date Nites (June 3, 10, and 17), as well as the seventh annual Dixieland at Disneyland. During the winter season of 1967, Bill Elliott and the Date Niters came back the Plaza Gardens during the winter season, for “the 10th consecutive season,” pleasing “the old comers…as well as the new comers.” In addition to these big bands, the Disneyland Christmas Carolers (under the direction of Dr. Charles C. Hirt and lead by Mr. Robert G. Hasty), entertained guests with “traditional Christmas Carols and holiday music” from December 16th, 1967 thru January 1st, 1968. Also present during the winter season of 1967, were the sounds of festive holiday “Organ Concerts” emanating from Carnation Plaza for 3 shows daily (10:30am-12:00N), from December 16th, 1967 thru January 1st, 1968 (except December 24th, 25th, and 31st, 1967). “Guests dining at the Garden Plaza” would “be entertained by the beautiful sounds of the Wurlitzer organ featuring Ray Whitaker at the keyboard.” [“Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule,” prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968]

1968 : Disneyland “Spring Fling” (occurring April 6th, 1968) brought Bill Elliott and His Orchestra to Plaza Gardens.

1969 : The Sound Castle (usually performed in Tomorrowland, but now) performed in the Plaza Gardens during “Disneyland by Starlite”, July of 1969.

1970 : Disneyland’s 15th Anniversary “Super Summer” was here! Fantasy Ballroom to the tunes of Harry James and his Orchestra happened every night during the Summer of 1970, at 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. On June 22nd at 9:05 p.m., Ray McKinley and His Orchestra performed a special show in honor of Disneyland’s 15th Anniversary Birthday Party!

Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox join the “Fantasy Follies” revue.

Occasionally, your favorite cast of characters from Walt Disney feature films ad shorts teamed up with the Disneyland Marching Band or the Strawhatters for a production of the “Fantasy Follies”!

1971 : Minority of Six performed on Saturday, January 2nd. Later this year, Woody Herman and his orchestra performed.

1972 : While “something had gotten into the Matterhorn”, a whole lot of big name talent had gotten onto the Carnation Plaza Gardens Stage during the summer of 1972! Guest Bands included Harry James and his Big Band, Alvino Rey and His Orchestra, Buddy Rich and the Buddy Rich Band, Tex Beneke and His Orchestra, The Modernaires with Paula Kelly, and The King Sisters nightly. It was “a new day after dark” during summer nights of 1972, as The Sudden Trend (June 3), Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra (June 17-June 27), Buddy Rich and His Big Band (June 28-July 11 ; August 13-19), Alvino Rey and His Orchestra featuring the King Sisters (July 12-July 25), Tex Beneke and the Modernaires with Paula Kelly (July 26-August 7), Harry James and his Bog Band (August 8-August 22), and Stan Kenton and his Orchestra (August 23-September 3) performed at the Plaza Gardens!

The Granny Dears performed for Senior Citizens Days, October 12 and 13, 1972.

Plaza Gardens closed for three weeks for a rehab beginning Monday, November 27, 1972. During that time concerts were held on Tomorrowland Stage.

Baloo enjoys a “Fantasy Follies” show.

An event at Carnation Plaza Gardens contemporaneous with “Pooh For President”.

1973 : Si Zentner & His Orchestra appeared nightly at the Plaza Gardens during the summer of 1973, as part of the “50 Happy Years of Entertainment” celebration at Disneyland!

1974 : Plaza Gardens “presented a number of Big Band rhythms from 9:20 p.m. to 1 a.m. throughout the summer” according to one press release. Maynard Furguson & His Orchestra (June 15-22), Count Basie & His Orchestra (June 23-29), World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Peanuts Hucko (June 30-July 6), Neal Hefti & His Orchestra (July 7-13), Harry James and His Orchestra (July 14-27), Les Brown & His Orchestra (July 28-August 3), Bob Crosby & His Dance Band featuring the Bobcats (August 4-10), Louis Bellson & His Orchestra (August 18-24), and Woody Herman & His Orchestra (August 25-September 7). Finally, Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra performed at Plaza Gardens during a Trojan Rally event on December 19, 1974.

1975 : The “Disneyland & All That Jazz” event (May 24 & 25, 1975) brought “fun-filled evenings of listening and dancing to the best in big band and jazz entertainment” to Disneyland! Louie Bellson & His Orchestra performed two shows nightly during the week of August 17 to 23, 1975. Woody Herman & His Orchestra performed in the middle of Disneyland’s Bicentennial Celebration, during the summer of 1975.

1976 : During Disneyland’s “Celebration Summer” (and the week of June 22-28, 1976, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra performed nightly at the Plaza Gardens from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Dapper Dans occasionally teamed with the Disneyland Band to perform some American folk songs, as guests dine on some American favorites!

Pictured Above : Drummer Louie Bellson and His Band (photographed during a prior gig at Disneyland’s Carnation Plaza Gardens), prepares for another performance - this time during Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 26-27), of 1976! This time he will perform with wife Pearl Bailey, from the floating stage on the Rivers of America.

1977: Carnation Plaza Gardens hosted and staged some of the cultural displays, art exhibits, and special musical entertainment participants of Festival Japan (some flown in from Japan).

1978 : The Plaza Gardens received a rehab during late 1977 to January of 1978. Plaza Gardens opened January 31, 1978, with a lineup of popular musicians throughout the year. After a brief rehabilitation (which maintained the show quality and ended November 18), Les Elgart & His Orchestra, and Woody Herman & The Young Thundering Herd performed during December of 1978. Tex Beneke & His Orchestra performed from December 26 - 30, 1978. Solid Brass also performed during 1978.

1979 : March 23-29, Woody Herman and His Orchestra performed every day leading up to Easter Sunday. Donald, Minnie, Goofy, the Dapper Dans, and the Pearly Band present a special Mother’s Day tribute, on May 13th, 1979. According to Disneyland LINE (June 21, 1979), “the greatest in current big bands will be on stage at carnation Plaza Gardens throughout the summer. Count Basie celebrated his 75th birthday here last Monday as his orchestra got the season off to a rousing start. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, directed by Lee Castle, plays tomorrow and Saturday night, followed by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, conducted by Buddy Morrow (June 24-30), Les Brown and His Band of Renown (July 1-7) and Freddy Martin and His Orchestra (July 8-14). Also featured will be Bob Crosby and His Orchestra, featuring the Bobcats (July 15-21), Louie Bellson and the Big Band Explosion (July 22-28), Les Elgart and His Orchestra, featuring Caroline Cline (July 29-Aug. 4), The Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Jimmy Henderson (Aug.5-18), Billy Vaughn and His Orchestra (Aug.19-25), Woody Herman and the Young Thundering Herd (Aug.26-Sept.1), and Buddy Rich and The Buddy Rich Band (Sept. 2-8).”

As part of the Disneyland Music Festival Program, visiting groups during July included Judi’s Polynesian Show from Hawaii (on July 14th), Sparta Pacers from Corvallis, Oregon (on July 14th), the Signature Music Studio Ensemble of San Gabriel (on July 16th), Hawaiiana of Sacramento (on July 17th), and the John Burroughs High Jazz Ensemble of Burbank (on July 18th).

1980s : Sonny Anderson (one-time scheduler of Disneyland Entertainment Talent) once divulged that “Walt Disney believed in live popular music.” [Disneyland 25 “Happy Birthday to a Dream” Advertising Supplement; published January 20, 1980] Walt’s value of live daytime entertainment continued the tradition during Disneyland’s “silver anniversary,” and included the “Fantasy Follies”, billed as “a rollicking singing and dancing revue featuring your favorite Disney pals.” Another show billed as “Happy Birthday Disneyland” (performed Monday thru Thursday) celebrated “with a fun lovin’ band of Disney Characters.” Evening entertainment for the year included Papa Doo Run Run, Ray Anthony and his Orchestra, Woody Herman, Freddy Martin, Louie Bellson, Bob Crosby, Les Brown, Billy Vaughn and His Orchestra, Les Elgart & His Orchestra, Glenn Miller’s Orchestra conducted by Jimmy Henderson, Count Basie, and Buddy Rich (August 30th, 8:15 to midnight).

1981 : During the daytime, “The Mickey Mouse Revue” starred your “favorite Disney characters putting on the funniest show ever.” Special nighttime engagements included Count Basie & His Orchestra, Harry James & His Big Band, Bob Crosby & His Orchestra (featuring the Bobcats), the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra directed by Lee Castle with special guest Connie Haines. Guest bands included the University of Utah A Cappella Choir (March 25), The Capital Singers (March 26), Viewpoint High School Madrigals and Cholla High School Marching Band (March 27), Wodon Valley Youth Center (March 30), and Crescenta Valley High School Jazz (March 31). Festival of Japan (March 28 & 29) brought private parties starring Matsutoyo Kai dancers, Michiya Hanayagi dancers, Takarazuka Take To Kolo No Kai instrumentalists, Kasagi Violin School, the Azuma School of Dance, Kazue Kudo Koto Music Conservatory, Fujima Chiseye dancers, Matsumaye Kai dancers, Aokumie Hanayagi Kai dancers, in addition to the Jazz Minors. During November 21 & 22, Marlton School for the Deaf, the California Theater for the Deaf, the Sing Sing Singers, Theater for the Handicapped presented dance, music, and comedy for guests - part of “A Very Special Arts Festival”!

1982 : Disneyland Easter Party brought Daddy-O (four times nightly, on April 3 & 4, at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, and 11pm).

1983 : February 19 & 20, 1983, Orrin Tucker & His Orchestra preformed during the Celebrate America event. Freed Stage Band (June 13), Washington Irvine Junior High School (June 14), Oklahoma Chorale (June 15),Sun Dance Cloggers (June 16), and The Sunshine Kids (June 17)! Bob Crosby and His Orchestra featuring the Bobcats, Ray Anthony and His Orchestra, and Woody Herman & The Young Thunderbird Herd offered nightly tunes for dancing. The Duke Ellington Orchestra (under the direction of Mercer Ellington) performed in July.

The Fantasyland Characters participated in a court case held on the Fantasy Follies Stage, during a scene of “Believe You Can, And You Can” - a Del Monte- sponsored television show (starring Mari Amsterdam and Heather O’Rourke) - which was shot before New Fantasyland opened to the public.

1984 : Cab Calloway, Kay Starr with Bob Crosby and his Orchestra, and Connie Haines. These performances were hosted by Peter Marshall, and televised during July and September. Jerry Gray and his Band of Today and Ray McKinley & his Orchestra played during the latter part of December.

Pictured Above : There were a number of these Big Bands at Disneyland events, but during July of 1984, Lionel Hampton and his Big Band played a number of jazz styles during the evening. According to Lionel, the advertised “styles” included “marimba, vibraphone, and swing”. The 71-year-old multi-talented musician personally played the vibraphone, drums, and piano for some of the evening’s stunning sets! To top the whole experience off, the event was televised and later distributed on Lazerdisc for home viewing.

1985 : During “Festival Japan” (October 12 & 13, 1985), Japanese performers Michiya Hanayagi Dance Studio, Fukima Kansuma Kai, Koharu Kai, Hanayagi Jurokumi Kai, Hikari Taiko, Hanayagi Rokumine Kai, Fujima Chiseye Kai, Rokumie Natori Kai, and Matsumaye Katsue entertained guests!

1986 : The Disneyland Band was a standard show, often performing different tunes and treating Guests to thirty years of musical magic during two shows daily, around 2:00 and 3:15 p.m.

One of the first shows of the year was the Make Believe Ballroom (according four times daily, during January of 1986) at Carnation Plaza Gardens. Contemporaneously, Circus Fantasy of 1986 saw the Carnation Plaza Gardens briefly transformed into Clown Alley. Then, Mickey, Minnie, and their friends sing and dance their way into your hearts with Fantasy Follies! On the Saturday of the week of September 1-8, 1986, the Plaza Gardens Orchestra Directed by Horace Heidt Jr. played for shows. During August of 1986, special guests from around the United States were welcomed to the Plaza Gardens, including The Company, Children’s Chorus of the Paris Opera, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, and Midnite Madness!

As for entertainers, in May, Disneyland welcomed Alvino Rey & His Orchestra, The King Sisters, Horace Height Jr., & His Orchestra.

Visiting from all over the United States and the World were High School, College and Community groups, which abounded through 1986:

April of 1986 saw Mt. View Academy Band and Choir (14th), Spanish Fork High School Choir (15th), Central York High School Band (17th), both Newton Middle School and Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (18th), Solano Music Makers (19th), Neighborhood Children's Theatre of Boston (20th)

Guest groups in May and June included Bishop Montgomery Singers, Highland High School Choirs, Yucaipa High School Jazz Band, Davis High School Jazz Choir, Canyon del Oro Singers, Glendale Symphony Youth Orchestra, U.C.l. Wind Ensemble, Upland High School Jazz Band, and Atascadero High School Jazz Ensemble.

1987 : The Crystals and “Butch” Rillera and Bam Bam performed Saturdays only in February of 1987. The Totally Minnie Parade entertained guests of all ages (at 2:00pm and 4:30pm) on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of February.

Many big-names & big bands return, including Les Brown and His Orchestra, Tex Beneke and His Band of Renown, Si Zentner and His Orchestra, the Harry James Orchestra featuring Joe Graves, and the seasonal daytime Christmas Follies! July 20-26, 1987, the Artie Shaw Orchestra directed by Dick Johnson, Ray Anthony and His Orchestra, ‘The Scott Land Marionettes’, the All American College Band, and Steve Houghton appeared!

1988 : The Billy May Orchestra directed by Buddy Childers, performed January 30 & 31. Disneyland Salutes Benny Goodman (from June 25th thru July 2nd), with Peanuts Hucko and Louise Tobin alongside the Benny Goodman Orchestra! Many popular names return included Myron Floren, Kay Starr, Ray McKinley, the Count Basie Orchestra (directed by Frank Foster), Ray Anthony, Tex Beneke, Buddy Morrow (and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Lionel Hampton, Les Brown and his Band of Renown, and Louie Bellson & the Big Band Explosion (featuring Dee Dee Bellson).

1989 : Tex Beneke and his Orchestra, “Disneyland Salutes Benny Goodman” with the Benny Goodman Orchestras and special guests Louise Tobin & Peanuts Hucko, the Harry James Orchestra, Ray McKinley and his Orchestra, Ray Anthony and his Orchestra, Myron Floren and his Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, and Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Bill Tole and His Orchestra also performed in 1989.

1990 : Mickey Finn & His Orchestra performed from the Carnation Plaza Gardens Stage during Disneyland’s 35th anniversary year - 1990! According to Disneyland LINE Magazine, the International Society of Bassists performed a “mass bass concert at the Carnation Plaza Gardens stage for the world’s largest concert assemblage of double-bassists. More than 100 prominent bassists entertained guests on Thursday, August 25, with music ranging from Bizet and Bach to ‘Its A Small World’ and ‘The Day The Bass Players Took Over The World.””

Pictured Above : Special events were also celebrated at Plaza Pavilion - like Disneyland’s 35 Year Anniversary during 1990! Mickey, Minnie, and Roger Rabbit party down to celebrate Disneyland’s 35th year.

Year Unknown (c. 1990s?) : Disneyland Country Weekend (February 12, 13, and 14 brought Big Thunder Breakdown Boys to the Plaza Gardens stage during the daytimes and nighttimes, while Razzy Bailey performed three nighttime shows on Friday, February 12th!

1991 : The Beauty and the Beast show The Enchanted Book Shoppe ran from November 28, 1991 - April 26, 1992.

1993 : Stanford Freese & The Disneyland Big Swing Band performed a couple of Saturdays during December of 1993.

2001 : February 9-15, 2001 “The Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party with Swing Town” occurred four times on Saturday evenings!

During the daytime, (and even between shows), the Plaza Gardens was the place to meet with friends!

Stephen Simmons (former Carnation Plaza Gardens Cast Member, 1969 - 1970) remembers : “I began my time as a Cast Member cleaning tables at Plaza Gardens. I have many wonderful memories working there. I was able to enjoy the Disneyland [Marching] Band every day along with the Pearly Band. Of course, many characters accompanied the bands. Also, the nighttime had other bands (I met Count Basie one night), and other nights was for rock. The evenings were made for dancing at the Carnation Plaza Gardens. A side note : Plaza Gardens was the only place in Disneyland that sold ice cream cones.”

One former 1960s guest remembers this “magical place” fondly : “My girlfriend (later my wife) and I had taken private ballroom dancing dance lessons because I was in my high school’s dance band. We lived in Orange, California and I often went to dance at the Disney[land] Plaza Gardens. Since our parents were fans of the Big Bands of the 1940s, we were familiar with all of the bug name bands. I remember dancing to Tex Beneke and the Glen Miller Band with the Modernaires. We also remember dancing to Louis Armstrong and his band as well as Harry James and His Orchestra. It was a lot of fun even though we were the youngest people there. The best thing about this almost magical experience was the intimacy of the size of the garden. We got really close to all these legends of the Big Band era. One evening I remember dancing next to Buddy Epson and his wife. Like I said, it was a very magical experience, almost like time travel back to a wonderful time of great music and Big Bands.”

In 2008, WDI master plans entertained the concept of a “Fantasy Faire franchise collaborative opportunity for all Disneyland business units (Princess Initiative).” This Area Development involved both merchandise and entertainment synergy.

According to Dave Smith (previous Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives), “Tony Baxter and his team at Walt Disney Imagineering found that the prime Plaza Gardens area of Disneyland was underutilized and thought it would make for a nice expansion to Fantasyland. Tony recruited Dutch ride designer Michael Den Dulk, formerly from Europa Park, to join Walt Disney Imagineering and become creative director of Fantasy Faire.”

During the “Year of a Million Dreams” the Disney Princess Fantasy Faire became a place for “guests of all ages to join their favorite Disney princesses for a royal gathering as Fantasyland Theater.” Young lords and ladies were invited to make sparkling crowns, participate in princess and knighthood training and decorate their own Castle Cupcake.

The memory of the old Bandstand that once stood here lives on, occasionally featured in artwork and other merchandise made available for purchase. One of my personal favorites is this loyal and adorable Disneyland 50th Anniversary Pewter Figure designed by Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily.

If you would like to read more about the Carnation Plaza Gardens, 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 - Main Street U.S.A.” 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.”