By Keith Mahne

In 1956, Walt Disney Productions released a featurette called Disneyland, U.S.A. in movie theaters, as part of People And Places, a series of films about geographic places. It’s essentially a 42-minute commercial for Disneyland. Now, a half century later, it’s a fascinating look at what Disneyland was like in 1956. Every single moment in this film is astonishing. The colors pull your eyes in. Seeing everyone dressed up for a day at Disneyland feels comforting. Let's travel back to Disneyland of 1956 in this edition of Disney Avenue's Disney Documentary Hour as we watch People and Places: Disneyland, U.S.A...


Before we begin our feature presentation, take a look at this wonderful advertisement for the 1956 People and Places: Disneyland, U.S.A. These sheets were created for theater owners as it talks about how to get the trailer for the film and suggestions on placing ads. Check it out...












People and Places: Disneyland, U.S.A. was only Walt’s third CinemaScope movie. Because this film was originally created to look spectacular on a 50-foot-wide movie screen, it still remains astonishing on today’s widescreen HD televisions and computer screens.

Without further delay, Disney Avenue is proud to present People and Places: Disneyland, U.S.A. Enjoy friends...

(Please pause the Disney Avenue Music Player above if you are on a desktop computer prior to watching the video below.)








If you'd like to own your own personal copy of today's film, make sure to grab the Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland: Secrets, Stories & Magic DVD set...







Aside from all the other wonderful features on this DVD set, there are three audio options for Disneyland, U.S.A.

The first is the original theatrical soundtrack, enhanced to provide 5.1 surround sound. Winston Hibler is the narrator; his voice is familiar from Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventures nature film series. The musical score by Oliver Wallace is wonderful.

The second option is an audio commentary by Leonard Maltin and Tony Baxter. Don’t miss this commentary (after you’ve first viewed the film with the original soundtrack). Tony Baxter recounts all sorts of stories that he learned over his long (and still active) career with Walt Disney Imagineering.

The third option is music-only. It’s a way to enjoy the widescreen visuals and the 5.1 surround-sound Oliver Wallace score—without anyone talking over that score.

The set can be a bit pricey, but for anyone who cares about the history and development of Disneyland, don’t miss this one. You can grab your own personal copy in the Amazon link below...










Keith Michael Mahne is the owner and editor of Disney Avenue and the host of the Disney Avenue Podcast. He has made countless trips to the Walt Disney World resort since his first trip in 1989 at the age of four.


Keith has a strong passion and respect for Walt Disney, the parks and resorts, and the men and women who help create them. He started Disney Avenue as a way to inform and entertain readers and to repay all those who make dreams come true every day.