By Keith Mahne

For those of us lucky enough to remember the early days of the Disney Channel, getting an inside look at coming attractions made a subscription worth every penny. One of our favorite segments to air on the Disney Channel in the late 80s was this inside look at Walt Disney Imagineering back in 1987. We will take a tour through the legendary Imagineering offices to see the creation of things like Pleasure Island, Disney-MGM Studios, Splash Mountain, Typhoon Lagoon and more. Join us as we travel back to Walt Disney Imagineering circa 1987...

By Keith Mahne

Ever since Disneyland's inaugural year, it seemed natural to celebrate the festivities of the holidays at the happiest place on earth, and so on November 24, 1955—Thanksgiving—Disneyland showcased its first holiday parade. Let's travel back to Disneyland's past and take a rare look at some of its Christmases of yesteryear...

By Keith Mahne

Walt Disney didn't invent the theme park industry, but it's safe to say that he sure did perfect it. Although Disneyland is the smallest of all the Disney Parks found around the world, it has the most attractions. When it opened to massive fanfare back in 1955, it soon blossomed into a one of the most beloved world-class destinations on the face of the earth, and remains that way to this day. Join us today as we take a trip back to Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom of the 50s and 60s with these delightfully vintage Disneyland scenes of yesteryear...

By Chris Lyndon

It's time to continue our series of articles here on Disney Avenue celebrating the sounds of Disneyland. At contributing writer Chris Lyndon's website called DisneyChris.com you will find a collection of over 1400 audio tracks taking you on a magical musical visit through the Happiest Place on Earth. We will be highlighting each of the 26 chapters included in this "Magical Audio Tour" in the weeks and months ahead. Join us today for our fourth stop on this nostalgic audio tour of Disneyland's yesteryear as we reach the center of the park, Central Plaza, gateway to the many themed realms of Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom...

By Keith Mahne

How would you like to be known as the person who shot more pictures of Disneyland than anyone? That's the title held by former Disneyland photographer Renie Bardeau. As someone who started at Disneyland back in the summer of 1959, there is no doubt about it that Renie has seen and, thankfully, captured some pretty iconic images of Walt's Magic Kingdom over the years. In fact, Renie is responsible for taking perhaps the most famous image of Walt Disney ever captured on film — the iconic photo called “Footsteps” which features Walt strolling in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Learn the story behind this historic image of Walt as we take a look at 20 iconic photos taken by a former Disneyland photographer in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

Nothing says the 80s quite like shoulder padded jackets, the band Cheap Trick and neon font, all of which you would have found at Grad Nite 84'. What better way to celebrate the end of high school and the beginning of a new era in one's life than with a fun filled night at the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland?! Let's travel back to Disneyland of the 80s and see what a Grad Nite at Disneyland was like with this "totally bangin'" 1984 pamphlet and program guide...

By Keith Mahne

This past March, Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction turned 50 years old – and what a ride it’s been. It's unique, unconventional, uncharacteristically dark and  – without a doubt  –  one of the most iconic theme park rides of all time. Launched on March 18, 1967, the original "Pirates" ride featured a 1,838-foot flume with a 12-minute running time, making it one of the longest theme park rides in existence. The attraction quickly became a fan favorite and an icon for the park that had opened only twelve years earlier. The ride was one of the first to combine multiple elements for users to enjoy: audio animatronics, a double drop, theatrical effects and more. Join us today as we celebrate 50 years of plundering fun with this delightful 1967 Pirates of the Caribbean radio commercial that you have got to hear...

By Ted Linhart

In 1967, Disneyland had one of its most exciting summers in history. A summer jam-packed with the Park's largest variety of entertainment, the most attractions it ever had and even a brand new, $23 million (over $160 million in 2017 dollars) Tomorrowland. In today's exciting new article, we'll take a rare look at the New Tomorrowland of 1967 Press Kit. If you enjoy seeing rare pieces of Disneyland history then you are going to love this one...

By Keith Mahne

During his reign, the Japanese hardly ever got to see Emperor Hirohito. It was only about 15 times a year that the gates of his Imperial Palace in central Tokyo would open and a custom Nissan Royal limousine would roll across the moat to carry the Emperor and his ceremonial sword and stone toward some ritual of life on the throne: the opening of parliament, the viewing of a sumo wrestling match, the greeting of a state visitor. But in 1975, just like other imperial visitors before them, including Ethiopia's late Emperor Haile Selassie and the Shah of Iran, Japan's Emperor Hirohito and his wife Empress Nagako paid a visit to the most magical kingdom of them all, Walt Disney's very own Disneyland. Join us in today's new article as we return to Disneyland of 1975 during the Emperor's visit to Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom...

By Keith Mahne

An old pastime among Disney Park fans that would often occur between trips was to flip through View-Master reels of Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Looking at these reels of the Disney Parks and Resorts was sure to fill one with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. What made looking at Walt Disney World and Disneyland View-Master reels particularly special was how the device would take advantage of a human’s stereoscopic vision by presenting a slightly different image to each eye. The brain then combines both together to create a three-dimensional image with a sense of depth. This created the perfect way to escape back to the Parks between family vacations and that's just what we'll do in today's new article with these 56 vintage Walt Disney World and Disneyland View-Master photos that you have got to see...

By Keith Mahne

If you're a fan of Disney Avenue, you probably realize how much we love Disney music around here. Let me tell you about a classic Disneyland album you're going to love. It's called Echoes of Disneyland and it was created by a man named Dee Fisher, a true staple at Disneyland during its first fifteen years in operation. Dee was the manager of Disneyland's Wurlitzer music store at the corner of Town Square and Main Street USA. On many a quiet evening he would fill the air with the haunting yet subdued tones of his electric organ in a twightlight concert of familiar Disney tunes. After many guest requests, he recorded this album, live at the Park, for Disneyland records in 1957. Listen to the beautiful and soothing sounds of this magical 1957 album in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

In 1967, Disneyland had one of its most exciting summers in its history. A summer jam-packed with the Park's largest variety of entertainment, the most attractions ever and a brand new $22 million ($158 million in today's dollars) Tomorrowland. In today's exciting new article we'll explore all the wonderful things that came to Disneyland's Tomorrowland for the spectacular Summer of 67'. If you enjoy vintage Disneyland then you are going to love this one...

By Keith Mahne

Many of the attractions and entertainment offerings found at Walt Disney World and Disneyland were inspired by Walt Disney's love and involvement of America. Walt's name alone is both folklore and the reality of American free enterprise. In the creation of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Walt Disney has shown America as something in which every citizen may find great pride and inspiration. This tradition carries over into one of the most beautiful and patriotic parades in Disney's history, America On Parade. Join us as we pay tribute to this Disney classic in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

On the morning of June 17, 1971, a petite, New Brunswick, N.J., payroll clerk, made history by becoming the 100 millionth person to visit Disneyland in its 16 year history. Learn who the lucky guest was and the story behind that special day in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

There is nothing quite as nostalgic as a vintage Disney commercial from the good old days. Are you in the mood for a blast from the past? If so, today's article is for you! You are about to watch 24 of the best retro Disney commercials from the 1950s to the 1990s. This includes advertisements for Disneyland in 1957, the opening of Disneyland's Space Mountain in 1977, the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971, Peter Pan peanut butter from the 1950s, Pepsi in the 60s and 70s, and so much more. Basically, if you would like to be wrapped up in a warm blanket of Disney nostalgia, these commercials are exactly what you need. See for yourself...

By Keith Mahne

Prior to Disneyland's opening day, Walt Disney made a decision to grant his guests the option of arriving to his Park by helicopter. Naturally, Walt took the initial test flight back in July of 1954. As he departed from the studio lawn in Burbank out to the Disneyland construction site in Anaheim, Walt realized the air commute was significantly shorter than the land commute, "a mere 20 minutes by helicopter" as Walt told viewers during one of his Disneyland TV specials. Walt immediately signed off on plans to open a heliport on undeveloped land just outside the park and a helicopter shuttle service to Disneyland was born. Join us today as we take a look back at the old Disneyland Heliport with these 22 MUST SEE photos...

By Keith Mahne

The Disneyland Summer of 67' guide book is a wonderful way to travel back in time and visit the Park all those years ago. Jammed packed with beautiful color photos, this souvenir guide will show us the many exhibits, adventures and attractions that originally made Disneyland "the Happiest place on Earth." We'll see a brand new Pirates of the Caribbean in its original state, see the unveiling of a brand new Tomorrowland, learn about that summer's entertainment extravaganzas, see the many things planned for the Park that year, and so much more! Join us in today's new article and travel back to Disneyland of 1967 with this amazing, must see Disneyland Summer of '67 guide book you won't want to miss...

By Keith Mahne

Looking at vintage Disney postcards is a favorite pastime for thousands of Disney fans the world over. Whether you enjoy collecting them or just simply looking, Disney postcards capture the spirit of the Parks and are small time capsules of what once was. In today's article, a close friend of Disney Avenue shares 91 vintage Disney postcards you have to see...

By Keith Mahne

Vintage Disneyland advertisements were some of the most beautiful things to look at back in the day. They knew how to capture the spirit of the Park and lure guests in to experience the magic. I wouldn't be surprised if Walt Disney personally gave the OK on many of these old ads. Looking at them you will, no doubt, be reminded of the Disneyland that was and the one that lives in our hearts for eternity. So friends, please enjoy 42 vintage Disneyland advertisements that will blow you away...

By Keith Mahne

If I offered you the opportunity to experience New Year's Eve at Disneyland back in 1967 would you take it? Wouldn't that be amazing?! Can you imagine the sounds in the air? The music? The excitement? Well friends, this New Year's Eve we are going to do just that! I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year. So friends, your ticket to the event awaits you in today's new article as we travel back to New Year's Eve night at Disneyland back in 1967....