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1954
THE BIRTH OF DISNEYLAND
In 1954, Walt announced his plans for Disneyland -- his long-dreamed-of theme park where children and their parents
could have fun together. But who would finance it? Roy was opposed
to using Studio money. Walt then hit upon the idea of producing
a television show called "Disneyland," which would fund the construction
and also promote the many features of the future park. Roy negotiated
a deal with ABC. In 1954, Walt went on television with ABC President
Robert E. Kinter to announce the series. (More
about Walt and television)
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1950s
THE CAROLWOOD PACIFIC
Throughout the 1950s, Walt tinkered with a live-steam train track
that circled the new Disney house in Holmby Hills. Walt always
loved trains, and this 1/8 scale train fulfilled a lifelong dream.
(More
about Walt's love of trains) He even built his own railroad
car, a yellow caboose, which he took for a maiden voyage in this
famous color clip, narrated by historian Michael Broggie. Choose
either 56K modem or DSL/ISDN.
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1954
DIANE'S WEDDING
On May 9, 1954, Diane married Ron Miller, a handsome football player for the
Rams. Here Sharon, Walt, Diane, and Ron stand
outside on the lawn of the All Saints Church by the Sea
in Santa Barbara. Ron later joined the company of his father-in-law
as producer, launching a long and illustrious career at the Studio.
To see an excerpt from the interview with Ron Miller, choose either 56K modem or DSL/ISDN.
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1955
"20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA"
By the mid-'50s the Studio was producing a steady crop of live-action
features, but none compared to the epic film "20,000 Leagues Under
the Sea," based on the book by Jules Verne. Walt pulled out all
the stops, and cast top stars as the leads: Peter Lorre, James
Mason, and Kirk Douglas. The film went well over budget and cost
an astronomical $4 million (in 1950s dollars), but Roy was unfazed.
He knew this was going to be big. And he was right. (More
about "20,000 Leagues")
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1955
WALT AND LILLY'S ANNIVERSARY
On July 13, 1955, Walt and Lilly celebrated their 30th anniversary
at Disneyland. The party, in which friends were entertained at
the Golden Horseshoe Saloon (after cocktails on the Mark Twain),
took place right before the actual opening of the park. (More
about Walt in the 1950s)
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1955
THE OPENING OF DISNEYLAND
The press opening, complete with a telecast starring Art Linkletter,
Ronald Reagan, and Bob Cummings, looked to millions of television
viewers like a flawless blend of show and excitement. But down in
Disneyland, Walt and his staff were having more than their share
of difficulties. (More
about Disneyland)
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