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Disneyland

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)

 

 

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.

 

Diane's Wedding

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.

 

 

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")

 

Walt and Lilly's Anniversary

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)

 

 

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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