The holiday edition of “Wednesdays With Walt” concluded this week with a look at an episode from “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” entitled “Holiday Time at Disneyland.” This episode originally premiered on December 22, 1962, and looks at the various celebrations held at Disneyland between 1958 and 1962.
Before the show began, a trivia challenge was held. Two questions were asked, and they were related to Sleeping Beauty. The prize given was a copy of the Legacy Collection CD of Sleeping Beauty. I knew the answer to one of the questions, but only got half of it right. Oh well. It’s always fun to play Disney trivia.
And now, on with the show! This episode starts with carolers singing “Jingle Bells,” and Walt ringing jingle bells against a green screen image of Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Santa makes an appearance shortly after. Kids run in, see Santa and Walt. They get Santa’s autograph, and run off screen without getting Walt’s. He feels left out, but then wishes Santa well as Tinker Bell makes the snow disappear as they prepare for the Christmas parade.
The focus of this special is Main Street, U.S.A., because that’s where your journey begins at Disneyland. By 1962, over 30 million people have entered the gates of this magical kingdom, including many dignitaries from around the world.
We first look at the 1962 Easter celebrations. Antique vehicles, the Easter Bunny, and other bunnies appear in the Easter Parade. Guests are dressed in their Easter best, and it’s great to see how differently Easter was then compared to now. Also in the Easter celebration was the balloon from “Around the World in 80 Days.” It departed from the Hub, as it let out sand from sand bags. Sand was still being let out as the balloon ascended, and it even hit one of the trees in the Hub. Great aerial views of Tomorrowland and Fantasyland were seen as the balloon drifted off.
From Easter 1962, we move to the largest expansion at Disneyland at the time: the addition of the Disneyland-Alweg Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Submarine Voyage in June 1959. First up, a parade on Main Street. Walt celebrated with his grandkids. Mickey, Minnie, and other friends joined in the fun, as did the Firehouse Five Plus Two. A Frontierland float featuring the Golden Horseshoe Revue participated, as did a float honoring the Matterhorn, and mermaids from Submarine Lagoon. The celebration continued in Tomorrowland for the dedication of the Submarine Voyage. Admiral Charles Kirkpatrick and Walt Disney dedicated the Subs, and the Nautilus was christened as the flagship of the submarine fleet. The Nautlius then took its maiden voyage around the lagoon.
Next up, the dedication of the Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System. Vice President Nixon and his family were on hand for the ceremony. Bob Cummings, who hosted Opening Day festivities in 1955, and Fred MacMurray and his wife were also in attendance. Julie and Tricia Nixon attempted to cut the ribbon which would officially dedicate the Monorail, but the giant scissors used were stubborn. Walt eventually helped saying the scissors weren’t sharp enough. Former Imagineer Bob Gurr tells a great story of him “kidnapping” Vice President Nixon and his family on the first Monorail trip without any Secret Service members on board. By 1962, 10 million passengers had taken a ride aboard the Monorail.
Finally, it was time for the Matterhorn to be dedicated. Mountain climbers scaled the now famous mountain, and placed the U.S. and Swiss flags at the pinnacle. They then climbed down the mountain to continue the celebration. Swiss dancers joined the celebration, as did World Champion Ice Skater and Ice Capades Member Ronnie Robertson. Then it was time for some American “Swing and Sway.” Bobsled runs began shortly after, and the largest man-made mountain at the time was officially dedicated.
Now it’s time to move on to July 4, 1958, and the dedication of the Sailing Ship Columbia. An old-fashioned circus parade, one of the last of its kind in America, took place on Main Street. A clown selling balloons gives balloons to a kid as he flys away! This was a great effect! The calliope, a circus parade staple, was also being played. Drill teams and other youth groups joined the parade as well. Nations of the World were also represented a do-si-do took place in Frontierland. The Columbia was then christened, and with its sails at full mast, a rarity these days, made its maiden voyage around the Rivers of America. A traditional Indian dance with the Drum and Feather Club representing 17 different tribes add color to the celebration. Everyone then made their way to Main Street for the fireworks show.
After looking back at those celebrations, it’s now time for the Christmas parade. Mickey, Minnie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and more join the festivities. The March of the Wooden Soldiers takes place, and you wish that there were more toy soldiers in the current Christmas parade. Walt and his grandkids also join the fun. The Big Bass Drum also makes an appearance. Nations of the World are represented including Switzerland, England, Japan, China, Norway, Mexico and many others. The silly reindeer, which have been retired from Disneyland, are in this parade. We also get to see what Candlelight was like in 1962. While the show it self has seen some changes throughout the years, the tradition continues, it’s still great to see it. The Living Christmas Tree featured the Western High School Acappella Choir. It is now formed by the Disney Cast Choir. “Holiday Time at Disneyland” concludes with the Candlelight Choir singing “Silent Night.”
It was great to see this holiday special yet again. “Wednesdays with Walt” take a brief two week hiatus due to the holidays, but returns January 7 with even more fun. Check the Disneyland Annual Passholders Facebook page for more information.