How Disney Built America: A Look Back at Season 1, Episode 5
Directors and Producers
Henry Jones and Sarah Fisher
Release Date: June 13, 2022
Synopsis: In the latest episode of the History Channel series "How Disney Built America," we take a look at the early days of Disney, from the humble beginnings of Walt Disney’s animation studio to the construction of the iconic Disney theme park, Disneyland. In this episode, we’ll explore how Disney’s vision for a unique entertainment experience for America’s families came to life.
Key Players
- Walt Disney: The founder of the Walt Disney Company and the brainchild behind Disneyland.
- Roy O. Disney: Walt’s brother and business partner who helped finance the construction of Disneyland.
- Hubert Humphrey: A prominent businessman and investor who provided financial backing for Disneyland.
- Harland Sanders: The founder of Colonel Sanders’ Fried Chicken, who helped secure a deal with Disney to provide food and beverages for the park.
Construction and Launch
Background Notes
- By the early 1950s, animation was transitioning from hand-drawn sketches to television shows, and Disney was struggling to find new footing.
- Walt Disney’s dream of creating a unique entertainment experience for America’s families had long been in the making.
Key Challenges
- Finding suitable land for the park
- Securing financing
- Overcoming local resistance to the project
- Coordinating with various parties, including investors, architects, and contractors
Major Milestones
• October 1953: Walt Disney announces plans to build Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in a Los Angeles press conference.
• November 1953: Roy O. Disney secures $17 million in funding from investors, including Hubert Humphrey.
• July 1954: Construction begins in Anaheim with a workforce of 200 laborers.
• July 17, 1955: Disneyland officially opens to the public for the first time.
Design and Architecture
Key Innovations
- Hub and spoke design: A circular design featuring a central hub, with different themed areas (e.g., Adventureland, Tomorrowland) radiating outward.
- Welcoming the World: Unique gestures, such as the iconic Disneyland entrance arch and the subtle nod to American cultural influences.
- Main Street, U.S.A.: Recreating classic American small-town charm, with storefronts, lampposts, and iconic buildings like the old-fashioned ice cream parlor, which would be built using authentic materials.
Legacies and Iconic Moments
• Innovative Technology: Disneyland pioneered use of audio-animatronics, the "Talking Esther Williams Fountain" (later replaced with "It’s a Small World" and "Peter Pan’s Flight"), and "the Shooting Dark Ride" concept (which would become "Space Mountain").
• Guest Services: Disneyland introduced horse-drawn streetcars, carousels, and bindlestaches, setting new industry standards for theme park operations and guest experience.
• Merchandising: The first retail outlet opens, inspired by the success of similar stations at Chicago’s World’s Fair (1953-54) and the newly launched Disney’s Strategic Partnership.
Conclusion
From Humble Beginnings to Game-Changing Icon
Walt Disney’s vision of creating a unique entertainment experience for America’s families has led to the creation of the iconic Disneyland theme park. By exploring the challenges and triumphs of its early days, we can appreciate the significance of this achievement and the many iconic moments that make Disneyland, and Disney as a whole, an integral part of American pop culture.