7/17: 57 Today

[Al Lutz]

A reader favorite photo essay returns for the park's birthday ...Discuss it here...

DIRECT ARTICLE LINK: Disneyland is 57 today - MiceAge.com

[Algernon]

Don't forget Skull Rock Cove and the Pirate Ship.

When I was a kid I absolutely loved Disneyland. Years later, my little niece and nephew really liked it. But they didn't love it like I did. I often wondered why. Looking at these pictures you can see why. It's not the same Disneyland. These pictures are from a much more beautiful, magical and fun Disneyland. I was lucky enough to have been there. It's a world many people today will never know.

[badger hollow]

Wow, thanks Al for the photo essay. It brings back a lot of memories from my early visits to the park in the 60s.

Happy Birthday Disneyland!

I can't believe it has been five years since my last visit.

[Spongeocto4]

Thank you for the update!

[bigwavedave]

Seeing those Astro Jets in the sky, man they need to move those back up there. They were an amazing ride probably my second favorite as opposed to their current local. Also I had no idea that Disneyland had a mule ride. Was that conidered a "B" attraction? Thanks Al for the photos, they were great!

I know a lot are opposed to bringing back old rides but I think most would make an exception for the Astro Jets!

[churrocharlie]

I miss the Swiss Family Robison Treehouse!

[Circa1966]

Thanks for the Treasure Trove, Al. Good to see the pics from the past again

[jcruise86]

I miss the Swiss Family Robison Treehouse!

Don't they still have that at Walt Disney World?

Thanks for posting the photos!
It makes me wish they'd republish my favorite book about Disneyland, "The Nickel Tour," with postcards through 2012.

[bigwavedave]

I kind of like the Tarzan Treehouse, but nderstand the love of the original. Does anyone know what type of ticket was required for this?

[soundhound]

Wow, this is SO WEIRD...In that picture of Big Thunder, the guy in the front seat is ME! What would be the chances of that???????

[Mr Wiggins]

I kind of like the Tarzan Treehouse, but nderstand the love of the original. Does anyone know what type of ticket was required for this?

The Swiss Family Treehouse was a B Ticket.

Also I had no idea that Disneyland had a mule ride. Was that conidered a "B" attraction? Thanks Al for the photos, they were great!!

The Mule Pack thru Nature's Wonderland was a great experience -- an E-Ticket in the early 1970s.

[JerrodDRagon]

Seeing those Astro Jets in the sky, man they need to move those back up there. They were an amazing ride probably my second favorite as opposed to their current local. Also I had no idea that Disneyland had a mule ride. Was that conidered a "B" attraction? Thanks Al for the photos, they were great!

I know a lot are opposed to bringing back old rides but I think most would make an exception for the Astro Jets!

I would they look better, would clear up traffic and are more fun where they used to be

[Athlonacon]

Don't forget Skull Rock Cove and the Pirate Ship.

When I was a kid I absolutely loved Disneyland. Years later, my little niece and nephew really liked it. But they didn't love it like I did. I often wondered why. Looking at these pictures you can see why. It's not the same Disneyland. These pictures are from a much more beautiful, magical and fun Disneyland. I was lucky enough to have been there. It's a world many people today will never know.

Disneyland definitely had more heart and imagination back then, it was literally captivating to any child who was lucky enough to be going there. I totally agree, Disneyland today is a "fun" place, but it's not the magical kingdom it once was. Much of the charm has been stripped out and although a lot of it still remains, it's lost too much to retain it's pre-80's charm. They are still the best in terms of theme parks, and the new content is really something, but it will never be like it was. Very well stated!

[SpectroMan]

With the attraction poster book about to come out, no better time to re-run those poster pics. Thanks, Al.

[DisneyPhreak]

Even though I grew up in California, in the Bay Area, I never had a chance to visit Disneyland as a child. It was just too expensive a trip for a family of seven. I first took my kids there in 1993 and for me, it was just magical. I don't think I stopped smiling as I walked around Disneyland for the first time, taking it all in. I have visited many times since then but there is just something special about the first time you get to go (and you're old enough to remember). Thanks for the wonderful photos Al.