Edward Meck Disneyland's first publicist dies at age 74
Former Prime Minister of Japan Eisaku Sato Visits Disneyland
Mayor of Moscow Promyslov Visits Disneyland
Duke and Duchess of Wellington Visits Disneyland
Margaret Truman Daniels Visits Disneyland
Queen of Thailand Rambhai Barni Visits Disneyland
Russian Olympic Basketball Team Visits Disneyland
Prince Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan Visits Disneyland
Chinese Gymnastics Team Visits Disneyland
Daughter of former President Lyndon Johnson, Lucy Nugent Visits Disneyland
President Bongo of Gabon Visits Disneyland
Dr. Henry Kissinger Visits Disneyland
President of Ivory Coast Felix Houphouet Boigny Visits Disneyland
"FIFTY HAPPY YEARS":
This was the year Walt Disney Productions celebrated its 50th year of creating family entertainment. Disneyland observed the anniversary with a special tribute Oct. 20-21 and saluted its creator with the opening of "The Walt Disney Story" in April.
THE WALT DISNEY STORY, located in the Main Street Opera House includes a collection of memorabilia, photographs from family archives and a 28-minute film on the life of Walt Disney. Free to the public, the new attraction opened its doors for the first time in April -- Main Street, U.S.A.
At the same time, "DISNEYLAND PRESENTS A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS" opened on Main Street where the California Institute of Arts Display was previously located. It showcases models, artists' renderings and diagrams of the Park's future plans for expansion.
INVESTMENT: Total to date: $137 million
ATTENDANCE: 10.1 million
HIGHLIGHTS:
Disneyland Ambassador to the World Bonnie Drury toured the United States, Mexico, Canada and Far East countries.
50th anniversary celebration Oct. 20-21 included a special parade, cartoon festival, complimentary posters. More than 100,000 guests attended the festivities.
Approximately 105,000 students from 630 high schools attended seven Grad Nite celebrations.
Once again the summer season was brightened by the "Main Street Electrical Parade" and daily performances of the All-American College Marching Band.
Special events during the year included a Viva Mexico salute, Star-Spangled Holidays, Small World Days, Country Music Spectacular, Festival Pan American Saludos Amigos, Big Band Festival, Angels-Disneyland Fun Day, and Easter Parade and St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
General Electric "Carousel of Progress" closed to the public Sept. 9 in preparation for relocation at Walt Disney World.
A record $50,000 was awarded to 41 Orange County organizations through the 16th annual Disneyland Community Service Awards program. The Outstanding Award went to the Santa Ana Police Association Athletic League.
Cary Grant provided the narration during the solemn Candlelight Caroling Ceremony as Disneyland hosted its spectacular Christmastime celebration. "Fantasy on Parade" introduced a comical troupe of cartoon characters from the cast of Walt Disney Productions' feature film "Robin Hood."
Among the outstanding entertainers who performed on Disneyland stages during the year were: Tex Beneke, Les Brown, Cab Calloway, Bob Crosby, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Buddy Rich, Doc Severinsen, Si Zentner, The Pat Boone Family and The King Family. Contemporary artists included Donna Fargo, Jose Feliciano, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Bill Medley, Anne Murray, Rick Nelson, The New Seekers, Freda Payne and Ray Stevens.
FAMOUS GUESTS:
*Former Prime Minister of Japan Eisaku Sato (February)
*Mayor of Moscow Promyslov (February)
*Duke and Duchess of Wellington (February)
*Margaret Truman Daniels (February)
*Queen of Thailand Rambhai Barni (March)
*Russian Olympic Basketball Team (April)
*Prince Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan (May)
*Chinese Gymnastics Team (June)
*Daughter of former President Lyndon Johnson, Lucy Nugent (June)
*President Bongo of Gabon (August)
*Dr. Henry Kissinger (Sept.)
*President of Ivory Coast Felix Houphouet Boigny (October)
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