Disneyland 1962-1966: Walt’s Last Great Chapter (Ep. 77)

Jim Hill and Len Testa continue their chronological history of Disneyland with the ambitious years from 1962 through 1966. They explore how the 1964 New York World’s Fair, new attractions, and plans beyond Anaheim reshaped Walt Disney’s park. The conversation closes with Walt’s final days and Roy Disney’s determination to carry the Florida project forward.

Original Air Date: April 15, 2015
Original Title: Disneyland 1962 - 1966

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Swiss Family Treehouse, Enchanted Tiki Room, and Disneyland’s expanding use of Audio-Animatronics.
• How development around Anaheim influenced New Orleans Square and Disney’s search for more space.
• Early Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain concepts, and the work diverted to the New York World’s Fair.
• Disneyland’s tenth anniversary and Walt’s commitment to reinvesting in attractions, entertainment, and dining.
• The return of World’s Fair attractions, including “it’s a small world,” as Disneyland entered 1966.
• Walt’s final visits with filmmakers and Imagineers, and the impact of his death on Disneyland’s cast.
• Roy Disney’s decision to postpone retirement and continue the Florida project.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
View transcript here.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill: X and Instagram @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Len Testa: Bluesky @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram @len.testa | touringplans.com

FOLLOW

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• X and Instagram: @JimHillMedia
• YouTube and TikTok: @jimhillmedia

SUPPORT

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Jim and Len trace Disneyland’s growth from 1962 through 1966, from World’s Fair innovations to Walt Disney’s final days and Roy’s promise to carry on.

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