The Day the Yippies Came to Disneyland (Ep. 79)

Jim Hill and Len Testa continue their Disneyland history series with the turbulent years from 1967 through 1970. They follow Roy Disney’s efforts to keep the company moving after Walt’s death while financing the Florida project and completing major attractions in Anaheim. The discussion culminates in the Yippies’ visit to Disneyland and a difficult year that tested the park’s management and morale.

Original Air Date: May 15, 2015 (estimated)
Original Title: The Hippies Invade Disneyland

HIGHLIGHTS

• Roy Disney’s search for new leadership and the challenge of continuing Walt’s creative plans.
• How the Florida project moved forward while Disneyland opened Pirates of the Caribbean and New Tomorrowland.
• The financing, licensing, and touring entertainment that helped support Disney’s growing ambitions.
• Disneyland’s evolving attractions and entertainment, from the PeopleMover to the Haunted Mansion.
• The arrival of the Yippies, the confrontation on Main Street, and the decision to close the park early.
• Labor unrest and changing priorities as Disneyland approached a new decade.

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 explore Disneyland from 1967 to 1970, as Roy carries Walt’s plans forward and the Yippies bring a turbulent era onto Main Street.

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