27 Rare Photos That Show How Disney Parks Have Changed Through the Years
These magical Disney photos will transport you to the happiest place on Earth.
The magic of Disney is hard to miss. As soon as you enter the company’s popular parks, you’re whisked away to a place where worries no longer exist and pure bliss resides. It’s what keeps people from all over the world coming back year after year. After all, who can resist tapping into their inner child and being overcome with joy by the sight of beloved characters like Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and the rest of the Disney crew?
While going to the parks is always a good time, it's not always attainable. So, what's the next best thing when you can’t physically visit the “happiest place on Earth?” Looking at the best Disney photos through the years, of course. In fact, it just might be what you need to get your magical “fix.”
These historic Disney photos can take you back in time, creating an even deeper appreciation for the parks and all that they represent. Whether it's a ride that's no longer in operation or dancers that evoke a sense of nostalgia, these rare and retro Disney photos are bound to make you smile.
So, go ahead, grab your Mickey ears and other Disney gifts and gear and get you ready to take a walk down memory lane, Disney style!
1955
American animator and film studio founder Walt Disney sits on a grassy lawn with his grandson, in front of the Magic Kingdom's castle in Anaheim, California at Disneyland.
1955
Hollywood celebrities and their children make up the huge opening day crowd at Disneyland.
1956
The President of Indonesia with his son, Guntur, 12, riding behind "Dumbo," in Disneyland.
1960
Patrons ride the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland attraction as they look up at an animatronic wild cat on a rocky outcrop. The attraction was a 7-acre train ride, which operated between 1960 and 1979 is Disneyland, and highlighted animals and landscapes in a desert landscape.
1966
A couple rides the gondola toward the Matterhorn Mountain in Disneyland.
1968
A view of the California Disneyland, with its then-new "People Mover" ride in the background.
1970
People ride the Mark Twain paddleboat on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland.
1971
Julie Andrews performs on Main Street during the grand opening of Walt Disney World in Florida.
1960
Princess Astrid of Norway, Princess Margaretha of Sweden, and Princess Margaretha of Denmark (later Queen Margrethe II) take a spin in the tea cups at Disneyland.
1973
Foster Sylvers and Patricia Lynn, two future members of R&B group The Sylvers, ride the Alice In Wonderland attraction in Disneyland.
1980
A view of Thunder Mountain Railroad Coaster in Adventureland at Disneyland.
1982
Boston College cheerleaders, along with the BC band, perform in front of the Cinderella Castle in Disney World.
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1985
Minnie Mouse rides a float down Main Street on the 30th anniversary of Disneyland.
1985
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan get a sweet welcome from Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Epcot Center on May 27, 1985.
1987
Two families ride It's a Small World in Disneyland.
1990s
This vintage photo shows the popular Tomorrowland area of Walt Disney World Resort and Parks in Orlando.
1992
A group of riders on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Coaster in Disneyland.
1993
Prince Harry (front) rides the log flume at Splash Mountain with his mother Princess Diana (back right) at Disney World.
1996
In celebration of Walt Disney World's 25th Anniversary, the company decked out Cinderella's castle with a festive, pink candy-inspired "icing" at Magic Kingdom in Orlando.
1998
A young woman rides the new Astro Orbitor at Disneyland.
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
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