Disneyland, since its inception, has been a place of innovation and imagination. One of its lesser-known ventures was Disneyland’s Holidayland, an outdoor recreation and picnic area that operated from 1957 to 1961. Located near what is now New Orleans Square, Holidayland provides a fascinating glimpse into Walt Disney’s vision and the challenges of expanding Disneyland’s offerings. Today, the space once occupied by Holidayland is home to popular attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
Concept and Opening
Holidayland was born out of Walt Disney’s idea to provide a space where large groups could enjoy picnics and outdoor activities, separate from the hustle and bustle of Disneyland’s main attractions. Holidayland opened on June 16, 1957, and was located near the area now known as New Orleans Square. Walt envisioned it as a corporate picnic ground, complete with recreational facilities and entertainment.
Disneyland’s Holidayland Features and Attractions
Covering approximately nine acres, Holidayland featured several amenities designed to entertain and accommodate large groups:
- Large Circus Tent: This tent could seat up to 2,000 people and was used for various shows and events, including the Mickey Mouse Club Circus.
- Playgrounds: These areas provided swings, slides, and other playground equipment for children, allowing them to enjoy outdoor fun.
- Sports Facilities: Holidayland boasted a baseball diamond and volleyball courts, enabling guests to engage in sports and physical activities.
- Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic tables and barbecue pits were available, encouraging group gatherings and meals in a picturesque outdoor setting.
- Live Entertainment: Guests could enjoy performances, including clown shows and a petting zoo for younger visitors.
Main Patrons
Holidayland primarily attracted large groups and organizations, including corporate entities, schools, and community groups. These groups found Holidayland to be an ideal location for hosting company picnics, school outings, and community gatherings due to its capacity to accommodate up to 7,000 guests at a time and its dedicated recreational and picnic facilities.
Cost and Admission
Admission to Holidayland was separate from Disneyland’s main entrance fee. Initially, it cost around $1 per person, a reasonable price for access to its amenities. Groups often booked Holidayland for corporate events, community gatherings, and large family picnics. The area could accommodate up to 7,000 guests at a time, making it ideal for large events .
Popularity and Challenges
Holidayland enjoyed initial popularity due to its novelty and the convenience it offered for large group gatherings. However, it soon encountered several challenges:
- Lack of Shade: The area had minimal tree coverage, leading to discomfort during hot days. Guests found it difficult to stay cool, which deterred prolonged visits .
- Limited Facilities: While it had recreational areas, Holidayland lacked the elaborate theming and attractions that characterized the rest of Disneyland. This made it less appealing compared to other parts of the park .
- Separation from Main Park: Guests had to leave Disneyland to enter Holidayland, which required a separate admission and caused logistical inconveniences. The process of moving between the two areas was cumbersome and less seamless than anticipated .
- Operational Issues: Maintaining the large picnic area and managing events proved difficult, and the area did not generate the expected revenue. Operational challenges included coordinating large groups and ensuring the facilities were well-maintained .
Walt Disney’s Perspective
Walt Disney was always looking for new ways to expand and improve Disneyland. Holidayland was an experimental venture to provide a different type of recreational experience. However, Walt and his team recognized the limitations and operational difficulties of maintaining such a space. Despite his initial enthusiasm, Walt Disney ultimately saw Holidayland as a learning experience that helped shape future expansions of the park. He understood that while the concept was innovative, its execution highlighted the importance of integrating themed environments and guest convenience .
Disneyland’s Holidayland Closure and Legacy
Holidayland closed on September 5, 1961, after just four years of operation. The closure was due to a combination of factors, including the logistical challenges, lack of shade, and the difficulty in integrating the area seamlessly with the rest of Disneyland. The space occupied by Holidayland was eventually repurposed, and parts of it became New Orleans Square, which opened in 1966 .
While Holidayland was not a lasting success, it played a role in the evolution of Disneyland. The experience and feedback from operating Holidayland informed future developments and highlighted the importance of themed environments and guest convenience. Walt Disney’s willingness to experiment and learn from such ventures contributed to the enduring success and innovation of Disneyland. The lessons learned from Holidayland influenced how future expansions were planned, ensuring that new areas would be more seamlessly integrated into the overall Disneyland experience .
Holidayland remains a fascinating footnote in Disneyland’s history, a testament to Walt Disney’s unending quest to innovate and improve. Though it was short-lived, its impact on the park’s development and the insights gained from its operation continue to be felt in Disneyland’s enduring legacy.
Images Courtesy of Disney History Institute and Davelandweb