Inside the original Disneyland prospectus

The original vision of Disneyland by Walt Disney and how it would end up looking is quite different. You can see the differences now that original Disneyland prospectus written by Walt Disney to get financing for the theme park is out making the rounds.

The 1953 prospectus was created feverishly over a weekend by Walt Disney and artist Herb Ryman. Disney was planning to go to New York City and visit three banks to help finance his dream. So, the two started on a Friday night to be able to have something Walt could hand over to the bankers. By Sunday they created three copies and off Walt went to try and get some money.

The document is one of a kind, it appears it was left with the bankers. (Boingboing first wrote about this, presenting the prospectus for all to see from an anonymous benefactor. The full prospectus can also be found on arhvive.org.) This copy was discovered at an estate sale on Long Island in New York in the early 1980s and has been in the same owner’s hands since 1984. It went up for auction and in 2012, Glenn Beck purchased the copy and talked about it on his show.

This is the only copy known to exist. Neither the Disney Archives or the Disney Museum have a copy of this.The document holds a drawing of what Disneyland might look like and nine pages of type explaining what would be in this park. In many ways, the original pitch sounded like a combination theme park/television studio. The pitch promised that three TV shows broadcast from the park.

A good portion of what was in Walt’s head that was placed in the proposal came to fruition. And like with many ideas, there has been tinkering along the way. Here is a summary of what areas would be included in the park:

Railroad Station: This was a must. Walt’s love of trains made this an absolute.

Main Street: Under the proposal, an Old Opera House would be the location for the filming of The Walt Disney Television Show.

The Hub: The central location to head to anywhere in the lands. This remains the major design ingredient for all parks.

True-Life Adventureland: This was where you would embark on a boat for a trip down the River of Romance.

World of Tomorrow: A moving sidewalk would bring people to this location, which would be the home to the World of Tomorrow Television Show.

Lilliputian Land: Does this sound familiar?  “A miniature Americana village inhabited by mechanical people nine inches high who sing and dance and talk to you as you peek through the windows of their tiny shops and homes. In LILLIPUTIAN LAND there is an Erie Canal barge that takes you through the famous canals of the world, where you visit the scenic wonders of the  world in miniature …” This sounds a lot like what would eventually become the famous “it’s a small world” attraction which debuted 10 years later at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and then moved to Disneyland.

Fantasy Land: The plan was already in place with a ride-through of Snow White’s Adventures, a flying Peter Pan ride and a walk-through Alice in Wonderland area.

Recreation Land: “A shady park set aside for reservations by clubs, schools or other groups for picnics and special outings.”

Frontier Country:  “Along FRONTIER STREET is a Harness Shop and a Blacksmith Shop, Livery Stable, Assayer’ s office, Sheriff’s Office and the jail. You can get real Western food at the Chuck Wagon, and cowboy clothes, six-shooters or a silver-mounted saddle for your horse or pony at the General Store.”

Mickey Mouse Club:  Located on Treasure Island, this area would be the world headquarters for The Mickey Mouse Club and be where The Mickey Mouse Club Television Show would be produced.

Holiday Land: A place for special and seasonal attractions.

Now, the thing to remember is that Walt never got any money from the banks to finance the park. Banks do not bankroll dreams. The idea of the three TV shows was brilliant on his part, because in the end, it was television which bankrolled the park.

 Disney made a with ABC that allowed him to get his television show on the air and ABC took some ownership in the park. It was free advertising for the construction of the park. The rest of the money came from the famed licensing agreements Disney made with companies to become officials sponsors. A practice which continues to this day.