Kodak Presents: Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom | Disneyland 1959 Kodak: "Walt Disney Presents"

In 1959, Disneyland underwent one of its most significant expansions since its opening in 1955. To showcase these exciting new attractions, Walt Disney partnered with Kodak to create a promotional film titled "Kodak Presents: Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom", sometimes simply referred to as Walt Disney Presents (1959).

This film was produced to highlight Disneyland's massive expansion, which included:

1. Matterhorn Bobsleds – The first tubular steel roller coaster in the world.
2. Monorail – The first daily operating monorail system in the Western Hemisphere.
3. Submarine Voyage – A major underwater-themed ride that featured a fleet of submarines.

Kodak was a major sponsor of Disneyland at the time, and their branding was tied to promoting Disneyland as a colorful, picturesque experience. They emphasized using Kodachrome film, which was known for its vibrant colors, to capture memories at the park. The 1959 film was both a marketing piece for Disneyland and an ad for Kodak cameras and film.

• Hosted by Walt Disney, the special aired on television and included footage of the new attractions.
• It featured celebrities and even then-Vice President Richard Nixon, who attended the dedication ceremony of the Disneyland Monorail.
• The special was part of Disneyland’s weekly TV show, which played a huge role in marketing the park to American families.

This was a pivotal moment in Disneyland’s history, as it demonstrated Walt Disney’s commitment to constant innovation and reinforced Disneyland as "The Happiest Place on Earth."

Overview of the 1959 ExpansionKodak’s RoleThe Special Itself