Disneyland 10th Anniversary" TV special aired on January 3, 1965

The "Disneyland 10th Anniversary" TV special aired on January 3, 1965, as part of Walt Disney’s long-running "Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color" series on NBC. This episode was a behind-the-scenes celebration of Disneyland’s first decade, showcasing new attractions and featuring Walt Disney himself.

• Walt Disney Gives a Tour: Walt, always the showman, personally takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes look at the park and upcoming attractions.
• Julie Reihm as the First Disneyland Ambassador: This was the first time Disneyland had an official Disneyland Ambassador, and Julie Reihm (selected in 1964) joined Walt for the tour.
• Imagineering and Sneak Peeks: The show took viewers into Walt Disney Imagineering (then WED Enterprises), where Walt introduced upcoming attractions.
• Concept Art & Model Displays: Walt proudly shows scale models and concept art for attractions that would soon open at Disneyland.

1. "It's a Small World" – A preview of the classic attraction being prepared for the 1964-65 New York World's Fair before moving to Disneyland.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean – This special contained one of the first public glimpses of the now-iconic attraction, which was still under development at the time.
3. Haunted Mansion – Walt revealed early plans and artwork for this spooky, highly anticipated ride, though it wouldn’t open until 1969.
4. Primeval World – A look at the dinosaur dioramas that would later be added to the Disneyland Railroad.
5. New Orleans Square – This was the first new land added to Disneyland, and Walt showed off concept art and models.

• The show had a warm, nostalgic feel, with Walt Disney reflecting on Disneyland’s success while maintaining his excitement for the future.
• It was a rare opportunity for the public to see Imagineers at work, giving a glimpse into the creative process behind Disneyland’s expansion.
• The inclusion of Julie Reihm as a co-host made the show feel more personal and relatable, as she asked Walt questions just like any Disneyland guest might.

• This special became a time capsule of Disneyland in the mid-1960s, showcasing Walt Disney’s hands-on involvement in his beloved park.
• It also documented the last major projects Walt worked on before his death in 1966, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.
• It’s one of the most famous Disneyland TV specials and has been referenced in many retrospectives on Disney history.

Key Highlights of the Show New Attractions Revealed The Tone of the Special Cultural Significance

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