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

This special feature highlighted Disneyland’s attractions, immersing viewers in the park’s magic and inspiring them to visit this enchanting destination.

Disneyland’s grand opening was broadcast live, showcasing the park’s attractions, star-studded guests, and Walt Disney’s vision for a place where dreams come true.

This pre-opening broadcast showcased the ambitious work underway to prepare Disneyland for its grand debut, building excitement for its revolutionary approach to entertainment.

A televised progress report gave audiences a sneak peek into Disneyland’s development, revealing the creative process behind its groundbreaking attractions.

Just six decades ago, Disneyland was a quiet orange grove. Walt Disney’s vision transformed Anaheim into a bustling fantasy kingdom, redefining family entertainment forever.

This unique 1955 cardboard picture disc set included a park map and whimsical audio tours featuring Tinkerbell, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, bringing Disneyland to life for children everywhere.

Thurl Ravenscroft, recorded this reenactment of the world famous Jungle Cruise attraction. This Disney recording legend not only provided many of the now familiar voices featured in both Disney films and theme park attractions, but also regularly lent his amazing vocal talents to many classic Disneyland Records.