While in Los Angeles, I picked up a copy of my absolute favorite National Geographic -- an issue from August 1963.
The cover story is on Walt Disney, Disneyland and the growing Disney empire.
Here's a scan of the map insert (289 k) included with the issue -- circa 1963. For those really familiar with Disneyland, note the absence of New Orleans Square and the amount of water that used to cover the park.
this is a beautiful thing. thanks.
Posted by: Bill | December 28, 2001 at 11:33 AM
Growing up in SoCal, I always thought of Disneyland as my own. After all, it opened on my birthday (July 17) and I spent my grad night --all night--there.
We graduated on a Thursday when most schools had their ceremonies on Friday. So the park was practically vacant. No lines. No more high school. Ah, those were the days...
Posted by: Jeff | December 28, 2001 at 12:50 PM
What is that pirate ship behind the castle (#18)? It can't be the Pirates of the Caribbean (my favorite) because that didn't open until 1967. Maybe it was the *planned* space for it??
Posted by: Sarah | December 28, 2001 at 01:59 PM
Sarah - that ship was the Chicken of the Sea pirate ship restaurant. It was demolished in the '80s. More info here.
P.S. Thanks for scanning this, Mena!!
Posted by: Matt | December 30, 2001 at 04:35 PM
I was eight years old the first time I went to Disneyland, way back in 1964. Hard to believe. Your map brings back lots of good memories. Thanks alot for scanning it in. I remember walking around in complete awe and amazement of the place.
Posted by: Kiffin | December 31, 2001 at 01:49 AM
Matt - Thanks for the link to Yesterland. I recently moved to SoCal and all my friends and fellow annual passholders talk about former park attractions, now it's great to see pictures and get more info.
Posted by: Greg | December 31, 2001 at 09:47 AM
Ha! There was nothing but water where New Orleans Square used to be? Sounds a lot like the real New Orleans...
Posted by: Jay | January 01, 2002 at 10:01 PM