Q : I was wondering at what time Disneyland closed for the public on the press preview day (July 17, 1955), because, as far as I know, the park only opened its doors at 2:30 p.m. for the people who had the silver tickets, but some people received green tickets to enter the park only after the telecast at 5:30 p.m., and others white tickets to enter the park at 6 p.m. Do you know until what time the guests allowed to stay in the park on that day? Also, besides the silver, white, and green tickets, were there press preview tickets in other colors? Thanks a lot for all the great information about Disney that you share with us!
Marco, Sao Paulo, Brazil
A: On July 17, 1955, Disneyland announced to its invited guests a closing time of 8:00 p.m., so they could get the park ready for the public opening the next day. To prepare for the live television special, all attractions closed at 4:00; they would then reopen as each land was dedicated. For the remainder of the summer, Disneyland would be open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Archives has only the silver Invitational Press Preview ticket, but I have also seen the green and white ones.
Q : I am wondering what happened to the original or classic walk-around costumes used at Disneyland, especially those odd looking Mickey and Minnie used in opening-day footage? I think it would be a fascinating exhibit showing the classic “rubber heads” from the ’60s and ’70s.
Mark, Moorpark, California
A: The original character costumes from Opening Day were borrowed from the Ice Capades, since Disney had none of their own. The Ice Capades had a Disney segment in their shows in the 1950s. While the Archives has a couple of costumes from the 1970s, I doubt that any exist from earlier years.
Q : I recently went to Disney Legend Bill Martin’s estate sale, and picked up a bronze plaque. It features Mickey Mouse, with the initials B.G., which I assume is Blaine Gibson. It says, “Thank You Bill” along the top, and “WED MAPO” along the bottom. Can you tell me anything about this plaque, and why it was given? Anything you could tell me would be appreciated!
Stefan, Pasadena, California
A: Without seeing a picture, I would assume that this is a plaque given to Bill on his retirement. He retired from WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) in 1977.
Q : I have few questions about the new Star Tours — The Adventures Continue at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During the visit to Hoth, a rebel pilot appears on the TV monitor and (as a reference to the original attraction) says Star Tours, this is a restricted area. What are you doing here? I am sure that the actor is Bill Rogers, better known as the voice of Disneyland. Is this correct? If so, how did he happen to get cast in the role? Also, during the visit to Naboo, a female pilot appears on the TV monitor and says “Star Tours, follow us to the rebel hanger. You will be safe there.” Who is this actress? Is she an employee of Walt Disney Imagineering or Industrial Light & Magic?
Fred, Placentia, California
A: I checked with Walt Disney Imagineering to get your answer. The Rebel Pilot is not Bill Rogers, but Rob Howe, and the Naboo Squad Leader is April Royster; neither of them works for Imagineering or ILM. Also, I’m told that Darren Criss (Glee, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story) provided some miscellaneous voices.