In the 50s and early 60s, Walt Disney became one of Disneyland’s most frequent visitors. He loved roaming his park, dreaming up new ideas and seeing the joy in visitors’ faces. Sometimes, this visits came with a bit of fanfare and attention. But other times, he was quietly wandering, hiding largely in plain sight.
Note: all of these photos were taken between 1955 and 1965, but I don’t have specific dates for them.
 
 
 
 
Disneyland is filled with secrets and hidden details. These details often have elaborate histories that are hiding in plain sight. In my new book, Disneyland Secrets: A Grand Tour of Disneyland s Hidden Details , I have collected more than 150 stories behind the small details that are hidden throughout the parks.
I have always loved pictures of Walt in the park. The one with him by the Adventureland trash can is great!
xoxo
-Janey
Me too! It makes me feel so inspired to see someone enjoying the final product of a creative vision they had 🙂
Great pictures! That first one looks like Tomorrowland, near the old Rocket to the Moon attraction. Lucky people who ran into WD on one of these occasions!
Thanks, John! I believe you’re right about the location of the first picture. What a cool experience it must’ve been to see Walt just enjoying the park.