It is true that Disneyland itself has been reckoned a large stage, where a grand show takes place! Within that grand show are many smaller “stages” - attractions, exhibits, restaurants, shows and entertainment! Tomorrowland too, has also been referred to as one of Disneyland’s many stages. All these facts considered, through the decades, Tomorrowland has had more stages than the Carousel of Progress. Some of these stages were very small for spotlighting small acts (like the General Dynamics Stage used by the Yachtsmen), while some of these stages (like the Space Stage, or Tomorrowland Bandstand) had the ability to accommodate large casts of stage stars and personalities (like the New Mouseketeers or the All-American College Singers) and their “back-up bands”! Please step this way as we explore the progression of the Tomorrowland Stage!

“The Tomorrowland Stage Lands”
After both the Flying Saucers and Tomorrowland Art Corner disappeared from a large terrestrial area of Tomorrowland, stars would descend upon the former Disneyland Space Station location during the massive Tomorrowland refurbishment due to be unveiled during the summer of 1967! Revealed were two different stages that would showcase live entertainment.

Tomorrowland Terrace (would rise both out of the ground, and in popularity) for its “happening bands” and “now sounds” of today! However, so many talented acts could not be contained on just one stage. So a second stage - the Tomorrowland Stage (also called the Tomorrowland Bandstand) - would bring more “out of this world” (often in two-week engagements), to this corner of Disneyland! According to “INFORMATION ON DISNEYLAND'S NEW TOMORROWLAND - A WORLD ON THE MOVE” (©️ 1967 Wed Enterprises, Inc): “Special events - musical attractions and dances -are presented at the Tomorrowland Bandstand, located on the concourse between Flight to the Moon and The Character Shop.”

This new stage and 1,500 maximum guest capacity theatre was installed on the concourse between Flight to the Moon and The Character Shop, intended for special events like musical attractions and dances. The chairs were set up by DISNEYLAND MAINTENANCE SERVICES DEPARTMENT. Now, for some reason, the Tomorrowland Stage was unavailable for rehearsals when it first opened, during the spring and summer of 1967. Owning to this, the Grad Nite Humdingers (which were planned to be held in the new venue) were temporarily performed in other areas of Disneyland, like the Fantasyland Theater. But soon, the Tomorrowland Stage (with its boldly-colored rainbow rising in air) was one of 10 Disneyland Stages utilized for showcasing “big name” talent - from recording favorites to personalities from motion picture and television, during exciting summer nights!

In addition, the Tomorrowland Stage was the setting for employees-only shows (like the “Lead Foreman Summer ‘72 Kickoff Dinner”, at 5:30 p.m., May 15th, 1972) featuring fellow Disneyland Cast Members parodying and satirizing “Disneylander” life, while fellow Cast Members dined on “super steaks.” Here (after hours of operation), the Disneyland Drama Workshop club would perform skits for Disneyland employees (and their family members) from theTomorrowland Stage. Tom Pletts recalls : “Our Drama Workshop performed [Foreman’s Banquet Show - a one-time production] there for the company’s summer banquet. Like Spring Tonics, we did some funny skits. I played a Security Officer, and at one point Bonnie went past me on a unicycle, and pushed a cream pie in my face. Anything for a laugh! Gee, we sure had it tough, huh?”

Not far from Tomorrowland Terrace, you’ll notice the Tomorrowland “Rainbow” Stage (to the left). The bold colors of its rainbow stood out, while not clashing with the well-established primary color schemes of other Tomorrowland attractions as the PeopleMover trains and Autopia Mark VIIs. Please step this way, as we take a closer look!

During daytimes, the Disneyland Characters generally entertained guests of all ages, with support from the Disneyland Band, the Pearly Band, or the All-American College Band (pictured)!

Many popular musicians performed from the Tomorrowland Stage! Now, let’s take a look at just some of that big-name talent - the “stars” of the Tomorrowland Stage!

In the following section we’ll attempt to chronicle the Tomorrowland Stage’s performers by the year of their occurrence!

1967 : During the winter season of 1967, you may recall the exciting sounds of Randy Sparks and “Back Porch Majority” emanating from Tomorrowland Stage for five shows daily (12:00N-6:00pm) and The Mustangs performing “the top songs of the hit parade” (for four shows daily), from December 26th, 1967 thru January 1st, 1968. During the time, the exciting vocal group “The New Establishment” performed popular songs during seven shows daily (from 12:00N - 7:00pm). [“Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule,” prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968]

1968 : The summer of ‘68, Tomorrowland Stage was host to four variety shows daily. There was an “18 member group comprised of talent drawn from colleges and universities” and a Special Vaudeville Show featuring headline talent and variety acts, Monday thru Friday. Disneyland “Spring Fling” (occurring April 6th, 1968) brought The Mustangs (with Special Guest Bobby Vee) to the Tomorrowland Stage! The Country Music Jubilee of 1968 (starring Noel Boggs and His Band, Harry Newman, Brad Melton and Cathie Taylor, with guest MCs) had three shows daily, performed at 3, 5, and 7. On August 12, 1969, the true-life Apollo Moon Landing was watched live with the help of a giant screen on the Tomorrowland Stage.

During 1968, “On Stage USA” may have been presented from the Tomorrowland Stage. Acts included Jack Carter and Jaye P. Morgan (July 29-August 2), Phyllis Diller (August 12-16), Bill Dana & Theresa Brewer (August 19-23). During 1968, the “Country Music Jubilee” may also have been performed from the Tomorrowaland Stage with acts including Minnie Pearl (August 4), Roy Clark (August 11), Judy Lynn Show (August 18), and Horner & Jethro (August 25).

1969 : The Tomorrowland Stage also hosted dancing and live bands during Spring Fling 1969! Sunday June 29th brought the Country Music Jubilee (starring Homer & Jethro, Charlie Louvin & The Gang, and Cathie Taylor, with guest MCs). Shows were performed at 3, 5, and 7. Henson Cargill performed one night - Sunday, June 6th.

Without a doubt, the most momentous event to ever occur on the Tomorrowland stage was the viewing of an event which was occurring some 238,900 miles away - that of the Apollo Moon Landing, on July 20, 1969. This was the very same Apollo mission on which Astronaut Gene Cernan wore his Mickey Mouse watch. The entire event was broadcast live on the Tomorrowland Stage (the future site of Space Mountain and Captain EO).

During the following days (July 21 - 25), On Stage U.S.A. ran, including Tony Martin, Shari Lewis, the Fuller Brothers, Patti Page, the Doodletown Pipers, and special guest musical director John Scott Trotter. Saturday, July 26th saw The Mar Cells perform live on stage. Later (during the summer), Shani Wallace, The Osmond Brothers, Bobbie Gentry, Roger Williams, Peggy Lee and The Vogues performed live on stage.

1970 : Even before Disneyland’s “Super Summer” was here - a veritable “Year of 100 Million Smiles,” plenty of top talent was scheduled! January of 1970 brought Doc Severinsen to the Tomorrowland Stage. While rock entertainers appeared Monday thru Friday, country and western entertainers appeared on Sundays! Kurt Russell introduced E.J. Peaker in a stage show (starring the Kids of the Kingdom and Sound Castle, Ltd.) featuring the Osmond Brothers, which was recorded (perhaps during February 27th, 1970) and incorporated into “Disneyland Showtime” (a Wonderful World of Disney episode, first aired March 22nd, 1970).

The Kids of the Kingdom (“15 of the most talented kids in the nation” who usually performed Monday thru Saturday, at 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, and 7 p.m. during the summer of 1970), performed a special show in honor of Disneyland’s 15th Anniversary Birthday on June 22nd. Sound Castle Ltd. - “11 of the most talented entertainers” - also performed the world’s newest “mod music” for guests, on June 22nd.

1970 (Continued) : “Show Me America” - “a sparkling, fast-paced musical tour of the world’s greatest tourist attraction”, Monday thru Friday on the Tomorrowland Stage, with two 45-minute shows occurring at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., or 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. “Nearly 500 years after Columbus America has finally been fully discovered through the music and musings of the talented cast in this original, all-new production. Hang on for the wildest, funniest zip-trip ever experienced by the world’s top tourist treat, the U.S.A. The journey will take you to Old Broadway, Ellis Island, Boston, Chicago, The Great Divide, the Everglades, Biloxi, New Orleans, Nashville, Pattawahtamie, Center, Grand Canyon, Cowboy & Indian, Cucamonga, Freewayss, Niagra Falls, with a grand finale entitled ‘See America First’!” Show Me America stars John Wheeler (Phil), Karen Anders (Harriet), Sherry Alberoni (Diane), Terry Garr (the Statue of Liberty), and Jim Begg (Tour Guide), alongside a cast of seven “Guys” and six “Gals”, with music provided by the Show Me America orchestra under the Direction of Mr. John Scott Trotter! A total of 120 lavish costumes in addition to “spectacular stage settings” were provided for this production, by the Disneyland Entertainment Costuming Department! According to the Disneyland Diary, “60 members of the press led a standing ovation,” and by 124 performances, “the show was acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.”

A special show - Country Jubilee - starring Conway Twitty and Donna Fargo occurred Sunday, August 2nd, at 5, 7, and 9 p.m. Other talent signed on for 1970 included Roy Acuff, Buck Owens, Jerry Naylor, Susan Raye, Eddie Fukano, David Frizzelle, Tex Ritter, Dottie West, and the Stonemans. “Minority of Six” appeared one Saturday during the Summer of 1970, and the following Sunday on the neighboring Tomorrowland Terrace Stage.

The Scat Cats debuted at Disneyland during December of 1970. Disneyland's newest Characters, the Scat Cats from Walt Disney Productions’ latest animated feature, The Aristocats, starred in a special stage show with Scatman Crothers, Fulton Burley, and The Swinging Ambassadors. Shows were staged daily on the Tomorrowland Stage through the winter season (at 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30).

1971 : PREVIEW '71 (held Saturday, January 2nd) brought Rick Nelson, Dawn, and El Chicano.

During September 6-11, Bob Crosby and the greatest Dixieland band in the land, featuring the Bobcats plus an extra Added Attraction Dizzy Gillespie appeared on the Tomorrowland Stage at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. and The New Dixie Rebellion appeared on the Tomorrowland Stage at 8 p.m., 10 p.m., and 12 midnight.

Later in 1971, Patti Page returned.

1972 : “It’s New, It’s Now… ” it’s “a whole new day after dark” on the Tomorrowland Stage!

June 3, 1972 Tomorrowland Stage Show was the site for Robert John and Helen Reddy. The Tomorrowland Rock Group and The Kids Next Door played daily during the daytime (as during June-July). Stevie Wonder, Helen Reddy, and Robert John performed during June. Tommy Roe performed nighttime (July 2-7). During the evenings of the summer of 1972, Climax featuring Sonny Geraci (June 18-23), The Raiders featuring Paul Revere and Mark Lindsay (June 25-30), Tommy Roe (again from July 9-14), Bill Medley (July 9-14), Dawn featuring Tony Orlando (July 16-21), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap of “Woman, Woman” fame was introduced by The Great American Music Machine Starring Freda Payne (nightly at 10:00 p.m., July 23-28), and Honey Cone (July 30-August 4) performed on the Tomorrowland Stage, with more guest stars to follow in August! El Chicano also performed live from Tomorrowland Stage.

A Guest Vaudeville Act performed at 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 5:00 PM during Senior Citizens Days, October 12 and 13, 1972.

Plaza Gardens closed for three weeks for a rehab beginning Monday, November 27, 1972. During that time, Disneyland Band concerts were held on Tomorrowland Stage.

1973 : During Star Spangled Holidays (held February 17, 18, 19, 1973), Young Americans, Doc Severinsen and The Now Generation Brass featuring Today's Children, and The Sunshine Balloon w/special guest star performed from Tomorrowland Stage. Disneyland’s “New Sights and Bright Lights” included guests rock groups during the summer of 1973! The New Mickey Mouse Club Jamboree starring the New Mouseketeers performed four shows daily (1:30, 3:00, 4:30, and 6:00 p.m.), Monday thru Saturday. The Great American Music Machine starring Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids also performed two shows during the evenings of the summer of 1973. Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson performed from Tomorrowland Stage during October of 1973.

1974 : “The Great Rock Circus” brought many “now-sound” entertainers to the Tomorrowland Stage throughout the summer. The Spinners (June 15-21), The Main Ingredient (June 23-28), Peter Noone (June 30-July 5), Rufus and Carla Thomas (July 7-12), Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods (July 14-19), Ann Peebles with Little Archie (July 21-26), Wilon Pickett (July 28-August 2), The Miracles (August 4-9), the Hues Corporation (August 11-16), The Association (August 18-23), and The Four Tops (September 1-7). The Carpenters and Skiles & Henderson performed on the Tomorrowland Stage during a Trojan Rally event on December 19, 1974. Flash Cadillac & The Continental Kids performed New Year’s Eve of 1974.

1975 : The Kids of the Kingdom and the All-American College Singers combined for a stage show during Disneyland’s Bicentennial Celebration! Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods during the America on Parade event, during the week of August 17-23, 1975.

1976 : June 27 through July 2, 1976, the popular soul performers Blue Magic appeared on the Tomorrowland Stage! During Disneyland’s “Celebration Summer” (and the week of June 22-28, 1976, Cuba Gooding and the Main Ingredient performed at 9:05 p.m. & 11:30 p.m.

The New Mouseketeers Show entertained audiences on June 29, 30, July 1, 1978.

The Tomorrowland Stage was just too good of a dream come come true. A form of the stage would materialize as the Theater of the Stars at Disney-MGM Studios in 1993. Even before that time, when Space Mountain was being master planned and realized, an exciting new stage would be built practically on the foundations of the original Tomorrowland Stage at Disneyland! The new stage would appropriately be named…

The 1,100-seat Space Stage opened (along with Space Mountain, the adjacent Space Place restaurant, and the Starcade) during 1977!

1977 : The Space Stage opened with acts popular like the New Mouseketeers (Lisa Whelchel, Curtis Wong, Kelly Parsons, Allison Fonte, Nita Dee, Mindy Feldman, Angel Florez, Shawnte Northcutte, Scott Craig, Todd Turquand, Julie Piekarski, Pop Attmore). These appeared (with Space Mountain) during the summer off 1977.

1978 : It was “showtime” and “get-up-and-go-time” as the members of the New Mickey Mouse Club often made promotional live performances during the era contemporaneous with its late 1970s televised run (appearing during both the summer of 1977 and the summer of 1978 inside Disneyland). The New Mouseketeers Show again entertained throngs of cheering Disneyland guests on June 29, 30, and July 1, July 30 - August 5, 1978. The Kids of the Kingdom starred in a separate daytime show during this period. September 3-9, 1978, The Magnificent Music ‘N’ Motion Machine Starring Papa Doo Run Run and Lite Fantastic delighted guests daily Monday thru Saturday, at 8:15 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. The All American College Singers and the Kids of the Kingdom performed during four shows (during afternoons during July 30 - August 5, 1978), while The Magnificent Music ‘N’ Motion Machine starring Papa Doo Run Run and Lite Fantastic performed three shows (11:00 a.m., 12:30 & 1:30 p.m.) in the morning and early afternoon. The Peter Marshall Show with Chapter 5 performed December 17-23, 1978. The Mouseketeers also performed daytimes during the holiday season of December 19-23. The Jo Ann Castle Show with special guest Fats Johnson took to the Space Stage from December 26 thru 30, 1978.

Other performers (during 1978) included Rick Nelson and The Stone Canyon Band, The Heywoods, Cornelius Bros. & Sister Rose, and Sunshine Balloon.

1979 : MECO (of Star Wars Disco fame) rang in the new year, performing from 8 p.m. to midnight January 1, 1979. March 24-30, the Mike Curb Congregation performed during the days leading right up to Easter Sunday. The Miracles and Blue Swede also performed twice nightly from March 24-29. The Kids of the Kingdom presented “The Best of Disney” on Mother’s Day, May 13th.

1980 : Mickey Mouse Club 25th Anniversary Revue - “a singing and dancing celebration” of the Mickey Mouse Club’s 25th anniversary with original Mouseketeers Tommy, Cubby, Sharon, Lonnie, Bonnie, and Sherry! Other entertainment during Disneyland’s “silver summer” included disco dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. The Kids of the Kingdom entertained with a special production of “Disneyland Is Your Land” on Sunday nights ; “The Disneyland Story” performed for five shows Sunday only, from 11:30am to 4:30pm ; The Skiles Band (Mondays & Tuesdays) ; Pizzazz (Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) ; Matthew Wilder ; Dazz Band ; Jan and Dean (backed by Papa Doo Run Run) brought the sounds of Surf City to the Space Stage from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. during August. At some unknown time, Asleep at the Wheel with special guest star Lacy J. Dalton performed.

1981 : Show Biz Is - Festival of Japan (March 28 & 29) brought Tanekayuma (Snake Dancers), Tokuyae Classical Dance Group (one of the few groups to perform during the 1950s at Disneyland), Wakabakai Dance Academy, Wakao Dance Academy & Fujike Kirihara Music School, Tandawaha Dance Company, and Mityusa Bando dancers.

“A big bright musical revue from Broadway to Hollywood and a few surprises in between” - ran three times daily, during afternoons of 1981. The (c. June, 1981) show was described as a “new singing, dancing, salute to the worlds of Hollywood, Broadway, Big Brass Bands, and the Big Top.” Sing!Dance!Disney! was “a medley of popular Disney tunes presented live by a group of energetic Disneyland performers”! Michael Iceberg & the Iceberg Machine, Krash, and Papa Doo Run Run performed during daytimes and evenings.

Truly, the highlight of all shows came when Halyx debuted their “unearthly sights and outrageous new rock sounds” from the Tomorrowland Stage (from June 20th-September 11th) during the summer of 1981. This act (of humans, extra-terrestrials and artificial intelligence) is something that needs to be seen to be believed!

1982 : Disneyland Easter Party brought Peaches and Herb to the Space Stage (April 3-10, twice nightly, at 8:30pm and 10:30pm.

1983 : February 12 & 13, 1983 the L.A. Lazers - a professional indoor soccer team - demonstrated their skills on the Space Stage in Tomorrowland during afternoons at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. “Show Biz Is” - a “singing dancing salute to the world’s of Hollywood, Broadway, Big Brass Bands and the Big Top” - ran three to four times nightly, typically Sundays thru Thursdays. February 19 & 20, 1983, Sonny Charles, and Maxine Nightingale performed. Papa Doo Run Run (March 26, 27, 28), Scott Baio with Jay Johnson & Bob (March 29, 30, 31) ; Jack Mack & the Heart Attack (April 1 & 2) performed multiple shows nightly.

1984 : “Come along and sing a song and be a Mouseketeer again” with The Mickey Mouse Club starring the Original Mouseketeers. Some of your favorite original TV Mouseketeers are getting together top sing, dance, and “remember when” with Mickey in this happy stage revue. In addition, Jose Feliciano, the DeFranco Family, and the Mike Curb Congregation performed during late December (the latter made five appearances daily, for nine days)!

1985 : Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Esteban

Year Unknown (c. 1990s?) : Disneyland Country Weekend (February 12, 13, and 14 brought Kay Austin Show and the Moonshine Cloggers to the Space Stage in Tomorrowland for three shows each during the daytime! During the nighttime, Porter Wagoner, Mel Tillis, Charly McClain, and Boxcar Willie each performed three shows!

There is a fantastic in-depth documentary entitled “LIVE FROM THE SPACE STAGE : THE HALYX STORY” (A Matthew Serrano Film, Presented by Defunctland), which was released in 2020. The hour-and-a-half film tells the story of the band’s creation and performances with special appearances by the producer Mike Post and the surviving band members.

Sonny Anderson recommended notable Music Composer Mike Post (Hill Street Blues, Magnum P.I., The Greatest American Hero, The Rockford Files). The company that built the floats for the Main Street Electrical Parade created the vehicle for the keyboardist, by mounting keyboards and lights to a Cushman Minute Miser maintenance cart.

The members of the New Mickey Mouse Club often made promotional live performances during the era contemporaneous with its late 1970s televised run (appearing during the summer of 1977 and the summer of 1978 inside Disneyland). Here, a multicultural lineup - Curtis Wong, Allison Fonte, Billy “Pop” Attmore, and Kelly Parsons - perform “Disco Mouse” during “showtime”!

Scott Craig, Kelly Parsons, Allison Fonte, and Julie Piekarski are “dancing’ to the beat” and “movin’ their feet”.

All-New Mouseketeers Billy “Pop” Attmore (of Treasure of Matecumbe fame) and Shawnte Northcutte (Miss Pre-Teen America 1975-1976).

Lisa Whelchel

Allison Fonte

Kelly Parsons and Todd Turquond doin’ a Mouseke-Dance for the audience!

The members of the New Mickey Mouse Club often made promotional live performances during the era contemporaneous with its late 1970s televised run. From Left to Right : Billy “Pop” Attmore, Nita Dee (in the background), Mickey Mouse (in the background), Shawnte Northcutte, Allison Fonte, and Kelly Parsons (in the background).

All-New Mickey Mouseketeer Julie Piekarski remembers performing at Disneyland. In interview with Disney History 101 Corespondent, she recalled :

“We performed at Disneyland. We did three shows a day, six days a week for thirteen weeks, and also two parades a day. And I have to tell you, it was amazing! It was not like work.

I was like thirteen or fourteen years old at the time, and who wouldn’t love going to Disneyland everyday? It was awesome! …We were on the ‘Space Mountain Stage’. That’s the one I remember most. We did do one performance during Easter Time and we were by the Small World Stage. But my favorite was when we did the Space Mountain Shows and we were there for almost a whole summer. Whenever there was a break, we got to go and ride Space Mountain (like several times in a row). Then we would go and eat lunch and go back and do a show. That was a really great memory to have, for sure!…

I loved doing the singing and the dancing! We did some Broadway revue shows. And then we did the 60s, the 70s, and the 80s theme show. But a number that I really enjoyed doing was a number called ‘Friends’ which was originally written for our show - the Mickey Mouse Club. We would… sing it, and then we would get to go out into the audience and bring up someone from the audience… That was really cool! We’d get out there. We were always excited, scoping out the audience… who we thought we’d bring up. And what was really amazing and sweet is that we were there for so many weeks in a row that we had a fan base that would keep coming back to every show, every day, throughout the whole summer. We kinda got to know our fans, which I loved and I treasured. That was one of the most memorable experiences - that I would get to go down into the audience, bring up these fans. They looked up to us (and we’re just regular people), but it was so cool to have them up on the stage with us, and we would sing our song ‘Friends’ to them. I really enjoyed doing that.”

Julie also recalled when they filmed the All-New Mickey Mouse Club television show at Disneyland. “Friday was Showtime Day, and it was done at Disneyland. We would have our Honorary Mouseketeers come on at that time. We went to Disneyland for two weeks out, to film all those shows. We got to actually be in the Park when it was closed. We would get there really early in the morning and we’d also film during the day. They would block off our area in Carnation Plaza and then we’d also stay at night when the Park was closed. It was too cool just to be in the Park and nobody else was around. It was so quiet.”

There are several memories that Julie carries with her from this experience. “I got to be in charge of Mickey. Mickey would be in our shows at the end… and I would get to go ‘Off Stage’ and hold his hand and walk him ‘On.’ That was just a really amazing experience to think that I had that honor and that responsibility. The was really neat.”

After “The New Mouseketeers Show” (held June 29, 30, and July 1, 1978), Allison Fonte leaves the Park from the Harbor Gate after completing another performance with her co-stars!

The look of the Space Stage was familiar - blending elements similar to those of the nearby Tomorrowland Terrace! By 1970, “Disneyland Dimensions” reported that ”each year the Maintenance Division places approximately 325,000 chairs in various Park locations for special events, (Chairs are counted as they are placed, then removed for cleaning.)” Many of those concert chairs were placed near the Space Stage.

The Kids of the Kingdom were singers, dancers, and college talent which made numerous daytime performances from the Space Stage during the early 1970s. Back on November 24, 1970, the Kids of the Kingdom performed at an international Bank of America convention in San Francisco. They previewed their new routine that they would perform on New Year’s Day atop Bank of America’s entry into the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Among the group was ”Linda Piesik, Rich Briggs, Tom Ranier, Amy Sheridan, Connie Bubar, Jim Eskew, Lady Lee, Gerald Lee, Candy Herzer, Paul Hough, Jim Schick, Sherman Segraves, Kathy McFadden, Vince Pirillo, and Joe Croyle. Also along for the trip were Barnette Ricci, Ron Swartz, and Sonny Anderson, all of Entertainment.” [“Inside Disneyland,” Vol.5, No.1]

They even performed here alongside the Osmonds for a television special! They were part of the 1975 daytime entertainment in Disneyland during the celebration of the American Bicentennial. During the 1980s, the Kids of the Kingdom headed east, and performed in The Magic Kingdom, and they even performed at Tokyo Disneyland after the Park opened on April 15, 1983.

“Brochures were sent to junior colleges and universities across America detailing the unique workshop offered on the Disneyland and Disney World ‘campus,’” according to Disneyland LINE (published August 6, 1975).

According to the same Disneyland LINE article, that same year (of 1975), there were “700 inquiries for additional information, some 400 video-tape auditions…received for consideration, This method of selection resulted in 93 musicians who will perform on both Disney stages for 10 weeks, yielding the above unorthodox equation.

The taped auditions were viewed and judged by Larry Billman, Barnette Ricci and Gerry Schroeder who selected Disneyland’s Kids of the Kingdom. Besides the Kids - 6 males & 6 females - an additional 8 musicians were selected for the stage band ; trombone, electric bass, 2 trumpets, guitar, piano, traps and a saxophone player who doubles on the flutes and clarinet. This composition is duplicated at Walt Disney World, resulting in a similar company.

Choreographed by Barnette, the show emphasizes our Bicentennial Sumer of ‘75 and begins when Tony Moore runs on-stage and proclaims ‘…And for the next 20 minutes we’re going to show you why we love America!’

The Kids for 1975 arrived June 15 for orientation. In the morning they were introduced to Ron Swartz, Director of Operations in Entertainment, and were briefed on the summer’s expectations for Disneyland’s Kids of the Kingdom. Beginning 10 days of intensive rehearsals, they worked under the able direction of Gerry Schroeder from Golden West College, Larry Boye from Ball State, Indiana who leads the vocal group in Florida.”

The Kids of the Kingdom performed from the Space Stage on April 15th, 1979, Easter Sunday. Steve (who was a guest that day) recollects : “I was a senior in high school and my parents decided we needed to take one last trip together before I went off to college. We flew from Maine to LA, to visit Southern California for three nights. We did Disneyland [on] the 15th which was Easter Sunday. We made sure to cover the attractions that didn’t exist in the Magic Kingdom…[This] was a country music segment, although I don’t remember if there was any Country Bear Jamboree music. For some reason, I remember hearing ‘Comin’ Around the Mountain’.”

Papa Doo Run Run was also known as Disneyland’s “celebrity house band” (like so many others) for its regular performances from the Space Stage in Tomorrowland!

According to the recollections of others, many others appeared from the Space Stage and the Tomorrowland Stage. Among these talented entertainers may have been the Raspberries, Jan and Dean (and Brian Wilson for two songs, early 70s), Kids of the Kingdom, Tony Orlando, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Spinners, Maynard Ferguson, Peaches and Herb, Sparks, the King’s Sisters, the Lennon Sisters, the Smothers Brothers, the King Family, Jackson Brown, Pat Boone, Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Stone Ponies, Barrage, the Osmonds, Ricky Nelson, the Stone Canyon Band, Tommy Tutone (1982), Pointer Sisters, Manhattan Transfer, KC and the Sunshine Band, Don Ellis, Baja Marimba Band, Association, Hermans Hermits, the Grassroots, the Cowsills, the Jackson Five, Peggy Lee, New Edition, Pete Fountain, the Association, Frankie Avalon, Kurt Russell, Annette Funicello, Ricky Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band, Tina and the Mustangs, Temptations, Carpenters, The Safaris, The supremes , Leslie uggums , Super Tramp, Olivia Newton John, The Monkees, Roy Acuff, The New Mickey Mouse Club, Gary Lewis and the Playboys were there for months, Wild Cherry, Martha and the Vandellas, 3 Dog Night, First Edition, Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods, Bobby Sherman, Sister Sledge, 4 Tops, Al Greene, Gary Puckett, Defranco Family, Main Ingredient, Doc Severinson and the now generation brass, Commodores, George Straight, Debbie Reynolds, Union Gap, Banana Splits, Righteous Sisters, and many, many more!

Stay tuned for more, as we continue to verify the visiting performances and revise the previous chronicling of popular names.

In 1985, the demolition of the Space Stage made way for another futuristic theatrical attraction! These rarely-seen Vintage Views offer a glance of the subterranean hall below the stage.

“It looks like we started something”, but guests would wait a few months until Tomorrowland’s newest space adventure would be revealed on the marquee above the entrance!

The concept of theaters in Disneyland isn’t new, dating back to the Fantasyland Theater and Tomorrowland’s CirCARama Theater of 1955. These particular theaters were unlike anything in the world - the Fantasyland Theater (dedicated to animated shorts for most of its tenure) and the CirCARama Theater (designed to show films that were shot in 360 degrees). A little more than three decades later (during the era of Michael Eisner’s & Frank Wells’ leadership), a brand new concept of theater design would push the limits of the form of Disney Parks entertainment with Magic Eye Theater!

Guests entered the Magic Eye Theater’s “Pre-Show Area” to the East (along the East Promenade), before the seven entry doors opened.

The show building held a lengthy “Projection Room” (at the rear of the theater), and a “Glasses Storage” Room (behind the Projection Room). Air-conditioning controls dust, and a practical mechanical application of the technology was essential in the attraction where projection equipment and film was used.

A console for the attraction operator was located at the front right corner of the theater (to the South-West). Finally, guests left the theater though one of the Magic Eye Theater’s four automated exit doors (to the West Promenade) at the close of the film.

“Production - Where the Universe Begins”

The 16-minute, child-like and imaginative 3-D film (with its mesmerizing, and hauntingly beautiful theme), was directed by the then-experimental film director and producer Murray Lerner (Academy Award, 1980 ; Best Documentary Feature “From Mao to Mozart”). Rick Carter (who would, decades later, go on to serve as Art Director and Production Designer for James Cameron’s Avatar) was integral to the animation design of the film. The final film’s surreal usage of distinct and profound imagery - of clouds, dandelions, kites, a pegasus, the circus, and a magician - certainly helped viewers of all ages “make memories”. According to the Disney News (Summer, 1984), “Beginning with a handful of children racing against a meadow and gazing at clouds, it also brings a frothy pink-and-white cluster of spring blossoms right to the tip of your nose. The sense of proximity is so realistic that more than one visitor reaches out to touch them. Dandelion spores float through the air , turn into stars, and are then transformed into a sun whose rays become water right before your eyes. In another scene, a child’s kite changes from a bird to fish to a whole school of fish, to a flock of birds, bird wings, the flying horse Pegasus, a real horse, and then a spirited steed on a merry-go-round. The brass harness ring of the carousel horse floats out at the audience, tempting all to try to catch it. Then the ring itself turns into a moon, then bats, then frightening witches and their masks and finally the sphinx.”

Many-a-guest (temporarily transported inside a child’s imagination) would be left wondering, “Do they mirror what we think, or sense, or feel?” These unusual (and animated) visuals were created by Colossal Pictures, at a time when CGI was experimental and new. In fact, long before Pixar’s animated feature-length theatrical smash-hit Toy Story, the 3-D 70mm “Magic Journeys” was a contender in the Pixar Short Film Festival. “Magic Journeys” holds a record as the first 3-D motion picture to feature computer generated 3-D animation. Last, (but no less-essential to the film’s success), is the film’s theme song (or, score). “Magic Journeys” (for which the film was named) was both written and composed by the “Legendary” Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman, and sung by the Disney Studio Chorus. It is (in our opinion) the most beautiful piece that the duo has ever conceived! Richard and Robert would also write and compose the memorable “Makin’ Memories” for the pre-show area of the attraction.

“From Disneyland to Walt Disney World - All At Once, You’re On Your Way”

“Magic Journeys” had its appropriate debut at Walt Disney World EPCOT Center’s Imagination Pavilion, on October 1st, 1982). From EPCOT Center’s opening day, guests would “soar on the wings of imagination” in a way like never before, at a Disney Park. Two years later (and hot on the heals of its Epcot Center success), the exciting new 3-D film would also open at Disneyland. The venue where it would debut would be called the “Magic Eye Theater” (sponsored by Kodak Film). Though under construction, its soon-to-open its doors excited Tomorrowland guests. “Magic Journeys” would officially open at the brand new air-conditioned Tomorrowland “Magic Eye Theater” on June 16th, 1984. “Magic Journeys” was such a popular attraction, that a third film was sent to Tokyo Disneyland, and opened January 17, 1985 (replacing the film “Eternal Seas”). By this time a total of three separate Disney Parks screens were showing the one-time experimental film - “Magic Journeys”!

“In A Flash They Disappear”

A year later (in 1986), “on the wings of unexpected sounds and sights”, “Magic Journeys” finally departed from both EPCOT Center (during February 9th, 1986) and Disneyland (during July of 1986). Tokyo Disneyland was the last venue to close “Magic Journeys”, doing so during 1987. Within just two short years (by about May of 1986) of showing at Disneyland, the popular short film not only proved the potential success of 3-D animation, but the popularity of Disneyland’s own 3-D Magic Eye Theater, and this would open the door for other new adventures for decades to come! In fact, few months later, a new adventure unlike any other would debut at both the Magic Eye Theater at Disneyland and the Journey Into Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT Center!

“No Beginning, And No Ending”

During 1987, our collective “Magic Journeys” seemingly came to an end. However, this enchanting attraction (featuring some of the most cinematically ground-breaking imagery) was just too good to dispose of. As “fortuosity” would have it, another venue would soon become available, when a popular attraction would also make its move to Tokyo Disneyland. Yes, on December 15th, 1987, Magic Journeys would again debut (for its 3rd time running), this time in Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom’s own Fantasyland Theater, replacing the Mickey Mouse Revue. At this location, the “Magic Journeys” would continue for a six-year run (this time, until December 1st, 1993)!

By the end, the show bears the distinction of running on a total of four major Disney Parks screens (i.e. Disneyland Magic Eye Theater, Magic Kingdom Fantasyland Theater, EPCOT Center’s Journey Into Imagination Pavilion, and Tokyo Disneyland).

“Far From ‘An Un-Remembered Dream’”

Decades after the films debut, the imagery and the sounds of “Magic Journeys” prove it to be far from “an unremembered dream”. Still, many for audience members look back on our “Magic Journeys”, perhaps wondering “Were they real?”. For those that recollect the attraction, we search for touchstones to help us relive this attraction once again. Will the film see some form of a limited release at some time in the future? This remains to be seen. Though we currently don’t have any “Magic Journeys”Vintage Views in our gallery at Disney History 101, we hope to have caught just a few “little pieces of time, making them yours, and making them mine”, with our retrospective on the attraction!

“It Looks Like We Started Something!” However, guests had to wait until the winter of 1986 for this “ultimate thrill experience” to be revealed!

FIRST RUN (September 18, 1986 - April 6, 1997)

SECOND RUN (February 23, 2010 -)

"Disneyland Enters a Whole New Dimension"

Captain EO was 3-D motion picture space adventure in Tomorrowland at DISNEYLAND, TOKYO DISNEYLAND, and in Discoveryland at DISNEYLAND PARIS.

Just how does an attraction like this come to reality? Disneyland LINE (published September 11, 1986) explains : ”’It was said that Michael Jackson was a Disney aficionado’, recalls Michael Eisner. ‘So we called him and asked if he would like to do something with the Parks. He said definitely, but only of we could get George Lucas involved. Meanwhile, George had been saying he’d do something but would have to have someone as talented as Michael Jackson be in it. So then we got Michael and George, and they both said we needed a director that was without equal. And we went right to Francis Coppola.”

Francis Coppola was truly without equal during the era, having directing award winning films as Caddyshack and Yentl. Another talent included the renowned Italian cinematographer Vitorio Storaro, who acted as a visual consultant during the two week shoot. John Napier acted as theater and costume consultant to Captain EO.

A version of the script entitled “Captain Eo and the Space Knights” had been prepared by April 29, 1985. That draft of the script was almost recognizable with characters Captain EO, Major Domo, Minor Domo, Ody & Idy, Flutter, and “an odd-looking three foot high pink elephant-like creature called Hooter.” The villain - the “High Leader” - is also referred to as the “High Witch” I the script.

Joe Rohde was a designer and scenic painter for the Captain EO 3-D film. Joe believed: “We design places. My philosophy about research is that in order to make places, you have to know places, and in order to know places, you have to go to them.”

The planets were certainly “lining up…and bringing brighter days” as the new show headed to the Magic Eye Theater during the Fall of 1986! Yes, the Walt Disney Company, Executive Producer George Lucas, invited audiences to experience a “once-in-a-lifetime motion picture experience” - a 3-D musical space adventure starring Michael Jackson singing original songs, in a Francis Ford Coppola film written by George Lucas! Only two theaters in the world would exclusively run this film - and one of them was at Disneyland! Soon, Space ships and lasers shot over the audiences’ heads, and Michael Jackson seemed to dance right off the screen and toward guests in crystal clear 70mm 3-D stereo film images. In addition, pyrotechnics enhanced the show experience. By Sunday, May 15th, the televised audiences were treated to a behind-the-scenes look of the production in “Captain EO - Backstage,” hosted by Whoopi Goldberg.

On July 24th 1986, at 9:00 pm, a Private Screening of the 17-minute film Captain EO was held in Tomorrowland’s Kodak Magic Eye Theater. A few months later (and in the great tradition of Disneyland attraction opening events), the Captain EO Grand Opening Parade and Grand Opening NBC Television Special was recorded live (by Marty Pasetta Productions) from Disneyland on Saturday, September 13, 1986. The Galactic Premier of Captain EO (for Cast Members) occurred five days later, on Thursday, September 18th, 1986 (from 8:00 PM to Midnight), including a complimentary meal at The Space Place or Tomorrowland Terrace. The public unveiling took place the following day (on September 19th), a day before the television special (hosted by Patrick Duffy and Justine Bateman) aired on Saturday, September 20, on NBC. Horseless Carriage Club of Southern California members (wearing turn-of-the-century wardrobe) shuttled approximately 75 notable celebrities (like Margot Kidder, Jane Fonda, O.J. Simpson, Patrick Duffy, Dorothy Hamill, Charles Bronson, Alan Thicke, and Nell Carter) down Main Street U.S.A. and toward a reception at the Plaza Inn. (As a “sidelight”, Marty Pasetta Productions made a donation to the Horseless Carriage Club of Southern California in a special agreement).

There, the invited guests awaited the grand ribbon cutting ceremony presided over by Francis Coppola, Anjelica Huston, and George Lucas. Then the invited guests were off to the big “Premiere” showing under the fiber optic star field! As guests exited the Magic Eye Theater, an instrumental track of Michael Jackson’s “Another Part of Me” (originally recorded during 1985 and 1986) could be heard. Even more - guests who were “there to change the world” during the Premier Weekend, could exchange their ticket vouchers for a “Captain EO Starfighter T-Shirt.” The premier party continued for a total of 60 hours, until 10 p.m., on September 21st.

By August 21, 1986, "Captain EO“ Attractions Hosts and Hostesses administered the following Theater Load Live Spiel: “Please move all the way across your row, filling in every available seat. The 3-D glasses are designed to fit comfortably over your prescription glasses. At the conclusion of Captain EO, we ask that you return the glasses to the bins after you exit the theater. The glasses were not intended for use outside of this theater and will impair your normal vision.”

Celebrations were in order for Walt Disney Company employees at “Walt Disney Imagineeringland” on November 15 & 16, 1997. A Captain EO Video Insert Stage was shown every half hour beginning at 9:30.

Captain EO returned for another run (as a posthumous tribute to the “King of Pop”), starting February 23, 2010. The attraction was then billed as Captain EO Tribute! It ran until sometime before Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy sneak peek (in on July 4th, 2014).

CAPTAIN EO PRE-SHOW SPIEL

“Good (morning, afternoon, evening), ladies and gentlemen. Captain EO is a 3-D Science Fiction adventure film. Some scenes may be frightening for young children; Parts off the sound track are played at a very high volume. If you are accompanying children under the age of seven or if you have sensitive hearing, please exercise discretion. I'd like to ask those of you nearest our theater entrance to please stand back until the automatic doors have opened completely.

As you enter the theater, please keep your party together and move all the way down your row, filing in every available seat. There will be roomfor everyone. For your safety, please do not put on the 3-D glasses until you are seated inside the theater. Please watch your step as you enter, and we hope you enjoy Captain-EO. Thank you.”

Captain EO's security officer used his head, to "change the world". Now it's on display in the Archives!

The following “Disney History 101 ‘Art-i-Fact’” was created for a particular 1980s science fiction film written by George Lucas, exclusively for Disneyland...but its not what you may think!

This life-like “Captain EO Supreme Leader Makeup Test Head” was used to test the prosthetics and makeup that would be used to bring to life ✨“another part”✨ of the Supreme Leader (portrayed by Anjelica Huston) in the 1986 musical Magic Eye Theater film 🌈 Captain EO!

Captain EO costar Hooter makes himself comfortable in his new Disneyland Entertainment Costuming Department office, c. 1986!

A Disneyland attractions needs characters, provided by Disneyland Entertainment Costuming Department. In this rare “Vintage View”, Shinko (pictured right) and another employee model the inner lining of the two-headed Idey and Ody costume!

In another rare “Vintage View”, we get a glimpse of an early version of the Hooter character created by Disneyland Entertainment Costuming Department.

And now, please put on the 3-D glasses, as Kodak and the Walt Disney Company proudly present Captain EO!

During May 20-22, 1998, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience introduced guests to the Imagination Institute, where they attended an awards show honoring Wayne Szalinski as Inventor of the Year in a humorous, special effect-filled 3-D misadventure. The show (with a run time of 18:21) was presented by Kodak and could accommodate approximately 500 guests.