The Disneyland Presents a Preview of Coming Attractions (1973–1989) was a fascinating exhibit on Main Street, U.S.A., located in the former Wurlitzer Music Hall space near Town Square, offering guests a sneak peek at upcoming Disneyland attractions and projects. Replacing The Legacy of Walt Disney exhibit, it served as a promotional hub to build excitement for the park’s evolving future, from new rides to entire lands.
Here are 10 fun facts about this forward-looking preview center, brimming with Disneyland nostalgia and Main Street magic!
- Debut After Walt: Opening in January 1973, the exhibit filled the void left by The Legacy of Walt Disney (1970–1973) in the Wurlitzer Music Hall, near the Main Street Cinema. It was designed to keep guests excited about Disneyland’s growth post-Walt.
- Preview Powerhouse: The center showcased models, concept art, and displays for upcoming attractions like Space Mountain (1977), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1979), and even early Epcot plans, giving fans a glimpse of Imagineering’s vision.
- Wurlitzer’s New Role: Housed in the former Wurlitzer shop (1955–1970), a music store selling organs and pianos, the space retained its turn-of-the-century charm with ornate decor, making it a fitting Main Street spot for futuristic teaser.
- Epcot Sneak Peek: In the early 1980s, the exhibit featured an Epcot Center Preview Center, hyping Walt Disney World’s 1982 debut with scale models of Spaceship Earth and concept sketches, drawing crowds eager for Disney’s Florida expansion.
- Disney-MGM Hype: By 1988–1989, the center previewed the Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios), set to open in 1989, with displays of soundstage sets and ride plans, showcasing Disneyland’s role in cross-promoting Walt Disney World.
- Interactive Displays: Guests could explore hands-on exhibits, like miniature ride models and construction photos, which brought Imagineering to life. A Reddit fan recalled “touching a Big Thunder model” as a kid, calling it “a peek behind the Disney curtain.”
- Free Admission: Unlike ticketed attractions, the preview center was free, inviting all Main Street visitors to wander in. Its accessibility made it a popular stop, especially for repeat guests craving park updates.
- Inspiration from Florida: The concept drew from the Walt Disney World Preview Center (1970–1971), which hyped the Florida resort’s opening with models and videos. Disneyland adapted this idea to keep Anaheim guests engaged.
- Closure for Retail: The exhibit closed in 1989, as Main Street leaned toward retail and dining. Its space later became part of the Main Street Photo Supply Co., with some preview elements moving to other park areas.
- Discovery Bay: The center occasionally teased unbuilt projects, like the never-realized Discovery Bay land.
