Holidayland (1957–1961)

Holidayland (1957–1961) was a 9-acre recreational area just outside Disneyland’s berm, often called the “lost” land due to its short lifespan and minimal Disney theming. Located near what is now New Orleans Square, it featured a separate entrance and hosted corporate picnics, playgrounds, and sports facilities, including a baseball diamond and a massive circus tent. Closed in September 1961, it was replaced by New Orleans Square in 1966.

Here are 10 fun facts about this quirky, forgotten corner of Disneyland history:

1. Separate Gate, Big Crowds: Opened on June 16, 1957, Holidayland had its own admission gate outside the Disneyland berm, accommodating up to 7,000 guests for large events. It cost 25 cents to park, and tickets doubled as Disneyland entry by 4 p.m., bypassing main gate lines.
2. Circus Tent Star: The “world’s largest candy-striped circus tent,” previously used for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus (1955–1956), was a 19,700-square-foot centerpiece seating 4,000. It hosted pageants, band performances, and even Mouseketeer shows.
3. Beer on Tap: Unlike Disneyland’s dry policy, Holidayland sold beer at its refreshment stands, a nod to its adult-oriented vibe. The Red Wagon Inn (now Plaza Inn) catered meals, with a 1957 menu offering a $1.75 Chuck Wagon Barbecue.
4. Playground Paradise: Themed playground equipment, like castle-shaped monkey bars and a Conestoga wagon slide, delighted kids. American Playground Equipment supplied durable gear, also used at the Disneyland Hotel’s Playlan.
5. Corporate Picnic Hub: Holidayland was a hot spot for company picnics, hosting groups like the Los Angeles Elks Lodge #99 (5,000 guests in 1957) and Warner Bros. Studio. Marquees displayed renters’ names, from the Southern California Gas Company to the Jaycees.
6. Sports Galore: Guests enjoyed a regulation softball/baseball diamond with bleachers, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and tug-of-war games. Concrete paths linked these to picnic areas, but many rushed to Disneyland after shows.
7. Milt Albright’s Vision: Disney Legend Milt Albright, Holidayland’s manager, pitched it as a corporate event space. He noted its closure wasn’t due to one issue but a mix of flaws, like no nighttime lighting or enough restrooms.
8. Recreationland Roots: Initially planned as “Recreationland,” a turn-of-the-century town park near the Matterhorn, space constraints pushed it outside the berm. The name “Holidayland” echoed a 1955 Mickey Mouse Club Circus promotion.
9. Short-Lived Dream: Closing in September 1961 after just four years, Holidayland suffered from no shade, limited facilities, and a lack of Disney “flavor.” Its land sat empty until New Orleans Square’s construction began in 1961–1962.
10. 1st Event: The first event, the Elks Lodge picnic, featured Mouseketeers, Wally Boag, and the Disneyland Band, but the ball diamond went unused as guests flocked to the park.