The Richfield Diorama, officially titled The World Beneath Us, was an attraction in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, operating from July 17, 1955, to October 1960. Sponsored by Richfield Oil Corporation, it was located near Autopia and featured dioramas and a 12-minute film depicting Earth’s geological history, including tectonic activity and oil formation. The attraction aimed to educate guests on the origins of petroleum, aligning with Tomorrowland’s futuristic yet historical focus. It closed to make way for Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry expansion, leaving a legacy as an early educational exhibit.
Below are 10 fun facts about the Richfield Diorama (The World Beneath Us) at Disneyland (1955–1960):
- Dual Attraction Format: The attraction comprised two parts: static dioramas depicting Los Angeles’ subterranean geology and a 12-minute film shown every 15 minutes, explaining Earth’s formation and oil deposits.
- Earthquake Simulation: Dioramas included tectonic plates that vibrated periodically, simulating earthquakes beneath Los Angeles, engaging guests with interactive geological effects.
- Richfield Oil Sponsorship: Richfield Oil, a Southern California gasoline company, sponsored the attraction to promote petroleum’s origins, also backing Autopia to tie their brand to Disneyland’s innovation.
- Educational Narrative: Narrated by “the Professor,” the film traced Earth’s history from its molten beginnings to fossil fuel creation, subtly highlighting Richfield’s oil industry role.
- Tomorrowland Paradox: Despite Tomorrowland’s futuristic theme, the diorama focused on Earth’s ancient past, showcasing geological processes like volcanic activity and sedimentation.
- Dinosaur Inclusion: Small dinosaur models appeared in the film’s prehistoric segment, connecting to oil’s fossil origins, distinct from the larger animatronic dinosaurs later added to the Disneyland Railroad’s Primeval World.
- Accessible Viewing: Guests could view the dioramas without watching the film, allowing children to repeatedly observe the earthquake simulation while parents enjoyed the theater.
- Newspaper Promotion: Richfield placed ads in Southern California newspapers before Disneyland’s opening, suggesting driving routes to the park and highlighting their “years-ahead” diorama attraction.
- Compact Theater Design: The attraction’s small theater, located near Tomorrowland’s entrance, used a circular layout to immerse guests in the dioramas, with the film projected centrally.
- Closure for Monsanto: The diorama closed in October 1960 to accommodate Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry expansion, reflecting Tomorrowland’s shift toward corporate-sponsored science exhibits.
