An episode of Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color that originally aired on April 15, 1963, Disneyland After Dark, gives us a first-hand account of the activities and entertainment offerings at Disneyland.
The program starts with a monorail ride from the Disneyland Hotel with an announcement from the driver,
”Your attention, please, for a special announcement. Tonight, in Disneyland, there will be several well-known guest stars on hand to add to the evening’s entertainment. You are all cordially invited to stay and join the fun at Disneyland after dark”.
Maybe the best part of this special is the host. Walt Disney himself introduced nighttime entertainment. The show features nighttime entertainment, including Fireworks, with Tinker Bell, and Tahitian dances performing in Adventureland. While the episode is set in Disneyland, most of the focus is on the celebrity singers throughout the park, including the Osmond Brothers (Don’t forget it’s 1962, the youngest Osmond was 4), Annette Funicello, with Bobby Rydell, Bobby Burgess, Monette Moore, and the legendary Louis Armstrong. As much as Walt tries to get to the performances, he seems to be tracked down by a never-ending stream of autograph seekers in the park.
Looking for More Magic? you might like these: Magic Kingdom and the Magic of TV, The Magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World, The Magic of Chrismtas at Disneyland, 50 Years of Magic, The Magic of Walt Disney World 1972, The Magic of Disneyland 1968, or the Magic of Disney Animation form Walt Disney World
More Wonderful World of Disney: Tricks of the Trade (1957), Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show, NBC Salutes 25 years of Wonderful World of Disney, Sandy Duncan Visits Disneyland 1976, Christmas at Disney World 1978, Disneyland the Park 1957, The best of Disney 50 years of Magic, Disneyland 25th Anniversary, Disneyland After Dark 1963, Disneyland Showtime 1970
