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Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show with Walt and the Mouseketeers (1957)

Walt Disney Celebrates Four Magical Years

The Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show marked the first episode of Season Four of Walt Disney’s Disneyland, airing on September 11, 1957. As always, Walt Disney’s on-screen charm and passion for storytelling made it more than just a retrospective—it became a celebration of imagination and what was yet to come.

Walt Disney's Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show (1957)
Walt Disney’s Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show (1957)

A Musical Memory with Walt

The special begins with a touching recollection from Walt Disney himself. He tells the story of a piano at the Disney Studio and its connection to Sergei Prokofiev, who played “Peter and the Wolf” in the same room years earlier. That visit inspired Walt to create the animated short Peter and the Wolf in 1946—though the cartoon is not included in this broadcast.

Walt Disney's Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show (1957)
Walt Disney’s Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show (1957)

The Mouseketeers Surprise Walt

Midway through the episode, the Mouseketeers from The Mickey Mouse Club burst in and interrupt Walt’s taping. Their mission? To throw him a surprise party in celebration of Disneyland’s fourth birthday. A heartwarming and upbeat musical number follows, full of cheer, smiles, and birthday wishes.

Walt Disney's Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show (1957) Mouseketeers
Walt Disney’s Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show (1957) Mouseketeers

A Glimpse Into the Future

During the party, Walt shares previews of what’s coming from Walt Disney Studios. That includes some never-made gems, like “Rainbow Road to Oz,” a live-action adaptation of The Wizard of Oz that sadly never came to life. The sneak peek includes concept art and early costumes—a fascinating look at what could have been.

Walt Disney's Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show (1957) Happy Anniversary Mouseketeers and Mickey Mouse
Walt Disney’s Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show (1957) Happy Anniversary Mouseketeers and Mickey Mouse

A Time Capsule of Disneyland in 1957

This television special serves as a time capsule of the 1950s Disney era. With nostalgia, live interaction, and forward-thinking excitement, it captures Walt’s spirit better than almost anything else. Watching it today gives fans insight into the heart of Disneyland—and Walt’s ever-present desire to keep moving forward.

More Wonderful World of Disney. Tricks of the Trade (1957). 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.  After Dark Disneyland 1963.  Disneyland Showtime 1970.

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