The magic of Disneyland grew exponentially on June 15, 1959, during what many now call “The Second Opening of Disneyland.” That day, the ABC special Kodak Presents Disneyland ’59 brought viewers behind the scenes of Walt Disney’s biggest expansion since the park opened in 1955.
Walt Disney himself, joined by longtime friend and Disneyland opening day host Art Linkletter, welcomed viewers with a nostalgic reflection on the park’s first four years. They highlighted how far Disneyland had come in such a short time—and what was coming next.
The Second Opening of Disneyland
The 1959 expansion was monumental. Disneyland added three brand-new attractions that would become icons in their own right: the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System, and the Submarine Voyage. Each addition represented cutting-edge innovation and Imagineering at its best.
At the D23 Expo in recent years, this moment in Disneyland history received renewed attention. The 1959 additions weren’t just new rides—they were revolutionary. The Monorail introduced a futuristic mode of transportation, the Submarine Voyage took guests under the sea, and the Matterhorn became the first tubular steel roller coaster in the world.
Star-Studded Celebration
The televised special captured the energy and excitement of the occasion. A grand parade filled Main Street, U.S.A., with music, dance, and celebrity guests. U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and his family joined Walt Disney to launch the Submarine Voyage officially. U.S. Navy officers helped christen the attraction, blending American pride with Disney storytelling.
Other famous faces in the crowd included Clint Eastwood—years before his cowboy fame—and Meredith Willson, who led the Disneyland Band in a rousing rendition of his musical masterpiece, “76 Trombones.” The event perfectly blended Hollywood, patriotism, and innovation in true Disney style.
The Legacy of 1959
More than six decades later, the 1959 expansion still holds a special place in Disneyland’s legacy. The Monorail glides above the park, the Matterhorn still sends guests down its snowy slopes, and Submarine Voyage lives on today with a Finding Nemo retheme. This wasn’t just another day at Disneyland—it was a defining moment in theme park history.
