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| (Nov. 25, 1955—Sept. 7, 1956 ) BACKSTORY: When The Mickey Mouse Club wrapped up filming of the first season, the Mouseketeers remaining with the show were sent to perform in 2 huge circus tents on the fringe of Fantasyland. Opening November 25, 1955, they gave two 75 min. performances a day, including Christmas and New Year’s. Ted DeWayne, whose acrobatic troupe performed on the Mickey Mouse Club's first Circus Day episode, coordinated the circus acts, while the shows were staged by Hal Adelquist. Jimmie Dodd was the Ringmaster, Roy Williams the Strongman, and Bob Amsberry played Bob-O the Clown. The Mouseketeers (and some of their moms) performed in a variety of roles, including clowns, “wild” animals, aerialists, and took part in the grand parade. Walt Disney loved circuses but unfortunately, guests preferred to see the other more unique attractions. On January 8, 1956 the circus closed from lack of attendance. At some point, the Gil Gray Circus was affiliated with the Disneyland MMC Circus; whether it was from the inception or whether they filled in after the MMC Circus left is unclear. From Feb. 19, 1956—Sept. 7, 1956, Prof. George J. Keller and his Ferocious Felines performed in the tents that eventually found their way out to Holidayland. Many thanks to Lonnie Burr who helped correct some of the id’s below! Most photos available for purchase as enlargements; email your request. To view photos, allow popups in your web browser & click thumbnails below. |
Mouseketeer Lonnie Burr remembers the MMC Circus: |
) Being a pro since '48, my focus was doing the work and making sure I did not hurt one of the girls. We did the costume parade at the top of the show; changed costumes and did a safer “flying act” - the boys swung a short ladder that was perpendicular and lifted after the Mouse girls got on. While swinging back and forth, the girls did a routine of balletic poses.We were also in a parade on Main Street opening day at Disneyland, which was our first TV appearance before the series premiere on Oct. 3, 1955. We did a dance/vocal number outside the MMC Theatre in Fantasyland that also showed our first roll call. Some were in the Ears outfit, and some (like me) were in Talent-Roundup cowboy duds. There was no time to ride any of the attractions on opening day; we were working! Thanks to Lonnie for taking the time to share his memories of the Circus & Opening Day. Check out his website to learn about the rest of his distinguished career: www.mouseketeerlonnieburr.com |
Holidayland |
| (June 16, 1957—Fall 1961) BACKSTORY: Holidayland was a 9 acre picnic area located along the western edge of the park, near the area that is now New Orleans Square; often referred to as the “lost” land of Disneyland. Holidayland had its own admission gate and could hold up to 7,000 guests. Catering to corporations, unions, and big companies, it had playgrounds, horseshoes, baseball field, volleyball, “the world's largest candy-striped circus tent” and other activities. It also had food and concession stands, which included the sale of Beer. Meals were catered by the Red Wagon Inn, although you could bring your own food into the area as well. Admission into Holidayland DIDN’T include admission into Disneyland. This changed when sales began to sag; groups were able to add admission into Disneyland as an option when purchasing tickets to Holidayland. An additional entrance into Disneyland was created that actually crossed over the tracks of the DLRR in Frontierland. The sale of beer to those who bought tickets into Disneyland was quickly curtailed once the drunks proved that wasn’t a good option! It closed in 1961 due to its lack of shade, nighttime lighting, restrooms (which became a problem with the amount of beer consumed!), and alleged lack of Disney “flavor.” According to Milt Albright, Holidayland's manager, “It wasn’t any one thing that killed Holidayland. It was just the combined effect of a whole lot of things.” Today, Holidayland is a parking lot for employees. The Haunted Mansion stands where the circus tent used to be and Pirates of the Caribbean takes up the baseball field. Most photos available for purchase as enlargements; email your request. To view photos, allow popups in your web browser & click thumbnails below. |
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