The Lost Land

Disney History 6

Did you ever hear the one about Holidayland?  After the initial build, Walt asked around what people might be interested in.  A gold plated picnic grounds area was one of thing people wanted.   Thus a turn of the century 9 acre picnic grounds area was created, and was quite popular for Corporate Events.  At least for a time…..



Credit: Duchess of Disneyland

Essentially, this is the area corporations used when having a special day at Disneyland.   Large corporations used to pay for passes in bulk and people would have a day at Disney.  The park wasn’t open 7 days a week like today and these large corporations were able to get the park to themselves for their employees and families for the day.

Often referred to as the Lost Land, Holidayland had baseball fields, playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoes and the largest candy striped picnic tent (repurposed Mickey Mouse Club circus tent).   Disney Legend Milt Albright was the opening day manager of Holiday Land.   Disneyland Secrets, Stories and Magic (available on YouTube) covers briefly with Milt about Holidayland with some video snip-its.  He jokes of having the honor (or dishonor in his words) of being the manager of the only land that failed!  No reflection on you Milt, you’re a Disney Legend!


Credit:  Disney Wiki Fandom



No real shade, no restrooms in the area, and no lights contributed to the demise of this land.  Holidayland only lasted about 4 years (6/1957 to 9/1961), but the legend of the Lost Land resides in the memories of the Disneyphiles everywhere.   Today, the land is used for facilities, and even parts of the Haunted Mansion resides on where Holidayland was.   I wonder if the ghost of Holidayland resides within the Haunted Mansion?  Hmmmm, I smell pie…….

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By dngnb8
dngnb8 is one of our contributors to D-COT and helps provide some very interesting historical info as well as the latest official Disney news.

6 Comments

  1. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh wow! I have NEVER heard of this land! How awesome! I love learning new Disney things!!!! :cool:

  2. Agree. I have learned a new Disney fact today. This is coooool!

  3. This definitely sounds like an area that was built specifically for company picnics. How awesome would it be if it was still around?!

  4. I never knew this! I’m glad they don’t close Disneyland or WDW periodically to rent it out to corporations! :surprised:

  5. I never knew either !! How interesting :)

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