Disneyland

Version “B” of the scarce first edition Disneyland souvenir map.

This uncommon souvenir map of Disneyland was created by the talented Imagineer Sam McKim and published in Anaheim by Walt Disney Productions in 1958 – the third year of operation for Disneyland. Notably, this was the first year that Disney began selling the now-iconic poster maps in the park. This is the less rare “B” variant. Its image has been updated to including forthcoming attractions for the 1959 season, including the Matterhorn and the Monorail.

Dozens of other locations of interest are illustrated and labeled throughout the image. A key in the lower right notes the symbols used for police, first aid, telephones, restrooms, future developments, and rides & attractions. Of note are several now-closed activities like the Indian Village and Indian War Canoes, 20,000 Leagues Exhibit (a walkthrough of the 1954 film), and Crane Company’s Bathroom of Tomorrow. Also of interest is the ‘lost’ land of Disney – Holidayland – visible to the west of the park.

The map is surrounded by an orange border containing portraits of some of Disney’s most iconic characters. An invitation from the park’s creator, Walt Disney, can be seen in the lower right. “Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America…with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.

Sources: Van Eaton Galleries; Sacramento State University