If Walt had lived another five years or so, do you think Disneyland would be any different? He was on such a roll up until he died. Throughout 1962-67, he brought in the Tiki Room, a New Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Theehouse, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Plaza Inn, New Orleans Square, it’s a Small World, Fantasy on Parade, Mr. Lincoln, Primeval World and the New Tomorrowland with seven new attractions. The momentum just never stopped, only up until his death.
I don’t know if anything would have changed but I do think Haunted Mansion would have been a bit different and I think Walt would have been convinced to change it to a ride through instead of his walkthrough idea. As for Space Mountain, it didn’t initially get its New Tomorrowland ‘67 debut with the Flying Saucers beneath it but I think it would’ve opened up a hell of a lot earlier than 1977. If you look at this map I’ve attached which was from Fall/Winter of ‘66, only a few months before Walt passed, it shows that a phase 2 was planned with Space Mountain opening in ‘68 with other rides and exhibits (not sure if this was referring to the Saucers and something else). And what of the Country Bear Jamboree? That probably would’ve debuted by 69’ or 70’ because Walt would’ve put an end to the bad publicity they were receiving for the Mineral King ski resort project and it would’ve probably been in Frontierland instead of closing down the Indian Village.
What other attractions besides the ones that eventually came after his death would have debuted at the park? Would the WDW/EPCOT project have just put a hold on anything Disneyland related being added or did Walt want to keep the momentum going for the park after Tomorrowland and Pirates opened followed by the still yet to open hollow building of Haunted Mansion?
I would love to hear you’re thoughts and opinions…..
