Uploaded April 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Before New Orleans Square, Disneyland's Frontierland certainly had its fair share of southern charm. From the sparkling Rivers of America, to the Mark Twain River Boat, and, of course, the Aunt Jemima’s Pancake House. Eventually, Walt came to realize that a historical New Orleans type background would make the perfect backdrop for a few new attractions his WED Imagineers were planning for the Park. New Orleans Square was born and on it’s opening day, July 24, 1966, Walt Disney and the mayor of the real New Orleans were on-hand to present the first additional “land” to Disneyland. Hear the rare recording of Walt Disney as he opens New Orleans Square. Disney Avenue would like to thank Steve Privitera for the audio recording of Walt Disney's opening day speech. Please visit disneyavenue.com for more Disney history.
Before New Orleans Square, Disneyland's Frontierland certainly had its fair share of southern charm. From the sparkling Rivers of America, to the Mark Twain River Boat, and, of course, the Aunt Jemima’s Pancake House. Eventually, Walt came to realize that a historical New Orleans type background would make the perfect backdrop for a few new attractions his WED Imagineers were planning for the Park. New Orleans Square was born and on it’s opening day, July 24, 1966, Walt Disney and the mayor of the real New Orleans were on-hand to present the first additional “land” to Disneyland. Hear the rare recording of Walt Disney as he opens New Orleans Square. Disney Avenue would like to thank Steve Privitera for the audio recording of Walt Disney's opening day speech. Please visit disneyavenue.com for more Disney history.
