The "D" Ticket - Part 1 the 1950's

"How was that trip on the space shuttle?", "It was a "D" ticket ride!" Well, it could have happened that way. For a few years in the late 1950's, the "D" Ticket was the top of the line ticket at Disneyland. The first tickets sold in books in 1955 were just ABC (well, technically as we learned in the "A" series posts, the very first tickets sold in books had no letters at all).

Since so many new attractions were already being added by the summer of 1956, in the second half of that year the ticket book letters were increased to include the "D" ticket. The "D" ticket would remain Top Dog only until June of 1959.

Here is the first "D" ticket it's from late 1956. (scan courtesy of www. keeline.com, I wish I had this ticket!!!) Surprisingly, there are Seven attractions on this ticket that are still at Disneyland today. Lots of "Rainbow" stuff here, too much fun. Check out this YouTube Video, make sure and see part two also.

Now for some JUMBO fun! This "D" ticket is from late 1957, looks like not much changed in just one year. However, notice the SF&D in Frontierland isn't the "SF&D Freight Train" anymore, it's the "SF&D Railroad Trains" now... I guess people really didn't like riding around like cattle. I personally would have loved to ride in one of the fully open cars, can you imagine the slides you could have taken from there!!!

By late 1958 we see the addition of the Tomorrowland SF&D Railroad station, and the Sailing Ship Columbia has joined the Rivers of America. This ticket actually has Nine attractions still operating at Disneyland! I guess when I get sad about the People Mover or America Sings being gone, I should look on the bright side, all these great attractions are still there to enjoy!

Sorry for this next blurry image (it's from http://www.keeline.com/, thank you keeline, at least you have something for me to show, much appreciation!).. This is a June 1959 "D" Ticket. Since the "E" Ticket was introduced at this this time, there was a major realignment of the attractions on the lettered tickets. Almost everything on the 1958 "C" ticket ended up on this 1959 "D" ticket (no longer the Top Dog) Several of these attractions will get downgraded to the "C" ticket in the early 1960's

Since we took a look at Knott's individual ride tickets yesterday, lets look at one of Disneylands early individual ride tickets. I don't have a date on this, but I am sure it's from the first couple years the park was open. Great art work, the Mark Twain looks ready to board. Cool low serial number....

Tomorrow we will take an in depth look at The "D" Ticket - Part 2 the early 1960's.