On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim, California, and summer vacations haven’t been the same since. It’s estimated that almost two billion people have since visited Disney theme parks in the United States to experience the special kind of magic that only Walt Disney could conjure up. In honor of the park’s 70th anniversary, let's look at some of the unexpected records the National Archives holds that are related to Walt Disney and the imaginary worlds and characters he created.

Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse
NAID: 7741408

Walt Disney responds to a letter from Eleanor Roosevelet she wrote in January 1934 suggesting that he make an animated film based on the story of the children’s book character Struwwelpeter (Slovenly Peter).

Walt Disney’s letter to Eleanor Roosevelt
NAID: 519768047

In January 1955, Conrad Wirth, Director of the National Park Service, wrote to Walt Disney inquiring about the possibility of working on a television show together. Disney mentions the forthcoming opening of Disneyland in his response.

Correspondence with Walt Disney Productions, 1955-56
NAID: 1167261

In 1959, then-Vice President Richard Nixon attended the opening ceremony for Disneyland’s new ride Nautilus. Watch the video.

Christening of the Nautilus, Disneyland, Anaheim, California
NAID: 81801

Richard Nixon and his family prepare to ride the Monorail at Disneyland
NAID: 16916139

In an act of Disney diplomacy, Walt Disney welcomed Begum Liaquat Ali Khan, wife of Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, during a visit to the United States in May 1950.

Begum Liaquat Ali Khan visiting with Walt Disney
NAID: 350287507

The Walt Disney Company has often created artwork and videos for the U.S. military and government-sponsored public relations campaigns.

This insignia was for the 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which was activated in 1942 and which served in various training and combat roles from bomber to air defense missions. Its longest continuous service was from 1953 to 1991, during which it operated in Europe as part of NATO’s air defense. It later transitioned to a tactical fighter mission.

Approved insignia for the 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Note: © Walt Disney Productions, World Rights Reserved, modified version by Sandra B. Gillen
NAID: 6425690

The Corsair Fleet insignia, designed by Walt Disney for the U.S. Coast Guard, features a one-eyed duck armed with pistols, a sword, and a dagger on a wooden ship, symbolizing the fleet's wooden vessels used to patrol for Nazi submarines. It was warmly received by the sailors and adopted as a semi-official emblem of the unit.

Donald Duck, Disney
NAID: 205576022

In the 1940s, Disney created "prevent forest fires" posters featuring familiar characters like Bambi and Thumper to support wartime conservation efforts. The posters were widely distributed to raise public awareness about wildfire prevention.

Please, mister, don't be careless. Prevent forest fires—greater danger than ever.
NAID: 515187

Victory Through Air Power (Video)
NAID: 69252

In 1988, Nancy Regan left her mark on Disney World. Notice the plaque announcing the upcoming opening of the Disney MGM park in 1989.

Nancy Reagan’s Trip to Orlando Florida, Attending a Foster Grandparent’s Event at Walt Disney World, and Putting Her Hands into Concrete
NAID: 75856161

Even the National Archives joined the fun when Antoinette Spitzer of the Walt Disney organization attended a screening of Saludos Amigos at the National Archives Building with Captain John S. Bradley, Chief of the Motion Pictures Division of the National Archives.

Photograph of Preview of Saludos Amigos
NAID: 74229161