Anaheim, CA - For decades travelers along Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim were greeted by the marquee for the "Happiest Place on Earth," Disneyland. Even after a change to a larger, "more improved" sign in the late '80's, guests were treated to a hearty welcome as they entered the parking lot. After all, who could miss this grand Disneyland sign? Before the castle, the train station, or even the ticket booths came into view, this was the roadside welcome that said the day had arrived.

Disneyland Marquee Second Generation
Anaheim, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Who could miss it? Among Anaheim’s motels, restaurants, and other signs competing for attention, Disneyland’s marquee had a destination all its own to advertise. For children watching from the back seat, spotting those letters could make the remaining distance to the entrance seem especially long.

The first large Harbor Boulevard marquee went up in 1958, three years after Disneyland opened. Its name stretched across individual illuminated panels, with a prominent capital “D” and a reader board announcing operating hours, special events, and attractions. The messages originally required someone to change the letters by hand, a practical bit of work behind an otherwise magical welcome.

In 1989, that familiar display gave way to a larger replacement. The new marquee brought computerized messages, animated graphics, and color-changing fiber-optic effects to the entrance. It was a different look, but the promise remained the same. Disneyland was still right beyond the sign, with a parking space and a tram ride standing between arriving guests and Main Street.

Disneyland Marquee Removal
Anaheim, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

At night, the marquee became an attraction before the attractions. Its bright lettering and changing messages supplied a final burst of roadside advertising before motorists left Harbor Boulevard behind. Even on a drive past without a park visit planned, there was something reassuring about seeing the familiar name still glowing over the entrance.

Then the parking lot began giving way to a much larger resort. Disney California Adventure would occupy much of the old sea of cars, while Downtown Disney, new parking arrangements, and pedestrian approaches changed how visitors arrived. The big marquee belonged to an entrance that was disappearing along with the landscape behind it.

Disneyland Sign (Removed)
Anaheim, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Well those days have come and gone. On Tuesday, June 15th, the end came as a crane was brought over and workers removed the huge Disneyland sign. Was the sign removed to comply with recent city legislation against the signage of yesteryear? Or is Disney just planning to create a new entrance for its Disneyland/California Adventure theme parks? Either way, the old familiar sign off Harbor Blvd. is now a part of our past.

In mid-June 1999, a crane arrived and workers lowered the Disneyland lettering from its perch. The roadside welcome that had existed in two forms for more than forty years was coming apart. This was part of the resort’s transformation, rather than simply an old sign being replaced with another version in the same spot.

For those accustomed to looking for it along Harbor Boulevard, the empty space was a noticeable change. The sign had never required an admission ticket to enjoy. It was part of Anaheim’s roadside scenery, shared by park guests, nearby motel visitors, and people simply passing through.

Disneyland Marquee (2nd Generation)
1989 - 1999
Anaheim, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

UPDATE: The old marquee was auctioned off in December 2001 for a sum greater than $25k. The marquee and a sign from the old Tomorrow Land were some of the first pieces featured on Disney's eBay auction page. Many thanks to Jordin Lee Peters for update on the fate of Disneyland marquee. 04-02

UPDATE: The marquee’s lettering found a second life through Disney’s online auction program. Actor and Disney collector John Stamos purchased a set of the letters for $30,700 in 2000, later displaying the enormous “D” at his home. He explained in a subsequent interview that he owned the remaining letters too, although they were not all displayed together. The complete Harbor Boulevard marquee is gone, but a recognizable part of its welcome survived beyond the old parking lot. 10-26

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