(1955—Present) BACKSTORY: The Opera House was an integral part to many Main Streets back in the day. All of the gas lamp posts on Main Street are original turn-of-the century fixtures that were bought for the park. Even the posts that hold up the awning for the Opera House originated as street lamps; the 2 middle posts had their lights removed in 1973 for the addition of the “Walt Disney Story” sign.
In 1961, The Opera House opened up to guests with a display of the actual movie sets from the popular Disney musical, “Babes in Toyland,” starring Annette Funicello. The sets on display included Mother Goose Square, The Toy Factory, and Forest of No Return. From 1963–1964, The Opera House served as the “Mickey Mouse Club Headquarters.” Young guests could sign-up and receive an official membership card.
“Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers for the State of Illinois Pavilion at the 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair and featured the world's first fully animated human Audio-Animatronics figure. Kevin Kidney gave me this great tidbit: “The internal plans for Mr. Lincoln’s animatronics were drafted by Bob Gurr. He has an original blueprint, and the Disney Family Museum had a copy made. One doesn't immediately think of Bob when it comes to Mr. Lincoln (since his vehicles usually get the spotlight) but Bob designed most of the original Lincoln figure ‘workings.’” The show made its Disneyland debut in the Main Street Opera House on July 18, 1965. It featured an incredibly life-like Audio-Animatronic recreation of President Lincoln that recited the Gettysburg Address to amazed guests.
Next door to the Opera House is the Disney Gallery. |
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