On this day 50 years ago, America Sings opened its doors to Disneyland visitors, ushering in a new era of musical entertainment. Located in Anaheim, California, the attraction delighted audiences from 1974 to 1988 with a charming cast of Audio-Animatronics animals. These mechanical performers serenaded guests with songs spanning various periods in America’s musical history, often adding a touch of humor to the experience.
A New Chapter in Disneyland’s History
America Sings debuted on June 29, 1974, taking over from the General Electric-sponsored Carousel of Progress. The latter had relocated to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1973. Utilizing the same Carousel Theater structure, America Sings featured an outer ring of six theaters revolving around six fixed stages. This mechanical rotation occurred approximately every four minutes, creating a dynamic viewing experience for attendees.
In a departure from its predecessor, America Sings rotated counterclockwise and only utilized the lower level of the Carousel Theater. The upper level later housed the SuperSpeed Tunnel in 1977, which transformed into the Game Grid from the 1982 film Tron.
Innovative Entertainment and Design
The creative minds behind America Sings, Marc Davis and Al Bertino, crafted a unique show. The attraction’s hosts, Sam the American bald eagle and Ollie the owl, guided audiences through each act. Voiced by Burl Ives and Sam Edwards respectively, these characters added a narrative thread to the show. The character designs were all credited to Davis, distinct from the Sam the Olympic Eagle created for the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Theatrical Acts with a Historical Twist
Mirroring the structure of the Carousel of Progress, America Sings started and ended with scenes dedicated to loading and unloading guests. The remaining four acts took audiences on a journey through different musical eras. Each transition between acts featured a blackout and a star-lit theater as Sam introduced the upcoming era with a rendition of “Yankee Doodle.”
Adding a recurring element of surprise, the Weasel character would appear in each act, exclaiming “Pop, Goes the Weasel!” This happened five times throughout the show, with a final twist at the end, changing the line to “Goodbye, Goes the Weasel!”
A Nod to Disney’s Past and Future
The characters in America Sings were inspired by concept art from an unfinished Disney project, Chanticleer. This connection to Disney’s broader creative history added another layer of depth to the attraction.
Legacy of America Sings
While America Sings closed in 1988, its impact on Disneyland and its visitors remains significant. It marked a period of innovation in entertainment, blending technology with storytelling in a way that captivated audiences. The attraction’s blend of historical music and humorous performances left a lasting legacy in the annals of Disneyland history.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of America Sings, we remember an era of imaginative entertainment that continues to inspire the magic of Disneyland.