Disneyland’s 70th Celebration officially kicked off on Friday, May 16th. Among the many magical moments offered at Walt’s original Magic Kingdom were a series of MagicBand+ interactions. At three locations, guests can tap their bands and receive free souvenir cards representing attractions from Disneyland’s opening day in 1955.
One of these is the Disneyland Railroad. In Frontierland, guests receive a “first class fare” ticket, complete with a woodcut-style illustration of engine #1, the C.K. Holliday.
On opening day in 1955, the attraction was called the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad. The name was shortened to just Disneyland Railroad in 1974, after the Santa Fe ceased passenger train operations. Under its original name, guests during the park’s opening years could receive a souvenir folder with the complete Santa Fe route map inside.
The “New Circle Route around Disneyland” was originally traveled by just two engines, the C. K. Holliday, and engine #2, the E.P. Ripley. Although there are no more brochures, the route around the park is commemorated to this day in the spiel that played as guests depart from Main Street Station: “Welcome aboard the Disneyland Railroad. We’re embarking on a grand circle tour of the Magic Kingdom.”
And if you stay on for the complete trip around the park, as you pull back into Main Street Station, you are congratulated with the following: “I’d especially like to thank those of you who’ve been with me for the grand circle tour of Disneyland.”
What, you may ask, does all of this have to do with identifying the first “rare” card offered at the MagicBand+ Interactions? Look closely at the card that was issued starting on the first day of the promotion. Then look at the card that has appeared starting the weekend of June 7-8.
There is a difference, and one that was evident to Disneyland rail fans who had frankly, kicked up a bit of a fuss when the first cards appeared. You see, the original card stated, “Enjoy a Grand Central Tour on the Disneyland Railroad.” But historically, the Santa Fe and Disneyland, as well as its successor, have offered a Grand Circle Tour.
We will never know if the change was made in response to some good-natured complaining by fans. But we do know that the cards issued in the first three weeks of the 70th celebration just became a lot more rare. Did you manage to get one of them? And will you be getting the companion card?
