November 13th 2025, was member preview night for The Walt Disney Family Museum’s newest special exhibit The Happiest Place on Earth, celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. Guest curator, Disney Legend Don Hahn, who co-wrote The Happiest Place on Earth (2025) was on hand for a special curator talk where he discussed early Disneyland history, writing the book and his favorite parts of the special exhibition.

The Happiest Place on Earth exhibit is located in the museums Lower Lobby and Theater Galleries. On exhibit Nov 14, 2025–May 2026. Scroll down for a photo tour of some of the exhibit displays.

Early Inspiration

Park Concept Maps

Renié Conley’s Costume Designs –

One of the interesting facts Don Hahn mentioned in his talk: Walt Disney hired Renié Conley to design costumes for Disneyland. Renié Conley won an Oscar for her work on the film Cleopatra (1963).

One of the interactive displays I noticed. Scan the QR code on the display to listen to Jennifer’s birdcage.

Wagon designed by Imagineer-Disney Legend Rolly Crump for The Museum of the Weird attraction.

Disney Legend – Wally Boag‘s bag and tricks/jokes/gags.

Interactive map – Played a Jungle Cruise arcade game on the screen.

A few photos from the Museum Gift Shop

Limited Edition Print by the artist Shag “The Happiest Place”

Curator Talk with Disney Legend Don Hahn – November 13 – 2025

Mr. Hahn started his talk with a question famous Imagineer Tony Baxter asked him.

“Why another book about Disneyland?”

Don Hahn’s answer: He wanted to give us “Images not seen and stories not heard.”

Some of the interesting things noted in the presentation:

• Fort Collins, Colorado may have been an influence for Harper Goff’s Main Street drawings.
• Walt Disney and Ward Kimball traveled to the Chicago Railroad Fair 1948. The Fair may have been an influence for the thought/dream of Disneyland.
• Urban Legend Debunked? The legend that ladies spiked heels were sinking into the asphalt and the temperature was over 100 degrees opening day of Disneyland. The asphalt was done July 13, 1955 (it takes 48-72 for it dry/cure). The High temperature on July 17, 1955 in Anaheim was 86 degrees.
• Walt Disney’s daughter, Sharon was in the Disney movie Johnny Tremain.
• Doritos were born at Disneyland
• Along with Wally Boag’s bag and Rolly Crump’s Museum of the Weird wagon, Don pointed out a vitamin pill box on display. These used to be given out at the pharmacy on Main Street U.S.A.

After the curator talk guests received autographs from co-authors of The Happiest Place on Earth – Disney Legend Don Hahn & Christopher Merritt and a Happiest Place on Earth cookie.

A fun evening learning about early Disneyland history, great stories told by a Disney Legend. If you are in the San Francisco, California – Bay Area I recommend visiting The Walt Disney Family Museum and checking their calendar for upcoming special events.

Thanks to Caroline Quinn and The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Curator Talk/Event and Don Hahn Photos by Frank Anzalone. Courtesy of The Walt Disney Family Museum.