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Did you know that guests used to be able to fly directly into Disneyland Resort from a California airport? The service transported hundreds, if not thousands, of Disney Park guests until it shut down following multiple tragic accidents.
TikTok user @mainstreetmagic1971 recently shared this video showcasing the history of the Disneyland Heliport, which served its final guests in 1972:
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“Disneyland is famous for showcasing many modes of transportation, from the turn of the century steam train to the Autopia cars and the former People Mover to the sleek Monorail gliding as the highway in the sky,” the TikToker began. “…Disneyland has had about every option covered, except for flying to the park, right? Well, what if I told you that you can do that–or at least, used to be able to?”
The TikToker explained that the original Disneyland Heliport opened in 1956. Guests could take a Los Angeles Airways-operated helicopter flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to a landing pad just outside the Disneyland Railroad tracks near Tomorrowland. The Sikorsky S55 helicopter carried up to 12 Disneyland Resort guests.
Credit: Chippycheeky, Flickr
“Just one year after opening, the original Heliport location closed due to the Disneyland Railroad being expanded outwards toward Harbor Boulevard to give Tomorrowland and the park more room to grow into,” the TikToker continued. “A new Heliport was built in 1957, with service continuing in that same S55 helicopter.”
In 1960, Disneyland Resort again moved the Heliport to the site of a former orange grove near the Disneyland Hotel. Later, Los Angeles Airways upgraded the S55 helicopter to the Sikorsky S61L, increasing its capacity to 28 guests. Troubles began shortly after that.
“[Disneyland Heliport] was only able to turn a profit due to government subsidies and an Air Mail contract, despite its popularity with guests,” the TikToker explained.
Credit: Robert J. Boser
In 1968, tragedy struck. On May 22, a helicopter departing Disneyland Resort issued a distress signal and crashed into a dairy farm. All 20 Disney Park guests and three Los Angeles Airways crew members on board died.
“That tragedy was the deadliest U.S. helicopter crash at the time,” the TikToker said. “Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the last crash on the Disneyland helicopter route.”
Months later, on August 16, 1968, a helicopter leaving Disneyland Resort suffered a “massive mechanical failure.” It crashed, instantly killing 18 Disneyland Resort guests and three Los Angeles Airway crew members.
Credit: @justinscarred via TikTok
Disneyland Heliport ceased operations until an official investigation into the crashes was complete. Regular service continued until 1971, when Los Angeles Airways went bankrupt. Golden West Airlines took over the route in 1972 but shut it down five months later.
The Disneyland Heliport service has never returned to Southern California. All three landing and takeoff locations were demolished, now housing Disneyland parking tram pickup and dropoff sites and Downtown Disney parking lots.
What’s your favorite way to travel to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort? Share it with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
These people will do such horrific things for body parts, you are all sickening and duscusting.
Have not been there since my son was 6 he is now 45. Disneyland basically abandoned us with their excessive costs and dumping our favorite sites. We will never be able to afford it like those who use their rent money for park admission. We prefer Knotts since they have free military days and respect us with flag ceremonies and let us know we are appreciated. Walt would never gouge us like his successors. My family all worked but used their money to provide for their kids and found other ways to benefit their kids. The current owners should be ashamed esp in the current economy. Esp with our current and future economy so corrupt.
Either by resort bus or my sister’s rental car. It’s the best way to travel to the Disney World park entrance/exit. I intend on using it next time I return for another visit.
My father used then Disneyland helicopter frequently between LAX and the Disneyland hotel. I used to drive down from Whittier to pick him up.
Los Angeles Airways had five fatal accidents between 1949 and 1968, an abysmal safety record.
My brother and I both won a trip to Disneyland including the helicopter ride. It flew out of Newport Dunes, Newport Beach. The first crash happened just 2 weeks after we flew. We were only 11 and 13 and won the tickets by selling subscriptions to the Santa Ana Register.
How many other past tragedies do you plan to repackage as today’s news?