An Unofficial History of "The Official Magazine for Magic Kingdom Club Families"
Disney News and Disney Magazine

In the Fall of 1966, my parents received their very first issue of Disney News, the "Official Magazine of Magic Kingdom Club Families."  On the cover were Dean Jones and Yvette Mimieux, stars of Disney's then soon to be released movie Monkey's Go Home.  Inside were articles about shopping at Disneyland, the dedication of It's a Small World and how the Disney Studio transported a life size Audio Animatronics T-rex across L.A. freeways to be installed at Disneyland's Primeval World.  To me this was a piece of Disney magic sent four times a year--magic that I learned to treasure from growing up with Disney movies, Disney TV shows and countless summer vacations at Disneyland.  When our first issue hit the mailbox, I didn't understand all the words (I was only 4), but I loved the pictures--Walt, Disneyland, all the far off places Disney reached.  It was 16 pages of delight.

Over 40 years later, I still have that issue--along with every other issue of Disney News (later Disney Magazine) that was ever published.  It's my pleasure to share this collection with you.

This website is very much a work in progress.  On its pages you'll find the cover of every Disney News/Disney Magazine released from Winter 1965-66 until Summer 2005 when, to the chagrin of many loyal Disney fans, Disney Magazine suddenly ceased publication.  As time goes by, I'll add summaries of each issue until all 159 are accounted for.  I'll also be adding a tribute page (or two) to the late, great Magic Kingdom Club, Disney's former discount program for employers, recreation departments and the military.  What will remain when I'm finished is a unique history of the Disney organization during some of its most exciting and tumultuous times--from the last year of Walt Disney's life, to the opening of Walt Disney World, the resurgence of Disney animation in the late 1980's and early 1990's, the opening of parks in Tokyo and Paris, the broadening of Disney's media empire and, finally, to the celebration of Disneyland's 50th anniversary in 2005.  Of course, this will all be from the Disney perspective.  Don't expect to read anything about the rise and fall of Michael Eisner or the dismantling of the Disney animation division.  For that matter, you won't read anything about the death of Walt Disney--Disney News never mentioned it (more on that later). 

The wheels may grind slowly as I update each issue--I plan on maintaining a life during this project--so please bear with me.  I promise it'll be worth the wait for both of us.  Thanks.

This site won't succeed, of course, without your comments, suggestions and fond remembrances.  Please take the time to share your memories on my blog or just drop me a line.  Facebook users, join my Disney News Archive group.  Just click "Group" on your Facebook applications toolbar and search "Disney News Archive."  I'd love to hear from you.

Take care,
Tim C.

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