America Sings Disneyland 1974-1988 audio/pictorial tribute

This is my audio/pictorial tribute for America Sings at Disneyland. This show is 50 years old as of yesterday, happy birthday! This was a show in the Carousel Theater, formerly Carousel of Progress, which features 115 audio animatronic animals singing famous American songs from the first 200 years of our history. It was made to celebrate the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence in 1976 and American music in a fun and whimsical way, although it opened 2 years early in 1974. It was designed by the great Marc Davis, one of Walt's nine Old Men, who also designed much of Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Country Bear Jamboree, Jungle Cruise, and parts of it's a small world, Carousel of Progress, Nature's Wonderland, & Enchanted Tiki Room. This was the final Marc Davis attraction to open at Disneyland, because very unfortunately, his wonderful & elaborate plan for Western River Expedition at WDW was indefinitely delayed around the time this opened due to the energy crisis and changing priorities of Disney executives. However, he did consult on the Tokyo versions of his attractions that opened in 1983, & even briefly returned to Imagineering for EPCOT Centers World of Motion (1982-96). Many of these audio animatronics survived in another iconic attraction for decades after America Sings closed. Disneyland's Splash Mountain reused a large amount of them as supporting characters from 1989 until 2023. One of the geese was also removed early in 1986, had its skin removed, and became a droid in the Star Tours queue where it can still be seen today. This show took us through four periods of American music. A jazzy version of Stars & Stripes was at the beginning and end. First, Sam Eagle and Olie Owl sang Yankee Doodle and explained the show. The first was the old South of the early 1800's, featuring songs like My Old Kentucky Home, Polly Wolly Doodle, & Down by the Riverside. Next was the Old West of the 1800's, with songs like I've Been Working on the Railroad, The Old Chisholm Trail, The End of Billy the Kid, & Home of the Range. Next was the Gay 1890's, with songs like After the Ball, The Old Gray Mare, Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage, and Ta-ra-ra-Boom-de-ay. The last period was the modern times of the 1910's-1970's, with songs ranging from Singin in the Rain, See You Later Alligator, Twistin USA, and Joy to the World. Lastly we head into a theater just like the first one, where Sam and Ollie sing Your Old Acquaintance Be Forgot. I hope you enjoy this!
I do not own any of the audio or images used in this video. All audio is owned by Disney, and all images are owned by their respective owners.
0:00 Entrance
1:53 Yankee Doodle
3:15 Old South
7:13 Heading West
11:09 Gay 1890’s/Turn of the 20th Century
15:07 Modern Times (1910’s-1970’s)
19:50 Conclusion

[@cayoooga]

I loved America Sings and went on it multiple times each visit to Disneyland. In my mind I can hear "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with the audience clapping along when the theater rotated to the next scene. Also loved "America on Parade". The 1970's was my favorite decade at Disneyland.

[@benjaminroberson1924]

I love 1970's Disneyland too

[@AXander1978]

OMG YES!!! THIS IS A PERFECT TRIBUTE!!! I cannot believe I was old enough to remember this TG and that it lasted as long as it did!

[@benjaminroberson1924]

It definitely looks like a masterpiece. Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@lightningforesthd3446]

Where did you get this audio from? The Disneyland archive files?

[@benjaminroberson1924]

DisneyChris.com

[@elimalot6295]

HAPPY BELATED 50TH ANNIVERSARY AMERICA SINGS! Sad the animatronics did not make it after Splash Mountain closed

[@benjaminroberson1924]

Very sad indeed