Disney Park Updates Map to Include New Themed Land

For both die-hard Passholders and new visitors alike, maps are a staple of the Disney Parks realm. In addition to helping first-time Guests through wayfinding, a physical map of a Disney Park can serve as both a fun, free souvenir and an enticing advertisement for all the best experiences, eateries, and entertainment the theme park has to offer. All in all, a park map is essential to planning one’s Disney Parks trip.

The official Disneyland map has a long and storied history. The first Park maps were drawn up by concept artist Herb Ryman at the behest of Walt Disney himself in order to pitch his “Mickey Mouse Park” to shareholders and the City Council in Burbank. Walt and his team crafted further iterations which adapted alongside the ever-changing concept to accommodate Disneyland’s growth. Over time, Walt’s dream transformed from a small attraction outside the Walt Disney Studios to a 160-acre playground in Anaheim, California. 

 

The most desirable map of Disneyland was created by artist Sam McKim for W.E.D. Enterprises. Disney hired McKim, also an actor, decorated war veteran, and former artist for the then 20th Century Fox Studios, in 1954 to create concept sketches for Walt’s Park. In addition to a multitude of other artistic ventures for favorite attractions such as the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Carousel of Progress, McKim is credited for the design of the now highly collectible souvenir Park maps offered between 1958 and 1964. These large and intricately decorated designs depict Disneyland in all its magic, with beloved characters adorning the borders. McKim’s sons, Matt and Brian, even went on to create artwork for Disney themselves, and their father is honored with his own commemorative window on Main Street.

Park maps are also an important facet within the entrance ways for many of your favorite lands. An image posted by Twitter user @Cartarsauce seemingly depicts a new map adorning the walls beneath the Disneyland Railroad Station which depict the recent addition of “Batuu” for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You can see the inklings of the familiar Black Spires just below the reflection of a lamp.

This Disneyland map was updated to include Galaxy’s Edge but, as far as I know, has never been available anywhere. pic.twitter.com/vB9wK5aP9M

— Sam Carter (@Cartarsauce) October 30, 2022

Though many fans enjoy collecting both small Park maps and utilizing larger wall-hanging schematics as decor, Carter, a designer who formerly worked in Creative Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort, notes that this design “has never been available anywhere.” A follow-up to the tweet by user @Sammyland6 notes that they will have to update this map again in 2023 to account for Disneyland’s ToonTown expansion. Another reply from @jasbres confirms this map was not included in the popular Maps of Disney Parks book, which is a must for any fan of the Parks’ diverse and beautiful navigational designs. 

While Disney has since phased out paper maps in some locations, you can still navigate any Park with ease through the “My Disney Experience” mobile application on your next trip to the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort.