Have you ever wished an aircraft could drop you off at the Disney parks? For nearly two decades, Disneyland Resort guests could take a direct helicopter flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Southern California Disney park.
The Disneyland Heliport functioned as an air transport hub at Disneyland Resort from 1956 until the early 1970s. TikTok user @mainstreetmagic1971 recently shared this video on the history of the service, including the tragedies that led to its retirement:
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The Disneyland Heliport opened in 1956, located southeast of Tomorrowland. At that time, Los Angeles Airways operated flights using Sikorsky S-55 helicopters, which could carry up to 12 passengers.
The Heliport was relocated several times to accommodate the expanding Disneyland Park and Disneyland Hotel. By 1960, it had moved north of the Disneyland Hotel into what is now a parking area for Downtown Disney. Shortly after moving, Los Angeles Airways upgraded to Sikorsky S-61L helicopters, which could accommodate up to 28 Disneyland Resort guests.
Throughout its operation, the Disneyland Heliport managed a significant volume of passengers, providing a novel experience for well-off guests flying into Disneyland Resort. However, the service never turned a profit on its own.
“[It] was only able to turn a profit due to government subsidies and an Air Mail contract, despite its popularity with guests,” the TikToker said.
Tragedy Strikes Disneyland California
The year 1968 was marred by two devastating helicopter crashes that resulted in the loss of 44 lives, a tragedy that would forever impact the reputation of helicopter operations at Disneyland Resort. On May 22, 1968, Los Angeles Airways Flight 841 took off from Disneyland en route to LAX when it encountered severe difficulties.
The Sikorsky S-61L aircraft issued a distress call and subsequently crashed into a dairy farm in Paramount, California, killing all 20 Disney Park guests and three crew members on board.
“That tragedy was the deadliest U.S. helicopter crash at the time,” the TikToker continued. “Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the last crash on the Disneyland helicopter route.”
Just months later, on August 16, 1968, LAA Flight 417 suffered a similar fate. The helicopter, also a Sikorsky S-61L, was en route from Disneyland Resort when it tragically lost its rotor blade and crashed in Compton, California. All 21 individuals aboard—18 Disneyland Resort guests and 3 crew members—perished.
Aftermath of the Crashes
Following the catastrophic accidents of 1968, helicopter flights to and from Disneyland Resort were promptly suspended. Services resumed after an investigation in 1971 when Los Angeles Airways suffered a financial catastrophe.
In 1972, there was a brief resurgence in helicopter services when Golden West Airlines attempted to resume flights between LAX and Disneyland. Unfortunately, this revival was short-lived, lasting only five months before service was discontinued once more.
What’s your preferred mode of transportation when visiting Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney? Let How to Disney know in the comments.
