As the value of vintage Disneyland ticket books has risen over the years, many collectors have wondered how one can accurately date these memorable keepsakes.

While some tickets can be dated based on the attractions listed on the face of the ticket (by researching the dates of operation for attractions which are now closed; or had not yet opened until a specific date), there is one guaranteed way to pinpoint the age of a Disneyland ticket book within a 30 day date range.

Every ticket book sold after the late 1950's will include a date code on the inside back cover of the ticket book (pictured below).  At the very bottom edge; right in the center, is a code that when interpreted correctly... will give you the date the tickets were printed at Globe Ticket in Los Angeles, California. 

The first two numbers indicate the year, while the 3rd number (and 4th, if needed) will indicate the month.  So get out your magnifying glasses and let's check those dates!

Examples would include:

632 =  1963, February

679 = 1967, September

738 = 1973, August

The most desired tickets among vintage collectors were produced during Walt Disney's lifetime (thru December, 1966).  After Walt died, his famous signature was removed from the blue flap on the front of the ticket books, to be replaced with the generic "Walt Disney Productions" imprint with standard font.

For ticket books produced before the date codes were introduced, the following hints might help:

-- The earliest ticket books (1955 - 1959) had big block letters (A,B,C,D)

-- Some early ticket books included an expiration notice, indicating that "All tickets in the book are good any time during 1956" or "All tickets in this book void after December 31, 1956."

-- The first "E" tickets were produced in 1959 with the introduction of the Submarines, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Monorail.

Before paying top dollar based on a seller's estimate of a ticket's age, be sure to do your homework.  An accurate date only adds to the backstory behind each of the classic Disneyland ticket books!