As great as Disneyland is today, it fell short of Walt Disney’s expectations. Money ran out too quickly and Disney had to make do. But instead of opening the park with empty buildings, he and his crew ran to get sponsors to house special exhibits. One of the lesser-known attractions that was a last-minute idea was the Bathroom of Tomorrow which was added near the Hall of Chemistry and the Hall of Aluminum (two other obscure but longer lasting attractions) in Tomorrowland. Sponsored by Crane Plumbing, this bathroom was to be seen but not used and opened on this day in 1956, many months after the park opened.

The exhibit boasted, “This fabulous bathroom, actually designed for the future, is available for your home today!” It featured fixtures plated in 24-karat gold and ceramic figurines. Sunglasses, a telephone and dumbbells to workout were available for one to use while taking a bath. It also had top-notch heating and cooling with a promise stating, “Tomorrow’s bathroom incorporates the type of heating and cooling which will make you forget the weather.” The exhibit was also home to a Laundry of the Future, a “dramatic story of valves” and guest-activated faucets located at the exhibit’s entrance. While Crane was hoping for a long stay in the park, the Bathroom of the Future was closed just over five years later and replaced with a Fun Foto location. (Image: Mike’s Photography/Pixabay)