Since its opening in 1955, Disneyland has been synonymous with childhood wonder and magic. Often called the "happiest place on Earth," the park gives children a chance to meet their favorite Disney characters. But one can imagine that the experience was a whole lot less magical in the '50s, when the characters were more creepy than cute. They had giant heads, misshapen faces, and empty, unblinking eyes, better suited for a Guillermo del Toro movie than the streets of Fantasyland. The creeptastic photos below were taken between the '50s and the '70s.

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The kids with comedian Jerry Colona look delighted to meet Minnie and Mickey—despite the fact that the duo appear to have had some kind of horrific accident that has taken out chunks of their faces. Mickey's eye also appears to be melting. It gets pretty hot in Anaheim.

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No weird face slits this time, but somehow more unsettling. Note the vacant stares, terrible posture, and creepy wave. They see you...

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Pooh ... are you okay?

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Not even a big bad wolf would have messed with these little pigs.

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Halfway through the laser show, Pinocchio turns and stares into your soul.

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"Come play with us, Danny."

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There are no smiles when the pigs are around.

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Walt Disney and his dark army.

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The evil stepmother and stepsisters from Cinderella look ... appropriate.

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Peter Pan and Tick-Tock the Crocodile.

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Porky Pig impostor whispers sweet nothings—or maybe threats?—into a park goer's ear.

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Flower looks like he's spent way too much time in the flower patch.

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Pigs and "friend."

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Yeesh. What happened here? Pinocchio was scary enough without this nightmarish version of Jiminy Cricket.

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The vision windows in the hats are a nice touch.

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A gigantic Minnie Mouse stares into the abyss.

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These pigs look like they're up to no good.