Evolution of a Boat

Another "old vs. new" post, comparing a 1950's Orinoco Adventuress Jungle Cruise boat vs. the 2008 version.



This also shows the difference in theming for this Adventureland attraction: African Queen vs. 1930's Indiana Jones Adventure. Which would you rather ride?

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter and view my most recent photos on Flickr. See more vintage & current Daveland Disneyland Jungle Cruise photos on my main website.

Evolution of a Giraffe

In the "old vs. new" department, here's a comparison post showing a giraffe from the original Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland circa the 1950's vs. its more recent incarnation.



Which do you prefer?

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter and view my most recent photos on Flickr. See more vintage & current Daveland Disneyland Jungle Cruise photos on my main website.

UCDA Design Summit in Indy, Pt. 4

Besides the regular UCDA Design Summit sessions, a tour of the historic Indianapolis downtown was offered by Indiana Landmarks. Starting off inside the Circle Centre Mall/Indianapolis Arts Garden, our group was able to avoid the rain that was falling that morning.



Across the way is the Indiana Repertory Theatre. I really love the facade of this Spanish Baroque building, which was built as a movie palace and ballroom in 1927.



A detail of the clock:



And the ornate carvings of King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I:



A view of a very wet and cloudy Washington Street:



Our destination was the Romanesque Revival style Majestic Building, Indiana’s first entirely steel framed skyscraper building. The Indiana Gas Company constructed the building (designed by Oscar Bohlen of D.A. Bohlen & Son) in 1895–96 to serve as a new business headquarters.



As you already know, at Daveland, it is all about the details:



It is really great to see these artistic features have survived the years:





I was able to avoid the feeling of vertigo while taking these two stairwell shots:



The only thing missing are Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak:



We were given a tour of one of the tenants, The Borshoff Agency:



Bill Lovejoy of Borshoff took us around their office.



Loved the Seeburg Jukebox:





Another shot of the office interior:



Here's an historic photo of the outside of the building:



Compared with a modern-day view:



Today's post finishes with four detailed shots of some of the hidden gems I found in downtown Indianapolis:









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Willis Goes To Breakfast

Have you ever noticed that when you live in a city, you often put off exploring it? Instead, you go on vacation, explore a different city, and then bemoan what you think your own city is missing? In an attempt to do something different, Willis went to the Gaslamp Quarter District for breakfast. HE loves to explore, even if I get a bit settled into a routine. We tried Cafe 222, known for its waffles (as you can see in the creative photography used on this A-Frame).



To get the name, it took two photos:



I'm sure the "222" looks more effective lit at night.



The servers are extra friendly, and brought out a water bowl and biscuit for Willis. He was in hog heaven. Here we have patience:



And no patience:



The blueberry cornbread waffle was delicious (Willis didn't get any):



Nearby is the historic (and supposedly haunted) Horton Grand Hotel:



Roger Whitaker is the man whose ghost reportedly occupies Room 309 and the hallway on that floor. There are conflicting stories about how Roger died; regardless, according to those who have "seen him," he is friendly and only plays mild pranks on them.



Onto another hotel, "The Grand Budapest Hotel," which I just returned from seeing. If you've seen the previews, you might mistake this for a Benny Hill comedy that stars Bill Murray. Not at all.



It is a magically humorous yet also dramatic tale of the unlikely friendship that develops between the Concierge of the hotel and the Lobby Boy that he takes under his wing. The fanciful films and costumes recall a bygone era, while some of the situations and spicy language jar you back to the present. There are so many fantastic cameos that you will need to pay attention; don't leave the movie for a second bucket of popcorn!



Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter and view my most recent photos on Flickr. See more vintage & current Daveland San Diego photos on my main website.

The Navy Takes Over

In this August 1963 image, a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy has taken over the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, formerly located at Disneyland. Over his shoulder, you can see the tip of Skull Rock. I wonder how Captain Hook felt about all of this?

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter and view my most recent photos on Flickr. See more vintage Daveland Disneyland Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship photos on my main website.