Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Disneyland After Dark: The Big Finish



Back in Central Plaza for more “Disneyland After Dark,” we see the famous Osmond Brothers (Alan, Jay, Merrill, and Wayne), making their national TV debut with this program. Apparently, they were “discovered” at Disneyland by the Dapper Dans. Lawrence Welk turned them down when they auditioned for him, so Mr. Osmond took the boys to Disneyland to try to cheer them up from Welk’s rejection. While at the park, a Disney talent scout saw their impromptu performance with the Dapper Dans and hired them to perform at Disneyland, which led to the “After Dark” gig. Andy Williams saw the Osmonds on “After Dark,” hired them for his TV show, and the rest is history. Over at The Tahitian Terrace, things are heating up with the dancers here giving guests a tour of Polynesia through dance and more.







Here’s my vote to bring back the Tahitian Terrace! Hey Cox Pilot—Bearride commented that this photo was taken at the Space Bar, not in front of the 20K Exhibit. This photo is obviously the same location as the Annette/Bobby Rydell photos from yesterday; any way to clear this up?



See more vintage & current Tomorrrowland photos at my regular website.

7 comments:

Major Pepperidge said...

The Osmonds sounded like they were sucking helium back in those days! Nice harmonies though.

I wouldn't mind watching some pretty girls dancing in grass skirts! Come on, Disneyland.

CoxPilot said...

He's right, but there also was a bandstand set up at the 20k location many times. Benny Goodman and Jose Faliciano appeared there. They rebuilt the Space Bar sometime in 64' I think, and put in terraces for seating. That made it a little hard to use the flat area for dancing, etc. Also, the 20k area had more room for chairs. (No dancing over there).

I'm not positive about all this. Maybe someone can confirm some of it.

Vintage Disneyland Tickets said...

Yes for the Tahitian Terrace, Yes for the pretty girls in grass skirts too! I like the Neon Ceiling Circle in the Space bar photo!

Daveland said...

As always, thanks for the insider extra info Cox!

Barry said...

That band in the light blue blazers playing in the back ground is a surf music band called Avengers VI and they were famous mostly for their album with the Good Humor Truck on it.
Not bad musicians but they came to surf music as it was ending.

Marla said...

Love the black and white pics of the Tahitian Terrace dancers. My mom is in both pics, on the right. She shared lots of stories of her time working for Walt Disney, she loved it!

Daveland said...

Hi Marla - if you have any stories to share about your mom that would be fantastic! Feel free to email me at: dvdpicasso@aol.com