Sunday, September 05, 2010

Polyester Magic: February 1971 at Disneyland, Pt. 2



In the Tomorrowland of 1971, guests were surrounded by a feeling of movement: The Autopia, The Skyway, The PeopleMover, The Monorail, The Submarine Voyage, and the Carousel of Progress. Shot #1 contains portions of 4 of these attractions. Today, 2 of these attractions are gone and 1 has been significantly downgraded to a ho-hum uninspired rotating Home Depot.

In the lower portion of photo #2, you can see some of Rolly Crump’s vision of the future influenced by the mod 1960’s/1970’s. Both the stage and ticket booth came from his creative hands:



Last one today is yet another beehive of activity: The Matterhorn, Submarines, Skyway, and Monorail. Only one of these is missing today.



View more Disneyland Tomorrowland photos at my main website.

5 comments:

William Bezek said...

Ho-hum is an understatement.

Thufer said...

Ahhh; love the Gray!

What a wonderful set of pictures. THE MOVEMENT is everywhere, people in transit, attractions is motion. This is Tomorrowland. This is how (IMHO) Walt saw it should be. This is the 'Happiest Place on Earth'.

What a great post Dave; thank you!

Chiana_Chat said...

Yet they probably make more money than ever from it so they're content with whatever. And if they didn't, they'd just cut the budget more. Mayhap?

Progressing from the Carousel of Progress a little awkwardly given it's a ramp way instead of a stair way (outer with hat) is Fred Astaire's little-known cousin, Hobart Astaire. Myrtle (front) is clearly not uplifted; her kitchen looks nothing like those featured in the Carousel of Progress. Placing the blame for their lack of progress beside her, Agatha is gesturing to husband Phil, not Hobart and buddy Ernie but Phil, keeping himself in a happier place 20 feet back with his friends... Wonder what our photographer is doing that Mr. Dashing in the Mustard suit and briefcase down in front of the Autopia is looking up at him/her.

hehe. Anyways, nice pics. :)

TokyoMagic! said...

Looks like the Autopia was closed that day, but look how shiny and new those cars look.

I miss Tomorrowland's "World On The Move"!!!!! THIS is the Disneyland that I want to travel back in time to.

Chiana_Chat said...

Had to take another look at these and am smiling. Wonderful time/place.