Sunday, April 27, 2014

April at Disneyland: Hidden Mickey, Skyway, and Toontown



Today's post is a hodge-podge of shots, beginning with one taken as I was leaving the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction. The mesas really are gorgeous in the sunlight.

This "Hidden Mickey" at the Big Thunder Ranch was pointed out to me; I'd never noticed it before, and its subtlety really makes it a winner in my book.



I was surprised to learn that the Skyway Fantasyland Station was still standing. Here's a genuine FauxD© shot of it, nestled inside the trees on the hill above the Casey Junior attraction.



It was so tempting to jump over the chain and get a final look inside, but I resisted.



Being kicked out of the park was not on my agenda for the day.





Wanting to update some of my Mickey's Toontown shots, I wandered over to the far end of the park for these.



Toontown, opened in 1993, seems to be typical of what is typically created in the Disney Parks today.



Beautifully detailed on the outside, but hollow without much substance or heart on the inside.



After you wander around a few times and take part in the low number of actual attractions, it's hard to find the desire to visit again.



Next to Tomorrowland, this is definitely one area of the park that could use some lovin'.



The Chip and Dale Treehouse isn't bad looking.



Its main claim to fame is that you can let your kids loose and burn off some energy. Somehow I can't help but think that a little Disney creativity could plus this one quite a bit.



And PLEASE unbolt the Trolley. What a waste.



I know this area is meant for kids, but don't even the young ones deserve better?

See more vintage & current Daveland Mickey's Toontown photos on my main website.

3 comments:

K. Martinez said...

Oh, come on! You know you want to jump that fence so you can explore and take some cool pics of the chalet for your blog. Ha!

I rode The Jolly Trolley back in the day when it was a double-trolley. When in action, the vehicles tilted back-and-forth and side-to-side to really give the area that kinetic energy which used to be so great at Disneyland. I think Mickey's Toontown has seen its day. The area could be replaced with something better.

Courtney Suzanne said...

I agree they need to let that trolley loose! I guess it's a combination of cost and liability as to why it's immobile. Sad.

My husband loved Toontown. I think he just wants to live in a cartoon.
I agree it needs work, but it's a nice, safe place to let little kids run around and NOT wait in line.

Fifthrider said...

I've heard people complain about TT but never given it much thought until recently. Perhaps you're right? I would compare it to 2001 DCA, it has promise but didn't come together as something "great", just mediocre. If you want a place to rest and cool off on a hot day there is a really hidden place behind Donald's boat. Spongy floors, a mist from the waterfall and almost NO ONE else back there. When I was there, a parent was sleeping on the bench which his wife and kids were elsewhere. It's THAT hidden.

All TT attractions could benefit by some unseen connection similar to how Mickey's house looks small but has a huge interior and a theater. Maybe if you went into Goofy's house and came out in Donald's boat? They would communicate better with today's kids if TT was designed more like the modern Disney video games with "portals" between attractions ( just a hole in the wall ) but whose reference wasn't lost on the kids.

Also, for the best interior view of the Fantasyland Chalet I found it on Casey Jr. as you round the bend to re-enter the station. You get a great glimpse inside of the hollowed out attraction.