Let’s travel back to a time in Disneyland history when attractions promoted other attractions…where they overlapped each other, affording guests previews and teasers of what they could experience on their next adventure. Welcome to the Nature's Wonderland Mine Train, circa March 1973. The Mine Train is circling around Cascade Peak (with a view of the Rivers of America on the opposite side), on its way through a tunnel that will take them back to the Rainbow Ridge. I included this detailed view of the cast member in case one of my readers knew him.
The next consecutive shot from March 1973 shows the same Mine Train, a bit farther along in its journey.
I am assuming these were shot aboard either the Mark Twain or the Columbia.
This June 1971 image shows the little town of Rainbow Ridge. To the left is the Pack Mule attraction, which had about two more years left before it was removed.
Another view of the Mine Train and Cascade Peak, circa March 1976:
When this shot was taken, the Mine Train only had about a year left before it was shut down for the construction of Big Thunder Mountain. This cast member must have known his days were numbered; he’s not waving.
An undated shot of Rainbow Ridge:
The Christmas Star atop the Matterhorn at least tells us the time of year.
See more Disneyland Nature’s Wonderland Mine Train photos at my main website.
4 comments:
What surprises me about those last two shots is that it's clearly around Christmas time, and yet almost no decorations in Frontierland to tip you off. ( Sans a little bunting on the second floor just behind the assay office ) Today Disney would break out a high-pressure "garland hose" and throw holly and wreaths on every opening that isn't a doorway. Also, until now I had no idea the tunnel to "bear country" was so close to the waterfall. My terrible memory made me think you had a ways to go and another corner before you entered the tunnel/trestle to the bear pond.
Well Dave, I'd like to say I was on the train at this time, but it doesn't look like me. As it is, I was trained after 1971 so the first slide can't be me. It appears this fellow is on a mic doing the spiel. At the time of my training, we didn't spiel. We used a standard recorded spiel which engaged at each scene by the operator pressing a button. It's a long shot, but I'll post this on the ORH and ask if a co-worker might have a thought as to the pictured CMs. KS
Following up...there is one who claims it might be him and another is also suggested but has not responded. The real key is the hat, which is not the standard issue. Stay tuned. KS
KS - You're the best - this is awesome!
Bryan - For how small Disneyland is, it is even more amazing how LARGE it seems, thanks to good use of space. Wait a minute…PREVIOUS good use of space!
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