I know - this batch is just on the verge of the 70’s, but it’s still an awesome look at this corner of Town Square, including the Hills Brothers Coffee House Restaurant (which closed in 1976). On the corner is “Walt Disney: Legacy for the Future”; this is a shop I am not familiar with. Anybody have any details on it? Currently it is the Disney Showcase and formerly the Wurlitzer Music Hall (1955–1968).
And here’s the Pearly Band; I wonder if Mary is somewhere around?
See more vintage & current Daveland Disneyland Parade photos on my main website.
Hmm, that "Walt Disney: Legacy for the Future" sign is very intriguing. The only mention of it that I could find after a brief search was on the "Yesterland" site, where Mr. Weiss tells us what attractions were listed on a 1972 ticket book. It was a free attraction!
ReplyDeleteSo at least we know that the show was there for several years...
I think of the old Hill Bros Coffee House every time I want to sit down in a nice restful place for a cap or latte. Look at all that space to relax! Sure wish it was there today.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me with the amount of coffee drinkers that Disneyland doesn't use this space as a dedicated Coffee joint again. To add insult to injury, their standard coffee served at most of the restaurants is brewed weak and pretty sub-par. They are definitely missing an opportunity to make some extra $$.
ReplyDeleteDave & "Major" I'm guessing here, but the windows are covered in the photo... I wonder if this was changed after the windows were uncovered to become (what I remember) the "Preview Center" of coming attractions and lands to the park?
ReplyDeleteRegarding coffee - couldn't agree more!
I'm guessing it was a space for previews of upcoming attractions... since Mansion was open by then, they were probably in the process of converting it to show space for Walt Disney World when this picture was taken.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a gourmet coffee shop in Disneyland, Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. And I mean a real coffee shop - exotic beans, ground daily, then choice of auto-drip or press pot. If WDI can give us a beverage cart serving Oolong tea outside Everest, they can give us a real coffee shop and give Walt's espresso machine in Cafe Orleans a place of pride.
Hills Bros looks like such an inviting place to visit. What was the reason for closing it? Is it still behind the wall that's currently there or was the building completely torn down? I recall Showcase having a rather small stock room when I'm sure it could have been expanded into the area formerly occupied by Hills Bros. So is it still there in some respect?
ReplyDeleteHuh! Can anyone here tell me more about the "Pearly Band"? I haven't heard of them before...
ReplyDeleteTangaroa: The Pearly Band is the band from the Supercalif-blah blah blah part of Mary Poppins, and often perform at the park (see the Castle page from my site).
ReplyDeleteI believe the Hills Brothers Building is all still there; however, the latticework and tables that were formerly the outdoor garden & cafe/seating area is gone.
ReplyDeleteRE: Walt Disney: Lagacy For the Future. Here's what I remember of it - as brief as it was. The focus of most of the displays I recall were for Disney World and Cal Arts - Walt's Legacy. I clearly recall an awesome model for 'Western River Expedition' (took a picture of it!) and plans on the wall for Cal Arts in Valencia. Hope that little bit helps.
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