July 1955 is when this Dumbo closeup was taken; you can even see into his bright red snout, and clearly view the original “flappable” ears that he used to have. Storybook land is still a barren wasteland at this point. From the same batch comes this shot of the Castle and entrance to Frontierland.
See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.
Thanks for sharing such early shots of the Park. But... what's under the tarp behind Dumbo??
ReplyDeleteWow Dave, you really struck gold with this batch of slides...beautiful color and wonderful early scenes!
ReplyDeleteNice pictures Dave. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteGreat Flash Map, I love how you have all the rides moving!
ReplyDeleteWOW, neat shot of Dumbo! Beautiful color! I think that’s part of the Casey Jr. Train under that tarp since it think it wasn’t open on 7/17/55, do you know what date Caser Jr. open? Do these slides have an exact date? These are SWEET! Thanks!
Progressland - I am GUESSING that the tarp may just be covering a concession cart. Experts?
ReplyDeleteTim - just saw your comment; I do not have a date on these slides (drat the photographer! how dare he...); Casey opened on July 31, and looking at the slide again, the object seems to be behind the fence, so you might be right.
ReplyDeleteI'll accept that it could be Casey Jr. But now a few more things have caught my eye in Dumbo. It didn't even open (August 16) until several weeks after Casey Jr. and you can spot several elements of construction: There's a sawhorse between two of the elephants, and it looks like there's a plywood seat backing in one of them. Not much to look at in this corner of Fantasyland--Casey Jr. and Dumbo not open, and the Canal Boats all dirt!
ReplyDeleteWOW, Dumbo wasn't even open yet! I totally missed that. That just makes this picture all the more delicious.... No Dumbo or Casey Jr. open yet, that explains why there are no lines for anything!
ReplyDeleteNote that the tarp covered item is BEHIND the fence on the gravel area, so I would guess it is not a concession stand. It's also a bit to small for one of the cars. I'm guessing it might be something used by the workmen. I also like the "chopped down tree" theme at the beginning of Frontierland. That didn't last long!
ReplyDeleteDave: Wonderfully animated interactive map! You obviously put a lot of work into it. Your site is the next best thing to real time travel.