Disneyland, September 1968

It’s a one-punch “series” today...one-day only, folks! That‘s right—just a quickie. First one up shows the little rascal of this slide set, happily posing aboard the Mark Twain. You can tell by his sassy shirt and smile that this kid is plotting some shenanigans over on Tom Sawyer’s Island once he gets off the Twain.

Over at the Autopia, you can also see the Skyway buckets passing the Carousel of Progress as they come in for a landing at the Tomorrowland Station.



Little Rascal is rounding the bend on Autopia. I am guessing that mama was the one standing in the bushes taking the photos of her hubby and precious little Alfalfa.



Last one for today shows pop and Alfalfa enjoying (?) a leisurely journey on the Motor Boat Cruise. No need to steer folks...this is one of the most brainless attractions you can find!



See more Disneyland photos at my website.

Up & The El Capitan

On Thursday night, I headed up to Hollywood for the D23 showing of “Up” at the El Capitan. Wowie-kazowie...that movie blew me away (pun partially intended). Definitely one of Pixar’s best. I was so engrossed in the film that I rarely thought about the computer animation. And what a story; just trust me on this one. I really don’t want to give away any details. I will say that there were audible sobs throughout the theater, as well as loud laughter and cheering. This movie had me hook, line, and sinker throughout the entire time. Anyone who knows me knows that I fall asleep during 75% of the movies that I go to. Add in the fact that the film started after 11pm and I figured I’d miss the majority of it; not the case. I stayed awake through the whole thing. GO SEE IT! And if you can, check it out at the El Cap for the full effect: 3D, Wurlitzer pre-show by Rob Richards, and a live stage show with Mickey, Minnie, and a gaggle full of dancers.





For the D23 preview, D23 head Stephen Clark gave a nice opening speech and introduced actor John Ratzenberger.



Best known as Cliff Clavin from “Cheers,” Ratzenberger has done voiceover work in each of Pixar’s films.



And then of course there’s the fantastic nostalgic atmosphere of the El Cap. They just don’t build ’em like that anymore!









Now hurry up and get to your local theater to see “Up”! See more El Capitan photos at my website.

1950’s Disneyland Visit: Tomorrowland

Since you already saw the Moonliner shot from this series, that only leaves 2 Tomorrowland shots for today. First up is the Autopia. I see a young lady who looks a little perturbed and another with a hand on the hip...this can only mean trouble!

Shot #2 shows that the Flags of the Nations have already been moved to the Tomorrowland entrance. Dead center are the Clock of the World and the Moonliner. What a view! While you’re looking at those, take the time to drool a little over those fantastic attraction posters lining the entrance as well.



And so with that, yet another series comes to a close. See more Disneyland Tomorrowland photos at my website.

1950’s Disneyland Visit: Fantasyland & Main Street Bank

Today we are smack-dab in the middle of Fantasyland! It’s too early in Disneyland history to see those glowing-green eyes of Skull Rock; instead, you’ll just have to settle for the Pirate Ship, Round Skyway Buckets, and the corner of the Teacup attraction in its original location.

Photo #2 gives you a great view of what the Skull Rock area looked like BEFORE the rehab/improvements:



Thanks to the Skyway, early park guests were able to get a birds-eye view of all the activity in Fantasyland: The Mickey Mouse Club Theater (which became the Pinocchio dark ride after the 1983 Fantasyland remodel) is on the right, and the buildings of Main Street (City Hall and the Train Station) are barely visible off in the distance.



Meanwhile, in the present day, I was finally able to get some comprehensive shots of the Main Street Bank interior, specifically the elusive vault. I was fortunate last week to catch a moment when there were hardly any guests renewing their annual passports. The cast member was kind enough to give me a little background on the vault, telling me that Walt himself picked it out, and that it dated back to 1904. She also pointed out that it was originally air-tight, but that was changed after BOA “left the building.”







Here’s the original brochure that BOA printed for the park’s opening:





And the interior park map which I have published on here previously:



Sure was glad to be able to snap those photos before the interior undergoes its renovation for the Gallery. One more thing off my checklist! See more Disneyland Fantasyland photos at my website.

1950’s Disneyland Visit: Frontierland Pt. 4 & Fantasyland Transition

We’re ALMOST done with Frontierland! First shot most likely taken from the Twain gives a view of Rainbow Ridge, Frontierland, The Castle, AND the Moonliner, all in one glorious shot!

Our photographer gets a little closer for this shot of the Mine Train Ride/Nature’s Wonderland:



The guests are all heading to the Castle...and dig the fancy wheelchair with "DISNEY LAND" stenciled on it!



You’ll have to come back tomorrow to see more Fantasyland. Until then, see more Disneyland photos at my website.

1950’s Disneyland Visit: Frontierland Pt. 3

As we hop back onto the Mark Twain and finish out our journey on the Rivers of America, we come to the infamous Burning Cabin! Kids under 18, please don’t look at the closeup:



The peaceful Indians wave at yet another group of guests passing by:



Good ol’ Fort Wilderness, back when it looked like a real fort. Check out the costumed cast member in the closeup; he looks like he could have been on “F Troop”!





Last ones for today are a Stagecoach amd Conestoga Wagon in motion:





More Rivers of America shots to share tomorrow! See moreDisneyland Frontierland photos at my website.

1950’s Disneyland Visit: Frontierland Pt. 2

This photographer LOVED Frontierland! They’re blurry, but dagnabbit I’m still posting these 3 Golden Horseshoe Interior shots, starting off with the Can-Can Girls and followed by Betty Taylor.





Our photographer must have hopped aboard the Mark Twain at this point. Tom Sawyer’s Island looks like...well, an unspoiled frontier! What a joy to see a Keel Boat in action:



More Rivers of America shots to share tomorrow. See more Disneyland Frontierland photos at my website.

1950’s Disneyland Visit: Frontierland

Get ready for a few days in Frontierland, starting off with this incredibly beautiful shot of Tom Sawyer's Island. The Dixieland Bandstand is still located on the right side of the photo, which means the Chicken Plantation is still serving up some Swift Fried Chicken on the left.



Today's post drops us off at the Indian Village, which appears to be devoid of Indians!



See more Disneyland current Frontierland photos at my website.

Moonliner Madness!

Almost 55 years after its creation, it is probably somewhat difficult for today’s generation to totally understand the significance and meaning of the Moonliner to children and adults of the 1950’s. The Moon was an unexplored frontier, full of possibilities, mysteries, and myths. The ability to fly there was a dream just on the horizon, and would be proof of the capabilities of Americans. Today, the moon itself probably triggers very little other than a yawn and a “been there done that” attitude. So, as a salute to the amazement and wonder of the 1950’s, here is a little tribute to the Moonliner of Tomorrowland. Image #1 is from August 1955. The young lad looking up at the Moonliner really says it all and visually expresses how that generation viewed space travel: it was the hope of the future.

Shot #2 and its detailed companion are from a series of 1950’s True Tone commercial slides:





Image #3 is a Daveland re-run, but still a good one, dating back to 1955:



Last shot for the day is also from the 1950’s:



The last image is one from a batch of slides that I will begin showcasing tomorrow. See more Disneyland Moonliner photos at my website.

Disneyland, January 3, 1960: The Rest of the Story

In this motley medley, I give you the last few images from my January 3, 1960 set. First one up for the day shows the Triton Submarine just about to begin another adventure into liquid space.

#2 is probably one of my best images showing Fowler’s Inn over in Frontierland. This is just another example of the fantastic job the Disney people did in creating even these "extra" buildings. This place looks weathered and salty, just like it should...waaaaaaay beyond its young five years of existence.



Vesey Walker is leading the band into a rousing tune in front of the Opera House. Sure looks like an overcast day in Anaheim!



A dark shot of the Adventureland gates, followed by a delectable nest of plastic fruit over at the Jungle Cruise:





See more Disneyland photos at my website.