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.
Great shot of the vault door! Does anyone know for sure if it will be removed in the remodel? I hope not.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but I am fascinated by the material used for the underside of the Fantasyland umbrellas. I can see Snow White and Dopey in that print. The Major (Gorillas Don't Blog) posted a shot a couple days ago showing a print with multiple Mickeys. I want some of this fabric!
Those are some Kodachrome beauties! The vault door is cool, kind of "steampunk". And the picture looking up at the woodwork shows the level of craftsmanship that was present throughout the park (and this was done when money was tight!).
ReplyDeleteYup nice shots Dave. The one looking at the ceiling especially.
ReplyDeleteThe tuna boat pics. Corn? And could that boy in the top pic possibly have more cuff on them jeans!? Big improvement, Skull Rock Cove. Nice overview shot.
Thanks too for the brocures. amazing, the stuff you find! :)
Super post Dave! How funny, my post for tomorrow was supposed to be posted today and its the B of A Brochure (version #2). Great minds think alike. I was about to gripe about the elusive Vault Door photos and here you got them!!! Hooray! They better keep "Walt's Door" in place! Thanks Dave.
ReplyDeleteP.s. to Tokyomagic, now I too am obsessed with the underside material on the Vintage umbrellas, it shows up in quite a few old photos!
Corn and Orange Trees. A Farmer's Fantasyland.
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