A number of beloved attractions have been revamped or removed over the years, but few generate the emotional responses that Nature’s Wonderland does. Although remnants still exist, they are not enough to satisfy the outcries of the fans who still mourn its loss back in 1979.
The original attraction here got a significant upgrade in scenery on May 27, 1960. This batch of photos from April 1960 details the construction process. The first photo posted here shows a rendering of what the finished product would look like.
In this photo, you can see the Skyway and The Matterhorn in the background, performing business as usual as the rocks of the Living Desert come to life.
Always hard to believe that such an expansive creation like this no longer exists. Time marches on...
More construction photos to come!
View more Disneyland Nature’s Wonderland photos at my main website.
I think my main objection to the change is that Natures Wonderland seemed like a real place...a destination worth exploring. Big Thunder, while its a fun ride, is just that...a ride. Also, you scoot through the area so fast, it has no sense of size. Natures Wonderland seemed vast...
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting, thank you.
ReplyDeleteTime marches on, but change is not always progress.
JG
Wow, never before seen RARE shots - WOW!!!! My favorite one is the last one!
ReplyDeleteAMAZING construction photos! Thank you for sharing these, Dave. It's still hard to believe that most of this area was bulldozed for just a rollercoaster....and not even a good one! I'm glad that they haven't done the same thing to the Jungle Cruise....not yet, anyway.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful.... I sure miss this attraction!
ReplyDeleteIncredible find, Dave, congratulations.
ReplyDelete