For all you merchandise nuts out there, here are some shots of the Tomorrowland Character Shop from April 1973. I believe this location is now the Star Trader Shop.
Zooming in to get a better look at the tchotchkes for sale:
In DVD news, be sure to check out "El Grupo." It is yet another fascinating entry in the trio of Disney documentaries recently released.
When viewed in context of the strike at the Studio and the financial difficulties due in part to "Fantasia" failed box office receipts, you can see just how important this little getaway was for the studio. This unflinching look at Walt and "El Grupo" is very well done.
Walt’s interest and respect for the Latino culture has always been an integral part of Disneyland, as can be seen by this Mexican Street Exhibit photo from 1963:
And the Gonzalez Trio that was prominently featured in Frontierland:
As a bonus to "El Grupo," it also includes "Saludos Amigos"...WITH Goofy smoking. One Amazon reviewer noted that this was NOT the unedited original version, as it had the "Buena Vista" title (instead of RKO) and that Goofy wasn't shown lighting up his cig. And yet...he smokes. If Disney left out a second or two of him lighting up, I can't figure out why...nor does it detract from the quality documentary and bonus features of this disc.
See more Disneyland Tomorrowland photos at website.
Gotta love those hanging things in the Character Shop!
ReplyDeleteNeat photos of Walt - Thanks!
As much as I hate cigs, Goofy does look cool smoking one!
I really really REALLY hate that Disney edits their old cartoons - to the point of completely eliminating "The Martins and the Coys" from Make Mine Music because of "comic gunplay". Considering what kids watch today, Disney cartoons are very safe.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, love the shot of Walt w/sombrero, and the woman from the Gonzalez Trio in the super-sparkly dress.
EXCELLENT post!
ReplyDeleteWow, that huge expanse of floor in the Character
ReplyDeleteShop --- you could roller skate around in there!
I think those last three shots are from the area that is now the Star Wars annex/shop. Adventure Thru Inner Space (and now Star Tours) unloads just to the right of the garbage can.
ReplyDeleteDave: Maybe next time you're at the park you might be keen on a before-and-after comparison picture or two? If you aren't too busy schmoozing at Club 33 that is... ;)
Walterworld is right about the exit to Star Tours/Inner Space being just to the right of that trash can. The display just to the left of the trash can was filled with View Master packets. And the PeopleMover used to travel above the displays seen in all of the photos. In the first photo, you can even see the exit tunnel for the PeopleMover cars as they left the Character shop and then traveled behind the Tomorrowland Stage.
ReplyDelete