Back in the day, you could take the Monorail directly to the Disneyland Hotel. This October 1968 photo shows everyone's favorite sleek form of transportation letting guests off at their destination.
In this March 1969 overhead view, it is easy to see that there was no walking to the Hotel; you were right there. Steps away from the pool. Today, there's a fair amount of distance between the Monorail Station in Downtown Disney and the edge of the Disneyland Hotel property.
These shots that I took in May 2004 from my hotel room window give an excellent modern day view showing just how much the entire property has changed since the 1969 view. A wet parking lot has been transformed into Downtown Disney and The Grand Californian.
See more vintage & current Disneyland Hotel photos on my Disneyland Hotel web page.
9 comments:
That first photo is amazing!!!
Yes, that first one is nice, and I love the second photo too, where the parking lot looks like a giant lake!
Beautiful stuff Dave, where you do get these. Photo one went straight to the backdrop.
Re: location of the station. At my recent visit, the station felt so far from the hotel, I recall it as you describe, right outside the train.
Was the station moved for Downtown Disney? It feels like the same spot, but the hotel didn't move, thats certain.
Anyway, thanks.
JG
JG - I believe the Monorail is in the same place...I don't think the track has been changed in years. However, looking at my 2004 photos, I believe the part of the hotel that used to be adjacent to the Monorail Station was demolished, as was the pool that's in photo #2. This is why the distance is so much farther; the area of the Disneyland Hotel shrunk to accommodate Downtown Disney. Compare photo #2 & #3; I believe they were taken from the same spot....when you do that, you can see what changed.
I don't think the tower has been moved over the years. Perhaps #2 was taken using a telephoto lens which advances the perspective a bit. In any event, the change is dramatic.
Also Dave, you mention that Pic #2 is taken in 1969. But from what I can gather, it appears the HM service building had yet to be constructed. So based on that I will venture to say it may be circa 1966-1967 as the Pirates building is in place. Just speculation on my part. Great work as always.
Now that I look again, #3 is taken from the South tower. Number 2 is taken from the original East tower which is closer to monorail. Over and out.
Dave, you're right, but the scale still feels weird on the ground.
I have to confess, I may be in the minority, but I like the Downtown Disney development, as well as the changes to the hotels and grounds. It's all very successful in feel.
I just wish that now they have this huge shopping center outside, that some of the shops inside the park could return to having more unique merchandise.
JG
Dave, your shot was taken from the Bonita Tower which didn't exist back in 68-69. Shot #2 was taken from the Sierra Tower, which was the first tower (although the two halves were constructed a few years apart). You can see the Sierra Tower in shot #3 at the far left.
Also, since the Haunted Mansion show building isn't in place yet I'd date this as 1967 to early 68.
Thanks as always!!
A lot of observant people read and respond to this blog! I love it!
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