Move It And Lose It

Before viewers had the ability to TIVO their programs, do you remember how changing the night of a TV show was typically the kiss of death? Whether a show was good or not, somehow changing its time slot or especially its night of the week usually resulted in a drop in the ratings, which then led to cancellation. We are creatures of habit. We don't like change. Today's post shows how at Disneyland, the same theory applies. Notice our first image from 1975, showing the Flower Market located on West Center Street. Guests could purchase plastic bouquets or arrangements of fruits and vegetables to proudly display in their home.

Taken just a few months later, this August 1975 photo also shows the Flower Market. See any differences?



Of course you do—nobody is going to pull the wool over your eyes! The Flower Market moved across the way to East Center Street, allowing the Carnation Cafe to expand its dining location to include outdoor seating. Here's another shot of the Flower Market on East Center Street, circa July 1977.



This gent, slurping down a tasty sundae in April 1977, seemed very happy with the change. No complaints about being able to enjoy his ice cream outdoors!



It wasn't much later that the Flower Mart went bye-bye completely.

Next up is arguably the most famous case of "Move It And Lose It": The Disneyland Bandstand. Originally located in Town Square, shortly before the park was opened, it was realized that this large structure would block the view of the Castle and disrupt the cinematic “long shot” desired looking down Main Street.



Its next residence was near the castle, where it resided until Walt decided that the Disneyland Band needed a more permanent stage.



John Hench sketched up a few ideas for the Carnation Plaza Gardens and the bandstand was moved (again), approximately July 1956; this time to Adventureland, in an area known as Magnolia Park, located between the Jungle Cruise and the Chicken Plantation Restaurant.





When the Jungle Cruise expanded in 1962, the addition of the Elephant Bathing Pool meant that the Bandstand had reached the end of the line at Disneyland. According to the book The Nickel Tour, the Bandstand was donated to the City of Anaheim, who kept it for a few years before donating it to nearby Rogers Gardens.

This quiet little spot between The Haunted Mansion and the French Market is referred to as "Magnolia Park." It looks totally different, but why waste a good name? Are there even any Magnolia trees in the vicinity?



Another victim to change was The Indian Village, which was originally located on the cusp of Adventureland and Frontierland, in the area that became Magnolia Park.



In 1956, it was moved to the back of the park at the furthest border of Frontierland.



In 1971, The Indian Village disappeared for good and became Bear Country.



The Disney Gallery was created in 1987 in New Orleans Square, making use of the space that Walt Disney had originally mapped out as a VIP guest suite for his family and friends. The Disney Gallery was a combination museum/gift shop, displaying art, props, and other things from the Disney archives.



This caretaker from the cemetery was here temporarily during one of the Haunted Mansion refurbs.



A few props from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies:





A view of the lovely courtyard of The Disney Gallery:



In 2007, Disney announced that the Gallery would be restored to Walt's original vision, and used as a “Dream Suite” for lucky guests to spend an unforgettable night during the Year of a Million Dreams promotion. This version of The Disney Gallery closed on August 7, 2007, reopening in Town Square in the former Bank of America location in 2009.





With The Market House being converted to a Starbucks, rumors have begun to buzz that at least part of the space that is now Disneyana will be given to The Market House. Disneyana began its life in 1976 in the former Upjohn Pharmacy location. It moved in 1986 to its present location on East Main Street:





Will Disneyana bite the dust? I wouldn't be surprised. I also wouldn't care. With the Disney Gallery and Disneyana in such close proximity to each other, the two locations seem redundant. The Disney Gallery sells much of the same high end/collectible merchandise that Disneyana sells, so the need for two retail spaces that are so close in concept seems like a waste of space. Only time will tell!

Any other changing attractions/shops that I missed?

See more vintage and current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland photo web pages.