For those not into my trip reports, the next few days could be an extremely painful experience! Today's post focuses entirely on one of my very favorite Fantasyland attractions, Storybook Land. What a great start on this one; as your canal boat gently sails towards the menacing mouth of Monstro, I am sure many a tot has had the living daylights scared out of them (especially at night!).
But never fear, there is peace and tranquility on the other side. And a ton-o-details (which I adore!).
First we encounter the homes of the Three Little Pigs, beginning with Fifer Pig:
Practical Pig (the smart one who used bricks):
and finally Fiddler Pig:
In this wide shot, you can see the new protective railing. I understand the apparent need for it, but not crazy about the execution of it.
The faux stonework is definitely not up to par with what Disney is capable of either; not sure if it's the paint job or the faux stone itself. Either way, it's just not working for me.
After passing Agrabah, guests get a sneak peek of the Genie's Magic Lamp:
Cinderella's Castle towers overhead:
Check out all of the tiny details on this home, including a towel to dry on the railing and miniature flower pots:
Can you see the names of all Seven Dwarfs?
And here's their fanciful cottage:
London Park looks like a beautiful place for a sunny afternoon nap. This is one of the first times I've been on Storybook that the live ducks haven't messed with the perspective of this tableau.
One of the structures near Alice in Wonderland's village:
Near Toad Hall, you find Mole End:
Gotta' zoom in for this one:
Pinocchio's Village is probably one of my favorite scenes in this attraction, as the handcrafted details abound here.
The Matterhorn fits in perfectly as a backdrop.
Here is the residence of Ariel's Prince Eric:
And finally, where Ariel's family lives:
A rare peak without the waterfalls:
I hope you enjoyed this journey through Storybook Land!
See more vintage & current Disneyland Storybook Land photos on my Storybook Land web page.
No pain here. I love your trip reports. The faux stonework bricks on top are too large and out of scale with the rest of the bridge. If anything the upper bricks should be smaller, not larger. It reminds me of the Emporium extension you posted a few days ago.
ReplyDeleteDue to my growing lack of interest in the Matterhorn Bobsleds and "it's a small world" these days, Storybook Land has now become my favorite part of Fantasyland. I love Mole End.
I also love the trip reports. Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteI first went to Disneyland when I was 3, and one of my most vivid memories is of Monstro's mouth. It didn't scare me, but I do remember it and being bummed I couldn't go on Casey Jr.'s train.
This is my favorite part of Disneyland, hands down.
ReplyDeleteI recently found a photo from our 1965 trip showing Mom and I in the boat just entering the whales mouth. I wasn't scared by it, but more like entranced by the awesome concept.
Every time I ride, I am a little child again, seeing it for the first time. I generally approved of the changes over the years, especially Aladdin and Little Mermaid. I appreciate the way that Toad Hall was relocated instead of eliminated, and the Lamp in the cave is simply genius.
The railings are really awful, however, and the new stone is wretched, especially since this attraction has some of the best faux stone in the park, and not just original. The recent work around the Little Mermaid additions is really quite good also.
Overall, for fifty years plus, this little gem has held up well.
Thank you for the details, Dave. I really appreciate this one.
JG
Loved this post.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you miss all of the little details when you're trying to take it all in and you've captured them for me here.
Thank you!
Love the trip reports!! Thanks - they help between real visits to the parks!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Dave. Are you able to do it in a single boat trip? KS
ReplyDeleteKS - These are all from one trip. I don't know what it is, but this one is a back-wrencher for me, as I twist and turn attempting to capture everything from both sides!
ReplyDeleteThanks all for the positive feedback - glad you like this post.
WOW -- Ariel etc without the waterfall --- super cool!
ReplyDelete