What could these photos be of? World of Color? Since they are from the 1980's, that would be impossible, as DCA wasn't even a vapor of an idea when these were shot. Thanks to Daveland reader Bill H., we can see these beautiful color photos of the Dancing Waters show featured at the Disneyland Hotel for many years. The first three photos are from September 1983. For an excellent history of this show, check out Chris Jepsen's OC History Roundup Blog.
From June 1985:
In 1992, a few years after Disney purchased the Disneyland Hotel from the Wrather Corporation, the show was altered by a company called "Waltzing Waters"(run by Michael Przystawik, grandson of the inventor of the first musical fountain) and was retitled The Fantasy Waters Show. The new program included not only colored lights, water and music, but also fiberoptic displays, light panels, and other elements. Naturally, the musical score took on a Disney theme.
The Fantasy Waters Show ended around 2007, and the area was greatly changed during the 2010 Disneyland Hotel makeover.
Today, landscaping blocks out what remains of the backdrop. At below is a photo from September 2011.
Many many thanks to Bill H. for the spectacular vintage shots shown here on today's post.
See more vintage & current Disneyland Hotel photos on my Disneyland Hotel web page.
13 comments:
I loved the simplicity and charm of "Dancing Waters". I think these are the best images I've seen of this show. Beautiful!
Absolutely fantastic images of a wonderful show (in all its many incarnations). Thanks so much, Dave.
I had no idea this ever existed. thanks for the great pictures.
JG
Thanks, Dave: some stunning shots of a charming show, and another unique piece of Disneyland Hotel history.
I wasn't aware the backdrop wall survived the recent makeover, will stroll over there next time I visit. With the arrival of "World of Color" it makes sense this went extinct, but retaining some water features within the Hotel would be welcome (well, they DID restore the fountains at the front entrance) - Dan
Dan - that last photo is from 2011; not sure what it looks like now, as it's been awhile since I ventured over to that neck of the woods! Let me know what you find…
The stage is still there as of last month, I checked! (And danced on the stage for that matter.)
Sadly, I never got to see any variation of this show. I have a feeling I would have loved its simple charm and elegance much more than its steroid cousin next door.
I saw the Dancing Waters show several times as a kid. My grandparents vacationed at the DL hotel and the show was the 'must see' at the end of the day. These are some of the best pics I've seen from the show. Thanks for the momory jolt.
The photos of the fountain are as beautiful as that landscaping they put in its place is just awful. What a crime.
Movie nights now happen there about twice a week. Large inflatable screen and a back projector. Lawn chairs are set out too. You can watch a movie under the stars.
This was a must, end of the day tradition my mother and I would go see :) Sadly my Husband and kids never got a chance to experience it :( I have told them all about it and occasionally in the middle of the day we take the kids to picnic over there :)
Yees!! I've seen these que. I was 8 or so by the Disney Hotel. Also I remember the under water arcade near this area! I was telling my wife about how the new show is a improved show of this. Hehe thanks for sharing.
I worked at the hotel in the early 80s in most of the bars. Loved the dancing waters! I worked the Wharf Bar, Sailmaker's Den, and can't remember the names of the others. Many great memories there. Met my husband there who bartended at Shipyard Inn.
I was there back fhen and everytime we went, we would go see the Dancing Waters show at Disneyland.
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