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Few guests escape Disneyland without some kind of a souvenir purchase; it's the type of place that makes you want to take a piece of it home with you to remember your magical day. Balloons have been around since the beginning, and at least for a short time, make a colorful and festive remembrance of the park. This August 1962 image was taken in front of the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry in Tomorrowland. This balloon seller must be having a good day; his coin pocket is bulging full of change and his bouquet of balloons is looking sparse.
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In this twilight December 1964 shot, the balloon vendor appears to be ready to finish his day.
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Checking his pocket watch to see if his shift is over?
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This July 1965 vendor seems a bit fresher, starting his day off crossing under the train bridge into Town Square.
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Avoiding the paparazzi, this March 1975 seller looks as if he might be cold (why else would he wear a heavy coat like that in sunny Socal?).
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Even balloons have gone high-tech at the park, with a Mickey head inside of another balloon.
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What's your favorite souvenir at Disneyland?
See more vintage & current Disneyland Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web pages.
3 comments:
In the old days my favorite souvenir was any kind of paper item (pictorial books, maps, postcards, park guides) related to the park. An updated "Walt Disney's Disneyland - A Pictorial Souvenir" booklet was always a guaranteed purchase on any visit to Disneyland
Nowadays, the free guides handed out at the entrance to the parks are my favorite, but I must admit I have developed a large pin collection over the past decade.
Never purchased a balloon though.
My Dad bought me a balloon once on the way out of the Park at night, the red mouse with black ears.
It lasted until we got to our room in the Magic Lamp. I let go the string and the balloon bumped against the "popcorn" ceiling and burst.
I guess that's why it was called "popcorn" texture. I never asked for a balloon again, but they are pretty to watch.
JG
I didn't get a balloon my first trip to Disney because my mom said it would be too difficult to take on the rides. When we took my 1-year-old son last year, we bought one of those light-up ones for him in Downtown Disney. $12!!!!! It lasted all of 2 days before it hit something and slowly started oozing air.
At least I kept the light-up part, which still works!
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