This undated vintage image showing the map of the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train is most likely from 1956. The lovely lady in pink seems very proud to be showing off all of the options you have for fun in Frontierland. This gives you an idea of what existed before Big Thunder Mountain arrived. Below is a June 1960 image showing the living desert scene visible from the Mine Train.
Travel back in time to see more Nature's Wonderland goodness at my main website.
I love your storybook map images of Disneyland. That's such an unusual image of the cacti with flowers in the Living Desert. I don't remember seeing the blossoms before.
ReplyDeleteI still miss the old Nature's Wonderland. Why didn't they at least save the Living Desert portion like they did Cascade Peak. It would've been a cool walk-thru. Thanks, Dave.
What a neat idea. Some of the Living Desert as a walk through or dining area. BTRBBQ could have still been built and we would have scenery.
ReplyDelete...which we would be bitterly decrying the loss of today to make way for Star Wars Land. Still, it would have been nice to forestall that for nearly 40 years...
ReplyDeleteMy dream day going back in time would be to once again go on the Mine Train ride, then walk through the black light rock exhibit and finish off with lunch at Casa de Fritos :)
ReplyDeleteThose of us who worked the Mine Train lament its loss to this day...and continue the Order of the Red Handkerchief in its memory. KS
ReplyDeleteI like seeing "Rainbow Desert" as the name for the Living Desert prior to Nature's Wonderland. That plus the "Settlement", "Dinosaur Trail" and the "wilderness" out at the bend in the river. Where else can you get this sort of info? Thanks, Dave.
ReplyDeleteAgreed... The Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland is sorely missed. I would add the Pack Mules to that list too. Those were the "real experiences" I loved as a kid. I only have a vague memory of riding the Pack Mules along the edge of the Rivers of America and being real close to the Moose that had appeared to have pulled grass out of the bottom of the river with water dripping out of it's mouth. Simple effect but such a great level of detail.
ReplyDeleteAlways your pal,
Amazon Belle