This vintage image shows a New Attraction Preview map for Disneyland 1959. I have no idea where in the Park this was located, but I think it's pretty cool nonetheless. Even more than 3 years after opening, Tinkerbell is still the spokesperson rather than Mickey Mouse. Apparently the uncertainty of whether or not the Park would make it was the reason she was put front and center instead of Mickey.
A closeup of the Matterhorn/Skyway/Monorail portion of the map. It looks like a tunnel was originally part of the plan for the Monorail to the left of the Matterhorn.
See more behind-the-scenes photos of Disneyland at my main website.
10 comments:
I like the idea of a monorail tunnel!
The crescent shaped island in the Sub Lagoon is interesting, though it's probably better that they went with the coral reef instead.
It's been said that the "Disneyland '59" expansion finally put Disneyland on the map so to speak. It definitely elevated the park to a whole new level. The best example of multi-level overlapping attractions ever done for a theme park in my opinion. Thanks, Dave.
Agreed with Ken, I'm more intrigued by the crescent island. Great pic, great find. I love seeing the differences between artist concept sketches and reality.
Hey there, Dave!
I found the location for the "Disneyland '59" attraction preview map. It appears to be in front the old Holiday Hill mound looking north. Hope that helps.
http://www.disneybymark.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DbMpreviewhh.jpg
And here's a nice in-the-park view of the preview map including descriptive text of the attractions below the map.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5053/5469363911_bf9f7091a2_b.jpg
Fascinating historical document. It would have interesting to see how the tunnel would have worked for the monorail. I doubt it would have lasted as the space between the mountain and the Alice attraction is constricted as it is today. KS
The crescent island would make a nice backdrop for the mermaids.
I wonder if the the crescent island morphed into the coral reef while still in the on paper stage. Great stuff, Dave, and very nice support Ken.
Hi Ken - Thanks for the links and showing the location! Fantastic!
Dave, this is terrific stuff. I have seen versions of this drawing with the elaborate island, but never a tunnel.
Often, the differences between the conceptual rendering and reality are budget-related. Sometimes, though, "ruffles and flourishes" are provided by the renderer just for fun, and aren't really part of the design. I've often drawn in landscaping and trees to cover up parts of the concept that are still in flux.
For commercial projects, now, a high degree of accuracy between the concept sketches and the final product are expected, often due to development deals and legal requirements to provide the level of amenity that is advertised. But this applies mostly to projects requiring planning approval or with units for sale to the public.
I'm hoping that the final built version of the Rivers of America and Star Wars Land will stand up to the fancy renderings, but no recourse if it doesn't.
JG
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