This undated 1950s image shows that crowds are nothing new at Disneyland. Still, I would say the attire has definitely changed, as many of the present-day guests look like they just rolled out of bed. Not so in this vintage view. These guests are crammed together outside the Tomorrowland Circarama attraction. Imagine standing in the middle of a 360 degree screen, being immersed in a movie...that's pretty much what this attraction was about.
Another undated 1950s view:
For a less congested view of the overall entrance, check out this previously posted image from September 1959:
The attraction in this location today is Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters:
More Circarama at my main website.
I guess I'd never really noticed how ugly the "Astro Blasters" graphics are! Sort of a combination of 1980's post-modernism mixed with a bowling alley pastiche. Yikes.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love the past, I'll admit that sometimes new things do bring something better to the... Wait. What's that inside the lobby of the CirCARama lobby? Is that the eye from the Monsters Inc. sign? (rubs eyes) It's early, I need more coffee.
ReplyDeleteAnd "standing" is the operative word here. I clearly remember standing...and standing...and standing inside the Circarama as a kid in the 60s. No where to sit, tried the handrails...I'm sorry thats not allowed. Tough act for a wiggly 8 year old.
ReplyDeleteI used to think of the Circarama, that they needed to take a tip from the Griffith Park Observatory that had huge chairs you would lounge back in and see most of the sky over-head that they projected. Standing all that time in the Circarama was a chore! I was ready when it was over to head to the Golden Horseshoe because I was guaranteed some sit-down time!
ReplyDeleteI knew of Circarama, and I loved Circlevision. I just picked up on this now, or maybe I'm reading too much into it: Circarama sponsored by American Motors - is that why the CAR part is in red?
ReplyDeleteD, I think you're reading exactly what AMC wanted you to read. Good eye!
ReplyDelete