Vintage Tomorrowland

You might think we’re stuck in May 1957 this week...and you could be right as far as this blog is concerned! This gentleman at the entrance to Tomorrowland is apparently blinded by the California sunshine. He should turn around and get some ice cream from that nice cart behind him. Note the state flags that are still at the entrance.



This second image was taken in the heart of vintage Tomorrowland, near the Rocket to the Moon attraction and the Flight Circle.



I often wonder (and muse on this blog) about where the photos now exist of the people holding cameras in these images from over sixty years ago!



For KS: this closeup of the ticket booth. Still pretty fuzzy.



See more vintage Tomorrowland photos at my main website.

Astro Jets and Rocket Jets

The first image for today is from February 1958 and shows the Astro Jet attraction in Tomorrowland. Zooming in we can also see the Flight Circle attraction and some of the model planes waiting to be flown around the arena.



The area where the construction is going on would be the future home of the Flying Saucer attraction, which would open in 1961. Not sure what the digging would have been for at this point.



Moving ahead about 12 years, the Astro Jet attraction became the Rocket Jets, and were moved high atop the PeopleMover queue:



Today, this little hub of "activity" is about as dead as could be.



See more Disneyland Astro Jet photos at my main website.

Cox Pilot and The Disneyland Flight Circle

In my search for vintage images for my blog and website, there are times that I see something that I think, "Oh, that's cool. Might be a good addition to the collection," and then there are the rare times (let's face it I'm getting a bit jaded when it comes to vintage Disneyland images) that I think, “OMG I have to have this and how is it possible that somebody even shot this?!?”

Today's two images are from the latter category.

One of the first interactive readers with this blog was a gentlemen named Lee who worked at Disneyland during the formative years. Not only did he leave comments about my posts, he had an amazing memory and a generosity that knew no bounds. While many readers ask for free copies of my photos for their pet project (without the watermark!) or request that I find specific images that are of interest to them, Lee would share his knowledge AND vintage image collection without hesitation. Many a post on Daveland benefitted from this man's kindness. Although I never met him, it was with great sadness that I learned he passed many years ago, as that meant we'd never have another conversation about Disneyland (and eventually his life and family, as we got to know each other on a more personal level).

Can you imagine the joy (and bittersweet sadness) I felt when I came across these two AMAZING images of the Disneyland Tomorrowland Flight Circle from January 1961 that not only show detailed views of the model planes, but Lee himself! I know he would be ecstatic today with this post! The first shot shows Lee on the left and friend/coworker Keith Palmer on the right.



The 2nd image I acquired shows a closeup of two of the model planes that the boys would fly to the delight of guests:



Lee - still missing you after all these years, but I can't help but think that you directed me towards these two wonderful shots. Thanks!

See more Disneyland Flight Circle photos at my main website.

Moonliner Monday

How about some vintage Disneyland Moonliner shots to start your Monday with a blast...into space! The first image is from 1958 and gives us a look of the explanatory signage about the 80' tall 1/3 scale rocket space ship model that stood outside of the Rocket to the Moon attraction.



Today a 1/3 smaller version exists to sell Coke at Disneyland:



Back to the past with this undated image that also affords a view of the Flight Circle. I still miss Cox Pilot and his wonderful commentary.



At first glance this May 1956 shot seems ho-hum:



but a detailed closeup gives a view of the exterior waiting area for the attraction:



An adorable shot of a mom and daughter from April 1959:



Daughter is proudly holding a Park brochure; and how about that hand-tooled leather purse that mom is toating?



See more Disneyland Moonliner photos at my main website.

Cox Pilot Tribute

Quite awhile back I was excited and saddened by the acquisition of this 1958 shot showing the Flight Circle in Tomorrowland.



Although the closeup is grainy, I thought it might actually show Lee, aka Cox Pilot. He was one of the first followers of my blog to contribute information on what it was like to work at the Park in the early years. He generously supplied photos, memories, and encouragement. When he passed away a few years back, it was very sad to lose his kindness and generosity. Typically when I got an image like this I immediately emailed it to him excitedly waiting his commentary.



Just this week, I received these two images from April 1959 of the Flight Circle.



With this closeup I am almost positive that Lee is the one standing next to the boy in the red hat:



Compare with this shot of Lee:



A close-up of the Thimble Drome logo:



This second image from the same batch shows Lee from the back:





This shot has the added bonus of showing construction of the Matterhorn:



More Flight Circle photos at my main website.

Lost at Disneyland

From the same 1957/1958 batch that gave us yesterday's Spaceman comes this shot of a shirtless little boy at the First Aid Station located near Central Plaza. Was he lost? Was he sick? Did he need to change clothes? Not sure, but he looks pretty happy to me!

This shot baffles me. I know it's in Tomorrowland, because it shows the Moonliner, but it seems like an odd place that would have guest access. Disneyland Geeks…any idea?



Zooming in you can also see the Wen-Mac flag that flew over the Flight Circle.



More vintage and current Disneyland photos at my main website.

Yesterday's Tomorrow

A trio of Spring 1957 black and white Tomorrowland shots starts off my return to blogging. In the background are the Skyway Station and the Space Bar. Don't get excited…no liquor to be found there. In photo #2, the Flight Circle seems fairly quiet. Sad to think that Lee won't be chiming in anymore with commentary.



The Clock of the World once served as the focal point at the Tomorrowland entrance.



While we are talking it, here are a few 1950s shots in vivid color of that iconic clock.



A closer look:



The clock in daylight, circa September 1958:



and the same view at night:



A 1960's view with the Avenue of Flags in the background. Each one represented a different state.



One more closeup!



Final one for today features a Skyway shot of Tomorrowland from 1958:



Zooming in for what matters:



See more of yesterday's tomorrow at my main website.

The Astro Jets, October 1962

This October 1962 image of the Astrojets attraction in Tomorrowland yields not one, not two, but FOUR detailed views! What a great overview the Skyway provides of the Flight Circle!



This poor little Boy Scout/Cub Scout was probably hoping to see a show; unfortunately it appears that the Flight Circle is on break. Dig those models all lined up on display ready to fly for the amusement of the guests.



The gigantic Thimble Drome thimble, with the souvenir hat stand in the background:



A closeup of one of the Astrojets Jets; note the little girl ducking down. She can't take the view!



Fast forward to August 1970; "new" Tomorrowland is three years old by this time, but the Rocket Jets are still a thrilling attraction located high on top of the PeopleMover platform.



Not for those who have a problem with heights!



The present day incarnation of this attraction:



Which version do you prefer?

Spin on over to my main website and see more Astrojets attraction photos.