Ignoring Scarlett

Ashley: Yes, we've traveled a long road since the old days, haven't we, Scarlett?... the golden warmth and security of those days.

Scarlett: Don't look back Ashley, don't look back. It'll drag at your heart until you can't do anything but look back.

Well, I hate to disagree with one of my favorite movie heroines, but for today's New Year's Eve post, I am going to go against her advice and look fondly upon 2012's Top Ten Posts. You viewed 'em and ranked 'em! Click on the photos to access the original post.

#10 New Orleans Street (not Square!)



The first post in my top ten ranking deals with the pre-cursor to New Orleans Square, known as New Orleans Street. This quaint row of buildings still exists, and is where Riverbelle Terrace restaurant (home of the Mickey pancake) is located. Just click on the photo to see the original post.

#9 Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, Pt.1



It comes as no surprise that one of the most beloved attractions (in a kitschy sort of way) makes the top ten list. Coming in at #9, let's all sing like the birdies sing, shall we?

#8 Disneyland Guided Tour, Circa 1962: The Matterhorn



Thanks to a Tour Guide script in the collection of fellow blogger Jed Blaugrund, I was able to marry my vintage images with the text. This post was the most viewed entry into that particular series.

#7 Pirates Grog at Disneyland!



There are many other blogs out there that have been extremely gracious in re-tweeting/posting/promoting my posts. The Disney Food Blog retweeted this particular post and the views went through the roof.

#6 Rock Hudson



Apparently, Rock is still a fan favorite, over 60 years after his big screen debut.

#5 Walt's Humble Abode



It came as no surprise that my post on visiting Walt's Apartment above the Fire Department in Town Square was a popular one. Personally, it was also one of MY highlights of 2012; I can still feel the chills as I entered this tiny (but hallowed) space, where Walt Disney slept in humble surroundings.

#4 Vintage Haunted Mansion Tour



Haunted Mansion fans are some of the most die-hard and loyal readers; I know that they helped put this one towards the top of the list!

#3 Jim Morrison at The Hollywood Bowl



I guess I'm not the only Jim Morrison/Doors admirer.

#2 Screen Gem Saturdays: Debbie Reynolds Auction Part 2, Pt. 2



Debbie Reynolds' auction of props, photos, and Hollywood memorabilia was big news to collectors in 2012. I was fortunate enough to be able to see a portion of her collection at The William Paley Center in Beverly Hills.

#1 Adventureland & The Tahitian Terrace, 1969



The number one post was (again) pushed up the ladder by my friends over at The Disney Food Blog.

I must give thanks for all of the blessings I have had this year; so many of them thanks to people I have met through my blog and website (yes, I maintain a website, too!).

A highlight of this year was meeting the trio from Tours Departing Daily. Not only are they crazy talented photographers, they are three of the nicest and most humble people you could ever hope to meet.

3 cheers to the Disney blogger that started it all for me, Patrick at Stuff From The Park, as well as David at Gorillas, who rarely fails to leave a funny or kind comment on my blog. His daily patronage is very much appreciated.

And then there are the three websites that fulfill my inner Disneyland geek as I read them almost daily: Mice Chat, Mouse Planet, and Yesterland.

Huge shout-outs to Dale and his lovely wife Grace, who are two of the most humble people I have ever met.

Thanks to all for continuing to visit my blog. I hope to see more of you and meet a few new cool peeps in 2013!

See more of my art and photography on my main website.

July 18, 1955 Extravaganza, Pt. 4

Today wraps up this series with a blowout of Frontierland and a smidgen of Tomorrowland images. The Mark Twain is at the dock of the Rivers of America in our first shot. Zooming in, you can see an out of context automobile parked in front of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. With the trunk open, I can only imagine what item(s) are being delivered last minute.



Unlike today, there is even a stampede of guests to enter the Frontierland gate.





Davy Crockett fever had spread across the land, and in a nod to the mania, Walt named this "Museum" after him. From my understanding, it was more of a shop than a museum.



Two views of a Stagecoach, loading up with guests for a trip through the wilds of the Frontier:





Back in the day, bales of cotton added to the atmosphere of the Rivers, making this area appear to be a true port of trade.



Please ignore those cars parked along the side of the River.



A view of New Orleans Street, which is still at the park today:



Zooming in you can see the signage for the Oaks Tavern eatery:



Located approximately where New Orleans Square is today stands the Chicken Plantation Restaurant.



Guests of the Blue Bayou Restaurant will note that this building was the inspiration for the design of the faux building seen inside:



Another zoom shot provides a view of guests packed on a little footbridge as well as a pickup truck.



A few more vintage pickup trucks and a ton of overhead wires do not make for good show!



The final shot of Frontierland appears to have been taken from the Mark Twain and shows the Miniature Horse Corral, which would eventually become the Shooting Gallery:



Unfortunately, Tomorrowland got the shaft with this set. Only one shot, showing a directional sign for the "20,000 Leagues" exhibit:



I hope this little series made you feel as if you were there! See more vintage and current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web pages.

TPE: New Orleans Street (not Square!)

Back to my special time-travel journey back to early Disneyland, I find myself exploring New Orleans Street. I know, I know...some picky newbie Disneyphile will correct me and say, "But Dave...didn't you mean to say New Orleans Square?"

Back in the day, this little parcel was referred to as New Orleans Street, and was going to have to suffice for Walt until he got the big bucks to build his special Square.

First shot of the day is from July 18, 1955, and appears to have been taken from the balcony of the Golden Horseshoe, back when guests could be trusted not to fall off, hurt themselves, and then file a lawsuit against ol' Mickey.

Zooming in, you can see the train at the original Frontierland Depot:



According to an early park brochure, The Oaks Tavern was a malt shop, which is currently known as the Stage Door Cafe. I don't know about you, but a malt sounds much better than chicken strips!



This little girl appears to have gotten her belly full at Aunt Jemima's; I wonder how many buckwheat pancakes she snarfed down?



Here you can see the original location of the Casa de Fritos:



One of the few restaurants at Disneyland to get its own poster:



AND a matchbook! The other day, you saw the version that featured the second location.



So you can see it in all its colorful glory:



Zooming in, you can see Sheriff Lucky making nice-nice with a young female. I sure hope Walt doesn't catch him doing that!



In this detailed view, you can also see Lafitte's Anchor in its original location:



Another early view of New Orleans Street and the pleasant grassy area where guests could dine:



What's this? I believe I have caught Lucky again (look at the back of the photo, dead center), this time hanging out by the condiments. Somebody better dock his pay.



By jove, I think these guests are having the time of their lives!



By the time this May 1959 photo was taken, Casa de Fritos was gone and Don DeFore's Silver Banjo BBQ was in!



Guests are gathering around Aunt Jemima, barely visible behind the trees:



A few shots of the Aunt Jemima restaurant, which seemed to have a design identity crisis; Adventureland or Frontierland?!?







A better view of the Silver Banjo.



An even BETTER view of the SBB as we zoom in closer:



Music was popular in this area, with The Strawhatters entertaining the guests along the Rivers of America:





And here it is, a rare photo showing the backside of water...I mean The Strawhatters:





The girl on the left is very annoyed that the Strawhatters are on break.



If you didn't have an appetite for BBQ or Pancakes, you could always much on popcorn:



This last photo shows the beautiful view one was able enjoy when dining in this area, as well as Lafitte's Anchor. No wonder it was so popular!



See more vintage & current Disneyland New Orleans Street photos on my Aunt Jemima/New Orleans Street web page.

Note to all Disneyland collectors: Olszewski Studios is ready to release the Fantasyland base. After completing Main Street U.S.A., the talented Robert Olszewski began tackling Fantasyland. The quality and detail on Robert's work is truly amazing.