Pirates of The Caribbean Construction

This undated view is most likely from 1966, showing the early stages of construction for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. On the left of the photo is the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House. To the right is a gentleman taking a photo and on the far right, a young man exhaling. I hope he has his medical card; or maybe he was just waiting for Yippie Day.



More vintage and contemporary Pirates of the Caribbean attraction photos at my main website.

February 1959 Reunion

Some sellers will offer complete sets of vintage slide sets; some offer them in dribbles and drabs, breaking up sets and selling each slide individually. There are pros and cons to each method, which could make for an entire post in itself (just not today's post!). Some of today's posted slides from February 1959 have been shown here previously, and the new images for today will finally be reunited with their long-lost companions.

First up is a shot that was (most likely) all about The Monsanto House of the Future, but fortunately also captured some of the Matterhorn construction.



Nine shots later, the photographer captured this view of a pre-Monorail connected Disneyland Hotel.



Skipping ahead two (maybe those will appear in my hands at some future date!), this delightful lady is dressed to the nines for this portrait along the banks of the Rivers of America.



Back to the Disneyland Hotel for a shot of the pool and the rules for the Coral Club:



No need to put your glasses on; let me zoom-in for you:



Another exterior shot of the hotel itself; present day, you'd find yourself standing in Downtown Disney.



Before the Plaza Inn came to be, the Red Wagon Inn satisfied the appetites of hungry guests.





Last one in my collection from February 1959 is this previously posted shot of the Frontier Gun Shop, which has now been absorbed into the Golden Horseshoe.





See more vintage and current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web pages.

Space Mountain Construction

Today's post wouldn't be possible without the kindness of Daveland reader Bill H. He sent a treasure trove of construction photos for Disneyland's Space Mountain. The first few are from December 1975.





Just three months later, he captured this one, showing the closing-in of the mountain.



This March 1976 image is from my collection:



By May 1976, it was beginning to take shape and look like the iconic Tomorrowland attraction that so many guests just can't get enough of:





June 1976:





July 1976:







September 1976







November 1976



Flash forward to today (or thereabouts):



Pretty amazing that a 35-year-old thrill ride still draws 'em in. It may not be the most death-defying attraction, but few (including myself) can ever forget their first ride in the dark on this rush-inducing coaster as it whips around in a spiral.





Thanks, Bill—I know that you made the day of more than a few people today!

See more vintage and current Disneyland Space Mountain photos on my Space Mountain web page.