New Orleans vs. New Orleans Square, Pt. 3

Welcome to New Orleans Square! To experience the attractions here, it’s best to board the train at the Main Street Train Station and head to the first stop, which is Frontierland/New Orleans Square. As you approach the station, you know you’re in the right place as you see the decor from the Mardi Gras Supply Company. This is one of my favorite stations at Disneyland, as the detailing is rich.



Tired? You can always hang out and relax at Magnolia Park while the kiddies run wild.



Into history? Take a moment to read the plaque purporting this to be the anchor from a pirate ship commanded by Jean Lafitte.



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Fashion Week at Daveland!

For no other reason than just because, I am declaring this week "Fashion Week." This recently acquired vintage image from February 1972 more than justifies it in my book! Here is the vintage publicity blurb that accompanied this photo:

CAJUN QUEEN - - Dressed in a striking Anne Klein designed ensemble from the new Innovator Shop at Bullock's La Habra, Cheryl pauses on one of the quaint streets in Disneyland's New Orleans Square. Her vibrant red blazer is complemented perfectly by the raw silk blouse and all-linen plaid skirt. Bullock's La Habra was one of our fashion leaders presenting 1972's most exciting creations during Disneyland's "Cinderella Festival," March 3-4.

A closeup of the signage for Lafitte's Silver Shop and Cristal d'Orleans:



Looks like the original Cristal d'Orleans sign is still there:



See more vintage and current New Orleans Square photos at my main website.

Vintage New Orleans Square

How about a lovely Sunday in New Orleans...Square, that is! It's a perfect day for a little jazz from the Royal Street Bachelors, as seen in this November 1975 photo.

In the background is the Lafitte Silver Shop, which sold jewelry and other silver merchandise.



A courtyard staircase, aged appropriately, which I believe is the one next to the One of a Kind shop:



Oh how I remember that red shopping bag on the left and the Mickey T-shirts worn by the couple on the right!



A contemporary view for comparison's sake showing the Cristal d'Orleans Shop still in biz:



Jumping forward to August 1981, a few knick-knacks from (I believe) the One of a Kind Shop courtyard:



The same courtyard as seen six years earlier. Only the plants have changed!



Today, it is part of the Pieces of Eight Arcade:





I think I need a beignet. How about you?

See more vintage & current Disneyland New Orleans Square photos on my main website.

More April 1977 Disneyland Photos, Pt. 3

Although it might be hard to believe today, New Orleans Square was actually a fun little place to browse and shop for unique and rare treasures. First up is Mlle. Antoinette's Parfumerie. The shop name has recently been restored, but the concept is still not quite as high end or unique as it was back in the 1970's.



Here's a closer look at the display window. Do you see any plush or Disney merchandise? A window like this today could mean somebody's job!



I could be wrong, but I believe this vintage shot shows a display window that is outside the Café Orleans Restaurant:



This show of the Cristal d'Orleans shop was probably featured in my previous April 1977 series but thought I'd include it again with the other N.O.S. shots.



Zooming in to the display window:



You can still find beautiful and unique items in this store today and not feel like you're being force-fed more mass-produced Disney merchandise. Here's a recent shot of the same shop:



See more vintage & current Disneyland New Orleans Square photos on my New Orleans Square web page.

April 1977, Pt. 7

I love this bawdy painting that hangs in the Golden Horseshoe saloon; I have no info on who painted it, but I am happy to report that it still hangs above the bar. Something makes me think that at one time this lady was completely nude, but then painted over at some point for modesty's sake. Just a theory. Either way, the frame has changed since the 1977 photo was taken.



Things are dead over at the French Market; must be too early for lunch!



Here's a comparison shot from October 2007:



Over at Cristal D'Orleans, the doors are open and ready for biz.



Zooming in to see the wares in the window:



See more vintage & current New Orleans Square photos at my main website.