Vintage Disneyland Photo Fun Interlude

Way back when, Disneyland guests had the opportunity to place themselves in cartoon scenes so that they could have their photo taken as a souvenir of their day at the Park. Here's a happy couple having a great time in their vintage cartoon jalopy.

The souvenir envelope that the photo came in:





This happy tradition has returned to the Park for the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration…for FREE! Definitely a nice bonus.



More vintage and current Disneyland photo fun at my main website.

60th Anniversary Tribute to Walt Disney

Today the Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 60th Anniversary; hard to believe since it seems just like yesterday I was basking in the nostalgia of the 50th. Oh how time flies.

This black and white shot of Walt standing outside the Jungle Cruise attraction talking to two young lads has been in my collection for awhile now.



Recently, I was able to acquire a color shot from the same scene. You can just imagine Walt grilling the boys, asking them what they liked and didn't like about his beloved theme park.



This may be a publicity shot, but I guarantee you that those frown lines are real; the boys are probably telling him that once you ride the Jungle Cruise, you don't need to do so again.



This color image has an extra detail that helps date it. Note the back of the souvenir guide book from 1956:



It's a match!



This other recently acquire image makes my heart warm, seeing how happy Walt is to show off Disneyland in his Horseless Carriage.



Continue the 60th Celebration by checking out a gigawatt more vintage & current photos of Disneyland at my main website.

60th Anniversary Trip, Pt. 18

I am starting off the week with the grand finale of my most recent trip with a selection of evening shots. This is when the park looks most magical in my estimation. Well, all except those plastic blue diamonds that are strewn throughout the park.



So glad the Magic Shop is still here; Main Street could use a little more retail variety like this as opposed to the plethora of plush it serves up.



The Wooden Indian still stands on Main Street, even though the Tobacco Shop is long gone.



Inside the Disney Gallery, an artist was sketching up a custom drawing for a guest.



This particular artist must have been on break.



For sale was this tribute to the Haunted Mansion's Tightrope Girl:



LOVE this piece which does double duty for Big Thunder Mountain and Nature's Wonderland:



It's always hard for me to leave Disneyland; I typically take my time and snap a few last minute shots. One step forward, two steps back.



I happened to catch the engine pulling into the station at the end of the evening.





I decided to snap one of the DCA entrance…



and through my viewfinder saw that they were putting a little bling on top of Carthay.



One more year and all of that crud will be gone.

More Disneyland photos at my main website.

60th Anniversary Trip, Pt. 15

After indulging in a heavy day at the Haunted Mansion, let's take a little breather before we delve into the "new" Club 33. Today's post begins with a concert by the Disneyland Marching Band, entering Central Plaza over the Sleeping Beauty Castle drawbridge.





Out come some of our favorite Disney Toons: Mickey, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and Chip 'n Dale.



Ta da!



Lunch was over at the Celebration BBQ. After everyone was evacuated because of a kitchen fire, we were seated at our table and allowed to indulge in the all-you-care to eat BBQ fixins.



The birthday dessert was a fantabulous chocolate chip cookie served in a deep-dish skillet à la mode.



Doug made his birthday wish:



The entertainment during lunch is an added bonus:



It was already turning out to be a high-crowd day, so we took leisurely tour around the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain.



Meanwhile, other guests took a not-so-leisurely turn around the Rivers in a canoe.



The Twain didn't scare this bird; he just stayed perched on his barrel.



Fowler's Inn:



A closeup:



It's gotten bigger over the years, as you can see in this comparison shot from June 1965:



Turning the corner you can see the Gullywhumper Keelboat:



with Wavy Indian in the background:



A better view of the Gullywhumper:



and the non-burning cabin:



Want a closeup?



I prefer mine flaming. How about you?



The busy little beaver:



And some other less convincing "animals" along the way:



There was plenty of room at the Shooting Gallery:





I'd never noticed this ghostly figure that rides across the background; very cool!



Last item on the agenda for the day was to visit Abe Lincoln in the Opera House. Cast member Michael was our host:



Abe waited patiently in the dark until it was his moment to speak.



He did a great job as usual; never flubs a line.



A rousing patriotic finish every time.



NEXT UP: Club 33!

More Frontierland at my main website.