Hump Day at the Gardens

Shot #1 for today hails from July 1956. What’s going on behind those construction walls? On the right we see the Sleeping Beauty Castle, which identifies the scene going on behind the Red Horseless Carriage as the soon-to-be-open Plaza Gardens, sponsored by Carnation.



Opened on August 8, 1956, the undated image below shows patrons enjoying a little shade and some nice wholesome Carnation snacks.



Since the Carnation company began in 1899, the 60th circle would most likely date this shot to 1959 (1899 + 60 = 1959; ain’t math grand?). I am digging the variety of hats.



Here’s another view of the Gardens from the 1960s:



By March 2013, the relaxing Gardens (also the beloved location of swing dancing) had been replaced by Fantasy Faire, thus blurring the lines between Fantasyland and Main Street.



See more Disneyland Carnation Plaza Gardens photos at my main website.

Alice in Fantasyland September 1964

This September 1964 image shows The Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, and Alice in Wonderland interacting with a few guests in Fantasyland. The oval netting in the band of the Mad Hatter’s hat is so that the cast member inside the costume can see out.



While we’re in Fantasyland, how about a 1956 shot of the Mad Tea Party? Fantasyland looks so different with its original façades meant to resemble medieval traveling tournament tents.



See more Disneyland Fantasyland photos at my main website.

60th Anniversary Trip, Pt. 13

I sure miss the historic Carnation Plaza Gardens, but I have to admit that Fantasy Faire was done beautifully. At night, it looks even more magical. The interior of the Royal Theatre:



The animatronic was working beautifully.



Wanted posters for Flynn Rider from "Tangled."







And then I moved over to the Castle to enjoy the gorgeous lighting. The ostentatious 60th Anniversary decor looks better at night.



The back of the castle was still fairly unadorned during my visit.





It had been years since I'd taken a leisurely trip through the Castle Diorama and it was high time to do so.



It is very difficult to get decent photos in here, but worth the effort. The amount of time and care that went into restoring and improving it is so very appreciated here at Daveland.













Each scene has tiny little details of animation, lighting, etc. that are easy to miss if you don't carefully pay attention.



Pay attention, you hear?



The evil Maleficent is a highlight of the Diorama.





The painting of the shadows in here is just incredible.



A happy ending is inevitable and this time it begins with True Love's Kiss.





The animated "Make it pink! Make it blue!" storybook ending.



More Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle photos at my main website.

60th Anniversary Trip, Pt. 12

It's time for New Orleans Square at Night! The Magnolia Park area is one of the most beautiful quiet spots in the park; a lovely place to sit, relax, and watch the peeps going by.

A few interior shots of Cafe Orleans after the doors have closed.





Let's get a closer look at that copper coffee urn, shall we?



Quite a history!



I am a nut for signage, but even more so at night when it is all lit up!





An interior shot of the Blue Bayou Restaurant lobby:



Time to shift over to Adventureland for more nighttime magic.



Hopefully you've all experienced the joy of Shrunken Ned in the Adventureland Bazaar:







This underused area was once the vibrant Tahitian Terrace:



I spent some time in the Tiki Room courtyard getting these gems of the animated Tiki statues, starting with Koro:



Pele:



Pele mad:



and Maui:



Tomorrow, we'll spend some time in Fantasyland!



More Disneyland night (and day) photos at my main website.