December 23, 1960: The Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant was rechristened when the area that it resided in was “plussed.” Here you can see the COTS Mermaid christening the vessel with...champagne at Disneyland?!? Or maybe just a bottle of sparkling apple juice! Looking on with smiles (and possibly one grimace) are Gilbert Van Camp Jr., Walt (as in Disney), and Gilbert Van Camp Sr. Afterwards, you would have thought it was a Madonna concert judging by the crowds of people hungry to get inside. Okay, so I exaggerate just a tad. Knowing about those Tuna Salad Boats inside, I am sure they were at least hungry.
So what was added you ask? Originally, the Ship was anchored in barely enough water to surround it; nothing fancy at all, as can be seen in this October 1956 Skyway view:
Here’s a November 1960 construction shot showing the area being renovated:
Last but not least, here is an October 1969 shot showing the upgraded Skull Rock Cove and seating area that turned this spot of Fantasyland into a lovely area to rest, relax, and eat:
To see more vintage Chicken of the Sea photos, visit my website.
