Why Grumpy is grumpy.

Just look at this undated 1960's image; I would not last very long as a costumed character at Disneyland. I can only imagine the indignities these people suffer at the hands of little monsters like this one, who appears to be kicking Grumpy from the rear.



As you can see from these consecutive September 1961 shots, Grumpy was apparently a favorite for the little kids to pick on. Now his nose is getting the abuse.



Over twenty years later in 1984, this adult guest feels the need to do the same thing to poor old Grumpy. Note how the screen in the hat for the visibility of cast members is now gone.



Can you imagine the revenge fantasies that were plotted by these cast members in costume?

See more vintage & current Disneyland character photos on my character web page.

Disneyland & The Three Little Varmints, Sept. 1961

Just a one day grouping of images from September 1961, showing what I am assuming are 3 siblings. First image is of the full-sized Autopia in Tomorrowland. I love the fact that you can see the cars being worked on right there on site. The next two shots show 2 of the little varmints with Grumpy. You’d be grumpy too if some little varmint was yanking on your schnozz.





Lotsa’ layering going on in this shot; a yellow Monorail passes overhead while the red one is waiting at the station; the Submarine Voyage navigates the depths of the water while the Skyway buckets float through the Matterhorn. Hey Tim - dig that fence!



A closer view of the Skyway buckets going through the Matterhorn.



While all the other kids obediently disembark their teacups after being told to do so, the little female varmint sits still. She ain’t going nowhere.



The youngest little varmint can’t get enough of his popcorn, as he buries his face right into the box. What kind of manners did his mama teach him?!?



See more Disneyland photos at my website.

Disneyland, September 1961

This one day series takes us back to September 1961, before the 60’s got mod and the guests at the park still looked like they belonged in the 50’s. The first three shots are all from the Autopia area; after looking at shot #3, I know why this Dwarf became Grumpy!





It’s blurry, but I do love seeing shots of the not-so-often photographed Yellow Monorail, especially with the cool bubble viewing area featured!



Back when it had holes in it for the Skyway, the Matterhorn served as the transitional bridge between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.



This little girl is ready for her Teacup ride!



This little boy is determined to get every little kernel of popcorn out of that box...or else he’s looking for a hidden toy surprise (wrong snack, kid!)



See more vintage & current Disneyland photos at my regular website. “Nightmare Before Christmas” fans—this Tim Burton classic is now available on Blu-ray, and also features a way cool tour of the Haunted Mansion (NBC version).

Suzy’s Tour Pt. 2: June 1968

When we were last with Suzy, she had herded us onto the Fred Gurley at the Tomorrowland Depot; this morning, we exit at the Frontierland/New Orleans Square Station, with this lovely detail shot of some of the props nearby. Although this building (used as a breakroom for cast members) is not original to the "So Dear To My Heart" inspired depot, it definitely fits seamlessly into this area. You can find these same buckets atop the Mark Twain:



Suzy took our group over to Adventureland next, where we marveled over the wonders of the Jungle Cruise:





I could have cropped out the perfectly coifed and lacquered blond hairdo on the right, but it’s such a part of the times that I decided to leave it in.





Everyone was hungry after taskmaster Suzy walked them from the depot to Adventureland, so the gang was taken to the Tahitian Terrace, everyone’s favorite Disneyland restaurant of days gone by. Just before they went in, Suzy raised her riding crop and told the tour group there was no time to eat...they must march on. That Suzy sure is brutal!





Last stop on Suzy’s tour is Fantasyland, where we see an accident literally waiting to happen. At first glance, this cute little girl with Chip & Dale steals our hearts; but something more sinister is occurring on the right, causing us to shift our attention. The wacky hipster on the right in the bright yellow poncho continues to push her stroller of death while gabbing to grandma behind her. I am sure some guest had his feet crushed shortly after this photo was snapped. All he got was an "Oops, sorry.” This is one of those behind-the-scenes stories that Disney doesn’t want you to know.



In her last effort to be merciless to her tour group, Suzy herded them over to "It’s A Small World,” where she allowed one of her group to fraternize with a dwarf, but only because it was Grumpy. Do I even need to point out the fashion statement on the left of this shot?



Last one for today, Suzy pushes the tour group onto “It’s A Small World,” while telling them that listening to the song has not been proven to have any long-term side effects on your brain. One smart tour group member stayed behind to snap this photo of Suzy:





See more vintage & current Disneyland photos at my website. Last batch of Disney publicity stills pointing out the comparisons between Classic Disney flicks & “Enchanted”: