Mark Twain and the Helicopter

Back in the day, you could take a helicopter from LAX to Disneyland (and back), as seen in this vintage April 19, 1965 image.



In “40 Pounds of Trouble” (1962), little Claire Wilcox, Suzanne Pleshette, and Tony Curtis boarded such a vehicle in a memorable sequence (from the otherwise forgettable film) where their characters visit Disneyland.



For vintage Disneyland fans, this footage inspires rapid heartbeats because of its time capsule value. See the helicopter circling over the Mark Twain below?



This recently acquired 1965 slide did not inspire much in me when I first saw it.



When I began cleaning it up though, I let out a whoop! Did you hear it? Just above, you can see one of those helicopters above the Twain. I wonder if it was the one with Curtis and Pleshette?



To round out the post, here are a few other vintage Twain images that have not yet been posted. From September 1963, I can’t look away from the interesting art on this woman’s dress:



Pirates of the Caribbean had only been open a few months when this July 1967 image taken aboard the Twain was snapped:



That’s a respectable line of guests waiting to see the treasures within the show building:



From the same batch, a panorama view of the Twain on the Rivers of America:



In this September 1969 evening shot, guests were serenaded aboard the Twain by the Disneyland Strawhatters:



You have seen this September 1969 trio in a previous post.



If you didn’t know how to take a proper photo, the Kodak Picture Spot was a good guide.



Today, nobody needs any advice on where to take a selfie; that would just be any place that other guests could be inconvenienced!

See more Mark Twain at Disneyland photos at my main website.

A Day at Disneyland, September 1969: Pt. 2

It’s September 1969 and we’re back at Disneyland. We know it’s the past, because the Autopia’s vehicles are gas-powered. Oh wait, they still are. What’s going on below? Is a Cast Member getting chastised for taking selfies? Or maybe he was late for his shift? 



These two are looking over Tomorrowland from the Skyway bucket. They should be taking photos; it kind of sucks now.



PeopleMover, Matterhorn, Skyway buckets…it’s just BEE-YOO-TI-FULL!



Someone in the bucket was wise enough to be capturing these!



Here we can also see the Monorail tracks and it’s a small world.



Once they flew through the Matterhorn unscathed, the camera came out again to capture the splendor of Skull Rock Cove:



A delightful little rest/eating area, tucked away behind the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship:



Once more for those who haven’t read this here: I really miss this area most.



A long line for the Matterhon Bobsleds; back then, nobody cared about whiplash.



I see vintage brochuresw and a camera…and a beauty of a beehive hairdo!



An interior shot from the Carousel of Progress attraction:



I’m too lazy to figure out the placement of this area, but I am guessing it’s somewhere near Central Plaza. Perhaps what was once referred to as Alpine Gardens? If not, please don’t sue me.



A Kodak Picture Spot sign is to the left of Snow White and Dopey:



Two consecutive shots of the Disneyland Band in front of the Castle…





and one detailed view. Anyone know the conductor or band members?



Over in Storybook Land, the Bold Lochinvar boat is ready to get loaded up for another trip through Monstro.



Who’s the stuff shirt on the left? Was this when a male cast member had to be a lead because it female’s could not perform that role? He looks clueless.



Another Storybook Land shot, another aeronautic do, perfectly aerosoled.



A closeup of Peter Pan Park:



Thanks for joining me on this 9/69 tour!

See more Disneyland photos at my main website.

The Picture Spot

Two vintage images showing the Kodak Picture Spot. The younger generation most likely has very little knowledge of what Kodak is/was. Today, they get their photos shot by the new sponsor, Nikon (who just happens to make the camera I use!). First one up is from September 1959, followed by an Adventureland shot from August 1961. I'm guessing this girl wants to be a Disneyland Tour Guide when she grows up!



For more Kodak/Nikon picture spot photos visit my main website.

Space Age Hipsters

I hope you haven't tired of seeing the Space People in Tomorrowland, because here comes another vintage duo!

Somehow, the hipster glasses just don't seem right on this young space punk who is trying to be too cool for school. His female companion looks embarrassed.



Here's a closer look at the nearby Kodak Picture Spot sign:



More Space Age hipsters at my main website.

True Love at Disneyland, 1965

Based on the rings I see on their fingers, I assume this young couple is married. I also assume they are crazy about each other from the way that they happily pose for each other. Their day started outside the Disneyland Hotel.



Those who stay at the Disneyland Hotel now should not waste their time trying to figure out where on the property these were shot. The Hotel of 1965 bears no resemblance whatsoever to the completely rebuilt behemoth that exists today. Instead, spend your time looking at what's in this young gent's pocket, such as tickets to the Park.



At the front gate:



zooming in allows us to see the prices for 1965:



Once inside the gate, it's all about getting a shot in front of the Mickey Floral, which was probably the most popular Kodak Picture Spot.



And the sign that designates it as the perfect place for a photo:



As the sun begins to set, the young couple poses in front of Skull Rock:



and the nearby Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship:



A closeup of some of the photo suggestions available on this handy-dandy display:



Over at the Carnation Plaza Gardens, it appears that the Elliott Brothers are playing up a storm on this particular evening:



Yup. That's them!



I also had to zoom in to get a closer look at the pattern on this shirt. Kowabunga!



Riding home on the Monorail; looks like she had a fantastic day!



See more Daveland vintage & current Disneyland photos at my main website.