The End of the Saucers

These three consecutively shot photos were probably some of the last taken of the Disneyland Flying Saucers. The attraction closed on August 6, 1966 and these slides were date stamped August 1966.



The little tyke on the right looks bored; perhaps he was the one responsible for the plug being pulled on this attraction when "New" Tomorrowland was being constructed.



The Saucers didn't make the transition. Today, Space Mountain is located where the Saucers once flew. Well...almost flew. Hover is more like it.



Despite the fail of the Saucers, Disney Imagineers gave the concept another go over at DCA with Luigi's Flying Tires.

Once again, ho hum.



The Flying Tires were eventually replaced with Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters. "Ho hum" doesn't even begin to cover this one.



More Disneyland Flying Saucer photos at my main website.

Saucers are Fun!

Today's vintage September 1962 shot shows the Flying Saucer attraction, which had opened about a year beforehand in Tomorrowland on August 6, 1961. Lasting five years, the attraction was known for breaking down frequently and a cause for minor back discomfort! In this photo though, guests seem to be having nothing but fun.



Flash forward to February 2015, and Luigi's Flying Tires at DCA's Cars Land provided a similar experience that was even less loved than its counterpart, lasting under three years. Here actor Sean Astin shows his displeasure.



Fly on over to my main website for more Flying Saucer fun.

Disneyland Half Marathon Report, Pt. 3

As soon as lunch was over, we headed back to Radiator Springs Racers to try our fortunes again. This time, it was success! With our recently acquired fast passes, we walked right onto this popular attraction at Cars Land. Those first few moments when your car is out in the open, viewing all the amazing rock work and waterfall truly are thrilling. And then, before you know it, you're back in the dark, racing through Cars Land and its wacky inhabitants.





That's a lotta' cameras!





And then with a wave of the flag...



we were off, racing through the rocky landscape of Cars Land!





Almost at the finish line!



Mater was there at the finish to congratulate us.



Say 'cheese'!



We followed RSR up with Luigi. Yet another detail-heavy queue. My camera was going car-azy!







This was my first time to ride it sans beach balls. We all had a blast on it, although my recommendation would be to remove a few tires so that there would be more room to float around in, so that pileups like this wouldn't happen as frequently:



A rare moment captured with the TDD cameras in the down position.



Actor Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings," "The Goonies," and "Rudy") was at the park for the Half Marathon as well, and happened to be riding Luigi's the same time we did. We didn't have a VIP Tour Guide accompanying our group, though!





California Screamin' was next...as you can tell by the position of Matt's mouth, we had a great time!



The line was long at Toy Story, but we weren't in any hurry and when you have a fun group of people to hang with, the queues are a fun place to be.



I have a great time on this attraction, every time. What a refreshingly fun and modern twist on some old classics!



The ceiling in the exit/gift shop area:



As the sun was in its final moments of blazing glory for the day, we rode the Silly Symphony Swings. Even on an attraction like this, the cameras were out.



What a view!



The family that takes pictures together stays together...here, Michaela checks out Matt's photos while we wait in line for "Soarin' Over California."



This blue-bulbed light fixture in the queue has always been a fave of mine.



We were at Gate "A" for Alpha:



Although not really a light fixture, I also really like the logo'ed lights at the end of each row of seats on this attraction:



Outside, the setting sun had sprayed the sky with fluffy pink goodness over the Carthay Circle Restaurant:



Our lunch feast was beginning to wear off, so a little treat from Clarabelle's was next:



Outside, Five And Dime was entertaining the guests:



I've seen a few different cast members perform this role, and each one has been top notch:



The backup musicians ably accompanied the pretty gal in pink:









Over at MiceAge, they reported this week that the charmingly vintage shop windows have now been polluted with crass plush and other cheap souvenirs. I am happy that I have shot a few of the windows before that occurred:







I'd been up since 4am, and at this point, it was now about 8pm. I can't believe I was still up! Tickets for an upcoming World of Color show kept me going. Stay tuned for those photos tomorrow.

See more vintage and current Disney California Adventure photos on my DCA photo web pages.

Trip Report Pt. 6, Luigi's and Mater's

Luigi's Flying Tires has the distinction of being the only part of the DCA revamp that has gotten consistently fair to poor press. I was reluctant to waste my time riding it based on what I heard, and preferred to spend my time taking photos instead. However, on this particular day, I was early enough that the lines weren't bad, so I figured I'd give Luigi's a try. I am so glad that I did!

Plenty to check out in the attraction queue; so much in fact that I meant to go back and shoot more details.



Unfortunately, that never happened. Something to put on the “to do” list for my next visit!



Like everything else in the DCA revamp, it would appear that every inch of this attraction was given careful thought, design, and meticulous attention.





Each gate has a different name:



Detailing on the tires:



From this area, you have a great view of the Tower of Terror, looming in the distance:



The landscaping helps set off the cold black of the tires:



The attraction itself was a lot of fun; floating around on the tires, using my body weight to steer, was a very cool sensation.



The beach balls were added to make up for those who can't quite get the hang of the tires; supposedly tossing a beach ball around is compensation for a tire that might be stuck in a corner.



For maximum fun on this attraction, I would suggest a large group of guests ride in different tires so that the "bumper car" effect and tossing of beach balls becomes more of a party, instead of attempting to float around individually. I don't quite understand why early guests were having a difficult time figuring out this attraction. Don't let the early detractors cause you to avoid Luigi's!

Mater's was also a lot more fun than I anticipated. Imagine the tea cups on steroids; that's my expert analysis of this attraction!



As the little Maters start to spin around the turntables, you'll be swung from side to side. It really is a cool sensation, even if it is a simple attraction aimed at the younger set.









The characters were out as well, including Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater.



I couldn't bring myself to photograph the dancing car parade. It just didn't seem worth the shutter clicks.



See more DCA Cars Land photos on my Cars Land web page.