Daveland reader Xavier Loza shared a story about his mother's frequent visits to Tinker Bell's:
My mom used to purchase dolls at Disneyland's Tinker Bell Toy Shop starting in the 1950s when she was a young girl because she simply loved the dolls that they had. Back then, Disneyland was considered so top shelf that anything one had from there was a conversation starter, as everyone wanted to go. There was a steady mix of public dolls, and exclusive Disneyland dolls. One of my mom's favorite sets was made in the late 1950s, around 1957-58 I think, and it was of a Ginger doll with outfits from all the various lands.
In later years, Mom said that Disneyland represented her youth as she got older, and continuing to buy dolls kept that feeling alive. She also had a particular fondness for Alice in Wonderland and Sleeping Beauty.
I couldn't believe it when I saw your September 1966 photo.
Upon a close inspection of one of the shelves, I saw a whole set of Madame Alexander "Sound of Music" dolls that my mom purchased from this shop back in the 1960s.
She said she couldn't just pick one, so she bought the lot. Can't help but wonder if they are the exact ones pictured.
She continued to shop there until the shops changed in the late 1980s from high end items to more kid centered.
I think any kid that can remember that time would agree, there were no better stores in Disneyland than those found in Fantasyland. It does harken back to a time when Disneyland was perhaps, dare I say, a little more innocent; little bit sweeter.
How fantastic to have an inside look at one of the most beloved vintage Shops at the Park. Thanks Xavier! As a bonus, here's a genuine Daveland FauxD© image from Tinker Bell's, circa 1960's:
See more vintage Disneyland Tinker Bell Toy Shop photos on my main website.
