1977 Storybook Land

Care to join me on a vintage ride through Disneyland’s Storybook Land, circa October 1977? Our first stop in the journey is Mole End/Ratty's House.

For guests, the Cinderella tableau seems to have been the most popular spot.



I get blown away by the tiny details that most guests never see, yet the Imagineers took the time to put them there. Doorways, windows, chimneys, the stonework...



The modest Tremaine home:



Gotta’ have a closeup, because I know you want to see their mailbox:



Last one of the bunch shows Gepetto’s Village. If only it were a bit lighter I could have gotten some really great detail shots out of this one!



See more Disneyland Storybook Land photos at my main website.

Storybook Land: My How You've Grown!

I love taking comparison shots; typically the biggest changes can be seen in the growth of the landscaping. Other times, it may be as simple as a paint color. In this particular "then vs. now" shot, the August 1962 image also has one major difference: the Skyway. There are two things I miss about Disneyland that no longer exist because it is gone. The first thing I miss is the magical transportation system that it provided for guests to get from one end of Fantasyland over to Tomorrowland. Currently, no transportation exists that allows guests to cut across the park; the Disneyland Railroad provides guests with a means around the park but no through it. The other thing that I miss (obviously) is that it allowed for beautiful overhead shots of the park.

One thing that hasn't changed is the intelligent planning that allowed the mountains behind Gepetto's Village in Storybook Land to blend seamlessly with the majestic Matterhorn.



Mole End/Ratty's House provides the next opportunity for today's then vs. now comparison. In this December 1961, a child's head almost blocks it from view. We know who lives here because of the mail box:



In this undated shot, it appears to be in very bad shape, and was most likely taken during a refurbishment, as all of the water is drained from the canal:



A July 1974 photo in my collection shows the tree stump to have been altered as well as the color scheme:



My February 2007 shot shows a change of location for this structure as well as Imagineers adding the name "Mole End" on the front of the house while brightening up the color scheme. The house was also raised to a higher level and now includes a set of steps down to the water. Apparently Ratty doesn't get letters delivered anymore; the mail box is no longer visible. The result of government cutbacks, perhaps?



A different angle and more recent photo that I shot this February:



What then and now photos would you like to see the most?

See more vintage & current Storybook Land at Disneyland photos on my Storybook Land web page.

Disneyland Trip Report: Storybook Land

For those not into my trip reports, the next few days could be an extremely painful experience! Today's post focuses entirely on one of my very favorite Fantasyland attractions, Storybook Land. What a great start on this one; as your canal boat gently sails towards the menacing mouth of Monstro, I am sure many a tot has had the living daylights scared out of them (especially at night!).



But never fear, there is peace and tranquility on the other side. And a ton-o-details (which I adore!).



First we encounter the homes of the Three Little Pigs, beginning with Fifer Pig:



Practical Pig (the smart one who used bricks):



and finally Fiddler Pig:



In this wide shot, you can see the new protective railing. I understand the apparent need for it, but not crazy about the execution of it.



The faux stonework is definitely not up to par with what Disney is capable of either; not sure if it's the paint job or the faux stone itself. Either way, it's just not working for me.



After passing Agrabah, guests get a sneak peek of the Genie's Magic Lamp:



Cinderella's Castle towers overhead:



Check out all of the tiny details on this home, including a towel to dry on the railing and miniature flower pots:



Can you see the names of all Seven Dwarfs?



And here's their fanciful cottage:



London Park looks like a beautiful place for a sunny afternoon nap. This is one of the first times I've been on Storybook that the live ducks haven't messed with the perspective of this tableau.





One of the structures near Alice in Wonderland's village:



Near Toad Hall, you find Mole End:





Gotta' zoom in for this one:



Pinocchio's Village is probably one of my favorite scenes in this attraction, as the handcrafted details abound here.



The Matterhorn fits in perfectly as a backdrop.





Here is the residence of Ariel's Prince Eric:



And finally, where Ariel's family lives:



A rare peak without the waterfalls:



I hope you enjoyed this journey through Storybook Land!

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