Walt pats a Rhino

From the publicity blurb dated May 14, 1963:

(ADVANCE FOR USE WITH BOB THOMAS STORY IN AMS OF SUNDAY, MAY 19) (LA2-May 14) HOLLYWOOD, May 19 — ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT WILL MAKE IT WORK—Walt Disney pats one of the new creations in his Hollywood studio workshop—a new rhino which goes on display in the near future at Disneyland. Electronic equipment will be installed through the opening at the left, controlling mechanism for making the critter move and make sounds like a live rhino. “The method we use is actually part of the Polaris electronic system,” says Disney. Rubberized skin covers the rhino.

The AP sent out this blurb with the same photo:

ELECTRONIC RHINO is checked at Hollywood studio by Walt Disney, who will install the new creation soon at Disneyland. Electronic equipment will be installed through theopeing at left for controlling mechanism to make the critter move and make sounds like a rhino. (AP Wirephoto).

1964 saw the addition of the African Veldt & Lost/Trapped Safari scenes; classic work by Marc Davis!



This scene is still entertaining today, and bears all of the signatures of Marc Davis’ style, from the explorers right down to the hyenas:







On another topic; I finally finished this painting of Lana Turner & John Garfield that I started over a year ago.



Part of my New Year's Resolution is to get back to the canvas more often this year.

See more Disneyland Jungle Cruise photos at my main website.

Sailing Through Sundays on The JC: August 1955—The Gardner Collection

Dick Gardner was stationed in San Diego with the Navy back in 1955; fortunately, he took a lot of BEE-YOU-TEE-FULL color photos of Disneyland while he was in Southern California. He has graciously allowed me to post his images for all of you to drool over. Here are three from the Jungle Cruise, beginning with the lanai near the dock area. Shot #2 of the ancient shrine gives a great view of the long-gone monkeys:



Last but not least is the semi-charging Rhino:



Thanks a million to Mr. Gardner for sharing these great images!

See more Disneyland Jungle Cruise photos at my website.

Sailing Through Sundays on The JC: August 1958

Today’s post is a fairly comprehensive albeit not so artistic look at the Jungle Cruise, circa August 1958. Naturally, I have posted these images in the order they were taken. Enjoy!





















This photographer definitely had an affinity for the back side of water! See more Disneyland Jungle Cruise photos at my website.

Sailing Through Sundays on The JC: Jungle Cruise, 1955

Here is a set of JC views from 1955. First to come into view is this rare Rhino, no longer visible on the JC attraction. The natives in shot #2 look purty darn threatening! Let’s keep our boat moving!



Two shots returning to the dock and the lanai. AMAZON BELLE: I believe this shot is of a small hut that sat just beyond the "Attacking Natives" before Schweitzer Falls. You can also see it in one of your previous posts. The Jungle Cruise narration done by Thurl Ravenscroft on Side B of the Tiki Room album referred to it as the "Witch Doctor's Hut." But the 1986 spiel had no mention of it.





See more Disneyland Jungle Cruise photos at my website.