Melinda Goes To Disneyland, Pt. 1!

Just when you thought Melinda didn’t make it to Disneyland, here comes the series showcasing her collection of FABULOUS images from 1980 (the Park’s 25th Anniversary), the era that is sorely missing from my website. THANK YOU MELINDA! The first shot is a total wow; all you Disneyland newbies may find it hard to believe that at one time you could park your car near the front gate. No Disney California Adventure, no security guard lines, just one big parking lot! From Melinda:

I wondered if our visit to Disneyland had anything to do with it being the 25th birthday, but I suspect it was the lure of all of the roller coasters in the small area to ride with the recent opening of Thunder Mountain (September 1979). My parents were big fans of roller coasters and liked to ride them whenever they could - even nature's variety, aka river rafting. My sister and I watched Wonderful World of Disney every week; I had the records with story books that I listened to over and over, and we grew up with and have always loved Disney so we would not have objected to learning we were going on vacation there even if it meant days of driving there and back. We lived in eastern Washington state at the time. I was pleased to find recordings of the 25th anniversary commercial advertising the celebration with its catchy song on YouTube in my research. Music has always been a huge part of life and my sister and I could sing every TV jingle from the commercials growing up. I'm sure we would have known the Disney one and sung along whenever it came on.



A view of Main Street:



Let’s zoom in to see all of the non-Disney shops; Polaroid was the sponsor of choice for the Camera Center. Notice the large clock, too, and the name “Elgin” on it:



…which makes sense when you see that the Clock Shop across the street is sponsored by Elgin! A burst of vitamin C from the Citrus House would be a good idea on a hot Anaheim day.



The plastic Flower Market was still in business, outside the Hallmark Communication Center:



A closer look at the souvenir bag AND the realistic plastic rose:



Melinda and her sister loved meeting Tigger:



America on Parade was expanded to incorporate the 25th Anniversary, as seen in this publicity still:



The Parade in full color, as experienced by Melinda and her family. The Can-Can dancers from the Golden Horseshoe:



The Country Bear Jamboree!



This float seems to be Tahitian Terrace themed:



Another vantage point from my collection:



The approach of Cinderella outside the Carefree Corner (I could use that corner right now!):



Cinderella in her coach:



What parade would be complete without a balloon release?



The Disneyland Band received new costumes to commemorate the Anniversary:



More Melinda at Disneyland to come! See more Disneyland photos at my main website.

Disneyland, October 1965, Pt. 1

1965 marked the first decade of Disneyland, and despite the many early detractors, it continued to thrive. This set of images is from October, when the temperatures begin to get comfortable and the crowds become more manageable. Remember, this was before the days of Mickey's Halloween Party! Here, Mickey takes the baton from Vesey Walker as he leads the band through Town Square.



At first glance, this shot just looks like your typical run of the mill view of West Center Street, plastic flowers at the Flower Market, and the Carnation Cafe mobile.



Upon closer examination, you can see the way cool fixture outside of the Upjohn Pharmacy, which is now the Fortuosity Shop.



Another seemingly ho-hum view of Main Street, facing Town Square:



Becomes a tad more exciting when I zoom into the west side of the street, which affords a look at the Sunkist Citrus House and a genuine Disneyland Tour Guide!



Rounding out this portion of this set are three views of the Castle, which now sports a crest above the entrance.







See more vintage and current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland photo web pages.

2000th Post Extravaganza: Penny Arcade and More

A real treat for all you genuine FauxD© fans, as today’s post has a healthy dose of those “you are there” images! Can you imagine a shop with Jellies & Jams on Main Street? Or a bakery with fresh donuts and coffee?

I would have to stop for one of those donuts...or maybe two...or three...



Sunny View Farms Jellies & Jams were eventually replaced by the Sunkist Citrus House. Fresh Lemonade? Count me in for at least one tart glass of my favorite beverage!



I love the Penny Arcade...all of the vintage games and musical instruments. Of course, back in the day, there were more contraptions and less candy.



The lights at night are a beacon for this cool Main Street staple:



I believe I see my favorite fortune-teller, Esmeralda up front:



Speaking of Esmeralda, Cox Pilot was kind enough to share an original vintage fortune card that he received from her:



As he recalls: You’re looking at the front and back of the ONE Esmeralda card we could find (mine—my wife’s is somewhere around here). We got the cards in December of 1965, just before we were to be married in early Jan '66. I was still working for Cox, but now in the Engineering and Research Department because the Flight Circle had closed that September. We decided that if I could get a good job in the main plant, we would be married. Later, in February of '66 (Valentine's Day) we also got two cards again. Both of our cards said almost the same thing…a child would be coming. In February of 1968 our first daughter was born.



Pulling back, here's a good overall look at this section of West Main Street:



And now a sampling of some of the vintage musical Rube Goldbergs that used to inhabit the Penny Arcade:











Pluto & Goofy at the side entrance to the Arcade:



And my last vintage (albeit blurry) image of the Penny Arcade:



See more vintage & current Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photos on my Main Street web page.

Christmas in August: Main Street U.S.A., December 1962, Pt. 2

There are a few large gifts in Town Square; we might need the assistance of Bekins!

For your holiday shopping list, maybe something from the plastic flower market?



And while we’re here, how about a nice juicy closeup of the Sunkist Citrus House window? I have a feeling those oranges might have come from the plastic flower market!



At the very least, you should pick up a card or two at the Hallmark Communication Center to send to the loved ones.



Here’s a detailed peak inside:



See more Disneyland Main Street, U.S.A. photos at my website.

1963 BW Set

Welcome to Disneyland! It’s 1963, and all the color has been drained for this particular trip, captured in black and white film. Our host, looking slightly nerdish in glasses, plaid shirt, and a pocket protector, is posing in front of the Mickey floral.

Making our way up Main Street, our host stops next to the Carnation Gurr-mobile, awaiting his closeup.



This guy appears to have little interest in the Flower Market!



See more Disneyland Main Street, U.S.A. photos at my website.