60th Anniversary Trip, Pt. 13

I sure miss the historic Carnation Plaza Gardens, but I have to admit that Fantasy Faire was done beautifully. At night, it looks even more magical. The interior of the Royal Theatre:



The animatronic was working beautifully.



Wanted posters for Flynn Rider from "Tangled."







And then I moved over to the Castle to enjoy the gorgeous lighting. The ostentatious 60th Anniversary decor looks better at night.



The back of the castle was still fairly unadorned during my visit.





It had been years since I'd taken a leisurely trip through the Castle Diorama and it was high time to do so.



It is very difficult to get decent photos in here, but worth the effort. The amount of time and care that went into restoring and improving it is so very appreciated here at Daveland.













Each scene has tiny little details of animation, lighting, etc. that are easy to miss if you don't carefully pay attention.



Pay attention, you hear?



The evil Maleficent is a highlight of the Diorama.





The painting of the shadows in here is just incredible.



A happy ending is inevitable and this time it begins with True Love's Kiss.





The animated "Make it pink! Make it blue!" storybook ending.



More Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle photos at my main website.

Zooming In To The Jungle Cruise Dock, 1958.

On the initial view, this publicity shot stamped April 6, 1958, looks like a typical photo of the Jungle Cruise attraction’s dock area. Cast members assist guests into and off of the boats and the queue seems to be fairly packed.

Looking closer, you can see two ladies on the 2nd level on the backside of New Orleans Street. Were guests able to access this or are these two cast members? You can also see a poster on the construction wall plugging the Keystone Kops.



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland Jungle Cruise photos at my main website.

Gems from May 1958, Pt. 5

Welcome to Disneyland! And whatever you do, don’t shake hands with this young lad, as it would appear he is "digging for buried treasure.” Aren’t you glad I was able to zoom in for this little detail? Who knows what you might find on the guidebooks he was selling that day!



Don’t you love it when you enter the park and get to hear the Band? Surely a treat to start the day off right.



On the other side of the street is the Upjohn Pharmacy.



Here’s a closeup for all you peeping Toms:



Note the “Rx” on the underside of the light fixture outside the Pharmacy...or don’t note it. But please don’t come crying to me when you miss that question on the next Disneyland quiz that you take.



How’d you like to ride this Bob Gurr original up and down Main Street?



Main Street is celebrating the recently opened Grand Canyon Diorama:



Closing in for a detailed view of the lightpost banner. I think Mabel in the gray dress is a little upset that her favorite shop, The Wizard of Bras, is no longer on Main Street.



Today’s post ends at Central Plaza, where I will leave you at the Plaza Pavillion.



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland Adventureland photos at my main website.

Gems from May 1958, Pt. 3

Today we’ll take a brief trip around the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain, circa May 1958. How do I know we’re on the Mark Twain? Because the Columbia is still under construction! It would be at least a month after these photos were snapped (depending on when they were actually shot, not developed) before The Floating Skillet took its first guest around the river.



Castle Rock almost sparkles in its pristine un-adorned state, just waiting for some pesky legal types to pounce on it to make changes.



Passing the REAL Indian Village...back when there was something worthwhile to see in this area (no offense, Splash Mountain!).



For the signage geek in all of us...c'mon, admit it. You know you want me to zoom in:



A not-so-great shot of The Burning Cabin. Unless I can clearly see a dead body with an arrow sticking out of it, the photo does not receive my gold label of quality.



This photo receives my platinum label; a dead body AND skulls. What more could you ask for?



See more Disneyland photos at my main website.