Hump Day at "New" Fantasyland

The attractions at Disneyland’s original Fantasyland area had Tournament Festival “Tent” façades. This was much cheaper than the original idea of Tudor façades. Here is the original Peter Pan attraction as it looked in the 1950’s. Note the mother covering up her son’s face; the little tyke was probably scared to fly through the dark ride, as many still are. 



In getting this post ready, I noticed this little design element on top of the attraction building. At first I wasn’t sure if it was a microphone, a mechanical bird, or…?



The Snow White façade from 1968:



…which also had the same doohickey on top. It seems like it was tacked on as an afterthought.



In 1982, Disneyland did a scrape and burn of the original Fantasyland, rebuilding everything with the original Tudor façade concept. Here is the area in the midst of construction, as workers feverishly attempt to finish in time for the grand re-opening, May 25, 1983.



Just in case you wondered what brand of paint was used:



Painting the new windows: 



Here are some of the black and white publicity stills that the Disney Corporation sent out in advance of the grand opening, with this one showing the “new” Snow White attraction exterior:



Oops…they weren’t quite camera ready.



The Peter Pan Tudor façade:



A shot of the little kiddies being let loose into the revamped land:



Who let this clown in?!?



See more Disneyland Fantasyland photos at my main website.

Disneyland July 1963

A trio of images from July 1963 beginning with one of the entrance to the Douglas Moonliner, or the attraction formerly known as the TWA Moonliner. Of course my eye immediately goes to the cool vintage pink feather Disneyland hat.

Elsewhere in Tomorrowland, it appears that Pinocchio has gotten lost and is now grooving to some cool tunes with The Spacemen and Kay Bell. Is Kay the auburn haired beauty just visible behind our wooden friend?



Last and somewhat least is a shot of the entrance to the Sleeping Beauty Castle Diorama in Fantasyland:



And a contemporary view from a similar angle:



More vintage and current Disneyland photos at my main website.

Shopping at Tinker Bell's

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.