Winter at Disneyland, 1964/65: Tomorrowland & Prince Caspian

For you Matterhorn Christmas Star fans, just when you thought you had a good one yesterday, here’s an even better one; it also includes a view of the House of the Future. Two icons in one. I have also included a detail shot of the star itself, which looks absolutely HUGE!



The only other Tomorrowland shots from this batch are of the Submarines, including one shot that rivals the excitement of the Backside of Water on the JC.





And now a few present day photos. Publicity is really drumming up for the Toy Story Midway Mania opening, which is only a few weeks away. Cast member previews begin next week.



I went to the El Capitan last week for the opening of the 2nd Narnia movie, “Prince Caspian.” This one gets multiple thumbs up, as I liked it even better than the first one. Of course, seeing it at the El Capitan is a huge plus, with the pre-show organ concert and a nice assortment of actual props from the movie. Folks, don’t miss this one on the big screen!







See more Prince Caspian/El Capitan photos at my website. Meanwhile, back at the park, Prince Caspian can be seen in the flesh at the beginning of each parade. Love the Royal Pooper-Scooper; does she get paid extra for this?









Happy Memorial Day! See more vintage & current Disneyland photos at my website.

Winter at Disneyland, 1964/65: Main Street

Picture this: you’re a child on your first visit to Disneyland. After getting over the wonder of arrival after stepping off the tram, you see the Train pull into the Main Street Station. Hurrying under one of the two tunnels (always a difficult choice to pick which one!), you enter Town Square and walk smack dab into Mickey Mouse. Could the day get any better? Image #1 shows such a lucky lass. On the other end of the spectrum, picture this: you are a child on your first visit to Disneyland. You enter Main Street and your eyes dart all around at the amazing sights, lights, and fascinating characters. And then it happens...you step in horse shit. Image #2 shows 2 young lads who encountered such luck.



Yup, it’s Christmas on Main Street, circa 1964. Here’s a lovely nighttime shot featuring the star on top of the Matterhorn:



Last shot for today, our Main Street mode of transportation is the Horse-Drawn Streetcar, and we have been dropped off at the hub in anticipation of the day’s next choice: what land to visit first? If life’s choices were only that simple every day.



See more vintage & current Disneyland photos at my website.

Short Trip to 1956 Pt. 2

It’s short alright; today is the 2nd and final posting of this 1956 batch. Hold on tight, readers, as we will be running around the park at a purty good clip today! This Adventureland shot just doesn’t seem right without the Dole Whip stand. This poor gal is pooped and can’t go another step; however, properly equipped with a Dole Whip float, she could probably manage at least more one land. Shot #2 is my sorely missed Keelboat, Bertha Mae. Somebody please rescue her from her current sad state of affairs.



Here are two very sad recent shots of Bertha’s companion, the Gullywhumper.





The colorful Skyway Buckets sail over Fantasyland, with the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Tent in the background.





Last but not least, Monstro is blowing off some steam for us:



See more vintage & current Disneyland photos at my website.

Short Trip to 1956

Mercifully, we at Daveland are now returning to some very juicy color images...in focus, too! This short 1956 series begins in Town Square with a nice shot of the Chemical Wagon. If Fire Engines aren’t your thing, the Horse-Drawn Streetcar is always a good choice, too. Diggin’ that horses’s hat...probably more than the horse is!



And of course, almost as popular as the Jungle Cruise hippos, photographers loved to snap the Carnation Wagon:



Stay tuned for more 1956 images tomorrow. See more Town Square photos at my website.

The Hitchhiker Pt. 7: DONE!

A few days away was a good thing. I THINK I am happy with the result...it will take a few days for some perspective. However, it’s going up to Hollywood today for the exhibit, so as the famous line goes, "It is what it is." My thought on leaving all the trees, lights, and buildings out of the background was that I didn’t want anything to detract from Madge; thus the simple colors. To see more of my art, visit my regular website.

Disneyland, August 1986: Fantasyland & Dumbo

Today our trip back to the 80's features everyone's favorite flying elephant, Dumbo.





Here are two wacky (in my opinion) closeups of Dumbo’s Organ (please refrain from bawdy jokes!):





And a contemporary shot for comparison of this area:



Two more shots from Fantasyland and then we will be finishing this 1980’s series as well: Storybook Land & It’s A Small World Topiaries:





See more Dumbo photos at my website.

Disneyland, August 1986: Tomorrowland Pt. 2

Here’s a nice all-encompassing Tomorrowland view: The PeopleMover, Rocket Jets, The Carousel of Progress on the left, and the Tomorrowland Terrace. SOOOOO many cool things to do in Tomorrowland (not that I'm making a commentary on how Tomorrowland currently kinda’ sucks).



Time for a little snack break. Is that a frozen chocolate-covered banana? Yum!





Here is my mystery shot of the series; anyone know what this is of?



Last shot of Tomorrowland shows the Skyway Buckets sailing through the Matterhorn:



See more Tomorrowland photos at my website.

Disneyland, August 1986: Tomorrowland

Welcome to Tomorrowland! Have a balloon...please!



Tomorrowland was full of wild colors, following the wacky pallette of the 1980’s:





By this time in Disneyland history, the Moonliner was gone, and Mission to Mars was in. The PeopleMover is visible above, as well as the Space Place below. An arcade at Disneyland? Groan...I never did understand the guests who paid good money to get into the park only to spend hours inside of an arcade.



Strollers are beginning to multiply in this decade, as can be seen by the little herd on the left. Overhead is the Skyway, floating right above these unsuspecting guests.



See more Tomorrowland photos at my website.

Disneyland, August 1986: Main Street

We have finally entered Town Square in our 1986 series, with a nice view of the Main Street Train Station. The Opera House is featuring the Walt Disney Story and old Abe Lincoln himself.

To the left it appears that there is some sort of Prize Claim office.



For those of you who have forgotten what old Abe looks like, this one is for you, circa 1968:



Over by the Fire Department, Goofy is entertaining the tots:



A stop at Guest Relations in City Hall is always recommended for Park newbies:



I am guessing that these three maidens work on Main Street; nobody in their right mind would dress like this in the middle of summer in Anaheim:



Last Main Street view for the day:



See more Main Street photos at my website.