Disneyland, August 1974: Mark Twain Voyage

Polka-Dot Gal is going to lead us around the Rivers of America today aboard the Mark Twain today. You can verify that these shots are from the 70’s by looking at the gentleman’s wild polyester shirt in shot #2.



Looks like the perfect day to paddle around the River on a canoe if you are so inclined; also a good way to work off those frozen chocolate dipped bananas. Be sure to check out the impressive lamb chops on the guy on the right of the canoe. Just another clue that it’s the 70’s.



Here she is in all her smiling glory: Polka-Dot Gal. Oops...now that I see her up close, I realize those are squares, not dots. Somehow, Polka-Square Gal just doesn’t seem as fun. Castle Rock in the background on Tom Sawyer’s Island.



Here’s the Indian Village, where all kinds of activity are going on.



As a comparison, here are a few present day shots of the same area:







Time for the journey to end, as you can see that the MT is pulling into the Dock area:



The final shot for the day shows Our Crazy Gal sitting with...her sister? Her seamstress? Her supplier of hairspray? Man, check out that rock-hard bouffant. Amazing that there was any ozone in Anaheim that day.



To see more vintage & current Disneyland photos, visit my website.

Disneyland, August 1974: The PeopleMover

The PeopleMover was one of the “New” Tomorrowland attractions that Walt was most proud of. It was also to be an integral part of EPCOT serving as the main mode of transportation. These photos all feature the now-defunct continuously moving vehicles. Our polka-dot gal seems just fine being ambulatory. You’ll see more of her at a later date.





Here’s a Disney publicity shot of the PeopleMover from October 1971:



For Vintage Disneyland Tickets, here are a few cat shots from the other day; location is approximately where Cascade Peak used to majestically watch over the Rivers of America:





To see more vintage & current Disneyland photos, visit my website.

Disneyland, August 1974: America Sings

The show "America Sings" replaced the Carousel of Progress in June 1974, shortly before these photos were taken. It seemed an odd choice to go in Tomorrowland, as previously Tomorrowland was mainly about technology of the future, but regardless, it was still a guest favorite. I believe that the pig in photo 1 was voiced by Betty Taylor.



If this particular shot looks familiar, it’s probably because most of the America Sings audio-animatronic figures were re-used on Splash Mountain once AS closed in 1988.





Here are 2 Disney publicity stills showing the AS audioanimatronics getting a run-through:





Once again, these characters can be seen today at Splash Mountain:



To see more vintage Disneyland America Sings photos, visit my America Sings web page.

Disneyland, August 1974

Skipping ahead one decade to the 70’s, over the next few days I’ll be presenting some slides from an August 1974 batch. The first one is a mystery to me; back of Disneyland Hotel? Something else in Anaheim? Or possibly no-relation to the big D at all. Anyone? Anyone? Slide #2 is back to familiar ground; West Center Street’s Flower Market is recognizable here. How about a nice bunch of plastic grapes for your next dinner party?



Our photographer apparently liked the Tiki Room—which is good for us! Here are two courtyard views:





Stay tuned for more 70’s madness tomorrow! To see more vintage Disneyland photos, visit my website.

The Hitchhiker Pt. 2

Moving slowly on this one; here’s a view from my first paint session on it. Still not sure how this one will turn out.

To see more of my art, visit my regular website.

The Devlin Collection: The Skyway 2

Back today with the rest of the Devlin Skyway photos, circa June 1969. Another great Matterhorn interior shot showing the first glimpse of Fantasyland:



This one was most likely taken from the Tomorrowland Skyway Station:



Although not taken from the Skyway, this view shows both the Skyway and the Monorail together in one shot.



I can’t say for sure, but I would guess that in this shot the Devlins are taking photos of each other (wasn’t that standard for this attraction?).



Many thanks to the Devlin family for sharing these great images. To see more vintage Skyway photos, visit my website.

The Devlin Collection: The Skyway

YOU ARE THERE! Today, you are in a Skyway Bucket with the Devlin family, circa June 1969. Even though it’s the square bucket design, I am sure you will still have a blast! Shot #1 is in Tomorrowland, with the Rolly Crump designed Ticket Booth & Tomorrowland Terrace below. In shot #2, that Matterhorn climber looks like he is hanging on for dear life! Let’s zoom in for a closeup.





Whew! That was scary being INSIDE the Matterhorn. Fantasyland is straight ahead.



The last shot for today gives a good overall view of what the buckets looked like in ’69, with Cinderella’s Castle in the background.



Many thanks to the Devlin family for sharing these great images. To see more vintage Skyway photos, visit my website.

1959 Trio

Just a short set before the weekend. I feel bad for these poor gals; if you had to wear gloves at Disneyland, you probably wouldn’t be smiling either. The little girl is hiding her gloves in shame, as she doesn’t want to be known as “The-Girl-who-wore-gloves at Disneyland.” Smart thinking on her part! Excursion Cars & Hand Cart in background. Shot 2 is a rarity; few guests take photos of the backside of the castle, which, ironically, was supposed to be the front until Herb Ryman decided to switch it around.



All you JC skippers, feel free to step in for #3 with your best hokey-pokey gag.



To see more vintage & current Disneyland photos, visit my website.

Pre-1959, Pt. 2: Frontierland

Today marks the end of this short series. The Conestoga Wagon clops by in this photo, as yet another Pack Mule expedition passes on the right. Meanwhile over on the Rivers of America, the Mark Twain glides by many an interesting site, beginning with this shot of the canoes at the entrance to the Indian Village.



One of my faves is the (formerly) Burning Cabin. Just wouldn't be right not to include a closeup of the poor varmint dead on the bench with an arrow in his chest. Talk about heartburn! I have also included a closeup of the mood-breaking Chicken of the Sea Pirate ship barely visible in the background.







Sadly, we must end this short series; and these friendly Indians bid you a fond farewell!



To see more vintage & current Frontierland photos, visit my website.

Movie Palaces: The Balboa

I love the old movie palaces; the ones that were even more fantasy-oriented than the movies they used to show. Unfortunately, many have gone into disrepair or faced the wrecking ball. Fortunately, The Balboa in San Diego was recently restored, and unlike the North Park Theater, this one was a first-class job. Even the curtain will take you back to yesteryear:









For more Daveland Movie Palace photos, visit my regular website.

Pre-1959, Pt. 1

This short set will only rate a 2-parter. Undated, it most likely hails from late 1958/early 1959. Where better to start than the front entrance?!? #2 is a great view from the Main Street Train Station overlooking Town Square.



Moving on to the obligatory castle view; a contemporary shot has been added for comparison.





2 Fantasyland views to round today’s selection out; one of Chicken of the Sea, the second hails from Storybook Land showing (what else?) Cinderella’s Castle.





If you’ve never seen ol’ Cindy’s place up close, here is a contemporary view; the details are way cool–and even though it’s daylight, it’s always midnight here.



To see more vintage & current Disneyland photos, visit my website.