A Day at Disneyland, September 1969: Pt. 2

It’s September 1969 and we’re back at Disneyland. We know it’s the past, because the Autopia’s vehicles are gas-powered. Oh wait, they still are. What’s going on below? Is a Cast Member getting chastised for taking selfies? Or maybe he was late for his shift? 



These two are looking over Tomorrowland from the Skyway bucket. They should be taking photos; it kind of sucks now.



PeopleMover, Matterhorn, Skyway buckets…it’s just BEE-YOO-TI-FULL!



Someone in the bucket was wise enough to be capturing these!



Here we can also see the Monorail tracks and it’s a small world.



Once they flew through the Matterhorn unscathed, the camera came out again to capture the splendor of Skull Rock Cove:



A delightful little rest/eating area, tucked away behind the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship:



Once more for those who haven’t read this here: I really miss this area most.



A long line for the Matterhon Bobsleds; back then, nobody cared about whiplash.



I see vintage brochuresw and a camera…and a beauty of a beehive hairdo!



An interior shot from the Carousel of Progress attraction:



I’m too lazy to figure out the placement of this area, but I am guessing it’s somewhere near Central Plaza. Perhaps what was once referred to as Alpine Gardens? If not, please don’t sue me.



A Kodak Picture Spot sign is to the left of Snow White and Dopey:



Two consecutive shots of the Disneyland Band in front of the Castle…





and one detailed view. Anyone know the conductor or band members?



Over in Storybook Land, the Bold Lochinvar boat is ready to get loaded up for another trip through Monstro.



Who’s the stuff shirt on the left? Was this when a male cast member had to be a lead because it female’s could not perform that role? He looks clueless.



Another Storybook Land shot, another aeronautic do, perfectly aerosoled.



A closeup of Peter Pan Park:



Thanks for joining me on this 9/69 tour!

See more Disneyland photos at my main website.

A Day at Disneyland, September 1969: Pt. 1

This multi-part series showcases a September day at Disneyland, circa 1969. For the most part, these are in chronological order. The first one is a nice juice shot of the parking lot, now known as Disney California Adventure. Can you spot the vintage attraction posters on the pylons?



Before “Song of the South” was banned, Brer Bear and Brer Fox roamed freely through the Park.



Really digging the sunglasses, hairdo, and dress on the lady on the left!



Brer Fox - how about those shoes?



Can’t quite make out the population number.



Breakfast was over on New Orleans Street in Frontierland at Aunt Jemima’s Kitchen.



I could sure go for some of those pancakes right now, with a nice dollop of butter on top!



Apparently, the next stop was the Submarine Voyage over in Tomorrowland:



How the family looked as they left the Triton Submarine (D-305):



The Monorail Station is right nearby; how about a ride?



A closer look at Monorail Yellow and the bubble:



At this time, Tomorrowland was all Space Age and Rolly Crump!



From the Ticket Booth on the left:



…to the Rocket Jets, perched high above the PeopleMover!



Come back next week for more September 1969 images!

See more Disneyland photos at my main website.

The Century Plaza

In August 2008, I spent one night at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City. Situated on property that was once the 20th Century-Fox lot, it originally opened in 1966 (without the “Hyatt Regency” in the name).



The hotel was host to a glittering list of stars and politicians, including Bob Hope, Andy Williams, Walt Disney, Ronald Reagan, and Richard Nixon. At the time I stayed there, it was two years into its ownership by Hyatt Hotels. Sold off in December 2008, the new owners planned to demolish the building but were thwarted because of its historic designation. Instead, they renovated the hotel and converted some of the floors to condos.



From 2016-2021, the hotel was closed for a $2.5 billion renovation, reopening on September 27, 2021 as the Fairmont Century Plaza.



I don’t remember much about my stay; it was only 24 hours, and most of that time was spent in Hollywood for “Wicked” at the Pantages Theatre.



Sharp-eyed movie viewers will recognize the curved façade of the hotel from the 1980 movie “9 to 5,” specifically the scene where Doralee (Dolly Parton) gets a phone call from Missy Hart (Marian Mercer) inadvertently letting her know that her husband Franklin (Dabney Coleman) is now on the loose.



Like I mentioned, I was mostly at the Pantages on Hollywood Boulevard:



These behind-the-scenes shots were taken during a tour of the theatre and show the sets for “Wicked.”







I was more impressed with the interior of the theatre itself than “Wicked”; I fell asleep mid-show, just like I did when I saw it on Broadway. The songs did not resonate with me and the story seemed contrived.



See more Century City photos at my main website.

Monday at The Lafayette: Quixote

A few years ago when I learned that the iconic Red Fox Restaurant was getting the boot from the new owners of the Lafayette Hotel, I was extremely disappointed. Not because the Fox had amazing food, but because it was a historic piece of San Diego restaurant kitsch (and the only restaurant that my late Aunt frequented). As previous posts have reported, the Fox moved across the street to a nondescript building and Quixote, a tapas restaurant, has replaced it. Having dined there, I can now say that I’m 100% fine with that change.



The inside is a visual feast, full of pieces that were reclaimed from an old Mexican church (according to the server). While the booths are not comfortable (without pads, not even sure “cozy” could be used), I’m not gonna’ gripe about it. In this case, the price of the atmosphere and look is worth it.



The bar, which is the perfect place for an after-work happy hour and nosh.



There are two side rooms at Quixote. These blew me away. LOVE ’EM!!



I want this for my house!



The dripping candles are a nice touch to set the mood.



The lighting is perfection, giving an air of mystery and slight decadence. Note the horns on the statue, reminiscent of the ones Michelangelo put on his statue of Moses. Is this meant to be Moses?



Besides candles, there are plenty of way-cool light fixtures.



Tapas doesn’t necessarily translate into good photography, but the cocktail sure did.  This one is the Motomami, with Oaxacan Rum, Mezcal, smoked pineapple, Sochu, lime, and Demerara. Yum.



I highly recommend this place, especially the Forcefully Crispy Chicken Tacos!

See more Quixote at the Lafayette Hotel photos at my main website.