1967 Journey Through POTC, Pt. 1

One of Disneyland's most beloved attractions opened on March 18, 1967 and continues to be a guest favorite. To publicize its opening, the Disney publicity machine ran this piece in Vacationland Magazine, 1967:

Picture, if you will, the eerie and cavernous headquarters of the infamous Blackbeard, or the swampy bayous on the treasure-laden island of John Laffite. Take a page out of history when pirates sacked the Spanish Main, looted cities, set them ablaze, auctioned off the fair ladies and conquered fortress after fortress. Combine all of this with the most hilarious blackhearted buccaneers the world has ever seen, and you have a small idea of the excitement you’ll experience during a visit to Disneyland’s New Orleans Square this summer for the Park’s newest adventure, the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Using the most advanced techniques of the space age, Disney designers and “Imagineers” (the company’s word for imaginative engineering) have assembled an adventure not only unlike any other in the world, but unequaled entertainment-wise too.

In the best Disney tradition, not a moment is wasted. As the adventure begins, the action begins, and boat-borne guests literally “plunge” into the adventure with a thrilling splash down a 52-foot waterfall.

From there on it’s action and hilarity every league of the way —right up to the exciting climax and grand finale, when an entire port city is set ablaze, right down to the town arsenal full of powder kegs.

How do you escape the raging holocaust —only at Disneyland could you “fall up” a waterfall.

This 1967 promo shot shows the Wicked Wench, complete with its original Blackbeard animatronic:





After the release of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, Blackbeard was replaced by Barbossa. I feel so old when I hear young guests actually believe that the movie came first before the attraction.



Over at the Wench Auction, the Auctioneer has seen very few changes over the years:





See more Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean attraction photos on my POTC web page.

Screen Gem Sundays: The Sound of Music at The Hollywood Bowl

Last Sunday, I journeyed up to Hollywood to experience "The Sound of Music" singalong at the Hollywood Bowl. My two enthusiastic friends had coaxed me into joining them, but deep down, I feared the evening would really suck.



Little did I know what a blast it would be. Preceded by a costume contest, Melissa Peterman was the MC, assisted by the lovely Charmian Carr, best known as the eldest Von Trapp daughter, Liesel.



This contestant, dressed as Liesel, had her boyfriend shoot a photo of her with the real Liesel (well, as real as possible, considering there was no Liesel Von Trapp).



These two contestants came with "Brown paper packages tied up with string." I'll give you a minute to figure out the joke.



The winner of the contest were these imaginative tots dressed as the Oscars that the film won. The children told Melissa and Charmian that the gold lame came from their grandfather. Huh. That must be one very fun home!



The highlight of the pre-show was seeing all of the actresses who played the Von Trapp daughters together onstage. Kym Karath (Gretl), Debbie Turner (Marta), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Charmian Carr (Liesel), & Heather Menzies Urich (Louisa).







What a beginning; the aerial shot that expertly/seamlessly cuts to a closeup of Julie Andrews is sheer genius.





When "Edelweiss" was sung, the audience broke out their cell phones and lit up the hillside.



It was a beautiful sight to see.



Everyone loves to hate The Baroness. "Hisssssssssssssssssss…"



Whether you like the script or not, you can't argue that the lighting and design on this film are stupendous.





One of my favorite scenes: "Reverend Mother, I have sinned."



If this show ever comes to a location near you, I highly recommend it. Although I would find it difficult to think of a better venue than the famous Bowl itself. The image was crystal clear, and the audio literally shook the hillside.



To see more Hollywood Bowl photos, visit my Hollywood Bowl web page.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Walt Disney World!

Interrupting today's normally scheduled program, Daveland brings a mini-celebration of WDW's 40th Anniversary. Looking to expand his theme park kingdom, Walt Disney ventured further east and settled on Orlando, Florida. The photos from today's post come from the collection of Daveland reader Greg Kelly, a former employee of Walt Disney World. All of these shots are from 1975, back when the Contemporary Hotel was still Contemporary!



From 2010, during my last trip to WDW, I shot this sunrise view of the Contemporary from the sandy beaches of the Polynesian Village Resort:









Thanks to the maturation of the landscaping, the Haunted Mansion looks even more Haunted now, as you can see by this photo that I took in 2010:





The 70's look even worse from the backside.



These two lovely ladies look as if they are ready to serve a cocktail on the next flight.



Although Walt Disney World doesn't hold quite the appeal that Disneyland does for me, I still have extremely fond memories of a trip I took back in 1978 with my father when I spent an entire week exploring the resort. I think "What Not To Wear" could have done an entire episode on my Junior High wardrobe at the time. Here I am with my stepbrother, modeling my 70's chic style. PS: The hat had a zippered pocket in it.



The obligatory Castle-In-The-Background shot with my dad.



Somehow, dad arranged a private meet-and-greet with Mickey. The bored look on my face was directed towards my dad for shooting too many photos.



Oh the horror of that hat.



As a special 40th WDW Tribute, Daveland is giving away this stunning vintage ashtray. Just leave a comment for this post by Monday, October 3rd at noon, and you'll be entered to win (Continental U.S. of A. only, please!).



Only the finest quality at Daveland!



See more WDW photos on my Walt Disney World web page.

May 1964 Color Images

These colorful images are from May 1964. Pinocchio and Pluto are on hand at the entrance to greet this young lad who appears to be a little cautious about the two costumed characters. Get a load of all those gorgeous attraction posters on the wall! If only...

Over in Fantasyland, Skull Rock is spitting out the water, providing shelter for those who want to eat their Chicken of the Sea Tuna Boats al fresco.



If you've had enough of Fantasyland, you can take the Skyway over to Tomorrowland. This is one of those golden shots that shows all of the movement that made Tomorrowland so vibrant back in the 1960's. Subs, Monorail, and The Skyway. In just a few years, The PeopleMover would join the mix.



Let's zoom in a little closer:



Back in Frontierland, a guest is attempting to capture a photo of the Nature's Wonderland Mine Train. To his right is Mineral Hall. If only I could find an interior view of that shop.



See more Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web page.

Traveling Thursdays: Back to Santa's Village

Daveland readers Cox Pilot and Disney On Parole reached into their own personal archives after seeing my last few posts on Santa's Village. From Daveland reader Cox Pilot:

We had a cabin at Twin Peaks, so we went a lot to Santa's Village and Ice Skating in Blue Jay. I guess the outdoor rink is long gone and there is a Radio Shack there now. That's my Dad here in this second photo:









From blogger Disney on Parole:

Here are a few pics of my brother and Mom from June 1958; I love the Big Bells hanging from the eves in the 3rd photo. I remember going there in 1964 before we hit Disneyland…what a trip that was!







Many thanks to Cox Pilot & Disney on Parole for sharing these photos!

See more vintage Santa's Village photos on my Santa's Village web page.