Good Night, Until We Meet Again

Who would bother taking a photo of the Exit Turnstiles at Disneyland? At night? Apparently this July 1968 photographer bothered, and I'm so glad he/she did. Leaving the park is always such a dilemma. I rarely want to go back to "the real world," even though my tired aching feet say otherwise. I often stall on Main Street and think of one last photo I should take before I leave.

Don't forget that hand stamp before you leave!



For some reason, this image made me think of the Lawrence Welk song "Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen" that was played at the end of every show.



See more Daveland vintage & current Disneyland entrance/exit photos at my main website.

Shriners and Boagaloons

This shot of two Shriners exiting Adventureland into the Central Plaza area of Disneyland reminded me of a few images that I've had in my collection for years.



Here are four images I have that show the Shriners enjoying a picnic at Holidayland, also from June 1960. What are the chances?









In this detailed view, you can see the balloon headdress of this guest:



In the first photo from today's post, you can see a boy with balloons as well (with a White Wing in the foreground); these appear to be Boagaloons from Wally Boag at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon:



Here's Wally on stage with his Boagaloons:





See more Daveland vintage & current Disneyland Central Plaza photos at my main website.

Cascade Peak and the Mine Train

Yesterday we visited the Mine Train attraction at Knott's Berry Farm; today's post shows a magnificent June 1960 image of Disneyland's Mine Train.

Gliding under the waterfall of Cascade Peak, this one is a beauty! Most likely it was taken aboard either the Mark Twain or The Columbia. Thank you, anonymous photographer!



Here's a genuine FauxD© image showing Cascade Peak from August 1965:



Today, the trees cover up the location of the once mighty Cascade Peak:



See more Daveland Disneyland Nature's Wonderland photos at my main website.

Calico Mine Train Ride

As promised, today's post features photos from the recently revamped Calico Mine Train Ride attraction at Knott's Berry Farm. Unfortunately (at least in my opinion), the Scary Farm overlay was in place, which somewhat detracts from the experience. The voice of a scary hag and lighting that focuses on the ghostly overlay instead of the regular animatronic figures put a bit of a damper on the ride for me.



The queue area, which seemed like it was missing a few posters and props along the way from my last journey.



I waited patiently at Gate B:



One last look back before departing:



And away we go…



Bubbling colors…



Ghastly green light everywhere:



A scary hand for the Halloween themed overlay:



A thunderous green waterfall:



One of the many improved animatronic figures; unfortunately, I left my low-light lens at home, so these photos are not quite up to par.





Perhaps the oft-heard about "Canary in a coal mine"?



Bats and a skeleton in a mine car:



And the gorgeous "Heaven Room," complete with a few hellish elements:









The Calico Mine itself:



A miner reaching for something:



the photo reveals a little pup. I missed this when I was riding through.





A brief journey back outside:



How cool to have theme park legend John Waite in my car!



Two scary vultures overhead; notice they are all molded. No real feathers for these weather-resistant birds.



Back into the mine for the grand finale.



The explosion effects did not work when we traveled through.



The ride is beautiful, but I am looking forward to going on it when the overlay is removed. Hopefully the lighting issues are resolved after the transition.

See more Daveland Calico Mine Train Ride photos at my main website.

Hello Knott's and Goodbye October!

I am going to preface today's post with the fact that October was one helluva month. I am very glad it is gone and sure hope that November proves to be a happier one (and no, I won't bore you with the details). One of the highlights of October was a quick trip to Knott's Berry Farm to meet a few fellow bloggers and OC Historians in Ghost Town.

This was my first experience at Knott's with the Scary Farm overlay.



Ghost Town Skeletons: Check!



Since I was pretty early, I wandered around by myself and snapped a few shots of Ghost Town while it looked…well, like a Ghost Town: empty! Here's a panoramic view of the Wagon Camp:



The Gold Trails Hotel (I wouldn't mind staying there):



Two more panoramic views to round out today's post, including this one of Ghost Town itself:



and the Calico Mine Train attraction:



which is where I'll pick up this story tomorrow - hope to see you then!

See more Daveland Knott's Berry Farm photos at my main website.