Disneyland Construction Series: King Arthur’s Carrousel

Poor King Arthur Carrousel; couldn’t even get its own attraction poster. It had to share with Dumbo and the Teacups. Not only that, it has suffered the indignity of having to be moved almost 30 years after its construction. Nevertheless, it is still a guest favorite and stands in the heart of Fantasyland. The concept art and the final production are very close in detail:









The horses that the Disney team gathered for the Carrousel were not exactly what Walt wanted, so much work had to be done to them. Some had to be converted to jumpers, and obviously, a little bit of paint had to be added, too. Here are some shots of the horses in their scrubbed state, with the markings of what color was to be applied where.









After the conversion process, these beauties sat at the Burbank studio awaiting their move to Anaheim; note the Casey Junior vehicle and carriage in the background. These photos are from June 1955.







And here is the Carrousel itself under construction:



The Carrousel is still a jewel in Fantasyland, especially at night:



See more Disneyland King Arthur Carrousel photos at my website.

Disneyland Construction Series: Peter Pan

You have to start somewhere with an attraction, and what better place to start than with a drawing. Here is a concept drawing for the attraction vehicle for one of Disneyland’s favorite Fantasyland attractions, Peter Pan’s Flight.



And in the beginning, there was...CLAY! Somehow you have to make the leap from 2D to 3D. This photo of a sculpted pirate ship shows you the origins of the attraction vehicle for Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland. You can see that the design is very similar to the one for the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant just down the way.









Here’s a shot of what actually got built; this one is from June 1957.



And from February 1960:



And a current shot:



There is something about this particular dark ride that stands out from the others. In premise, it is identical to Mr. Toad, Snow White, and Pinocchio: you get in a vehicle and ride through scenes from a movie as if they are happening to you. What makes this one so different? Why does the queue fill up as soon as the park opens? Well I’m gonna’ tell ya! Every time the Pirate Ship leaves the Nursery and flies over London, it is absolutely breathtaking. No photo can capture the sensation (and Lord knows I’ve tried!) of feeling like you are flying over the twinkling lights of the big city, or the rainbow covered falls of Neverland. What child or adult wouldn’t be swept away by that sensation?





See more Disneyland Peter Pan’s Flight photos at my website.

Riviera Hotel: The Palm Springs Version

I was recently in Palm Springs/Indian Wells for work. On the way out of town, I decided to try The Riviera Resort for breakfast before I headed back to San Diego. The look of this hotel has intrigued me; at night, it looks like something right out of Vegas.



The interior of this hotel was just as impressive (if not more) than the outside. Clean, sleek, trendy, vintage, modern...all in one!









Obviously, the intent of this hotel was to evoke the glamour of 1960’s Palm Springs, complete with mod portraits of the city’s Hollywood inhabitants, including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Debbie Reynolds. Seeing the decor and design made me even more anxious to try the restaurant.







It was breakfast, so there wasn’t too much to really tax the chefs on the menu. However, for the prices being charged (which I would expect from this type of resort), for crying out loud, serve fresh-squeeze juice. I couldn’t believe it when my grapefruit juice came out and it tasted fresh...fresh out of the can. Little details like that really mean a lot. Still, looking around at the hipster-wannabes who were crowding around the pool, I had a feeling that the typical patron of this place may not know the difference. Would I want to stay here? Chances are slim. The type of crowd this hotel attracts are not my style; they may have money, but they definitely are short on taste and class. I prefer something a little more on the laid-back end.

See more Palm Springs Riviera Resort photos at my website.

November 1959: In Living Color, BONUS 2!

It’s the big finish...really, I mean it! Back in Fantasyland, a very shadowed shot of the Carrousel, followed by 4 images from Storybook Land. The first is of Scarf-gal & Monstro, then two focusing on the Cinderella/Tremaine area, and the fourth from Pinocchio and Gepetto’s Village.









Now it’s REALLY time to say goodby to Scarf-gal. Thanks for the memories, and here’s a dusky exit shot to part with:



See more Disneyland photos at my website.

November 1959: In Living Color, BONUS!

What a dolt I am. I scanned these so long ago, all I remembered thinking was wow...what a great batch! Then when I started posting these, all I could think of was, “I am extremely underwhelmed!” Today, I found out why. There was a whole batch of the best that I skipped over! Here they are, and I think you will agree that these are really some gems. The Major was right in thinking that there must be some exciting Tomorrowland images to check out, and here they are. First up is the Monsanto House of the Future, including a closer view to see what we REALLY want to see...the House itself.



Nearby in Central Plaza, the Keystone Kops are playing near the striped tent that housed the Edison Square display.



This previously posted Crane Bathroom exhibit shot features Scarf-gal, wishing she could be the hostess instead. I just learned the other day that Chevy Chase's grandfather owned Crane. Anyone else heard that before?



Back to the Submarine Voyage, a nice shot of the Skipjack:





For all you Monorail fans, here’s a crystal clear shot of the Blue Monorail, almost 50 years old now!



Scarf-gal is using the popcorn as an excuse to flirt with Popcorn-guy. Apparently Pegleg Pete gave her the brush the other day.



It may be drowing in the Rivers of America now, but in this 1959 shot, the Gullywhumper is ready for adventure!



Ah, the peaceful Indian Settlement along the Rivers of America.



Part 2 of “I Goofed” will be shown tomorrow. See more Disneyland photos at my website.

November 1959: In Living Color, Pt. 8

This concludes your journey to November 1959 @ Disneyland. As a courtesy, Daveland will take you back to the Disneyland Hotel, where Scarf-gal is posing next to the succulents. Be sure to check out the classic cars in the parking lot in shot #2!



Even then, the landscaping at the hotel sure was beautiful:



Anybody familiar with the Coral Club?





Scarf-gal is all packed and ready to go home. Thanks for taking the time to visit the park with her; she sure appreciated it!



Come back tomorrow for some other special images in anticipation of my 1000th Post! See more Disneyland Hotel photos at my website.