A star attraction for many years was this large drum, stated to be the largest drum in the world. Just think what a cool souvenir that large drumhead would make! Notice that the Christmas from Many Lands parade happened only once and was the kick off to the Christmas festivities...on December 22. I think the Christmas season at Disneyland now starts on October 22!
I don't know about you, but seeing those floats in the last two photos would have given me nightmares as a kid. The doll is pretty freaky and the tree monster is even scarier. At least the tree creature is being followed by toy soldiers who would keep it in line. I like the dancing hippos behind the doll, I think they should bring those back as part of the current Christmas parade.
Pretty sure most of this stuff is props left over from BABES IN TOYLAND, adapted for parade use. You get a good look at that tree in the Disneyland TV episode "BACKSTAGE PARTY" (now available as part of the Disney Treasures package "Your Host, Walt Disney"). BABES was the company's big Holiday release for the 1961 season so I'd guess that's the year for these photos as well.
ReplyDeleteI thought that the scary tree was supposed to be the one from the first color Silly Symphony, "The Flowers and the Trees". But I've never seen "Babes in Toyland"...sounds like Rod knows what he is talking about!
ReplyDeleteIs anyone else having nightmares about the doll float or is it just me?
ReplyDeleteits a grand procession of toys. nice shot.
ReplyDeletejohn
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