Monday, December 17, 2007

Getting Ready for the Christmas Parade

In the early 1970s the photographer of these slides was invited backstage to see the preparations for the Christmas Parade. For those who do not want the magic ruined, please read another blog. For those who love backstage shots including character costumes hanging and people getting into costumes, come along and take a look. The first image is of a dancing broom although it looks like Cousin It from Addam's Family.

The second image is of King Louie in costume. In the background is a Datsun truck with the Smoke Tree Ranch logo on the door. Oops actually anonymous is correct, it is the Retlaw logo.

The third image is of Hop Low from Fantasia in front of chiller plant.

The next image shows the Seven Dwarves float with the carved animal organ and lots of activity.

Next up is Baby Hiathi from Jungle Book with the Nissan truck parked in the background.

Finally two images of Owl from Winnie the Pooh standing in front of the circus elephants from Dumbo.

6 comments:

Major Pepperidge said...

Wonder what the deal was with the Smoke Tree Ranch truck? It was a long way from home, and this was years after Walt was gone. Hmmmm....

These are great, were they on the east side of the park, near the Grand Canyon/Primeval World diorama building?

Chris Merritt said...

Hey! That's the back of the Global Van Lines building in the Col. Hathi shot! I miss seeing those "70s" era characters - when is the last time you saw Robin Hood?

Jason Schultz said...

Speaking of having the magic ruined, my second day on the job I was training in the Old Admin Building. Out through the window I could see Santa Claus on a smoke break!

Major Pepperidge, I think this is in the North Service Area backstage, where the parade buildings now are (and looks like have been for some time). And, as Chris pointed out, the Global Van Lines building is in one of the shots (long since replaced by TDA).

Brandon Starr said...

The carved animal organ in the fourth slide now resides as an atmosphere prop in the Eat Ticket Cafeteria backstage where everyone from TDA gets to eat. I remember seeing it there and wondering what it's origins were, so thanks for the slide.

jedblau said...

That Owl costume is the best!

Anonymous said...

I actually believe that is a RETLAW logo on the Datsun truck not a Smoketree Ranch logo.