Saturday, October 31, 2009

Stuff From the Park- Halloween Haunted Mansion Visit

For Halloween I have decided to review and post some images of the Haunted Mansion that have appeared over the years. Enjoy the images and of course have a Happy Halloween.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Souvenir Friday- Tiki Room Brochure and Skyway Round Trip Ticket

Starting off with a nice colorful brochure from 1963 featuring every one's favorite bird show! This is the first Enchanted Tiki Room brochure and is illustrated with some nice line drawings. I like that it is treated like a movie with World Premiere. Does this mean that the show will eventually be on the road and I can see it in Denver? I like the halftone Walt Disney head on the back page of the brochure. Make sure you read the descriptions.

This is like the golden ticket to the Wonka candy factory, a round trip ticket on the Skyway. If you travelled from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland and then back to Fantasyland, you would hand this large ticket to the cast member and be allowed to stay on. With the union logo, I believe the ticket is from the late 1950s.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Frontierland Pre-Opening Drawings

More pre-opening artwork for your enjoyment. The first one is a two for one, with the entrance to Frontierland and the Main Street of the Western town. The top one is great with the activity outside the entrance and the Indian encampment.

The next image is a familiar one to those who collect postcards. It is still nice to see it as a larger image.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Disneyland Stagecoaches at the Studio

Continuing with the exploration of the horse drawn wagons as they were built at the Walt Disney Studios. First off is the carriage style wagon with the nice Disneyland Transportation Company logo on the side of the wagon. This wagon rode the same trails as the Stagecoach. Does anyone know or recognize the two gentlemen?

A close up shows hiding in the sound stage is one of the prototype Autopia cars.

Also constructed at the Studios was the classic Stagecoach.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Horse Drawn Fire Wagon At Walt Disney Studios

Prior to the opening of Disneyland several of the sound stages at the Walt Disney studio were taken over by a menagerie of animals for the Jungle Cruise and a parking garage full of ancient and obsolete vehicles. One of those obsolete vehicles is the Horse Drawn Fire Wagon. First view shows a nice side view of the vehicle with the detailing of the 1890's time period.

Not only were the wagons constructed and stored, but also the wagons were given a trail run. I believe the Zorro set is in the background.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Adventureland Drawings 1954

Some more vintage publicity stills from 1954 this time featuring Adventureland. First off is the bird's eye view of the front of Adventureland and the Jungle Cruise entrance building. This image is used on many of the early Disneyland souvenirs including puzzles and postcards.

Next up is a rendering of a Jungle Cruise launch. Check out the way the artist has drawn the facial reactions for the guests, and the cute girl spotlighted in the entrance to the boat.

The last image is a nice map of the Jungle Cruise as originally envisioned. The large animals are a cool touch to show where the sights would be seen.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

More Fantasyland Bruce Bushman Drawings

Fantastic vintage publicity stills featuring Bruce Bushman art for Fantasyland attractions. First off are two montages of drawings for the various rides and ride vehicles.

And a nice overall layout for Fantasyland as it was originally designed.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Bruce Bushman Peter Pan Ride Layout Drawing

An early publicity still featuring the Bruce Bushman ride layout for Peter Pan in Fantasyland. Although at first glance the drawing appears to be simple, there are many details to be found. The caption on the drawing is Peter Pan Fly Thru 60X100 Bldg.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Souvenir Fridays- United Airlines Tiki Mobile

Today's souvenir is a fantastic bird mobile that was sent out to travel offices to promote United Airlines and the Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland. Unfortunately this one became wet many, many years ago before I purchased it and the metal rods have rusted. Some of the rust has transferred to the cardboard pieces. I still love this item as it has everything a Tiki Room collector needs- tiki's, Jose, and advertising for United. Now I just have to figure out how to hang it appropriately.

Thanks to Jed for finding this for me many years ago.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Simple Joys of Carnival Rides

These photos show the simple joy of a simple ride. Many times we demand the newest, most immersive, greatest thrill rides to satisfy us. But other times we can think back to the days when we were young and the fun of going around in a circle, flying a jet airplane in the sky...

Another joy is spinning just like the Mad Hatter Teacups. In this case, the ride is an octopus type of ride. Of course, your fun is increased when in the company of your best friends.

Of course some rides are even more simple, but just as an enjoyable. I have strong memories of going to a traveling carnival and riding all the rides with as much enjoyment as going to Disneyland.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Roadside Americana 1940s

All of these images came from various sources and photographers. The common theme is that each of them show a nice roadside attraction. First up is an image from an Indian themed roadside stop. I believe this is somewhere in New Mexico.

Next up is the World Famous Tree House in Northern California.

There are several different locations featuring large size Paul Bunyans. This one is from the Paul Bunyan Land located in Brainerd Minnesota. The park is still in existence though not in the same location. The original statues and rides were purchased in 2003 by a local family. The family moved everything to their farm and renamed the park Paul Bunyan Land at this Old Farm Pioneer Village.

Last image is marked Florida 1948 for a Storyland located in Pompano Beach, Florida. Up on the hill is the well Jack and Jill went to get water.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Disneyland in Color January 1968 Part III

The final posting of the photographs. First off is the happiness seen by park visitors as they get ready to ride It's A Small World.

Here we see the couple in line. I have always enjoyed watching the clock, more so than the actual ride itself.

One of Disneyland's best Christmas traditions is a parade. Waiting for the start gives the couple time to eat something. Can you count how many Carnation drinks are being consumed?

And here is the parade itself, this one featured a dragon and a lady with a large rolling pin!

The large dolls were also part of the parade. The same concept was used later for America On Parade. The young boy is definitely excited by the parade.

Final image of the photographs today is of the drum featuring the logo and played by Sorcerer Mickey Mouse.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Disneyland in Color January 1968 Part II

More color shots featuring Disneyland in 1968. The first group show off the hub and the transportation options available for guests to ride on Main Street. This image shows the back side of a Horse Drawn Streetcar and the entrance to Adventureland.

I like this image with the white wing cleaning up behind the Horse Drawn Trolley. The scaffolding in the background holds lights for the Christmas Parade.

The entrance to Tomorrowland. I like the couple of teenagers in the right hand corner with her red knee socks and her boyfriend in a matching red shirt assisting with a newly purchased necklace.

A great shot of my favorite landmark, the Matterhorn with the star on the top of the mountain. The rather plain construction walls are at the end of the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

I always enjoy a good shot of the Hippo pool on the Jungle Cruise.