Some Characters in 1959

By 1959 the costumed characters started looking a bit more on model, but still not quite there. The characters are a little too skinny without as much padding and roundness as seen by today's characters. First up is Chip and Dale with a bevy of fans.

Next up is a shot of one of the little pigs, a very skinny little pig. Also this slide was pink when I scanned it....and was tough to color correct.

Last image that came with these slides is a fantastic shot of the start of the Alice In Wonderland ride. I love the face the younger brother is making.

Flying Saucers

More pictures from the visit by the fraternity to Disneyland. This time the group decided to ride the Flying Saucers. First up is the load area with all the guests ready to go. I like the giant speaker pylon. Check out the blonde in her sailor outfit. Unfortunately the picture is a little too blurry and the employees are too far away, but it appears there is some sort of patch on the employee's hats.

And away they go, the start of the ride with the saucers going onto the ride surface.

Delta Tau Chi Visit Disneyland June 1965

I really do not know if this is a fraternity visiting Disneyland, but it definitely looks like a group of college fraternity. So I am imagining the Delta Tau Chi house (from Animal House) visiting the park. First up is a shot of a couple posing in front of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Note the 15 adventure ticket book in his pocket.

Next up is a group standing at the main hub with the Monsanto House of the Future in the background.

The last two are my favorites. First up a group shot in Fantasyland with a striking blonde standing in the middle of the group wearing her Navy influenced outfit.

Final image is of the guys standing in Frontierland after visiting one of the hat shops found in Disneyland.

More Pictures From the Parking Lot Couples

Three more images from the same family that photographed themselves in the Parking Lot. This time the photographs are of the whole family and inside the park. First up is the obligatory picture at the Mickey Mouse Topiary and Main Street Station.

Next up is a fantastic shot of my favorite mountain. I believe this was snapped while the family was riding the Monorail over the Submarine Lagoon.

Final image is of the three young boys posing with Mickey and Minnie. All three of the boys are very dapper and the one boy wearing the plaid shirt is holding his ticket books tightly.

Souvenir Friday- Gifts From Disneyland Catalog

This gift catalog is from 1959 and features some great souvenir items. Most people will fixate upon the animation cels available for sale. However my eyes go to some of the more obscure souvenirs like the Skyway Chalet weather predictor and the Submarine Voyage charm bracelet. Now to go back in time and do a little shopping.

Parking Lot Circa 1959

Three images of one of the beloved lost areas of Disneyland, the parking lot. Two of the views show the lovely Matterhorn, a sight I remember as being magical and the sign that we had arrived at Disneyland. First up a shot of one of the couples with the Matterhorn in the background.

Next up the two couples who had just enjoyed a day at the park walking back to their vehicles.

Another shot of both couples with one of the gentleman holding ticket books in his pocket and his wife holding a 1959 Guidebook. They are standing in front of a Pontiac Station Wagon.

Prop Plaza Universal Studios Hollywood

Once upon a time at Universal Studios there was a prop plaza featuring large objects from Land of the Giants as well as vehicles you could pose in with a rolling screen and also styrofoam rocks you could pick up. It was a fun place to hang out and play, as well as many a souvenir photograph was taken at the site. First up is the Stagecoach with the scrim rolling behind it.

Next up are a set of books featuring recent movies released by Universal. Such classics as Jaws, the Hindenburg and Earthquake.

This photo was not loading initially, but it is a great image of the prop telephone.

"it's a small world"

A nice set of photographs featuring the front of "it's a small world." First up is the family posing in front of the sign. The little girl in the middle is using the built in sunglasses on her hat.

Next up are images of the wonderful clock at the front of the attraction. This clock was designed by Rolly Crump and features a great kinetic parade.

Hot Fresh Popcorn 1958

Two color snapshots from 1958. First off the very good looking young man is posing in front of the Popcorn Wagon on Main Street.

His girl friend is posing on the steps of Main Street Station. In the background is a light pole sign for the new Grand Canyon for the railroad and a large banner for Alice in Wonderland and the Columbia.

Some close up images of the advertising.

Southern Hospitality In Disneyland

Meeting old friends from favorite story books is part of the magic of Disneyland as these young visitors discover with old Br'er Fox hanging around the corner in New Orleans Square. The famous Uncle Remus characters is among 50 Disney film stars who come to life at Disneyland. New Orleans Square recreates the atmosphere of the Old South with its lace iron balconies, unique shops and sidewalk cafes. Here too is the exciting "Pirates of the Caribbean" adventure.

Yachtsmen In Tomorrowland

A nice young crowd watches the Yachtsmen performing at the unique bandstand in Tomorrowland.

Souvenir Friday- Travel Decals

A common practice in the 1950s and 1960s was for families to purchase souvenir decals from tourist attractions and then slide them on their Ford Country Squire station wagons. Neighbors would then be jealous of the family and their many trips to distant locations. Disneyland of course was included in this fad. These decals are the earliest ones that I have found...and feature a cool design of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. I believe the small ones were sold to place on notebooks, boxes and other small items.

Fantasyland Autopia February 1970

Two nice views of the Fantasyland Autopia taken in February 1970. Most people will wonder where are the Mark VII cars at this late date. However, for Fantasyland the cars used for Fantasyland were Mark VI models with the great scalloped look. I believe a few months after this photograph was taken, Mark VII cars were put on the Fantasyland Autopia.

November 1961 Disneylander

This issue dated October 1961 features a major rehab for the Rivers of America, New Tower for the Disneyland Hotel moving, and of course bowling.

October 1961 Disneylander

This issue dated November 1961 features Louis Armstrong, TV and of course bowling.

September 1961 Disneylander Flying Saucers Land

A six page issue at a time when most of the issues are 4 pages. This issue features the Flying Saucers, information on the wear and tear on the park, and of course bowling.