Rafts and the Burning Cabin

Two views of attractions in Frontierland from 1963. First up is a nice overhead view of a Tom Sawyer Island Raft docking on the island. In the background can be seen the Haunted Mansion (recruiting ghosts at this time to fill it's infinite halls) and also the Disneyland Hotel tower. This dock is no longer in use for the rafts and is now used as a spot to sit and watch the action of the Mark Twain and Columbia at the Frontierland dock.

The second image is one of the best pictures of the Burning Settler's Cabin that I have seen. The fire is consuming the structure and you can even see the arrow on the dead settler.

Two Sides of the Matterhorn

The photographer enjoyed taking pictures of the Matterhorn. The first shows the side of the Matterhorn from the Main Street side. A very colorful group of guests are captured in this image.

The second image is the Fantasyland side from the Skyway. Note the guest taking photographs from the green bucket. Also the track layout for Alice can be seen with a caterpillar ride vehicle on the track.

Columbia and Twain

Two views of the majestic ships that ply the Rivers of America. First view is of the Columbia passing the Big Thunder falls heading towards the dock. Frontierland looks fantastic and lush in this view.

The next image is of the Mark Twain coming into the dock with Cascade Peak in the background. Although I have seen and posted lots of images of the Mark Twain, but I still enjoy all the views.

Souvenir Friday- Adventureland Magic Slate

As part of the merchandising when Disneyland were these wonderful magic slates. Kids could draw on the magic paper, lift the plastic and the pictures would disappear. Thus, kids could draw over and over again. Most magic slates were generic, but others featured characters including comic, television and animation. Adventureland is the subject of this Magic Slate with great graphics of scenes found on the Jungle River Cruise.

Fantasyland From The Skyway

Two more views of Fantasyland from 1963. First up is a nice panoramic view of the Castle courtyard filled with all the attractions found in Fantasyland. A nice clear day that looks slightly warm and a large crowd of guests.

The second image features the circus train Casey Junior. In the background can be seen the golden roof of the Fantasyland Train station. It also looks like one of the warehouses in the background on the right hand side.

Fantasyland Fun 1963

Two views of Fantasyland from the couple's trip in 1963. First up is a somewhat dark, but still nice shot of King Arthur's Carousel. It appears the day was somewhat warm with some guests wearing shorts.

The second image for today is one filled with color and fun of old Fantasyland. Many attractions are represented here including Dumbo, Skyway, Casey Junior (or at least the ticket booth) and the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Views

I know everyone has seen images of Sleeping Beauty Castle on here (and other blogs) hundreds of times. The castle was one of the prime photogenic locations at Disneyland (and in fact is still one of the most photographed locations.) The first image, from the 1963 trip I have been posting, shows the castle from the left hand side, or for those more nostalgic from the Carnation Gardens side. A recent change to the caste drawbridge has removed the risk of people falling off the bridge, so the kids sitting on the wall of the drawbridge would not be able to do so today.

The second image does not show much in the way of park architecture or attractions, but it was a nice addition to the ambiance of Disneyland. Do they still have lovely swans swimming in the moat any more?

Rocketing to Tomorrowland

The photographer of the 1963 trip did not spend much time in Tomorrowland. However one photograph is spectacular of the Douglas Rocket getting ready to lift off. The rocket had a nice effect of letting off steam to simulate the beginning of the ignition for take off. I also like the detail of the Douglas graphics.

The next image shows the wonderful Submarine Voyage lagoon with Monorail blue heading over the attraction. I like the lights on the underside of the Monorail berm used to illuminate the lagoon.

Souvenir Friday- 1960s Bucket Hats

One of my favorite sub-category of collectible souvenirs from Disneyland are bucket hats. The hats are simple 6 panel hats that are usually very colorful and screened with the Disney characters. The first hat features some unusual characters including a nice Ludwig Von Drake wearing a fez and one of the Duck nephews also wearing a fez, as well as the other two Duck nephews. It would be interesting to compare the images to the source art. Of course, Mickey Mouse is on the hat.

The second is a neat version with various suns and Disneyland graphics. Unfortunately a few of the screens are light and do not read against the background material. One does have the title for Happiest Place on Earth.

Horse Drawn

Two Main Street Disneyland images of the Horse Drawn Trolley. First up is a side view of the trolley at Town Square, which is filled with an interesting mix of guests on the trolley and in the square. The Trolley is at the first stop for the attraction and will soon head towards Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The second image is a nice action shot of the trolley on its way. The trolley is packed for this trip.

Scenic Views of Disneyland 1963

Two nice scenic views of Disneyland in 1963. First up is a great overall Frontierland view with the Matterhorn in the background. Note the petrified tree in the foreground and the steam clouds from the Mark Twain. It looks like the day was busy, but not so busy to not be fun.

Next image is from Town Square with Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background. Note the drinking fountain in the middle of the picture.

Tomorrowland Beauties

The couples visit to the park was very comprehensive. Many of the slides are very nice and show great views and interesting details. These two slides are of my favorite Tomorrowland. First up is the Submarine Triton is piloting through the underwater gardens. Above the lagoon runs the Monorail track and on the Autopia track run Mark V cars.

The second image is in a word stunning! Monorail red is at the station with guests waiting to ride on the future railroad. The model is a Mark II.

Parking and Matterhorn

In 1963 a group of friends headed to Disneyland for a fun filled day. The couples met in the parking lot to start their day. One drove a sensible station wagon, while the other couple drove a fun Volkswagen bug. Based upon the photograph it is an early morning and the crowds are light.

The second image is what I call the blue Matterhorn. A blue sky, a blue Monorail and a blue Skyway bucket. Also, Hans and Fritz are having fun on the icy peaks.

Souvenir Friday- Nightmare Before Christmas

Back in 1993, I had been collecting Disney items pretty seriously for 5 years and was also a fan of Tim Burton and his films. I was beyond excited about his new film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. A fan of stop motion animation, Halloween, and Christmas, the movie was right up my alley. Hasbro made a nice collection of items and I purchased several of the large character toys. The three I own and are still mint in box are Jack, Sally and Santa. I never did find the large Oogie for sale.

Although I did not purchase the small figures when originally released, I have found about half of the characters on their cards.

The back of the card lists all ten figures that were sold. I am missing Behemoth, Lock, Shock and Barrel, The Mayor, Santa and Oogie Boogie. I do have an extra Jack as Santa.

The Disney store sold some fun items including two straws with Jack and Sally as well as a bendable Jack.

Of course this is only part of the collection I own. The film has continued to charm audiences of all generations. In fact, one of my nieces loves Nightmare and also the collection. I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

Halloween Potpouri

A little collection of images and a drawing with a Halloween theme. The first image is a pencil sketch on onionskin paper. It looks almost like Jack Davis, but is unsigned. I do like the classic Universal monsters and the Little Orphan Annie red riding hood with blank eyes creeps me out.

The second picture may not be Halloween, but it is still Halloweenish. I love the paper mache head and also the scared look of the kid being held.

Final image is of this couple on roller skates. The boyfriend makes a very cute woman. But my eyes go to the wonderful cat decoration on the wall.

Randy the Skeleton in the Halloween Parade 1954

Three images of our friend Randy dressed as a skeleton in the school Halloween Parade in 1954. First up is an action shot of Randy walking in the parade. Randy is followed by several of his classmates in some great costumes.

The second image is of Randy walking by himself.

Final image shows the class being grouped and getting ready for the parade. The jack-o'-lantern sign for the class room is great.

Halloween Parade 1954 With Randy the Skeleton

Two more images from the Halloween Parade in 1954. First up is another shot of the first grade in line for the parade. Some very fun costumes, I especially like the little devil.

Next up is Randy dressed as a little skeleton standing next to a cute rabbit (or maybe chipmunk?) We will see more images of Randy tomorrow.