One More Disneyland Sign

A rather unassuming sign, but one that makes Disneyland fans take notice. What is behind the sign? How does the new attraction and construction look? What are they building there? The photo is dated 1966, what do you think is behind the barricade?

Some Signs at Disneyland

I am traveling this week, so the posts will be quick. All the posts this week will feature image of signs or other scenic elements at Disneyland. This image is of the Kodak Picture Spot in Fantasyland with Story Book Canal boats in the background.

Unknown Kiddie Land Rides 1950s

A phenomena in the 1950s was for small Kiddie Land parks to open in shopping malls and other areas throughout the United States. Many were found in California and in the Southwest where the weather allowed year round operation. In fact, the Mile High Flea Market in Denver still has a kiddie land type of park that closes in the winter. I believe this park was in Southern California, potentially San Diego as that is where the photos were found. Mom sure liked trying to take a picture of her two boys on the boat ride. You can see a small berm in the background and a parked car in the third image.

This is my favorite image with the happy worm ride in front and a nice carousel in the background.

Sea World at San Diego Calif

Written on the reverse of the photographs is Sea World at San Diego Calif. I have a soft spot in my heart as this was the theme park which I grew up with. I went there many times with my Grandparents and mom, as well as with school groups. I have seen it change from a very small park focusing on sea life and education to a park that now boasts thrill rides and themed environments with a tenuous link to the Sea. However, there are still parts of the park that remind me of the early years. When I looked the images it brought back some memories. The first image is of the sea stadium with the fun dolphin and porpoise show. I vividly remember the volcano that would erupt on cue. In the background is the Hawaiian Punch Village restaurant.

The second image shows the patio with a prominent tiki and nice rattan furniture at the Hawaiian Punch village. This was the place to grab a snack and a cup full of Hawaiian punch.

The next two images are from the Japanese Pearl Diver area of Sea World. Here one could see the Pearl Divers dive down to a great depth and pull up clams. The clams would then be opened and a pearl would be revealed. It is now home to a Manta Ray exhibit.

The next image is of a sculptural fountain outside the Sparkletts Water Fantasy Show. I love the design of the spouting fish fountain. This fountain is now gone.

The last image is of the Seal and Walrus show at the Royal Crown Cola Theater. I believe the park still has shows in this theater, although it is no longer sponsored by RC Cola.

Souvenir Friday- Inside Disneyland January 1969

Thirty years ago cast members received this Inside Disneyland in the mail. One very interesting article on a display of history that was placed in the Administration building. Anyone know if the display is still on the walls? Also for Vintage Disneyland Tickets is information on Operation M.O.U.S.E.

A Pirate Ship With a Color Shift to Red

A grouping of slides I have purchased are pretty nice images but all have turned a nice shade of red. Some pop right back into glorious full color, and others do not. These three images are of the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship restaurant in Fantasyland. The first image is from the Skyway as is the second image.

One of the sights I miss most at Disneyland, Skull Rock.

1960 Trip to Disneyland in Color

Disneyland in 1960 was a good year....the Matterhorn, Monorails and Subs were a year old and the new Nature's Wonderland was opening. Unfortunately, this family did not ride any of those attractions. But they still took some interesting photographs. The first shows the Insurance Of North America Carefree Corner. Notice the tour guide off to the left of the photograph.

A nice view of the two story Jungle Cruise dock. The typestyle on the sign makes it look like it was printed rather than painted.

One of the steam trains at the station. Notice the brand new attraction poster for Nature's Wonderland.

My favorite image of the Disneyland Sanitation Department with his lovely umbrella. The tour guide and teenage girls in the background are highly amused.

Panoramic Views of Disneyland

From four different time periods and different photographers come these panoramic views of Disneyland. Instead of focusing on one specific ride, attraction or person, the photographer shot a wide scene. The first photo has a date of February 1965 shows the Fantasyland Theater area from the Skyway.

The second photo with the date of September 1968 is a ground level view showing the Fantasyland ticket booth and more.

The third photo is dated Xmas 1959 and shows the entrance ticket booths.

The final photograph is dated August 1967 and shows the rare view of the Monsanto Home of the Future and the New Tomorrowland of 1967 being open at the same time.

Photos From the Mark Twain

One of the more popular photography spots is to take pictures of the scenes along the Rivers of America while aboard the Mark Twain. The riverboat travels slow enough that a skilled photographer can take some very interesting images. One of the most common photos found is of the burning settler's cabin.

The suspension bridge is fun for the guests on Tom Sawyer's Island. The presence of twins wearing identical outfits makes this photograph very whimsical.

Finally a ride aboard the Mark Twain is not complete without an image of the Indian Village nestled along the banks of the river.

Larry at Disneyland July 1957

A fun set of photographs all obviously marked to show where Larry was posing. The first image is Larry riding the Horse Drawn Fire Wagon on Main Street.

Larry riding the Teacups.

Larry on the Mark Twain Steamboat. He is on the top deck.

Larry piloting the Chicken of the Sea ship. The western get up he is wearing is absolutely fabulous!

Larry getting ready to leave the park eating an ice cream bar.

Theming With Tiki

Today's images show the theming in Adventureland. The first image shows one of the original Tiki statues that could be found. This was prior to the Tiki Room.

The second image shows the fence around the Tiki Room. This is the theming that I am most nostalgic about and love to walk by every time I visit Disneyland.

Souvenir Friday- Frontier City, USA Guidebook

Many different tourist attractions and theme parks opened soon after Disneyland and its success. Many were located on or near the fabled Route 66 road across America. One such theme park is Frontier City, USA located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The park opened in 1958 and is still operating. The Main streets have been maintained and several coasters and other rides have been added. The guidebook is from 1958 when the park opened. The main draw was the gunfight, but there was also a train ride and an autopia type ride using the German cars that were proposed for Disneyland. To attract visitors, there was a burning Conestoga wagon sign and the parking entrance is a log fort stockade. The design of the Guidebook appears to have been done in house by the park. The interior illustrations have a nice mid century modern look. The local ads and establishments are also fantastic, my favorite being the Ricksha drive in restaurant and gift shop.

Indian War Canoes and Dancing

Given the number of images of Indian Dances (just ask Major Pepperidge at Gorilla's Don't Blog), I see some pictures of the Indian Village that are different. The first image meets that criteria, the ticket booth for the Indian War Canoes with a lovely maiden manning the booth.

The next image is a view of one of the dancers. The redeeming aspect is that the photographer was at the front.

Finally Mr. Cool in front of a teepee. Unfortunately the white dots are in the image....