New Orleans Square at Disneyland
Posted on - 3/26/2009
It's always difficult for me to pick a favorite at Disneyland; a favorite attraction, a favorite restaurant, a favorite character...but when it comes to a favorite area of the park, I would have to say New Orleans Square. I love the architecture of the real city, and other than the grit and the grime, Disney has done an excellent job of capturing the feel of the French Quarter. Walt obviously had an affinity for that city as well; from the park's opening day, New Orleans was represented as part of Frontierland in a section known as New Orleans Street.
The Grand Canyon, Dinosaurs, and a Railroad, Pt. 2
Posted on - 1/15/2009
In part one of this article (which, I am embarrassed to say was back in September!), I discussed the origins of the Grand Canyon Diorama, part of "the big finish" to the Grand Circle Tour around Disneyland aboard the Disneyland Railroad. The second half of the tunnel display is an amazing view of dinosaurs called "The Primeval World" which originated at the 1965/65 New York World's Fair. The Fair truly provided an explosion of new attractions at the park, including "it's a small world," "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln," The Carousel of Progress, and The PeopleMover.
The Grand Canyon, Dinosaurs, and a Railroad.
Posted on - 9/12/2008
I can only imagine the creative path that Walt was on when he came up with this one. "OK, I want a big finish to the Grand Circle Tour of the Disneyland Railroad. It needs more than just a trip around the tracks. Something gargantuan...like the Grand Canyon! We'll do a big mural...put some dead animals in front of it...put a rousing piece of music behind it to pump in some extra emotion...and then in 8 years...we'll add some dinosaurs, okay?" Well, maybe it was SOMETHING like that. What I do know is that in 1958, Walt produced the film "The Grand Canyon" that was shown with "Sleeping Beauty." The music of Ferde Grofe's "Grand Canyon Suite" accompanied the 29 minute film and was the perfect companion to the natural beauty of this Arizona landmark.
Indiana Jones and The Secret of the Stone Tiger: The Show That You WON'T Be Seeing!
Posted on - 7/7/2008
The backside of the Plaza Pavilion has served many purposes during its 50 plus years in Disneyland history. Themed to match the Adventureland decor, you can see what it looked like as an outdoor restaurant in March 1956:
Toy Story Midway Mania
Posted on - 6/9/2008
Thanks to my buddy "B" I was able to get onto the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at DCA. My expectations: they weren't very high, as the concept sounded somewhat lame to me and I couldn't see it being much different from Buzz Lightyear (which I actually do enjoy). How I felt afterwards: I rode it 4 times and still loved it! It was absolutely incredible...hands down one of my favorite "new" attractions at the park in years.
Shameless Plugs: Walt NEVER would have...
Posted on - 5/5/2008
Inspired by the recent brouhaha over a 40+ year old attraction in Fantasyland, I am taking on a topic that ires many Disneyland fanswho use the phrase, "Walt would NEVER have done that..." as their line of defense. Call it mythbusters if you like, or just a little stirring of the pot. This articleis meant to inform, amuse, and lightly poke fun at those who believe they have an inside track to the mind of a genius who passed on some 40 years ago.
Disneyland Dream Suite
Posted on - 3/12/2008
Although the "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion was initially met with lukewarm reviews and a bit of confusion, lately with the addition of an overnight stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite it has definitely picked up some positive momentum.
Moonliner-Rocket to the Moon Attraction
Posted on - 2/26/2008
1955-1967 Sponsored by TWA-Howard Hughes, The Moonliner was the tallest structure at Disneyland when it was built (80' high!). Nearby, the "Rocket to the Moon" show allowed 100 guests to enter either the Luna or the Diana (changed to Arcturus and Polaris in 1959) for a 10 minute trip to the Moon and back.
Mermaids at Disneyland
Posted on - 10/18/2007
Heigh-Ho, Mickey News readers–it's been a long time since my last column, and figured it was time to get crackin', so here's one on the mermaids that used to live in the Submarine Lagoon.
Tomorrowland/Phantom Boats/Motor Boat Cruise
Posted on - 5/15/2007
Heigh-Ho, Mickey News readers-today's column is from Gavin's suggestion of writing about the now "extinct" Tomorrowland/Phantom Boats/Motor Boat Cruise.
The Skyway
Posted on - 3/26/2007
Heigh-Ho, Mickey News readers–today's column is from Gavin's suggestion of writing about the now "extinct" Skyway.
The PeopleMover
Posted on - 3/2/2007
Welcome back, Mickey News readers–today's column is from a suggestion by Gavin, who wanted me to write about the PeopleMover and the Skyway (coming soon!).
Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship & Skull Rock Cove
Posted on - 2/14/2007
Welcome back, Mickey News readers! I have gotten some great feedback and suggestions from my first column. Today's column is from a suggestion from Tina, who wanted to see more about the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship & Skull Rock Cove, two areas that have now joined the list of defunct attractions.
Welcome to Vintage Disneyland at Daveland!
Posted on - 2/6/2007
This is the first column for MickeyNews.com; many thanks to Gavin & Team for allowing me to share my photo collection his readers.
