Vintage Disneyland At Daveland

For the last week, Disneyland became a construction zone to rival the action going on over at California Adventure. The impending showing of “Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides” meant a huge 3D movie screen and theater seats had to be built for the May 7th black (yes, black…not red) carpet premiere....
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(May 1956–PRESENT) BACKSTORY: Fort Wilderness was once a vibrant structure located on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland. It was a place for guests (both young and old) to explore and learn a little bit about American History. From the 1956 Disneyland brochure: “At the far end of Wilderness Road stands Fort Wilderness—the outpost of...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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: Seven years after the park opened, this restaurant finally received an identity of its own when...
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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:...
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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...
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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. Before Walt Disney passed away, it was his intention to make the space above...
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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....
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