Time to board the helicopter and fly over Disneyland to see what things look like, circa May 1961. Biggest change in my book is over in Tomorrowland; you can now see one of the coolest attractions of the past: The Flying Saucers!
Although they only lasted about 5 years (1961-1966) and were mechanically problematic, they are still talked about today. Currently, the spot where the Saucers used to be is the home of Space Mountain. Stepping up the Time Machine to approximately 1962/1963, some REALLY exciting things are beginning to happen now!
In this closeup, we can see that the buzzsaws are really working overtime in the new New Orleans Square area. The Chicken Plantation has been leveled and the Haunted Mansion exterior is finished; Holidayland is but a memory, and on the right, we can see the groundwork for New Orleans Square and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Interestingly enough, the Haunted Mansion house was finished years before, but the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opened first.
Flash forward to February 1966, and New Orleans Square is virtually finished; next up for the knife is Tomorrowland, which will be receiving a complete makeover towards the end of the year. Be sure to take a last look at the House of the Future and the Flying Saucers!
One more 1966 aerial and detail before the demolition in Tomorrowland. And be sure to note the construction making way for small world:
Crossing over into the 1970’s, we have one from August 15, 1970. This is a direct overhead shot...just like Google Maps! small world has been completed, the Motor Boat Cruise is still around, and Toon Town is light years away. Be sure to check out the Carousel of Progress while you can!
Last one of the series is from 1983, another milestone year in Disneyland History. Fantasyland was pretty much leveled and redone, exchanging the cheap 2 dimensional façades for the classic Tudor style that Walt originally wanted but couldn’t afford. Sadly, the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship became a casualty of the makeover.
In these closeups, you can see the Rocket Jets, in their correct position atop the PeopleMover, not clogging the entry to Tomorrowland. The Mary Blair tile murals are still out in the open, putting sunshine on the faces of guests at Disneyland...even if they do seem more appropriate in Fantasyland than Tomorrowland.
This closeup shows just how large the attraction buildings behind Pirates and the Haunted Mansion really are; note that Indiana Jones is still nowhere to be found...and neither is poor Cascade Peak!
This closeup view shows the clean slate of Fantasyland, awaiting its Tudor transformation. Skull Rock and the Pirate Ship are already long gone:
See more Disneyland aerial photos at my regular website. Next time, Daveland will take you on a journey to Agrabah.
1 comments:
this just may be the best post of the park i have had the pleasure to see. i drolled uncontrollably at almost every picture. like magic for the eye, each got better then yet better again. thank you so much.
Post a Comment