Source: Disney Wiki February 2001 – June 2012 BACKGROUND California Adventure celebrates the spirit and beauty of California. So what land could possibly be more fitting than “Golden State”? This expansive land resembled several vastly different parts of California: Redwood forests and mountains San Francisco and Monterey cannery rows and wharfs Central California farming Mojave […] Read more…
Source: Disney Mamas March 1956 – September 1959 LOCATION Main Street USA – Jimmy Starr’s Show Business Souvenirs faced the Town Square on Main Street’s flagpole. The shop was just north of the Opera House, as the street narrows. Today, this space houses the Mad Hatter of Main Street. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Set photos, […] Read more…
Before Luke Skywalker and Captain Jack Sparrow, Disney fans had another major action hero to obsess over: Zorro. From 1957-1959, ABC ran a Zorro television series, which became overwhelmingly popular and a massive opportunity for Disney, who owned the rights. Walt saw another opportunity to entertain Zorro fans – right in his own park. Source: […] Read more…
Source: Laughing Place March 1991 – June 1993 LOCATION Tomorrowland – The Motorboat Cruise to Gummi Glen technically sat in Tomorrowland, though its location is now considered part of Fantasyland. To find the loading dock, visitors followed the Fantasyland walkway toward It’s A Small World. They’d see the dock on the right, just after Autopia’s […] Read more…
Source: Pinterest August 1955 – December 1981 LOCATION Fantasyland – The Mickey Mouse Club Theater (later the Fantasyland Theater) faced the center courtyard, behind Sleeping Beauty Castle. Guests crossing through the castle would find the theater on the left, just after Snow White. Today, this space houses Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. BACKGROUND Every land in Disneyland […] Read more…
Source: Jim Hill Media February 2001 – October 2001 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Avalon Cove drew attention not just from its high-profile owner (Wolfgang Puck), but due to its massive building jutting out into Paradise Bay. You couldn’t miss this dining spot; it was the only table service restaurant on the boardwalk side of the […] Read more…
October 2002 – March 2021 LOCATION New Orleans Square – Le Bat En Rouge’s red façade was hard to miss. If you arrived in New Orleans Square from Frontierland or Adventureland, you’d find it down the first alleyway, just after the Blue Bayou. If you were coming from the train station, you’s see it on […] Read more…
October 2017 – March 2018 LOCATION Downtown Disney – The Dream Boutique’s storefront faced the central courtyard in Downtown Disney. The shop overlooked Uva Bar, next to the Grand Californian’s Downtown Disney passageway. Today, this space houses the Disney Dress Shop. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Princess toys, accessories, and pins Unique Features – Mini Bibbidi […] Read more…
In the 50s and early 60s, Walt Disney became one of Disneyland’s most frequent visitors. He loved roaming his park, dreaming up new ideas and seeing the joy in visitors’ faces. Sometimes, this visits came with a bit of fanfare and attention. But other times, he was quietly wandering, hiding largely in plain sight. Note: […] Read more…
In the early days of Disneyland, Frontierland stood out as the quiet, slow-paced frontier town between the bustling Fantasyland attractions and mysterious Adventureland jungle. The town included a saloon, shops, small restaurants, trails, and a Marshal’s Office. Source: Gorillas Don’t Blog For the first year of Disneyland’s operation, the Marshal’s Office stood in the center […] Read more…
Source: Disney Mamas July 1955 – September 1968 LOCATION Main Street USA – Visitors to Main Street USA spotted the Music Hall straight away, thanks to its coveted corner location on the right-hand side of the street. Today, this space houses the Disney Showcase. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – piano/organ showroom (not traditional retail space) Unique Features […] Read more…
February 2001 – May 2016 LOCATION Downtown Disney – The House of Blues expanded into the central courtyard of Downtown Disney, across from Tortilla Jo’s. Today, this space is home to Splitsville Luxury Lanes. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – indoor dining room, adjacent outdoor patio Entertainment – live music If you […] Read more…
Source: Insights and Sounds September 1972 – February 1973 LOCATION Bear Country – The Golden Bear Lodge overlooked the Rivers of America on the western side, across the waterway from Fort Wilderness. Today, this space is a similarly themed restaurant: the Hungry Bear. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – adjacent two-story patio […] Read more…
February 2001 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Sideshow Shirts marked the last stop on the boardwalk for Paradise Pier shoppers. The massive storefront hid beneath the California Screamin’ track, close to the Mickey’s Fun Wheel entrance. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Tees, plus some ears and other seasonal accessories Unique Features – Giant Barker […] Read more…