Park History

Hallmark Card Shop

Hallmark Card Shop

 Source: Mickey Mouse Park June 1960 – January 1985 LOCATION Main Street USA – The Hallmark Card Shop had one of the best locations on Main Street, facing the center cross street on the eastern side. Today, this corner location is home to Disney Clothiers Ltd. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Hallmark cards Unique Features – […] Read more…

Queue Closeup: Splash Mountain

Queue Closeup: Splash Mountain

For me, ride storytelling starts long before you hop into a vehicle. Each room/area of a queue has the opportunity to immerse you in whatever world you’re entering, sharing details you actually have time to absorb while you’re standing around waiting for your turn. One of the rides that had a long, elaborate queue to […] Read more…

Disneyland Hotel Mini Golf

Disneyland Hotel Mini Golf

A while back, I shared that the Disneyland Hotel used to have its own marina. Well that’s not all – it used to have mini golf too!  Source: Flickr It’s hard to imagine today with the area so jam packed, but in the 50s and 60s, the Disneyland Hotel had breathing room. And much of […] Read more…

Disneyland Hotel Marina

Disneyland Hotel Marina

I don’t think it’s much of a surprise to most that the Disneyland Hotel looks dramatically different than it did in 1955. But did you know that it once had its own marina?   Source: OC Register From 1970 – 1988, the hotel had a decently sized waterway complete with remote control boats. The marina also […] Read more…

Light Magic

Light Magic

 Source: Yesterland May 1997 – September 1997 LOCATION Main Street USA & Fantasyland – This parade followed the usual route for Disneyland. It began near It’s A Small World, wound down past the Matterhorn, circled the hub on Main Street, and finished by the Disneyland Railroad station. BACKGROUND Disneyland frequently swaps out even the most […] Read more…

VOID

VOID

January 2018 – July 2020 LOCATION Downtown Disney – The VOID VR experience had a prime location in Downtown Disney, in the central circular courtyard. The shop sat next to Disney Home, and faced the UVA Bar. Today, this space is home to Lovepop and Pele. EXPERIENCE The VOID was collaborative VR, with parties of […] Read more…

Main Street's Olympic Pool

Main Street’s Olympic Pool

Every once in a while, reading about Disneyland history gives you some pretty bizarre results. Some truly wacky events, attractions, and happenings happen in the park from time to time, including the topic of today’s post: Main Street‘s Olympic Pool.  Source: Disneyland Today In 2004, the Athens Olympics were the biggest story of the summer. […] Read more…

PCH Grill

PCH Grill

 Source: Wikimedia December 2000 – March 2020 LOCATION Paradise Pier Hotel – The PCH Grill was Paradise Pier Hotel’s central dining spot. Guests entering the lobby of the hotel would find the restaurant at the end of the hallway, on the opposite side from the front desk. As of writing this post, this space remains […] Read more…

Space Station X-1

Space Station X-1/Satellite View of America

 Source: Mickey Mouse Park July 1955 – February 1960 LOCATION Tomorrowland – Space Station X-1 hovered near the entrance to Tomorrowland, on the left side if you were facing the land from Main Street. Today, this space is part of Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. BACKGROUND When Disneyland first opened, Walt didn’t quite have enough cash […] Read more…

Kids of the Kingdom

Kids of the Kingdom

For all of Disneyland’s history, live entertainment has been an important part of the guest experience. From the Pearly Band in Fantasyland to the 5 and Dime on Buena Vista Street, various musical groups perform every day, all over the resort. In the late 1960s, one popular group was called The Kids of the Kingdom.  Source: […] Read more…

Mickey's Soundsational Parade

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade

May 2011 – July 2019 LOCATION Main Street USA & Fantasyland – Mickey’s Soundsational Parade followed the typical Disneyland parade route. It started in Fantasyland, near It’s A Small World. From there it continued past the Matterhorn, around the hub in front of the castle, and down Main Street. It ended at the town square, […] Read more…

Bone Carving Shop

Bone Carving Shop

 Source: Mickey Mouse Park 1956 – 1964 LOCATION Frontierland – The Bone Carving Shop was located within Davy Crockett Frontier Arcade. The Arcade faced Frontierland’s main entrance, catching the attention of visitors arriving from Main Street. Today, its location is part of the Pioneer Mercantile. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Bone jewelry, accessories, and small souvenirs […] Read more…

Phineas and Ferb

Phineas & Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party

 Source: Disney Wiki July 2011 – November 2014 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Phineas & Ferb held their dance party in Paradise Pier’s large open plaza, where Pacific Wharf, Grizzly Peak, and Paradise Pier met. Then and now, this plaza is right next to the Little Mermaid entrance. BACKGROUND California Adventure, like Disneyland, has its own […] Read more…

Backlot Premiere Shop

Backlot Premiere Shop

 Source: All Ears October 2020 – March 2022 LOCATION Hollywood Land – The Backlot Premiere shop had two different entrances during its run. When it opened during the park’s COVID-19 closure, guests entered through a guided path, winding around the backstage area and directly into the shop. Once the park reopened, the entrance moved to […] Read more…

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