Source: MiceChat March 1972 – November 1988 LOCATION Bear Country – Ursus H. Bear’s Wilderness Outpost stood at the “end” of Bear Country, making it a true outpost in western Disneyland. Today, this shop is home to Lous’ Critter Club, within the land of Bayou Country. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – country-themed souvenirs, miscellaneous apparel, and […] Read more…
If you’ve ever seen or attended a media event involving any of the Disney Parks, you’ve probably seen Disney Ambassadors. These figureheads (now appointed for roughly a year term each) make appearances at big events, travel to promote their respective parks, and host special VIP visitors, among other miscellaneous promotional duties. But this program started […] Read more…
Source: Inventing Disneyland July 1955 – November 1994 LOCATION Main Street USA – The Kodak Camera Center stood on the southwestern side of the street, just as guests made the turn around the Town Square toward the castle. Today, this real estate is largely part of the Disneyland Emporium shop. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Cameras […] Read more…
Source: @PixieDustVibes July 1999 – August 2010 LOCATION Disneyland Hotel – The Lost Bar sat by the Neverland Pool on the hotel grounds. Today, the pool area has been completely reconfigured, but the bar stood very roughly where the building housing Trader Sam’s and Tangaroa Terrace stands today. EXPERIENCE Visitors to the Disneyland Hotel in […] Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…