January 1993 – April 2021 LOCATION Mickey’s Toontown – The Gag Factory, also known as Toontown’s 5 & Dime, was the largest (and only) shop in the area. Visitors to Toontown would find it on the eastern side of the main town square, just beyond the exit to Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. EXPERIENCE Details: […] Read more…
Source: Gorilla’s Don’t Blog July 1955 – September 1955 LOCATION Main Street USA – Grandma’s Baby Shop stood on the northern end of the street, next to the former lingerie store. Today, this space is home to the famous Silhouette Studio. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Baby clothes, shoes, and accessories Unique Features – Doll window […] Read more…
The #1 land visitors tend to skip in California Adventure is A Bug’s Land. If you don’t have little ones with you on your trip, there’s not much appeal at first glance. But if you take some time to explore this little land, you might just fall in love with it; I certainly did! This […] Read more…
Source: Frontierland Station July 1955 – June 1990 LOCATION Main Street USA – Fine Tobacco once boasted a coveted storefront at the entrance of Main Street USA, right next to the Main Street Cinema. Today, this space is home to the 20th Century Music Company. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – cigarettes, cigars, pipes, souvenir lighters and […] Read more…
Source: Disney Parks Blog January 2012 – October 2013 LOCATION Condor Flats – Minnie’s Fly Girls took the stage on a small platform in Condor Flats, directly across from the entrance to Soarin’ Over California. Today, this space is part of the widened walkway through Grizzly Peak. BACKGROUND After “Golden State” split into several different […] Read more…
On my last trip to Disneyland, I stopped for a moment to think about Tomorrowland; I realized it has the fewest hidden gems of any land in Disneyland. And then it hit me: of course it does. Tomorrowland is constantly changing, to stay updated futuristic, and somewhat imaginary. With so much growth and change, not […] Read more…
April 2016 – October 2017 LOCATION Downtown Disney – Chapel Hats was a smaller shop in Downtown Disney’s central circle, which surrounded the Uva Bar. If you were coming from the hotels, you’x find Chapel Hats on your left, just beyond Build-A-Bear Worshop. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Hats, hair accessories, and weather accessories Unique Features […] Read more…
Disneyland always throws a good party. So when the 50th anniversary arrived, guests couldn’t wait to see the park pull out all the stops. This massive celebration, known as the “Happiest Homecoming On Earth”, set a precedent for over-the-top anniversaries in the park, a tradition carried on for the Diamond Jubilee in 2015. PREPARING THE […] Read more…
Source: Pendleton July 1955 – April 1990 LOCATION Frontierland – Pendleton Woolen Mills Dry Goods Store (what a mouthful!) had a central location in Frontierland. The shop’s massive storefront, complete with a porch, stood between the Golden Horseshoe and the corner Frontier Arcade, later another shop. Today, the storefronts in Frontierland’s square connect into a […] Read more…
Source: Disney Mouse Links February 2001 – September 2010 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Catch A Flave overlooked the bay and California Screamin’s launch point, on the far side of the land. Today, this space houses Paradise Pier Ice Cream Company. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – nearby benches Entertainment – none Catch A Flav […] Read more…
Source: The Disney Blog June 1957 – September 1961 BACKGROUND From the beginning, Walt and his Imagineers knew Disneyland would grow. They envisioned a resort, rather than a single park, much like we have today. So within two years of the park’s opening, Disneyland debuted an adjacent “land” outside of the park gates: Holidayland. This open […] Read more…
Source: Disney Pal May 1998 – January 2010 LOCATION Tomorrowland – Honey I Shrunk The Audience! used the Tomorrowland theater, located beneath Space Mountain. Today, this theater space routinely changes between Star Wars film clips, Disney movie trailers, and limited-time releases, including the return of Captian EO. BACKGROUND Honey, I Shrunk The Audience! began in […] Read more…
Source: Passporter February 2001 – June 2009 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Souvenir 66 was the old-fashioned souvenir shop along the waterfront, across from the Golden Zephyr. Today, the structure remains, but has been rethemed as Seaside Souvenirs. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Assorted Disney collectibles, including pins, toys, hats, books, etc. Unique Features – Lighthouse roof, […] Read more…
Source: Matterhorn 1959 July 1955 – January 1997 LOCATION Main Street USA – Carnation Ice Cream Parlor occupied prime real estate on Main Street, at the corner intersection where the road opens up into two alleyways. Today, this space is used by the Carnation Café. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – indoor […] Read more…