The holiday season has always been a big deal at Disneyland. The décor, special treats, and live entertainment add extra excitement to this time of year, and during the park’s earliest seasons, that included the Dickens-style carolers. Source: D23 Starting during Disneyland’s first holiday season in 1955, groups of carolers performed classic songs on Main […] Read more…
 Source: Daveland Web March 1956 – mid 1963 LOCATION Tomorrowland – The Dutch Boy Paint Gallery sat at the front of Tomorrowland, not far from the primary entrance off Main Street. Today, its approximate footprint is part of the Star Tours building. BACKGROUND When Disneyland first opened in 1955, Tomorrowland was the least developed of […] Read more…
 Source: Meet the World in Progressland February 1990 – May 2010 LOCATION Disneyland Hotel – Hook’s Pointe was tucked away in the Disneyland Hotel, overlooking the Never Land Pool area. Today, the whole pool area and dining area has been reworked to create the current pool footprint and the building housing Trader Sam’s and Tangaroa […] Read more…
 Source: Yesterland February 2001 – late 2001 LOCATION Hollywood Land – Hollywood & Dine occupied Backlot Stage 12 in Hollywood Land, off the main drag (not far from where Monsters, Inc. is now). Today, this space is largely underutilized, most recently used for Black Panther meet and greets. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service […] Read more…
 Source: Daveland Web January 1955 – January 1959 LOCATION Main Street USA –  The Pen Shop was one of the trickier shops on the street to find, nestled into a hidden corner. To find the shop, you’d stop about halfway down the street and turn right into the courtyard. The shop’s doorway was on the […] Read more…
 Source: Wikipedia July 1955 – September 1987 LOCATION Frontierland – Frontier Trading Post was one of the first stops in the land for visitors traveling from Main Street USA. Once they crossed the bridge into Frontierland, guests could find the post on the immediate right. Today, this space houses Westward Ho Trading Co. EXPERIENCE Details: […] Read more…
 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! Â 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? Â Â Source: OC Register From 1970 – 1988, the hotel had a decently sized waterway complete with remote control boats. The marina also […] Read more…