Disneyland’s landscape has changed dramatically since 1955, even excluding the addition of a new park and a Downtown Disney district. Walt’s original Magic Kingdom added three new lands after opening day, with a fourth currently under construction (Star Wars Land). Roller coasters sprouted up across the park. And in each land, Imagineers perfected decor from top to […] Read more…
Legend has it Walt Disney used to stroll around Disneyland in the mornings before park opening (a.k.a his morning constitutional). Those of us fortunate enough to visit Disneyland during a quiet morning know how peaceful and beautiful the park is in the early hours of the day. On the morning before Disneyland opened to the […] Read more…
 Source: Mice Chat May 1983 – 2004 LOCATION Fantasyland – Both iterations of Geppetto’s shop were strategically located next to the exit to Pinocchio. If you walked through Fantasyland from the castle, you’d see the shop on your left, across from Casey Jr. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Toys, marionettes, dolls Unique Features – Periodic princess […] Read more…
 Source: Disney Parks Blog July 1966 – August 1972 LOCATION New Orleans Square – The Creole Cafe overlooked the Rivers of America, on the main pathway of New Orleans Square. To find the restaurant, visitors needed only walk the route from Frontierland to the Haunted Mansion; the cafe sat on the left of the path. […] Read more…
January 2001 – January 2023 LOCATION Downtown Disney – Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen faced the open courtyard between the Uva Bar patio and the Monorail station. You wouldn’t miss the massive building with its wrought-iron detailing, standing across from Tortilla Jo’s. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – dining rooms downstairs, upstairs, and […] Read more…
Walt Disney’s lifelong obsession with trains became an integral part of Disneyland’s landscape. In the early years of park operation, Disneyland ran two separate train systems – the Disneyland Railroad and the Viewliner. But Walt’s interest in transportation technology extended beyond trains. Disneyland also boasted a riverboat, smaller boat cruises, canoes, cars, rockets, and an […] Read more…
 Source: Trulia February 2001 – October 2008 LOCATION Paradise Pier – The Sun Wheel was pretty difficult to miss; the massive Ferris wheel overlooked Paradise Bay. The wheel still stands today, but is now Mickey’s Fun Wheel. BACKGROUND Every California beach boardwalk needs a Ferris wheel, and Paradise Pier was no exception. Imagineers designed a […] Read more…
 Source: Blogspot December 1976 – Spring 1978, October 1983 – August 1992 LOCATION Main Street USA – The Town Square Café sat in the corner of the square, just before the street narrows (next to today’s Mad Hatter). Currently, this largely forgotten space serves as a character meet and greet area, and the interior kitchen […] Read more…
There’s something so inspiring about seeing photos of Walt Disney in Disneyland. Though he will always be better known for his movies, Walt’s true passion project was the original Magic Kingdom. In his later life, he devoted virtually all of his creative energy into a magical place where kids and adults could share in magic. […] Read more…
With the official retirement of Paradise Pier last week, I’ve been looking through some of my photos from the boardwalk. This beautiful land didn’t skimp on the details, and the Victorian theming wasn’t its only nod to the past. In fact, one of the shop signs paid tribute to a 1960s Disney classic:Â The Jungle Book. […] Read more…
When you’re shrinking to the size of a bug, details matter. That’s why no matter where you go in A Bug’s Land, you’re sure to find amazing little features that fully immerse you in the land. From the towering clovers to the plant roots built into walls, every inch of A Bug’s Land helps create […] Read more…
 Source: Wikimedia September 2001 – August 2004 LOCATION Hollywood Land – Who Wants To Be A Millionaire occupied Hollywood Land’s soundstage, in the backlot section of the area. The entrance sat to the left of Monsters, Inc., behind Sunset Boulevard (the main walkway). Today, this space rotates purposes for seasonal events. BACKGROUND California Adventure faced […] Read more…
November 1988 – April 2024 LOCATION Critter Country – The Briar Patch was somewhat hidden in the sloping trails into Critter Country. You’d find this little cottage on the left-hand side of Critter Country’s main walkway, across from the Hungry Bear Restaurant. EXPERIENCE Critter Country’s hat shop clearly once belonged to Brer Rabbit; he hung […] Read more…
 Source: Pin IMG June 1959 – September 1998 LOCATION Tomorrowland – The Submarine Voyage toured Tomorrowland’s lagoon, between the Matterhorn and Autopia. Today, the lagoon has an updated version of the attraction: the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. BACKGROUND In 1959, Disneyland went through its first major expansion. The area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland completely transformed, […] Read more…