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 concluded a scale replica of the Queen Mary, a retired British ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach.
Source: Designing Disney
From 1955 – 1988, the hotell was owned an operated by the Wrather Corporation. When Disney finally bought the property in 1988, the marina met its demise. Today, the former Disneyland Hotel marina space is home to the central courtyard of the hotel, which includes the pools and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.
It’s truly hard to imagine what used to be there while walking around the grounds now. When I heard about this, I had to look it up, because I was sure there was no way it was true. But the pictures prove it was very real!
Source: Pinterest
They took away some of the fun and atmosphere when they removed the marina.
I remember the marina very well! I miss it. One visit, I watched a Polynesian show with music and dancing set at the marina in the evening. It was great. There also used to be a row of shops alongside the marina. The pools and such that are there now are nice, but I always enjoyed the marina, its arcade of shops, and the daily activity.