Tag Archives: Themeparks
Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds rollercoaster ride under construction, as seen from the Submarine Lagoon, circa early 1959
The Matterhorn Bobsleds ride feels like it’s been at Disneyland forever, but it wasn’t constructed until 1959. Interesting, it started out as a great, big pile of dirt that resulted from the construction of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. To pretty it … Continue reading
Mad Tea Party ride at Disneyland during its first year, 1955
Click on the photo for a more detailed view (and then click again for a really detailed view!) The Mad Tea Party ride is one only 8 or so of Disneyland’s original opening day attractions in 1955 that and are … Continue reading
Disneyland opening day with Oldsmobile parked at entrance, July 17, 1955
I’m sure the driver of this circa 1949 Oldsmobile didn’t get to park at the Main Gate entrance for very long. But given the whole parking-and-security gamut you have to go through these days, he sure was lucky. Especially as … Continue reading
Aerial photograph of Disneyland on opening day, Anaheim, California, July 17, 1955
This is an aerial photograph of Disneyland on opening day, July 17, 1955. View is looking north, with Harbor Boulevard on the upper right and the Santa Anna Freeway running across the top. What amazes me is that the vast … Continue reading
Fantasyland at Disneyland, 1957
Some of my favorite vintage color photos are the ones I find of Disneyland. They’re always so vibrant with colors from the entire spectrum. They also remind me that there was once a time when Disneyland wasn’t super-crowded. What leisurely … Continue reading
Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Railroad in Fantasyland on Disneyland’s opening day, July 17, 1955
Life magazine must have done a huge spread on the opening day of Disneyland on July 17, 1955 because there are quite a few wonderful and telling photos by them. This one is a shot of the Storybook Land Canal … Continue reading
On the road to the Disneyland parking lot, 1960
It looks like mom has parked her 1958 Ford Country Sedan on the side of the road leading up to the Disneyland parking lot to admire those red flowers. Maybe she knows it’s the final moment of peace she’ll get … Continue reading
The line for Disneyland on opening day, July 17th, 1955
Today – July 17th – is the anniversary of the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim. This photo us what the line was to get into the park on opening day back in 1955. Sheesh! And I thought the lines today … Continue reading
Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, California, 1958
These days with its two theme parks, Downtown Disney, and multiple approaches, Disneyland is a whole world unto itself. It’s nice to be reminded that once upon a 1958 ago, it was a lot simpler than that. The Disneyland Hotel … Continue reading
Parade along Main Street on the opening day of Disneyland, 1955.jpg
This Life magazine shot of a parade along Main Street was taken on the opening day of Disneyland in July 1955. Maybe it was just a rehearsal parade before the park opened because I’m sure that was the last time … Continue reading