Random Stuff
Today's "odds 'n ends" assortment begins with this wonderful photo taken from Tomorrowland's Monorail station, circa August1961. I don't know if I've ever seen a view quite like this one before; right in the center is a helpful attendant, and the beautiful red Monorail is approaching the loading platform. It's hard to tell, but it sure looks like the attendant's outfit is very much like this version from 1969.
From September 1964 we have this photo of the Red Wagon Restaurant. The name was formerly the "Red Wagon Inn", I wonder why it was changed? Did guests not understand that they could eat there?
And finally, from July 1958 comes this unusual shot from the Jungle Cruise, with the head and neck of a giraffe towering above the tangle of foliage. I wonder how much of the animatronic giraffe was fully sculpted? Was it just a stick for the first 8 feet?
10 comments:
That first shot is amazing -- it's one of those you-are-there views that instantly comes alive in memories! It's *still* thrilling to watch the monorail approaching the platform!
They should really bring back Bob Gurr's monorail design. Wait...they should really bring back Bob Gurr's everything!
Three beauties today...
I love the Monorail (couldnt you tell?!) and these are the kinds of pics that I like to take as well. A really sweet view of Tomorrowland and the bonus Skyway bucket (orange happens to be my favorite color) there as well...
The Red Wagon Inn....what a gorgeous sign! This is the place we go first when we arrive at Disneyland since it is just about dinner time for us coming in from the East Coast by the time we arrive at the park (should not have changed the name IMO)
I collect giraffes...*.*
Leaving in the early morning tomorrow for Walt Disney World to celebrate EPCOT Center's 30th birthday....its gonna be a great week! :-)
Thanks for the great pictures today, Major!
That monorail shots seems extra special. Very nice.
All beautiful images today. The monorail pic is awesome. It’s got everything going for it. The Mark VIIs were such a disappointment.
I’d assume the giraffe was only sculpted where it was visible. It’s always a shock to see photos of the hippos when the Jungle Cruise river is drained.
Nancy - I hope you have a blast. I look forward to hearing about it.
Rich T., that first slide is really one of my faves... as you say, it really has a great "you are there" quality.
TokyoMagic!, at least the current Monorail design is closer to Bob's than the old boxy version (which I never cared for).
Nancy, have a GREAT time in Florida! I'd love to hear a mini trip report when you get back.
Snow White Archive, as cool as the Monorail looks there, I don't think the photo would be as good if the attendant wasn't standing there.
K. Martinez, since the giraffe's body is hidden by foliage, I wonder if the lower mechanism is covered with some kind of camouflage, just in case the plants don't entirely cover it.
In the future, everybody has great posture.
Well from your last post we can at least assume sir giraffe is an a-hole. "You watch it buddy... I can see that stink eye coming on!"
That monorail pic is beautiful. It has everything going for it, including the slim Monorail cast member as she patiently waits for the Monorail to come to a stop. What a thrill to ride in the front compartment as a kid. Since the operator sat in the upper bubble (I’ve sat there as well!) you got the feeling you were at the controls. I love early Disneyland.
Here comes the Monorail, to whisk us away to a future that never happened— at least not outside the confines of Disneyland. But what a nice dream it was (and still is).
Walt's idea of the future depended a lot on mutual cooperation, individual initiative, and the citizens agreeing on basic goals and ideals for what America could and should become.
We're still a long way from that, aren't we? [End of soapbox political lecture].
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