Sunday, November 23, 2014

In Fantasyland, August 1969

Here are two sort of oddball photos from Fantasyland, circa 1969. The 70's were almost here!

While I like this shot of the crowds milling about on a summer day (in between the Carrousel and the Snow White attraction), the photographer seemed to be mighty interested in those cloth banners that provided a tiny bit of shade in that mostly-treeless part of Fantasyland. I'm sure that a typical summer day could easily be in the high 80's or 90's. Or maybe the photographer was interested in the various flags and pennants. Who knows.


Hugh Hefner and Snow White have something in common: they both have grottos! Why can't I have one too? Hef has yet to invite me to one of his parties, so I am going to have to give the "win" to Snow White… but I can always be persuaded to change my mind.


12 comments:

Nanook said...

Major-

You're certainly correct about all the banners which seem to be occupying a great deal of the frame. On the other hand, that angle certainly gives the feeling of being at a medieval faire. Now - if we can just get the guests to dress-up properly-!

Well, Hef may have his own grotto - but has Snow White ever visited his grotto-? See - I didn't think so. Hef's not so hot, after all.

Thanks, Major.

Nancy said...

cool pictures. I wonder if there was any reason why particular patterns were chosen to appear on the flags, or if it was just a random selection.

Chuck said...

Good question, Nancy. I wonder if we have a vexillologist in the Gorillahead community that can tell us more? Or even better - does Dave Smith lurk on this site?

I have absolutely no recollection of those awnings between the carrousel and Snow White. Were they there long?

MRaymond said...

Snow White refused to visit Hef's grotto because he wanted her to wear a bikini and the dwarfs weren't invited

K. Martinez said...

I absolutely love the first image. I remember those shade banners in Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and New Orleans Square's French Market. The best looking set I remember was the sky blue set hanging over the Space Stage in the Space Mountain complex back in the late 1970's. It was perfection. Thanks, Major.

K. Martinez said...

I just noticed the Welch's Grape Juice Bar icon shield in the background behind King Arthur's Carrousel. Another favorite of mine long gone.

Major Pepperidge said...

Nanook, it would look even more like a medieval faire if people walked around eating turkey legs. But that would be ridiculous! And you never know, maybe Snow would go to Hef's grotto; she always liked a good pajama party.

Nancy, I'm guessing it was a case of "whatever looks good" in regards to the flags and pennants.

Chuck, a vexillologist? Why would a guy with a dummy know anything about flags? ;-)

MRaymond, we need a "direct to video" sequel of Snow White with a bikini scene. I'll start writing the screenplay right away!

K. Martinez, I didn't know they used those shade banners into the 1970's, but Tomorrowland could always use more shade. And I saw the Welch's shield too, it shows up in a surprising number of vintage Fantasyland shots.

Alonzo P Hawk said...

Babushka alert, front left center. Also seem to be floppy and bucket hat day as well.

Snow White/bikini=hubba hubba

Melissa said...

Check out Sunbonnet Sue downstage center! I think it may be my first sunbonnet sighting at GDB (besides Old West character performers, that is).

Melissa said...

@MRaymond, I suspect Snow White wouldn't have lasted long at Hef's Grotto before she drifted.

Connie Moreno said...

I have absolutely no recollection of those overhead shade tarp thingies ever being there! Man, don't you wish you could plug a USB cable into your ear and download all forgotten memories as jpgs?

Major Pepperidge said...

Alonzo, I have always though that the name "bucket hat" was weird, especially since I've seen hats that really do look a lot like buckets!

Melissa, Sue looks like she just crossed the great prairies. There are probably a few locusts and lots of topsoil dust in her hat!

Connie, I DO wish I could do that!!