Disneyland 1962 - '63 Sign
Well homies, I thought I was going to save today's extra nice image for a special occasion; but, seeing as a dishonest person on eBay is selling a fake "vintage" copy of this same image (along with fake "vintage" images seen on Daveland's blog), I figured that I might as well post it today.
As you can see, from this June 1962 image, there was construction going on over at the Pavillion (with two "Ls"), and a magnificent painted sign was placed there to announce some of the upcoming additions to Disneyland. What a time that was! Walt and his Imagineers were firing on all cylinders.
There's the Haunted Mansion, which (as you know) would not open for many years; New Orleans Square (which was interrupted by Disney's involvement with the 1964 New York World's Fair), the Swiss Family Treehouse, the Sacred Elephant Bathing Pool, the Big Game Safari, the "Great African Veldt" ("Newly discovered territory"!) - wow.
It's amazing how quickly some of these features were constructed - I realize that there are various issues that complicate projects today, but still, it was impressive.
14 comments:
WOW!!! What an amazing image. I've never seen this "coming attractions" sign before. It's always a thrill to discover something new about Walt's Disneyland.
"Newly discovered territory!" I love it! The graphics are very cool too! Today's pic is extra special! Thanks, Major.
Major-
This is wonderful signage announcing great things to come. The style certainly is reminiscent of that time period.
And I'm certain it was 'merely' for lack of space that prevented the inclusion of the Star Wars-themed lands...
Thanks, Major.
Nice find!
What a great image and a good reminder of just how fast things moved in the early days of the park. Thanks, Major.
Stunning image today.
What lovely artwork out in the sunshine there. A Monday morning treat to raise the spirits. Maybe they were raising the spirits over at the Haunted Mansion in preparation of opening.
Out of this world Major. Reminded me how much I miss the Treehouse.
K. Martinez, yeah, this is a good one. I can’t help wondering if some artifacts relating to this sign survive in the archives - sketches, small versions of the painting, etc.
Nanook, let’s just be grateful that Disney doesn’t own the Smurfs.
Bill Cotter, thanks!
Pegleg Pete, it’s amazing to think that this was very shortly after the big 1959 expansion. They could hardly build fast enough for Walt’s ideas!
Matterhorn1959, thanks. It’s a little bittersweet seeing some eBay person selling a copy based on the jpeg that was originally on eBay…
Patrick Devlin, it looks like the sun has just managed to cut through the June Gloom!
DrGoat, I guess there is some comfort in the fact that there is still a Swiss Family Treehouse in Florida. Not sure why somebody decided that the Anaheim version was no longer relevant.
If Disney was going to let me choose between bringing back the Peoplemover or the Swiss Family Treehouse I'd choose... both. The Treehouse is pure magic for a child's imagination of being stranded on an island and making due with a shipwreck. They could even tie it into a new (bad) movie, since that would only inspire people to watch and re-discover the original.
Imagine the number of attractions coming in such a short order and compare that to now. They take years attempting to even build a parking structure that is sorely needed. Then again, they are running out of land. KS
You're nice to say that Major.
It's all about the graphics and I love the graphics on that sign! I also like how low the construction walls were back then. Now they are twice as high and they even go to the trouble of plugging up any knot holes or small cracks between the sections of plywood.
I'm a sucker for vintage signage, and this one is amazing! I of course love the fact that the Enchanted Tiki Room was still included as part of the Stouffer's additions to the Park.
Thanks for sharing as always, and sorry to hear someone has been misappropriating your images.
This is a very cool sign, never seen this before.
Thanks Major.
JG
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