New Orleans Square, October 1981
New Orleans Square has been a beautiful addition to Disneyland since way back in 1966, yet I have surprisingly few photos of it in my collection. Luckily for us, Lou Perry (of "Lou and Sue" fame) was more than happy to take as many pictures as he wanted. Who cares about the cost of film and processing! Lou is an artist. So I'm happy to share five of Lou's photos, with thanks to his daughter Sue B.
First up is this picture of the entrance to what I believe is the One Of a Kind Shop. "May I buy that pair of candlesticks?". "No! Can't you read the sign? Only one! GET OUT before I throw you out!". Listen, without rules we would have only chaos.
Next... perhaps the Crystal Shop ("Cristal d'Orleans")? Or is it "Le Gourmet"? I can't tell. Or maybe I won't tell.
Ah, the Court of Angels. A quiet oasis in a busy park. I'm sure Lou never imagined that this area would one day be walled off, only accessible to Club 33 members. Boo.
Yes, it's worth another look!
And finally, a look at this beautiful corner of New Orleans Square. Go buy some silver at "Lafitte's Silver Shop"! Go to "Cristal d'Orleans"! Or buy some nice smelling stuff at "Marie Antoinette's Parfumerie". Presumably that parade of people just exited "Pirates of the Caribbean".
THANK YOU, Lou and Sue!
27 comments:
That first image was taken in the Court of Angels, so that shop would have been Le Gourmet. That open door is now closed, and the closed door has been sealed up, because they built a big ugly modern elevator in that corner, for access to Club 33. I guess the "French lift" that they had used for decades, in the original Club 33 lobby wasn't acceptable anymore?
I might add that the fake "stained glass" panels that they placed over the iron gates at the former entrance into the Court of Angels are also very ugly. So there.
These pictures are wonderful. I miss this New Orleans Square, and this Disneyland so much!
Thank you, Lou, Sue and Major, too!
Now we know why there were so many guests wandering around the One of a Kind Shop wearing mouse ear hats that had only one mouse ear. Man, were they strict in that shop!
Hmm, I can't read the sign outside the shop but it doesn't really look like it says "One of a Kind Shop"? Or maybe it does... I can't tell. It certainly looks like some kind of antique shop.
In the Crystal Shop(?), I think I can see a Bambi figurine on the back shelf. Along with (maybe) a Siamese cat, a rabbit, and a couple of owls.
Beautiful 'through the archway' shots of the Court of Angels. Of course, we've seen other photos of the CoA, but I don't remember seeing any through the archway like this. Bravo, Mr. Perry.
In the last photo, it looks like somebody accidentally left their bass viol standing in the corner behind the crowd. I hate when that happens! They probably wouldn't let him/her bring it with them on Pirates. I bet they have a whole section in Lost & Found for bass viols.
This photo really shows off the architectural detail of New Orleans Square.
Ah, Tokyo! says the first photo is Le Gourmet. But wouldn't that shop sell cookware and such? This photo looks like all kinds of stuff were sold there. I want a second opinion! ;-p
Thanks again to Lou Perry, Sue & Major.
JB, I agree that the items in that store don't look like kitchenware and that they look more like antiques or bric-a-brac. But I checked a guidebook that I have close at hand, and it showed the Le Gourmet shop being in that spot as late as 1994. I trying to remember if Le Gourmet ever relocated, and then moved back to the same space at a later date? I believe the shop did move at some point. I think it might have move into the One of a Kind Shop for a while, but I'm pretty sure that the One of a Kind Shop disappeared at that point. I don't think they swapped places. Bu or Mike might be able to tell us. I just know that that first pic was taken inside the Court of Angels, because in the other two pics of the COA, we can see a portion of that same potted palm tree.
As for the open door that I mentioned earlier, which is now closed....it's still there. It just has frosted glass so that you can't see the people "who are better than you," milling around in the Court of Angels. And like I said earlier, the closed door on the right was walled up, when they stuck an elevator into that corner of the courtyard.
I’m not exactly sure when THE GRAND COURTYARD started to be called “the court of angels” but it was another one of those cases where cast members started this and it was not a WED it WDI decision. It was named this by employees after merchandising placed a plaque to honor a deceased buyer or merchandise manager … I not a 100% of the dubious story. Sad as it is … Disneyland shouldn’t be used as a memorial for employees - that’s my personal opinion. Now dedications for the people who created Disneyland … in limitations is a different situation….
So the two courtyards in New Orleans Square are THE ROYAL COURTYARD ( between One of a Kind Antiques & Pieces of Eight Pirate Arcade ( or #21 Royal Street) the larger courtyard is THE GRAND COURTYARD ….. last year I worked on a New Orleans square project and none of the blueprints we used ever said “Court of Angeles” but I know Disneyland calls it that because of the memorial plaque employees named . I’ve also heard cast members call LIBERTY SQUARE “ Liberty Land “ …., and the haunted mansion “Gracey Manor” ….. guests called “Rocket Rods” “ screamers “ …. This is not official nomenclature. I’ve become very nit picky as I’ve aged ….
I’ve decided to start calling New Orleans Square - Front Street “Miss Lady Mae’s Effluent Water Parlor Alley - home of the 12 holer” so there!!! And Royal Street Veranda “ HOOF & MOUTH Slop House & Livery Stable - good for man OR beast” and Club 21 Royal I’m now calling “Rickett’s & Korn social patent Ballroom & disorderly house”. I prefer a more authentic New Orleans Square ….
But in reality it’s becoming TIANA TOWN .
I recall a time in the 90’s that the Gourmet Shop was moved into the space One of A Kind Antiques once was … but I cannot recall what went into the old Gourmet Shop space .
Interesting bit on the "Court of Angels"....honestly, I don't think I had a name for it back in the 80's...was more..."that staircase in New Orleans Square" but it was so "there" that it wasn't "there"....lots of people taking photos with their kids stacked on the steps. It's quite a shame only a few people get to see it now. Art should be available for the masses, not a select few. I suppose it makes sense to Tiana-ize it all, as that will bring it into the "Cartoon world" of the "new" Club 33. (that's a separate rant) On that note: The Club should never have been well known, or coveted. It was a private club, and meant to be private as "all guests at Disneyland are VIP's". This is why sometime in the mid '80's the official name of VIP Tours, became "Special Tours". Which I thought was odd, and we never used that title unless speaking on the phone to someone enquiring about a "Special Tour". I don't know who came up with that one, but it clearly didn't stick. Back to New Orleans: I forgot about the Silver Shop: Silver, unless it is Sterling does not really rate highly in the antique market these days. EPNS (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) is kind of worthless, but there are some pretty things out there, and that I own. The more you polish, the more you rub off...and then you have: just Nickel. The Arribas Brothers endure: quite amazingly. You can see the unique "One of a Kind" price tags on a couple of items in the One of a Kind Shop: that had information about the item, and the price. I've never seen one of these since my days there, and perhaps Major has a piece of this Phem (?) The guest shopping looks exactly like she should...and those were the ladies that were in there...came in to shop, have luncheon, and then leave. Kind of like me. I've seen all those rides! The shopping: well...it ain't what it used to be for sure. I'm wondering how many current Disney people read this blog rolling their eyes about all the griping and moaning we/me do? I don't see it as griping and moaning when the comments are completely truthful and justified. The truth stings. "Ouch" A salty morning for sure! Thanks Lou for the trip to a quaint and lovely New Orleans!
Incidentally BOTH New Orleans Square Courtyards featured signs …. The Royal Courtyard sign still remains … a red claret enamel sign with a cream script lettering. The Grand Courtyard had TWO signs … one held with a wrought iron bracket and the other line the Royal Courtyard , wall - flush mounted.
Of course the two courtyards became even more well known when the original Herbert Ryman concept art for both was featured in the 1987 inaugural Disney Gallery exhibit , The Art of Disneyland . In fact THE ROYAL COURTYARD concept art was featured in an open edition poster and a limited edition lithograph …. The lithograph was one of the first to sell out …. And later THE GRAND COURTYARD also became a lithograph featured in a 3 print set of Herbert Ryman’s New Orleans Square … including The Grand Courtyard, The Blue Bayou interior and the Praline Shop ( which really became a gold and brass shop) there was also a “note card set of the two courtyards. They were very popular with guests.
In 2005 when the Disney Gallery featured the Disneyland 50 years exhibit three art prints were available a Ryman rough study painting of The Grand Courtyard, a John Hench concept and a Dorothea Redmond concept painting ….
The Grand Courtyard was once of if the most photographed features of the park and its dramatic presence made it popular for filming and used by park entertainers. Now it’s blocked off and VERBOTEN to guests …. Creating a claustrophobic feel to a land that was designed to have a flow for guests to explore “the intriguing shops and courtyards “ to quote Walt Disney himself.
Bu, regarding those special price tags.....so then, the One of a Kind shop did move into the Le Gourmet space, at some point? It seems like maybe they swapped places. But then did they switch back? The 1975, 1985, and 1994 guides, all show Le Gourmet adjacent/adjoining the Court of Angels and the One of a Kind shop adjoining the Royal Courtyard. I just need to go dig up my 1981 guide, but it will require deeper digging.
Now I understand why we never see pictures of twins in the One of a Kind Shop.
Pretty sure Le Gourmet was in the space shown in the first photo in October of ‘94. That was the first trip we ever actually looked in the shops in NOS. Gray day, low crowds, and a looming deployment at the end of the week. Special memory.
Miss this NOS, and it hurts. Thanks for capturing it for the ages, Lou.
Walt was so fascinated by New Orleans that he built his own.
I’m actually kind of glad the little courtyard is walled off, so we peons don’t have to suffer looking at the “redecoration”. You have to pay big money for that torment now.
Those conical iron widgets beside the arch are wheel guards, so your carriage wheels won’t nick the jambs.
At some point, the Le Gourmet space became a goth warehouse for those who celebrate Halloween in July.
Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most, and Old NOS is next.
Thank you, Lou, Sue, and Major.
JG
Tokyo, the building codes changed and not only do elevators have to be elevators, not lifts, they have to be big enough to hold a gurney for incapacitated egress.
The cheapest way to wedge one in was to ruin the Court.
JG
Lou took some gorgeous photos here. The color tones and lighting are perfect. I alwaws look forward to Lou & Sue's photos.
New Orleans Square was so wonderful and different in character than the rest of the park. I loved hanging around here with its alleys and courtyards. My favorite restaurant was always the French Market where you could hear the sounds of the Disneyland Railroad and Mark Twain Riverboat. Truly a magical "land".
I've seen photos of Tiana's Palace and it looks like crap. They've ruined the French Market, but then they are turning New Orleans Square into Tianaville. The toonification of Disneyland continues. It breaks my heart they are doing this, but there are no surprises anymore.
Thank you, Lou & Sue. And thank you too, Major.
Mike C. is of course correct--mostly! It was originally known as "LE" Grande Courtyard! There are even postcards from back in the day to verify this.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145062449922?hash=item21c6655302:g:m08AAOSwVl1kUGUY&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8La9bKCuTO87sg4LHKKqRtFVot3f2zLtyFBoM2EfWToE64PS6NqfcIasYAoid6mM8ParFlQdWRu99gJuDIe9cVH4Wh6iO0DoCCU0dlomzmtz0uYRysuHD7HopfMgXo3jc8%2F8eYa%2FryFH5VhF%2BIIw43%2FojjLKBmobP1Z22QcpIssJzMxIMgvnFrtY50byH2jIYbooJ%2BxZ2nJs3%2BdYXrrrF9HJ3%2BF6MducFjm9qFXnB9jz6jcW%2FBVNppfCtuKvqVNvM5retRRBt7cJ0oknBjdgC7Pnj6gtemRSjdLitL2BWvJ8jQen9D%2FABRONpFw%2B9S0JpQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMxJbVnr9i
"Court of Angels" is just Disney PR at work!
TokyoMagic!, wow, I did not know that guests used to be able to access any shops from the Court of Angels. Interesting. I can only assume that Disney decided that they needed a bigger, more modern (safer?) elevator for the increased Club 33 members. And yes, that fake “stained glass” thing is tacky and ugly.
JB, yes, rules are rules, and anyone who doesn’t like it can go to Six Flags Magic Mountain, like all the other freaks! I assume that the crystal shop had a person who did “lampwork” - creating little figurines with glass using an open flame. I used to love watching people do that at other parks (I know they had one at Japanese Deer Park). I see the bass viol, which I assume belonged to one of the Royal Street Bachelors, though it is weird if it is just sitting there unattended. People are going to mess with it!
TokyoMagic!, I wonder if I ever actually went into Le Gourmet? As a kid I would have had no interest in kitchen stuff, even if it was the finest in the world. As long as I can deep-fry my Gino’s Pizza Rolls, I’ll be happy. I certainly have no idea if the shops were moved around, so I’ll be curious to hear from the other readers.
Mike Cozart, I learned on a podcast that it was originally called The Grand Courtyard, which was a surprise to me, since as long as I can remember it was “The Court of Angels”. Isn’t there an artwork from Herb Ryman that has something to do with the Court of Angels (even though it doesn’t look like the area at Disneyland)? Not sure, but somehow I think so. I would love to know how the COA got its name, and why it stuck, considering that so many people can’t name most things at the park, but everyone seemed to know that one. It seems crazy that CMs will get the names of places and attractions wrong, but they might be using the names that their own families used. When I was really little, we called “Adventure Through Inner Space” “The Eye Ride”! Wow, a 12-holer, room for everyone!
Bu, I always thought that there might be a Court of Angels in the real New Orleans, but I’ve never been there, and was too busy watching cartoons to do any research. I’m sure you understand. I truly hate that the powers-that-be decided to block off part of the park so that it’s only accessible to their wealthy patrons - Disneyland used to feel very egalitarian, but not so much these days, with so many features available to those who are willing to pay more. The rest of you losers who paid $175 to enter the park (and $30 to park)? You are no better than the gum stuck to my shoe! You are right about silver, and my mom has stacks of fine china that belonged to her mother and grandmother that NOBODY wants. It’s pretty, though old-fashioned, and younger people who live in apartments don’t generally want that sort of thing. Sadly I do not have a “One of a Kind Shop” tag, though I wish I did.
Mike Cozart, aha! You mentioned the Herb Ryman artwork I was thinking of, though my memories of it were wrong (as usual). I can picture the nuns with their old-fashioned outfits in one of the paintings. It does seem like the courtyard was very popular with guests - the New Orleans Square section of my photo collection is one of the smallest, but in that group, I’d say at least a third of them show the courtyard.
TokyoMagic!, they moved all the shops every other year just to confuse the hell out of people!
Chuck, twins are one thing, but triplets! The Del Rubio Triplets were followed by security during the whole day just in case they thought about going to New Orleans Square. A looming deployment would be a “special memory”; maybe a scary memory too?? Nothing like leaving home for a combat zone.
JG, we’ve all seen the maps with “Oxnard Street” on them, but sadly it was never actually built. You make a good point about the redecoration of the COA - in the later photos, they painted that staircase a bright blue that was so completely “wrong”. WHY? I had to look for the conical iron widgets, interesting! Hey, those goths spend lots of dough on Halloween junk, and money talks.
JG, yeah, that’s along the lines of what I suspected. Though I did not know about an elevator having to be big enough to hold a gurney.
K. Martinez, it’s clear that by the time New Orleans Square was being created, the Imagineers were at the peak of their powers, and their bag of tricks was full! The results really were amazing, especially for the mid-1960s. I hate to be negative, but I agree, from what I’ve seen, Tiana’s Palace is not good. Yet another example of taking something beautiful that was not tied to a specific Disney IP and ruining it.
Steve DeGaetano, ha, as a die-hard Disneyland postcard collector, I probably even have a copy of that card, but my primary interest is for the earlier cards. Still, there’s the name Le Grand Courtyard, right there in blue and white!
Nice NOS shots. Le Gourmet… had really nice stuff like copper cookware, which is mostly now illegal in US, you have to get it in France due to some silly law. My personal favorite item was from the VERY short time they offered Mint Julep concentrate in a fancy plastic bottle with a gold and green label. I bought two, one to drink (tasted perfect) and one to save. Forward about 30 years and the syrup was now an evaporated dark sludge, which none the less sold for an unbelievable sum on ebay (time may not heal all things, but even weird junk gets valuable over the years). Funny thing was researching the sale…I traced down the company on the label; the same company still makes the stuff (as of around 2020), but they had never heard of this as a product. No one knew this concoction ever existed…even the internet is clueless. Seems to me they could still sell in by the barrel.
I was enjoying the park yesterday, and once again noticing the shameful closure of the grand courtyard. At very least they could and should move the cheap ugly ‘stained plastic’ screens to the far side of the arch and give that tiny space to the street side, filling it with flowers, sketch artists or Pirate Red and regain some sense on depth there. As it stands now it all feels like a ‘lovely’ cattle chute to the bathrooms. BTW, that same space has also lost the characters who inhabit the balconies above, now just bland plants, no voodoo medium. Apparently there is only room for one kooky priestess in Tiana town.
MS
Tokyo!, in addition to all the other info and clues you mentioned, I think the sign above the entrance does indeed say "Le Gourmet".
Mike, "12 holer". Woohoo, that's one fancy-schmancy outhouse!
Major, there used to be artisan glass blowers at our county fair, back in the day. I too, (and many others) would stand around and watch them create all sorts of glass figures, all of which were for sale. I bought a glass swan (not the killer-kind, as far as I know) partially filled with blue-colored water. After a few years, the coloring all disappeared, so it's not as nice-looking as it used to be.
Major, the gurney requirement may only apply to larger occupancies, I'm not sure where the line is drawn, but it is an elevator requirement. Also not sure what the Club 33 occupancy is either.
Putting the elevator there does make sense when looking at the plans for the buildings. Locating a retrofit elevator can be tough because you need to find two empty spots inside that line up, or build it "outside" of the existing footprint as was done here. This does not excuse the damage, but does clarify the problem. The ground plan of NOS is especially crowded and irregular while the POC lagoon takes up so much of the space behind the shop walls, that attraction is like a Swiss watch. On top of it, I read somewhere that the Court of Many Names was originally planned to be part of Club 33 and was opened up later in design, so the space was earmarked for a similar use as an Club entry vestibule at some point.
The real New Orleans does have courtyards like these, I haven't been in any personally, but you can sometimes see through the alley or the gate, just like this one, so these are based in reality.
JG
JB …, not an outhouse …. A “Effluent Parlor”
Steve … correct “Le Grand Court”
Le Gourmet sold BIG baking and kitchen items including French bakery tables, flour cabinets .. pastry racks ( so incredibly popular in the 70’s for plants and cookbooks! - ask Rhoda ) and even marble slabs ……. Victorian coffee grinders ( those big ones) and I think it’s the larger kitchen and butler pantry items that are appearing as antiques . As to how often those things sold …. Like the antiques … the big items were more fit looks and atmosphere.
All the Le Grand Court shops had smaller signs facing inward and larger more elaborate signs facing the street.
WED imagineers would have have no idea what the hell “The Court of Angels” is … ( is that in Louisiana??) Major It’s possible marketed or D23 has used some Herb Ryman art and added “court of angels” …. But then with photoshop they can add anything they want ….
All the 1975-1977 concept art by Ryman and others that say “ORIENTAL DISNEYLAND” ( proposal concepts for the Oriental Land Company of Japan) now magically say - “Tokyo Disneyland” ….. when the actual artwork does not ….
As Walt Disney’s intricate NEW ORLEANS SQUARE quickly begins to disappear under FROG PRINCE PAINT and more entries for “club 33 suckers” there have been discussions of name changes … most recently PORT ORLEANS …… and while I joke TIANA TOWN …. That’s what’s kinda happening. The detailed historic , magical recreation researched and laboriously constructed is being
Replaced with charactures and cliches ….. but most guests won’t notice as they will be too busy with their crook necks bent into their phones searching to see if the newest popcorn bucket is available or if they can save 7 minutes of the big thunder line and pay 44 bucks …. Or ordering their ice cream for 5:30 pm at 8:30 am ….
Mike, we 'uns here is country folk. We don't have none of them "Effluent Parlors". Sakes alive, the things a person sees in the 'big city'! Indoor turlets... what'll they think of next?!
Mike, you're close when you joke about the name "TIANA TOWN," but it's more like TIANA TOONTOWN. Tiana's an adorable character, but it's an insult that they had to 'dumb down' the area and also add awful color combinations to the existing structures. They should've left it classy. NOS was my favorite area in Disneyland. Was.
Am enjoying all the comments, and thank you for the nice compliments - that I'll pass on to my dad.
I suggest we meet for mint juleps at Blue Bayou, in a couple hours...while it's still there.
Thank you, Major.
Oh...Mike Cozart...how your description of NoS going into a Tiana 'doom loop' with guests walking around looking at their phones just to get popcorn. And they get to pay (oh boy, do they today) for the experience too.
Early on in the comments, JB noticed something unique in the last picture. The bass for the Royal Street Bachelors standing in the corner. Many times the bass would be left while the guys would take a break. Today, I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be SOP. Great memories of Herb Gordy with that bass. A little more info if you are interested. https://www.disneyhistory101.com/royalstreetbachelors-dh101gallery-66
Sure nice pictures Lou. And thanks for sharing Sue. KS
MS, I had no idea that copper cookware is not sold in the US anymore. That seems nuts, although I know it is reactive with acidic foods. Anyway… I’ve never had a Mint Julep, though I know they have been a popular park beverage for decades. Isn’t it lime and mint? It makes me think of brushing one’s teeth and then drinking orange juice. Blah! Hey, that dark sludge is extra-concentrated and probably worth thousands on the black market. The choice of the plastic “stained glass” panels is so odd. How about a beautiful, ornate patinated wrought iron gate? Too expensive I guess. Make it a real work of art.
JB, my mom has been interested in glass for years (she took a trip to the Corning Museum in New York once, dragging my dad along). For a while she had a setup with a bunch of glass canes and a torch (and some other paraphernalia) so that she could make lampworked glass beads. I made some just for the fun of it, and really enjoyed it, but my skill level is at about a -3. I remember giving my girlfriend a bracelet of my hand-made glass beads in many colors, and she said, “I don’t really wear bracelets”. D’oh.
JG, all they needed to do was install an inflatable airline slide from the upstairs. Just slide the patient down! Quick, easy, and fun. I am sure you are right about the other considerations regarding a new elevator, but as you said, that doesn’t excuse the damage. I like to believe that there was a more elegant solution, but perhaps there wasn’t. The only time I almost went to the real New Orleans is when a friend of mine suggested that we go to Mardi Gras. On consideration, I decided that Mardi Gras was the time I did NOT want to be there.
Mike Cozart, I always wondered how much of that stuff the park actually sold. It almost sounds more like restaurant-supply merchandise. Perfect for my tiny house in Reseda (I WISH I had a tiny house in Reseda). It’s so strange that the Court of Angels name seemed to spring from the ether, and yet it really caught on. Was it used in lots of publicity? There was a time when I wanted to have the Club 33 experience, and almost got in once, but after the whole place was redone, I lost interest entirely. Any connection to Walt is gone, and based on the artwork and photos I’ve seen, the newer “look” does not inspire. Well, I’m off to order my popcorn bucket!
JB, I call them “indoor outhouses”.
Lou and Sue, the funny thing is that even though I am not really a fan of “The Princess and the Frog”, I liked Tiana as a character a lot. I know I keep harping on it, but the Home Depot “stone work” on the façade of Tiana’s Palace looks so crummy. “We’ll stick it on, and nobody will care”. How about trying to get a beautiful, hand-crafted look of actual antique stone (although I am not sure how accurate that would be to New Orleans)? The steamboat stacks are too theme-parky as well. Or “cartoony”!
KS, I hate to give guests too hard a time about looking at their phones… the park has made cell phones a necessity, for EVERYTHING, whether you want it or not. Sure, there are always the cell phone zombies, but most folks just want photos of themselves or friends and family, or they need to see how long the wait is for their favorite ride.
Technically NEW ORLEANS SQUARE has a third courtyard ( and two terraces) the third was originally Designed to have a 1/2 wall and gate …. Similar to the one at OLD WORLD ANTIQUES in Liberty Square. The Space is used by the characture art cart - between the glass shop & silver shop ( later a pastry shop / now vacant) it faces the Blue Bayou entry . I assume because the space is so small the intamacy of a tiny courtyard was given up to provide easier guest flow from and into the shops… the gate section was installed on the exit service porch to Cafe Orleans ( creole cafe) .
I’ve sent 1973 documentation photos of the courtyard signs and shop signs relating to the courtyards . Major can add them to this post if he’d like or create an augmented post .
Major : I’ve only ever heard the term “court of Angeles” on the internet …and YouTube ; diz fans use it. It is also on the memorial plaque Disneyland merchandising added on their own… I’ve never seen the name in any guidebooks or brochures or publications …and it does not appear on WDI architectural drawings or plans of New Orleans Square ….. . I suspect it has shown up in some cast publications and I think there is a DISNEYLAND LINE mentioning that a plaque is going to be installed …I wouldn’t be surprised if some Disneyland maintenance documents refer to it since it seems like an in-house name. I sure Disneyland tour guides tell the court of angels story : nothing like a good heart - tug to capture your audience!! At the same time I’ve heard tour guides retell incredibly WRONG information … from “the enchanted tiki room WAS a restaurant first …. To guests had so many heart attacks when the haunted mansion opened it had to close and make it less scary” … to Walt brought the four New York worlds fair attractions to Disneyland … the SKYWAY being one of them … (:{
By the way : the haunted mansion did in fact cause many heart attacks; but only to people at Walt Disney Productions accounting when the attraction’s final cost was computed!
I’ll repeat, I never heard of this “Court of Angels” before it became a waiting room for the Club. Are there any angels in the Angel court? I say put a basketball hoop up and the “Anaheim Angels” can practice here, and THEN it will make sense. For those of you who have the opportunity to visit the actual New Orleans “Quarters” (as the NOLO people call it apparently…” I highly recommend it. It is beastly hot, but an amazing place, of which no where else exists like it. Many courtyards, nooks and crannies…and drunks too…but you kind of get used to them. Avoid the major tourist streets and wander off. There is amazing food in this part of the world as well. I went after Katrina for the reparation..and the Quarters remained basically untouched…which was a miracle unto itself. With the new land and reality series: “Tiana Takes Over” it will be interesting to see how it all evolves. The general populous…those who want the Club 33 Popcorn Bucket…and Tiffany Mouse Ears…and stacks of Ill-produced plush…I have no words for their taste levels…sorry general populous…I’m not sure if they are the problem or solution … and perhaps we will never know. Phones break the 4th wall of the berm. I don’t want to look at my phone at Disneyland. I want to look at Disneyland.
JG, Charleston also has a lot of secluded courtyards like these. Actually, walking around Charleston reminded me more of New Orleans Square than walking around the French Quarter in the real New Orleans did. I think it was the fact that the quaint side streets in Charleston aren’t dead straight like they are in New Orleans. Enjoyed them both.
JB, I gots kin in Californy. They have one of them ce-ment ponds out behind their house. Mercy! City folk…
Mike, good grief! Although I can see how someone might conflate Ford’s Magic Skyway at the Fair with Disneyland’s Skyway…as long as they don’t spend at least 18 seconds researching it. What floors me is that these are tour guides. This would have never happened on Bu’s watch…
I just re-read what I had commented earlier, and I fear that what I said might be misunderstood. To clarify, I’m ok with Disney adding Tiana to NOS. I’m NOT ok with ruining the classy buildings and attractions. Tiana could’ve greeted people in NOS—without making those ugly changes to the structures.
And give us back that beautiful courtyard. *sigh*
Sue
Tokyo, the building codes changed and not only do elevators have to be elevators, not lifts, they have to be big enough to hold a gurney for incapacitated egress.
JG, thanks for that info. But what ever happened to a fireman/firewoman just throwing a person over their shoulder, and carrying them out of a building? ;-)
I forgot when I commented earlier, that I had partially covered the Le Gourmet shop, in a post from 2020. According to my research at the time, the Le Gourmet shop closed in 1998, but by that time, it had been relocated to the One of a Kind Shop's space. So the question is, when did it move out of it's original space? I even posted a pic of some Mickey and Minnie copper pans/molds that I purchased in the shop, back in the 1990s. For anyone who's interested, here is that post. Scroll down to the second half of the post for the part about the Le Gourmet store. There's even a postcard showing the view from inside the store, looking towards the doors leading to the Court of Angels.....or whatever it's called......Tiana's Magical Courtyard of Dreams and Wonder (for Club 33 members only):
https://meettheworldinprogressland.blogspot.com/2020/11/happy-thanksgiving-and-happy-cake-day.html
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