You knew there had to be at least one Skyway view, didn't you? There's the Chalet in the upper left, and the "Tuna Boat" sitting in its ce-ment pond.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Fantasyland Views, January 6 1957
Today's first photo is kind of nice. Sort of arty. In fact, it's arty as hell! We're standing on the boardwalk-exit of the Skyway Chalet, and we've got crazy, colorful Fantasyland laid out in front of us, with all of its 1957 wonders to behold.
You knew there had to be at least one Skyway view, didn't you? There's the Chalet in the upper left, and the "Tuna Boat" sitting in its ce-ment pond.
You knew there had to be at least one Skyway view, didn't you? There's the Chalet in the upper left, and the "Tuna Boat" sitting in its ce-ment pond.
Wow, I love that first shot! I took a similar one in 1979 from just a little further back: 1979 Fantasyland Pic Unfortunately it was with a crappy 110 Instamatic camera. But the same lamp posts and exit turnstile can be seen in the shot taken 22 years later. In fact, I think they all still exist today, 53 years later.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, those do seem to be from very nearly the same vantage point! Cool to compare the two. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThough I have no idea what you mean by "arty" (even the most eloquent among us is bound to babble occasionally--I say this in jest and with much reverence for the Major's rhetorical skills and well knowing that I may be about to babble myself), it is, indeed, a grand picture. Many pictures of past (and present) Disneyland locales and attractions document adequately, but few capture the dynamic spirit of the place. This photograph definitely does. It contains views or partial views of no less than seven attractions, giving the viewer a feeling not only for individual rides and sights but for the kinetic, layered whole. Though not as beautifully themed perhaps as the other lands at the time, Fantasyland had a definite vibe, and you get here a feel for that atmosphere, for how it all worked together to create a satisfying experience. This, it seems to me, more than anything, was (and is) the hallmark of the Disney parks and one of the things their creator did best. A lovely (and arty) picture.
ReplyDeleteLove those shots. I remember running down those steps headed to more Fantasy(land) and was amazed by the landscaping back there. The thickness of scent was pure pleasure.
ReplyDeleteThere's no other way to say it: OMG!!! Well, I do like what "Anonymous" said...
ReplyDeleteLooks Arty to me :-)
ReplyDeleteThere is so much going on in that first pic its like "where's waldo"!
The tuna boat looks like its found some glass to sail on, where's my water ski's!
Thanks Major - awesome pics!
That top pic wouldn't be a bad reference photo to paint from. :)
ReplyDeleteGosh Casey Jr's track is so miniature scale. Cute.
The 2nd pic... oddly I get a sort of early-Silly-Symphony vibe from it. Both are neat, thanks (as always!) Maj.
Aha, now we know that Chiana is a painter! I'm not sure I would want to tackle that image, with all of that detail. Besides, I'm a fan of strong simple design; like the attractioin posters!
ReplyDeletei love that tall pine tree on the left of the first picture..dont know why! this view makes me feel like Dorothy seeing the little town of Munchkinland for the first time! :)
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