Main Street in the 80's
I've only posted a few photos from the 1980's, and those were examples that I took myself. But I have since acquired a group of slides dating from the early to mid 80's, and it seemed like a good time to start sharing them.
I've always loved the little figures that can be seen in the popcorn vendor's carts, endlessly turning a container full of popped kernels. At most parks it would be a little clown, but the Disney folks customized theirs; in this case we see Big Al himself, and by golly, he looks a bit slimmer! I've also seen Oogie Boogie, the Rocketeer, and a Haunted Mansion ghoul toiling away. Have you seen any others?
The late great Wally Boag was most famous to Disneyland fans as Pecos Bill in the Golden Horseshoe Revue. But he did much more than that! Walt apparently loved him, and Wally contributed to the script for the Enchanted Tiki Room, as well as providing the voice for Jose (and the Barker Bird). He was also the editor and contributor to the "Backstage Disneyland" magazine. Not to mention a few small rolls in a number of Disney movies. Here, above the Carnation ice cream parlor we can see the window that is a well-earned tribute to Wally, who just passed away in June at the age of 90.
The late great Wally Boag was most famous to Disneyland fans as Pecos Bill in the Golden Horseshoe Revue. But he did much more than that! Walt apparently loved him, and Wally contributed to the script for the Enchanted Tiki Room, as well as providing the voice for Jose (and the Barker Bird). He was also the editor and contributor to the "Backstage Disneyland" magazine. Not to mention a few small rolls in a number of Disney movies. Here, above the Carnation ice cream parlor we can see the window that is a well-earned tribute to Wally, who just passed away in June at the age of 90.
9 comments:
Major, there is also a miniature Abominable Snowman in a popcorn wagon near the Matterhorn.
Tokyo Disneyland has a bunch of these guys. I did a post that included a few of them (here), but I need to do a "Part Two" because I have since discovered wagons with Pooh, Tigger, and Henry from Country Bear Jamboree.
And both masks are smiles. :)
ty!
Is that the reflection of a young customer counting his change for a taste of that popcorn - or a through the glass shot of the vendor? Either way, what an excellent shot of the Magic of Disney ala the anticipation of fresh popcorn on Mainstreet!
Are these hardworking popcorn tumblers found at WDW too? I must confess, it has been the hubbie's responsibility to go get the Orville Redenbacher's so I've never noticed. Perhaps something to look for & memories to be made like the taffy pullers at the State & County fairs?
TM!, I'll have to look for a picture of the Ab. snowman! Your pics are cool, love the Pecos Bill example, partly because it is from a classic Disney cartoon that many people wouldn't recognize.
Chiana, I didn't even notice that!
Laura, I think that might be the vendor, although he isn't wearing the traditional straw hat. Maybe those were phased out by the 80's. I've never been to WDW, so hopefully a reader will chime in with info about their popcorn vendors!
The "Big Al" puppet turning the crank is the perfect way to promote Disney characters in the park. Classy and understated.
And don't be bashful with the 80's pictures. No reason why 60's Disneyland gets *all* the love.
I just saw a PUnchinello character in "motley" last week in New Orleans Square, must be from a movie I did not see.
I remember the Big Al character turning that crank.
Also what KG said.
JG
Holy cow, that is so cool. I love Big Al and never knew he once cranked the popcorn machine!
Tokyo, gotta go look at those pics of yours.
Hey Major! I stumbled on your blog through the follow tab, and I'm glad I did. Disney was, like most, a big part of my childhood and these images bring back many dear memories. Thanks!
http://be-the-bear.blogspot.com
i have never noticed these little figures in the popcorn vendors before; i will have to be sure and check them out next time i get to Magic Kingdom
i too like that the masks are smiling. i bought the book on our last trip to WDW called Windows On Main Street. the pictures and stories are great! ;-)
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