Two From June, 1967
I'm sure that Walt and his Imagineers would have never dreamed that the giant Disneyland parking lot would someday be the subject of so many fond memories and nostalgia! I mean, it's a parking lot. Acres and acres of cars and asphalt.
And yet... for kids (and adults?), it was that first step into Disneyland. Maybe you could hear the train's whistle and bell, or see the Monorail swooping by. And you could certainly see the snow-capped peak of the Matterhorn, not to mention the grand Main Street Station. If you parked far from the entrance, you could always hop on a cheerful blue and yellow tram, which would take you directly to the ticket booths.
Also from June 1967 comes this nice view of Tomorrowland, with the brand-new Peoplemover overhead. The Peoplemover did not officially open until July 2nd, but there appears to be a single, lonely rider in this photo. Maybe they were still giving it some last-minute test runs?
There's the south Mary Blair mural, including parts that don't often show up in photos. To the right, a group of older guys in suits huddle, perhaps around a tour guide. They appear to be there on business, but one never knows.
11 comments:
What a beautiful shot of the People Mover and Mary Blair mural. Just shows that Tomorrowland 1967 wasn't all white and silver, but had plenty of bright colors to make the future warm and inviting. Thanks, Major.
That second photo is another one of those pics that I wish I could step right into. And who in their right mind would have ever allowed a wrecking crew to get anywhere near that wonderful piece of artwork (Mary Blair's beautiful tile mural). Very sad!
The Disneyland Hotel sure is looking fine in the distance. What a great place to head back to (preferably by Monorail) after a day in the Park!
The shot of 1967 Tomorrowland reminds everyone how great that still-existing space used to look...
I really miss that Tomorrowland. Heck - I miss that parking lot.
Happy Friday, everyone!
I would wear a suit in August if I could see the Mary Blair mural and ride that empty yeller PeopleMover. Sherman fire up the way back machine. Thanks for a great start to friday.
I guess the tram "trailers" had to have license plates because it would cross the street to the hotel. Since the new tram route never touches public roads, do they have plates as well?
Yes, as a kid that first taste of Disneyland was the parking lot. Heck it was even the drive along the 5 to get there and seeing certain landmarks (including after 1959 the Matterhorn) and knowing how close you were. Then in the parking lot itself Disneyland was so close you could taste it! The ride on the tram was an E-ticket in itself :) I really miss those feelings. Maybe kids of today feel it in the parking structure or Toy Story lot with the bus ride, and standing in line to be searched and standing in line to get in. I don't know - I prefer my old memories :)
I'm note sure I agree, Irene. Being directed by concrete bollards and fencing around and past the original, grand plaza entrance at my local Six Flags to stand in line to walk through a metal detector and have my bag searched just screams "welcoming anticipation" to me. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. ;-)
K. Martinez, those Imagineers knew what they were doing! John Hench seems to have been very involved in the color palette of the park, at least for a while; I wonder if Tomorrowland was his project?
TokyoMagic!, what, don’t you know that Marty Sklar has stated that the tile mural is completely intact?? What a surprise it was to see that YouTube video showing large holes punched through it. Is it possible that Marty didn’t know? Still, I would bet that the damage could be repaired if anyone cared to do it.
walterworld, I am jealous of people who got to stay in the Disneyland Hotel back in those days. I’m sure it is a fine hotel now, but… well you know.
Chuck, it was (arguably) the best Tomorrowland!
Alonzo, you have to wear a suit, have chunky square glasses, and maybe even smoke a pipe!
Anon, that is an interesting question, hopefully some knowledgeable person will chime in with the answer.
Irene, there is nothing more fun than a security line, bag search, and pat-down! I realize that it might be necessary because of the world we live in now, which is so unfortunate; but I’ll bet kids still get excited at the prospect of entering the park.
GDB Friday is the best Friday.
Thanks everyone, especially Major.
JG
Were those rectangles embedded in the side of the Peoplemover guideway lights? Did they illuminate the ground below or the murals on the walls of the adjacent buildings?
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