Today I'm sharing four photos, brought to you courtesy of the Dream Team - Irene, Bruce, and James; this is the first Dream Team post since the passing of Irene, so I can't help feeling sad at our loss. But I also feel grateful for all of the wonderful photos that she has shared with us.
The first two are a real mystery to me - guests are posing with a character that I can't identify AT ALL. I feel like I have pretty good general knowledge of Disney animated characters, but obviously there are some blind spots. Who is this fox (?) who appears to be in a Prussian (?) uniform? It's a strange feeling for me to not be able to ID him! I can't even think of a film where a character like this might appear.
Judging by those angled eyebrows and rather evil grin, this fellow was not to be trusted. Also, is the location behind them the site of the old Hills Bros. Coffee House? Another mystery!
Next is this photo of a nice sign for "Fantasia Gardens", featuring Hyacinth Hippo from the famous "Dance of the Hours" segment of Fantasia. Fantasia Gardens was (still is?) where the old Motor Boat Cruise load area used to be. Why is Hyacinth carrying a tray with a teapot? Was it a dining area as well? From what I understand, it was also a place where smokers could get their fix (not anymore though).
I believe (but am not 100% certain) that this photo shows the area near Fantasia Gardens - I mean, there's a topiary of an elephant wearing a tutu. BUT... I am prepared to be corrected!
MANY THANKS TO THE DREAM TEAM!
Hey folks, today I will be hitting the road in order to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I think I should be back by Saturday at the latest; meanwhile, I'll probably be mostly silent in the comments. Sorry! It's just that I am not good with long-form typing on my phone. Yes, I'm lame. But I am looking forward to reading everyone's comments and will be back with you soon!
Sorry, Major. I haven't got a clue who Mr. Fox/Wolf is. Maybe he's the Beast from Beauty and the Beast after a little plastic surgery. He does seem vaguely familiar. He might have been a henchman/right-hand man for the film's primary villain; whichever film that was.
ReplyDeleteUs Junior Gorillas should all chip in and get Major a pair of glasses so he can see that that "elephant" topiary is actually a hippo. ;-) I assume it's Hyacinth Hippo again.
Wow. Are you sure this is Disneyland, Major? Characters I've never seen or heard of before, and locations in the Park I've never seen before. Is this your April Fools post?
Thanks to our friend Irene, her brother Bruce, and his friend James. And thank you, Major. Have a good time with your family.
Major-
ReplyDeleteThat would be Don Karnage, from the Disney Afternoon series TaleSpin. He's captain of the Air Pirates (Yawn). And that's definitely the [old] site of the Hills Bros. Coffee House and Gardens - eventually the Town Square Café.
Thanks, Major.
Thanks, Nanook for the I.D. of that character. I was going to say that he was from the Disney Afternoon Something-Or-Other and that it involved "Baloo," too, but that was about as far as I could go.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, that last pic also shows Fantasia Gardens. That water is the old Motor Boat Cruise waterway. It's A Small World (all capitals, just because) would be just beyond those bushes on the right. There is a hint of the pinkish facade showing in the distance. We can also see a remaining Fantasyland ticket booth in the background, which would have been selling Kodak products at this point. I think the booth is still there today, but the last time I visited the park (in 2019), it was closed up without any signage posted on it.
Thank you Major, Irene, Bruce, and James!
I second the Don Karnage ID. My college roommate never missed an episode of TaleSpin. Not that I minded, as both a fan of the Jungle Book and Tales of the Gold Monkey. He also made sure to catch I Dream of Jeannie and Where In the World is Carmen San Diego? The TV was almost always on, but you’d like him.
ReplyDeleteI think these photos illustrate a dark, Disney secret that explains why photos of Don Karnage at Disneyland are rare - he would only pose with people who wore San Francisco Giants baseball caps.
We could use another sit-down place on Main Street, although that location on Town Square so close to the entrance would probably generate ridiculous lines like Starbuck’s does.
Thanks again for sharing with us the wonderful gifts left by Irene, James, and Bruce. Their thoughtfulness to give and foresight to preserve provides us with views of things that no longer appear in this form. I think it’s appropriate that they appear during a week in which we celebrate gratitude.
Since Starbucks is on every corner of every street in multiple numbers, I think Disneyland would benefit from a Starbucks Coffee House in the Hills Bros. location. It actually makes non-TRE sense...Starbucks is doing these conceptual, actually kind of cool, places globally, and why not test the waters where 8 zillion people pas by...just like the olden days of Disneyland Sponsors? Just an idea for my non-TRE magical park that has all of my fantastical ideas. Read the news today about the Apple takes over Disney talks. I see Sleeping Beauty Castle becoming the most fantabstic Apple store on earth...or perhaps the "Happiest Apple Store on Earth"...I wish I was kidding...on to happier things: like strange characters that I've never seen before...this is when I think "old" comes into play when you don't know a Disney character. Or was it a Pixar character? He looks kind of slimy to me...like he's going to ask if I "need anything" while standing on a Times Square street corner. Just my .02. I love Smoking Gardens! Lets just call it what it is/was! Can you not smoke your way into happiness anymore in the Happiest Place? At Dulles Aiport they have this weird smoking chamber...a obvious glass box shoved at the end of a terminal...where they vacuum the smoke out as not to get a speck of smoke near the gates. I was actually impressed that you couldn't smell a lick of smoke even directly outside the door. Of course the people that emerged from this venerable cocoon reeked of nicotine...to then jump into a close quarters sardine can in the sky. Makes sense! (I'm a former smoker and I'm only jealous.) Filthy habit. I think about it...every. moment. of. the. day. Happy and safe travels Major. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHave a great Thanksgiving everybody.
ReplyDeleteDennis,Levittown,L.I.,N.Y.
It IS odd not having Irene. Sad.
ReplyDeleteI could ID the wolf/fox as being a TV villian, but that was about it. Thanks, everyone!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Sigh...that was Stu...
ReplyDeleteMy kids loved those shows, but I would never recognize this guy. Thanks everyone for that.
ReplyDeleteYes, the old Hills Bros. of hallowed memory. Bu and Chuck, I second the motion for this once again being a coffee dispensary.
And the Motorboat cruise becomes the smoking section. Still, the gardens are beautiful. The Park needs quiet spots like this.
Thanks in memory to Irene and the Dream Team for sharing.
Major, have a good time with your family and travel safe.
JG
I don’t hit the road for an hour or so, so I’m going to respond to the first batch of comments!
ReplyDeleteJB, it’s Foxy McWolfy, the most beloved Disney character. Do you have the plush toys? The talking action figure with lifelike hair? I thought he looked more like a character from a Don Bluth movie, but… who knows. As for the topiary… I only looked at the thumbnail, and Hyacinth’s arm was misinterpreted as a trunk. Oh well!
Nanook, TaleSpin! Wow, thank you! I only saw Duck Tales, never Rescue Rangers or Darkwing Duck or Gummi Bears, so Don Karnage is unknown to me.
TokyoMagic!, I never even considered that a walk-around character would be from a TV show, though I do know that you might see Chip and Dale in their Rescue Rangers getups, and the Gummi Bears on rare occasions. It makes me a little sad to see the waterway for the Motor Boat Cruise without the boats… imagine if that was still there today! I’ll bet it would be very popular with folks who are fine with a slow, relaxing ride through beautiful scenery.
Chuck, seconded! I did used to watch Duck Tales when I got home from school (college), but I also watched The Avengers (the British spy show) and The Fugitive. It was great! I wonder if those two Giants fans were together? I mean, otherwise, what are the odds? I didn’t see long lines at Starbucks the last time I went to the park (oh so long ago!) but maybe I just didn’t look at the right time.
Bu, I’ll bet Starbucks coveted the more prime location of the Market House, right there in the middle of Main Street, on the corner. The former Hills Bros. location would be good though! I saw a headline about Apple buying Disney… there were similar rumors long ago (pre-Eisner). I hope the deal does not happen. I guess when a company has enormous debt, they become vulnerable to takeovers. I don’t mind if the park has a designated place for smokers; right now, they actually have to leave Disney property, which just seems cruel. Maybe nicotine gum would help? I wondered why they couldn’t have a room with excellent ventilation, but… I guess it’s not to be.
dennis, happy Thanksgiving to you!
Stu29573, I actually wrote this post when Irene was still with us, so I had to go back and edit it… which was a sad thing to do.
JG, nope, I would have never guessed that character if my life depended on it. I’m not sure what’s going on in the old Hills Bros. location right now. Probably something lame. JG, quiet spots don’t make money!
Just popping in to say Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Jr. Gorillas, and the Big Gorilla himself. Major and everyone have a fun, safe holiday!
ReplyDeleteThe outdoor "garden" area of the former Hills Bros. location now serves as the entrance to the ugly "cattle-herding" Main Street by-pass. And the indoor part of the Hills Bros. location is now an extension of the Disneyland Showcase shop:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com/maps/@33.8104181,-117.9186481,3a,44.9y,346.14h,92.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy-rgJFnVUxRD3xZOdB3AJA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Major, a close associate of mine was recently at Disneyland and tried to get a quick cup of coffee at Starbuck's. The line snaked from the counter to the doors on Main Street, and after no movement in the line at all after a few minutes, he gave up and walked out. I can guarantee my reaction would be identical.
ReplyDeleteYou have exquisite taste in television programming.
And I hear you about those Giants fans. I was surprised to learn that there was more than one. ;-)
"I see Sleeping Beauty Castle becoming the most fantabstic Apple store on earth...or perhaps the 'Happiest Apple Store on Earth'"
ReplyDeleteSince you have to do everything through MDE, Disneyland is already the app-iest place on Earth.
It's strangely comforting to know we still have Irene and Bruce's memories now that they're gone.
Happy travels to the Major (and anyone else who may be on the road) and a happy Thanksgiving to all the Jr. Gorillas. Ook ook!
I prefer Hills Bros the way it was...like in 1969-1970 for good reason because of my happy memories working there. When I see what it has become...especially the garden area where all the seating used to be...it depresses me. It used to be a vibrant little corner that seems so neglected now. Other than when it is used for guest overflow purposes.
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note...a Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I am thankful for all of you and well...the return of Bob Iger too. LOL Cheers, KS
Used to enjoy Fantasia Gardens long ago.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to wish everyone a healthy (most important), happy Thanksgiving.
Thanks Major and Irene and the Dream team.
The tv villain “Don Karnage” is a Hyena, not a fox. However he didn’t have a Australian accent like you’d expect, but rather a unidentifiable Euro-sounding accent.
ReplyDeleteThe Hills Brothers coffee shop location was a victim to the Eisner Disney Decade ….but indirectly. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s There had been 2 plans for park expansion : LIBERTY SQUARE - featuring Epcot’s AMERICAN ADVENTURE (connecting Main Street ‘s Town Square -East Center Street -The Plaza ….. and a hidden pass Thru into the second BIG project : NEW TOMORROWLAND 2055. A new SLEEPY HOLLOW COFFEE HOUSE was going to be located in Liberty Square facing East with a view of The Liberty Tree , so it was decided to close the “hills brothers” kitchen since the new coiffee/ food service Mitch would be built so close by , and a new entryway portal to Liberty Square would take up the then 35 year old “temporary” coffee / egghouse patio. By-the-way : the area behind the Disney Showcase … now further back because of the guest overflow cattle corridor - is still labeled “Egg House” by security .
Anyway we all know what happened : NEW TOMORROWLAND 2055 ( it’s project working name was NEW TOMORROWLAND- Spaceport 2055 …. WDW’s at the same time was NEW TOMORROW - Galactic Expo 2071 before being changed to the retro 1920’s Deco-Tech theme) got the axe ….. LIBERTY SQUARE got the axe …. And instead got Fantasmuck & TOONTOWN.
Also during this time there was a proposal for entertainment and foods for a “Disneyland railroad dessert train” . There were plans to refurbish a group of the remaining closed passenger coaches of the DL RR in storage still -at the time - backstage. In the evening a special dessert train special would board guests at Main Street USA . Then make several round trips around Disneyland serving coffee & desserts and each car would feature some kind of light entertainment. The project got far enough along to have graphics developed and interiors come up with interior designs for each coach …. That Mardi Grais vignette display behind New Orleans square you see today hides a doorway that would allow the dessert train to be stocked from one of the NOS service kitchens. The Disneyland Railroad “dessert” train was DERAILED ( yes I just said that ….lol) when attention and budgets were shifted to focus on Fantasmic support .
HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2022 EVERYONE!!!!
Chuck, that Starbuck’s line probably wasn’t moving because the folks who ordered their coffee drinks on their App—had forgotten to also press “BREW my cup of coffee.”
DeleteLots of interesting info from everyone today.
Mike, I love that dessert train idea!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your loved ones! I hope everyone stops back tomorrow to join me in dessert—let’s share some pie and laughter together.
Sue
So many cool things lost and others never to be. Thanks Mike C.
ReplyDeleteStill, we have the brief glimpse of the Mardi Gras display, which I think is a nice themed touch, livens up that otherwise dull loading dock.
We toured the "enormous" Mardi Gras float museum/warehouse/workshop/whatever in the real NOLA some years back. Lots of amazing stuff to see, and equally amazing is the amount of money the community spends on these festivals. Some of the bigger krewe floats have complete restrooms on board since the parades last for hours and who wants to get off to find the plumbing. I often think of these floats looking at the Disney parades and feel those are the lineal descendants of the Mardi Gras parades.
JG
Ooh, a "dining car" experience on the DLRR would have been so cool, but I can see why it was axed - just a cursory think about the logistics is making my head swim. (And my head barely passed the Red Cross Advanced Beginner test.)
ReplyDeleteIF you’re viewing the comments on an iPhone, my last comment ended up out-of-order. It’s above—up a ways. I mistakenly added it as a Reply...stupid phone.
ReplyDeleteSue
Sue, I'd stop by just for the laughter. Pie is good too.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize how limited the coffee was ahead of my recent trip to DL. At WDW, Starbucks has the Main Street location on the right heading in, of course) but there's a cart selling Joffrey's Coffee seemingly every 50 feet in the MK. I could not find another place with coffee for the last few hours at DL, and the Starbucks line was longer than the lines for most rides. I gave up and had a Coke from the popcorn next cart I saw.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to all
Handy hint for coffee: I am a coffee fanatic and drink it all day. A day at Disneyland could be torturous without a cup in my hand…yes, I’m that guy. The best and EASIEST coffee is at COKE CORNER! It’s hot, it’s quick, and it taste pretty good. Don’t waste your time at Starbucks: how silly that line is…and possibly the slowest service in all creation (ditto with the downtown Disney Starbucks Malaise). Coke Corner is the place…and it will burn your face off: careful drinking.
ReplyDelete