Two From January 1974

Here are two scenes from Disneyland from the first month of 1974. The old Fantasyland Skyway chalet was yet another example of the creativity and artistry of the Imagineers. This could have been completely utilitarian, and it would have been fine, but... what if it looked like a charming Swiss chalet? With carved beams, homey flower boxes, and folksy painted details? Here we see it as two guests walk down the steps to ground level; a turquoise gondola (empty!) is entering the station, but otherwise there are not many signs of activity. It looks great surrounded by those beautiful trees, though I admit that they do obscure the chalet to a degree.

Over in Adventureland, you'll find Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Before the main show, guests are treated to a pre-show in the outside courtyard, which includes a variety of tiki idols who represent things like the sea, the wind, the Earth, and so on. Before us is Pele, who tells us: I am Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes. Some say I torment poor Ngendi, the earth balancer, for when my violent temper rises, the earth trembles at its foundation!