Parade, 1980, Part 2
We're continuing our look at some teensy tiny slide transparencies, just over 1/2" in width. You'd get lots of images on a roll of film, but the quality suffered. Still, these photos from Disneyland's 25th Anniversary parade are pretty fun.
Oh boy, a beautiful hula dancer! Pretty racy for Disneyland, but I'm not complaining. The Tahitian Terrace (from whence she came) was still going strong, I sure wish I'd seen the whole show and enjoyed some Polynesian-inspired cuisine.
It's very cool that they brought one of the classic Stagecoaches out of storage for this parade, they'd been retired for 22 years at this point. The Matterhorn in the background makes for a humorous anachronism.
Winnie the Pooh never did care for pants, and somehow it worked for him. He'd run for President in 1972 (losing to Richard Nixon) and 1976 (losing to Jimmy Carter) but was ultimately happy to enjoy civilian life in the 100 Acre Wood.
The Fiddler Pig has had twenty cups of coffee so far, and it shows. He hasn't blinked for an hour. Behind him, the Practical Pig ("Old Grouchy") radiates disapproval.
Here's a neat closeup of one of the genuine antique circus wagons that Walt Disney acquired - I believe that they were used in parades as early as 1955 for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, though I read that others were acquired for the filming of "Toby Tyler, or 10 Weeks With the Circus" (starring Kevin Corcoran, aka "Moochie"). I know that some were displayed near the tent where "Professor Keller's Jungle Killers" thrilled guests. It's all a blur! Like the Stagecoach, it's fun to see a bit of Disneyland's history looking so wonderful.
There's one final blog post from this batch, coming up!
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EXTRA! EXTRA!
GDB friend Mike Cozart sent along a photo of the mysterious object seen (indistinctly) in one of Stu's photos on July 13th. Here's Stu's picture, just as a reminder:
And here is the photo provided by Mike:
Mike said: So that Tomorrowland marching band that used to perform in front of mission to mars was called TRANSTAR… they were much smaller than the larger MAGIC KINGDOM KORPS that also performed in Tomorrowland.
But it was MAGIC KINGDOM KORPS that played Themes like JETSONS , INDIANA JONES and STAR TREK etc ..,
For a short time MAGIC KINGDOM KORPS was called TOMORROWLAND BRASS.
Mars closed in 1993 … but you can see guests waiting in the inside lobby
Someone asked if the TRANSTAR “shuttle” was suppose to be a Starspeeder . No … but it was just typical of the designs of that era . Even the STARSPEEDER 3000 was based on the Ford Aerostar Van.
They really do resemble each other!!
THANKS MIKE!
14 comments:
Major-
Three cheers for the Stagecoach and the Circus Wagon - both looking quite spiffy. And more thanks to Mike for providing these extra images.
Thanks, Major.
Like AMERICA ON PARADE , I can remember the DISNEYLAND 25th ANNIVERSARY PARADE like I saw it just yesterday.
Hmm, yes. These small images are a bit 'soft' looking. But not bad at all. While I like the colorful Polynesian costume, I can't help but think that an authentic costume would have much less color. The lei and floral headdress would still have colorful flowers, but the skirt would be mostly tans, browns, and greens... and not be made of plastic Easter grass (or whatever this is). But I do like it!
That's not the Matterhorn in the background, Major. The Stagecoach is making its way over the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the Oregon Territory. (Ignore any Swiss bobsleds you might see.)
I suppose pants were just too difficult for Pooh to manage, with his expanded waistline and short arms. It "worked for him" because he isn't anatomically correct. "Nothing to see here, folks. Move along!" We also see Tigger and the Industrial Strength Pig. (And a Skyway bucket.)
Hahaha. Fiddler Pig really does look 'lit'.... Scary even! I think he's rabid.
The circus wagon is awesome! And looking at the dark interior, it was also a steam calliope.
So we weren't far off when we said that the 'vehicle' looked like a Starspeeder, (to me it looked like a Star Trek shuttlecraft). Thanks for the picture and the explanation, Mike.
Nice photos, Major. Thanks.
Even though MISSION TO MARS was still operating in that TRANSTAR photo , when it did close the entry lobby of MARS was open for a short time for Magic Kingdom Club Members as lounge - they gave free bottled water and allowed guests to sit inside one of round “DC-88 MARSLINER” cabins and relax … no film or music - it was kinda odd but guests did sit inside and cool off.
When I was trying to remember TRANSTAR’s name , lots of friends I asked remembered MAGIC KINGDOM KORPS / TOMORROWLAND BRASS …. But nobody remember TRANSTAR ….. but I was able to find them listed in entertainment guides.
JB is right about that "circus wagon" being a steam calliope. An article in the Summer 1980 issue of Disney News Magazine stated, "The most memorable unit of all is the appearance of a six-horse team of prize black Percherons pulling the shining 1907 steam calliope that was first seen in the 1955 opening of the park."
Again, I loved this parade and it's theme song, "Disneyland Is Your Land." I think that's a better anniversary slogan than "Celebrate Happy."
Thanks, Major!
Here's some info from an article in the Winter 1979 issue of Disney News Magazine: "Following it's time-honored custom of leading crowds to the circus, one of the few steam calliopes available anywhere in the world carried on that tradition when Disneyland opened in 1955. This same vehicle has a claim to fame in England as well as distant points in the U.S. In 1920, it was in the Howes Great London Show and in Palmer Brothers Parades in 1921. It attracted crowds through 1926 when it was remodeled and sold to actor cowboy Ken Maynard's Diamond K. Circus in 1936. The historical instrument underwent further refurbishing in 1936, and again for Disneyland's 1955 opening. Recently, the calliope's sparkling splendor was restored so that Disneyland's guests might enjoy it in daily parades and private parties throughout 1980."
The article also stated that in 1981, the calliope would be sent to WDW for it's Tencennial celebration. And I believe it returned to Disneyland once again, and was used in the "Circus Fantasy" parade in the late 80s.
"Celebrate Calliope."
Looks like Fiddler has had more than coffee...just saying...I like these big head pigs, they were so massive....Like Mike, I remember this parade like yesterday, and thought it would be a better theme...since Walt wrote the lines...to use again for the 70th...catchy tune, etc etc...a very Disneyland "Sound". The parade was wonderful with the trumpeters....so many horses...musicians...performers...including the Hula girls, Can Can dancers...etc etc. There are a few videos on YouTube. The Calliope was it's own "thing" and very talked about in employee magazines and such. It has a long story on it's own, and quite a historic relic. Instead of being in some warehouse, they should probably show it at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota...which is an AMAZING place...er "Compound"... The calliope has it's own history, and of course layered onto that is it's film history, and Disneyland history...and why is it not in the parade this year? Or is it.! ..I remember that Stagecoach being very lovingly restored...I'm having a hard time processing that this was 45 years ago. I knew that Starspeeder looked familiar....Don't get behind one of these vehicles on the road...chances are it's going 35 in a 55...Mini Vans were a new "thing" in the 80's of course, and we showed a "Safari" at the GM exhibit at the Main Gate...which got a lot of attention as it was customized inside. It was kind of fun to drive. Like the pig: time for more coffee! Thanks for the trip back to 1980...I need the button that says "I WAS THERE".
Love the western stagecoach with Swiss Matterhorn in the backdrop. Only at Disneyland!
The pic of Space Mountain/Tomorrowland is about when I started disliking what was happening to Tomorrowland. With the removal of Mary Blair's murals and colorful PeopleMover ride vehicles painted grey and white, the warmth was sucked out of the land.
The Mission to Mars photo is wonderful. I remember TRANSTAR. Thanks, Major.
The hula girl is just fine, thanks. An “authentic” costume might have even less coverage. I thought the stagecoach pic was one of major’s April 1 gags.
Pooh’s eccentric costume doesn’t excite any commentary now. He’s lucky to be out of politics, but I’d still vote for him.
That pig will haunt your dreams, pursuing you up and down the halls of the Labyrinth, waving a bloody knife and cackling wildly. Bu is right, though, those giant heads were the best versions. I remember them vividly. They must have weighed 50 lbs. We watched the old original 3 Pigs cartoon recently, it’s nearly 100 years old now and still entertaining, even when you know how it ends. I’d take it over Phineas and Ferb. There’s a Warner Bros. version where the pigs are jazz musicians, which is also brilliant.
I like the detail of the calliope, but wish there was a wide shot so we could appreciate the whole composition.
I think I vaguely remember TRANSTAR, our first trip with our little kids was in their era. It sounds like the AEROSTAR influenced more than just the StarSpeeder design. I’m expecting Chevy Chase to climb out.
Thanks for these pics, Major and Mike, a fun look back.
JG
Nanook, I always wonder if there are any other rarities from the park’s past that are in storage that we haven’t seen yet??
Mike Cozart, I do remember America on Parade, but I don’t know if I saw the 25th Anniversary Parade.
JB, ha, yes, the costume for the dancer is nice, but the gal wearing it is nicer! I guess I forgot about that Rocky Mountain that looks just like the Matterhorn, which is why I got a “D” in geography. If pants are too difficult for Pooh, why not wear a mumu? Comfortable and classy! Somehow the Little Pig staring right at us is making me feel like dinner. “Calliope” is a great word, though it should be pronounced “Cal-e-ope”. And yes, that thing does resemble a Star Speeder (and the Mark V Monorail).
Mike Cozart, somehow being allowed into the entry lobby of Mission to Mars would just make me miss the ride more. Presumably all the theming was removed, and it just had chairs and broken glass and rusty nails. Interesting that Transtar seems to be a forgotten band from Disneyland’s past.
TokyoMagic!, if you want your music to sound tooty, than a calliope is the thing for you. It almost looks like the calliope has silver leaf (as opposed to gold) applied, though that would tarnish - was there some other kind of metal leaf that could have been used? I agree, “Celebrate Happy” is awkward. But the song by the Jonas Brothers rocks super hard! Maybe too hard. What about the children?
TokyoMagic!, thanks for the info about the calliope, I wonder if it was in working order when Walt acquired it? And if it still works today? The 1980s was a long time ago now, and maybe they left it sitting outside for vandals and chipmunks to have at it.
Bu, you’re right, the Fiddler Pig also had a healthy breakfast. Granola with strawberries, a slice of honeydew, orange juice, and lots and lots of coffee. The “Celebrate Happy” song sounds very “Disney Channel” to me, they sure played it a lot when I was there back in June. “Hey, it’s that song again”. The calliope is probably too small and “unspectacular” for the current parade, which is big, and everything is covered in very bright lights. I am very glad that the Stagecoach is still there, I think the first time I was aware that one of Disneyland’s coaches still existed is when they had it on display, maybe at the Gene Autry museum of someplace like that.
Anonymous, I can’t help wondering what became of the other Stagecoaches, since they had at least two, and maybe as many as four. Were they sold to collectors? Or smashed to bits? It hurts just to think about it. There is a part of me that still holds out hope that the Mary Blair murals might still see the light of day again, though of course they would need some serious restoration.
JG, I remember many years ago another blogger did an article about “sex in Disneyland”, mostly showing the surprising number of scantily-clad young ladies over the years. There were the hula girls, the mermaids, and… well, I forget. For all I know the article is still out there in Internet land. I’ve never watched Phineas and Furb, though I know that many people quite liked that show. I met the show’s creator (Dan Povenmire) once, he was very nice. “The Three Little Pigs” Silly Symphony is one of relatively few old animated shorts that you can actually watch on Disney+. If you ask me, they should have ALL of the animated shorts available. The Starspeeder should have simulated wood paneling on the side!
Anonymous is me. I guess I was logged out of Blogger.
There were a total of 7 Disneyland Stagecoaches.
3 concord coaches ( Arizona , California , Colorado )
2 mud wagon stagecoaches,
2 Yellowstone stagecoaches. I know in a past post I explained the locations of them today . Disneyland has in storage 2 concord stagecoaches - “ARIZONA” & “CALIFORNIA” ( one is restored - one is not but presentable if needed. The third DL concord coach , the “COLORADO” was used at the Disneyland hotel for corporate theme parties that had a western theme . It was also borrowed a few times by thr Disney Studios and makes appearances as a display or prop in films like “RETURN TO WHICH MOUNTAIN” , Stagecoach at the top of the world, one of our stagecoaches is missing , and the stagecoach wore tennis shoes…..
Ok I’m sorry : I made the last 3 films up. I couldn’t resist.
In the mid 70’s Disneyland sent 2 Yellowstone Coaches ( and a hay wagon) to Walt Disney World to help carry campers at fort wilderness campground to Pioneer Hall and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue dinner show . One Yellowstone coach came back to Disneyland and in the 80’s prior to splash mountain was sometimes set up as a photo shoot prop in Bear Country . The other Yellowstone stagecoach has been seen not Long ago still in a barn building as decor at fort wilderness.
The 2 mud wagons ( one is the famous one from the story about the mine train whistle scaring the horses and the coach tumbling upside down with a full load of guest. ) one the mud wagons was restored for the park’s 60th …. While the woodwork was done correctly … the leather and undercarriage was not.
Lots of Disneyland’s horse drawn vehicles were placed on Display over the years at BIG THUNDER RANCH . Unfortunately most were heavily damaged from the elements like a coal box buggy , a buckboard ,- both of these almost total rotted away leaving only springs and wheels . Others were slightly damaged enough to nolonger be in working order including a concord coach, a auto top surrey ( black with red wheels ) a fringe top surrey ( green with yellow wheels) and 3 of the 4 the Main Street “surreys” once used by guests were weathered pretty bad .
The Disneyland Conestoga wagons - there were four - are a bit of a mystery. 2 were donated to a hacienda museum in Los Angeles that at one point had a very large collection of vintage horse drawn equipment. Many donated from families who had kept them and saw original use in the early days of Los Angeles . At some point the museum closed and auctioned off its horse drawn vehicles. 20th Century Fox purchased some … a transportation museum in Sacramento bought some - the others unknown . But not long ago I discovered that 2 wagons were purchased by a museum collection in San Diego and they were referred To and still are called “the Disneyland wagons “ (??) however no one is alive who specifically knows why they are called that …. Other than that’s what they have always been listed as and referred to. I got to inspect them up close and they do indeed look like they could be former DL Conestoga wagons . They are in rough shape , - - missing their covered rungs ( bows) but they have funding to be restored - just waiting their turn I’m keeping the location a secret to protect them for now.
The Disneyland Conestoga wagons - there were four - are a bit of a mystery. 2 were donated to a hacienda museum in Los Angeles that at one point had a very large collection of vintage horse drawn equipment. Many donated from families who had kept them and saw original use in the early days of Los Angeles . At some point the museum closed and auctioned off its horse drawn vehicles. 20th Century Fox purchased some … a transportation museum in Sacramento bought some - the others unknown . But not long ago I discovered that 2 wagons were purchased by a museum collection in San Diego and they were referred To and still are called “the Disneyland wagons “ (??) however no one is alive who specifically knows why they are called that …. Other than that’s what they have always been listed as and referred to. I got to inspect them up close and they do indeed look like they could be former DL Conestoga wagons . They are in rough shape , - - missing their covered rungs ( bows) but they have funding to be restored - just waiting their turn I’m keeping the location a secret to protect them for now.
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