Leftuggies™

Today's LEFTUGGIES™ are piping hot (whatever that means)! This first photo is date-stamped "November, 1962", and is a crisp, clear image of Tomorrowland, with an emphasis on the contrast between the central planter (can you imagine something like that in Tomorrowland these days?) and the gleaming Douglas Moonliner. Douglas bought it used from TWA, but they had it repainted and detailed, and spritzed with "new rocket scent" inside. I've always enjoyed the tropical plantings seen around this area, including regular bird of paradise plants, and the giant bird of paradise "trees" to the left.

Next, from December, 1971 comes this photo of the Pearly Band, standing on the western edge of the compass rose (etc) in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. I wasn't sure when the Pearly Band first appeared in the park, but online sources say that they've been there since Mary Poppins was in theaters in 1964. Maybe they are playing "Step In Time"? The Plaza Gardens tent is behind them, waiting for the evening, when the sounds of a famous Big Band might be heard, and crowds of happy dancers would congregate.

 

Frontierland and Big Thunder Mountain RR

It's time for yet another installment of photos from the Mysterious Benefactor! I've made a pretty good dent in the large folder of scans that he sent to me years ago, but there are still MANY photos to share.

I hope you like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, because we'll be looking at it for quite a while. I was thinking that perhaps it was a new attraction when these pix were taken (it opened on September 2, 1979), but the gals in this first image have a very 80s vibe to me. "Sir, will you take a photo of me and my friend? Tee hee!". At least that's how I imagine women talk, I've never actually spoken to one. The cast member is happy to oblige.

Today is a historic day  - to my knowledge, this next photo marks the first appearance of a churro on GDB! I know it looks like the girl in the lilac top is eating her churro with a beer (who wouldn't?), but of course there was no beer to be had in Disneyland in those more-innocent days. Both of these gals are more than tall enough to ride, but they're going to have to finish their food and drink before they can board.

During every visit to Disneyland, you'll reach a point when you feel like you are completely out of gas. And the boy leaning against that sign has reached that point. "Go on without me! I'll just stay here until the buzzards get me". A goth girl stares into our souls, she's in the dead-center of the picture. The twin boys in blue windbreakers make me think of Melissa.

Here's a pretty, postcard-worthy photo as one of the runaway mine trains leaves the station, for the wildest (or is it "rootin' tootin'-est"?) ride through the wilderness. 

Ooo-la-la, this one is as artistic as heck! *Chef's kiss*. Maybe this photo was taken by Ansel Adams' son Argyle. Is that natural stone arch still there? And is it a surviving feature from the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland? The rock work looks very realistic, a big improvement from earlier days.

As impressive as this looks here, I especially love seeing Big Thunder at night, lit up, but not too bright - sort of "low and moody".

THANK YOU, Mysterious Benefactor!

Two Leftuggies

It's time for some delicious LEFTUGGIES!™

This first one is date-stamped "June 1970", and is interesting because it shows one of Bob Gurr's lesser-known designs. Of course he was responsible for the familiar Omnibuses, but he designed another one, with three levels, just to see if it could be done. According to an issue of "Disney News", it was humorously referred to by Cast Members as the "Tromnibus" - the view from the top must have been something! I wish we could ask Bob why the Tromnibus was retired after such a short time, but I'm very happy to have this rare photo of it.

Next we have a photo from August, 1970, featuring a scene from the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland. We've all seen this tableau plenty of times, viewed as a train crossed a trestle bridge; those four bears are living the life! Fishing, scratching, burping... three of my favorite things to do. Why, I have half a mind to jump out of the train and join them. But I don't want to get all pruny. As a famous  and insanely wealthy blogger, I have an image to uphold.