Mark Twain Riverboat

     The majestic boat named after the author, Samuel Clemens, was an opening day original. The boat however took its maiden voyage a few days earlier in celebration of Walt and Lillian's 30th wedding anniversary. Constructed in sections, one in Long Beach (or San Pedro- I will get to the bottom of this one) and the other in Burbank. All was put together in Burbank, dismantled and taken to Anaheim where it was reconstructed. The boat's capacity is at about 350. Apparently on Opening day, this wasn't being monitored and the boat was on the verge of taking on water. Yes, another - matter of fact- post, will have more soon.

Tomorrowland Autopia

     The only ride that was up and running on opening day. The ride has seen the likes of Sammy Davis Jr.  (remember ABC's opening day broadcast) and as legend has it - has even seen the crooner chased into the bushes on that same day. The original car had no bumpers, no guide rail, ZIP. By the end of the day, 38 out of the 40 were not "useable".  Well, it's come a long way. Located in back of Tomorrowland, it originally covered about three acres of the park.
Here's the description from Disneyland:

"A combination of the words "automobile" and "utopia," this roaring racetrack features 4 lanes of fun! Drivers of almost all ages can experience the thrill of putting their pedal to the metal on this imaginative motorway lined with lush green foliage and humorous billboards. Guide rails keep less experienced drivers on course as the cars hug curves, cross bridges and even go off-roading!"

A hefty update soon!

Snow White's Scary Adventures

     I’ll be honest, I wasn’t alive for the opening in 1955, heck, I wasn’t even alive for the “new” Fantasyland in 1983. So my idea of scary is what my little peepers saw the first time I RECALL going on Snow White. Man oh man, was the witch SCARY! The worst part was I always felt like I got the seat next to the Evil Queen during the transformation scene. Even though my earliest memories of Snow White were somewhat terrifying I always found the courage (or coaxing) to go on it again. But after reading through some Ah-mazing detailed descriptions of the ride circa  1955-65, my "version" of the ride seems like a walk in the park. I have scrutinized over some great blogs including Daveland, KenNetti, Filmic Light, as well as such books as Disney: A to Z, The Disneyland Encyclopedia, and Through the Looking Glass; a big THANK YOU to them for having done so much ground work on this ride.
         Update to this post will come as soon as I can shrink all the information (it's a beast). In the meantime, check out the blogs above, and for those who want the "Hi-Ho-hum"  description of the ride, here it is, from the Disneyland website:

 "The 2-minute tour takes you to the merry cottage of the Seven Dwarfs and through mines filled with glowing gemstones. Soon, your mine-cart vehicle is spirited away to spookier locations. Proceed with caution to the dark and haunted forest, the Queen's sorcery chamber, skeleton-filled dungeons and dangerous storm-swept cliffs."

Check back for updates!

         

Fantasyland Dedication

How fitting to start with it's official opening.

Jungle Cruise

By Shag

         The Jewel of Disneyland in its infancy. The attraction was one of the first sites that Walt really geared up for and even gave a tour of the unfinished ride via....car. Covering about 3 acres of land and water, Walt really wanted this ride to do well. Inspired by the African Queen and his documentaries- True Life Adventures, the then, nine minute ride gave you a tour of the fascinating jungle rivers of the world.

Such nice CMs

Next hefty post will be on Walt's love of trains. Have begun the research but will like to dive into more before posting. Here's a picture to hold you over.















 By the way, do you love Trains too? An exhibit is in town at Main Street, U.S.A.

  

It's not Easy being Green...

          ...or blue, gold or black. Heck, it's just not easy these days period. With the rising prices of gasoline and not to mention prices of  Disneyland APs, it's hard to keep going, especially when you feel like your barely afloat financially. Top it off with a funky mood that's lasted way too long and you've got a pot of crud. My funk and health made me to rethink "One more day" at Disneyland BUT I did get to go that weekend for some R&R.  So what I am asking for, is for y'all to bear with me.
           I've decided to put "just the facts ma'am" posts about the original rides of Disneyland to start filling in the gaps-  this should all be up by the end of the week. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures of the Disneyland Flag Retreat Ceremony. I always get choked up watching it, and love how Ernie, a former Marine himself, invites all Military current and previous to come up to participate. Love, Love, Love the tradition. A big Thank You to him and all those who allow us to realize how lucky we are. Oorah!