Friday, September 19, 2008

Busch Gardens Florida

Its been a few weeks since we went to Florida, so lets go back for short visit today.

Busch Gardens Florida. I know nothing about it except what you see here on this vintage ticket and brochure. Looks like they had a brewery like the Busch Gardens in Van Nuys, California near where I grew up. Ah the vivid memories of my dad making my mom stand in line to get him free beers once he got his limit!
















The Florida version looks a little nicer than the Van Nuys version.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

33rd Annnual Firefighters Private Party at Disneyland

Since September 17, 1993 was 15 years ago (I know, this post is one day late) these tickets are officially "Vintage".

"33rd Annual Firefighters Private Party at Disneyland". These have the typical early nineties style directly from the "Graphic Artists" department using state of the art computers circa 1993.

$20 if you had to pay or...





Complimentary!!!! Free works for me.




The back has the standard stuff about getting your hand stamped for re-entry. What exactly is the fluorescent yellow stuff they stamp your hand with? I bet it's laced with some weird genetically engineered chemical that makes you want to buy Disney merchandise...



Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Magic Mountain August 1973 - Part 2

If you missed part 1 of this 3 part series, be sure to view it here (link). Thanks again to Dave over at Daveland for getting these magenta gems to shine some color thru again. This was extra nice of Dave considering he hasn’t been to the Mountain in about 30 years! Tatsu is calling your name Dave!

Up first from this set of August 1973 slides is the much photographed Sky Tower. This is an unusual angle, taken from the far north end of the park, not the usual entrance angle.






The bottom right has my beloved Metro Monorail running in all its automatic electric glory. Right up front is the Galaxy double twisty thing and in the distance is Billy the Squid spin and vomit ride, Goliath sits at that spot now.






A couple souvenir prints, (left) The Swiss Twist (recently removed, RIP) with the Galaxy in the background, (right) the Galaxy at night, weeeee.






The Metro Monorail on the right – BRING BACK THE METRO (link). And the great bumper boat ride “El Bumpo”. My grand memories of this ride are slow, unresponsive, hard to steer boats and a smell from that lake that’s hard to describe.






A neat postcard of people trying to have fun on El Bumpo.






Looks like this was mailed in June of 1975. I guess they weren’t impressed with Magic Mountain since they don’t even mention it!






Check out the cars, I want them all! They still use those trams!






Here are a few shots of the Jet Stream. This “modern” flume ride is pretty new here; it was not at the park when it opened in 1971 being added in 1972. I have always liked this ride, it’s still fun today. However, you won’t be going down the left or “west” side anymore, some years back they stopped using that side of the final drop, it’s still there, just not used, why? The Ninja Suspended Roller Coaster changed this view dramatically when it was installed in the 80's.






Valencia grass used to be everywhere at Magic Mountain, it will always be my main memory of the early mountain. (I have no idea if it’s really called “Valencia” grass, that’s just what I call that long wavy grass that doesn’t need to be cut.)






This slide got a little over exposed, but still fun to look at the new Jet Stream Launch tent. This load and unload system uses a turntable like the old people mover ride, super efficient.






From a postcard set, here is the Jet Stream as seen from the ground.






A 1973 “cast member”. I think she’s pretty, is she a waitress?






Here’s a great early Magic Mountain souvenir reflector badge. I wasn’t sure it would scan since you have to tilt it to see both messages, but it scanned ok. “Get high on fun” simple yet to the point, seems much better than “just say no”.






Check back next Wednesday for part 3 from this set.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Can you hear me now? Altec Lansing - May 1959

From May 1959 "Architectural Record", here is a fascinating look at one of the early Disneyland sound systems.

While I’m sure this system was replaced years ago, it sure was state of the art in 1959.


Sunday, September 14, 2008

Going Fishing - one last time

I got a last minute opportunity to go camping for a couple days to end out the summer, so I'll see you back here Tuesday....


Friday, September 12, 2008

Souvenir Saturday & a Trip Report

Souvenir Saturday is brought to you today courtesy of Major Pepperidge over at Gorilla’s don’t’ blog. Thanks Major!

This Grad Nite ’70 souvenir photo is interesting. The cover has cool “1970” graphics.






The photo inside however is puzzling. Did they still have this photo op in Frontierland in 1970? And if so, what is with that kid?






Trip report:

Going to Disneyland on September 11th was a little odd, but all the guests seemed to be having a grand time. The crowds were thin all day. When I arrive at the parking lot the attendant told me it would be a light day, 29 thousand expected for both parks, how do they know that?

New Guide cover, I think it’s super!






Too bad the map inside still has the old Monorail. Well, I guess the old Monorail is still clunking around the beam for a while longer.






I was greeted by these two while trying to take a photo of the flag pole. The “heads” sure look neat up close, I bet those cost some serious $$$.






The flag at half-staff with a grey overcast sky in the background, somber indeed.






This is the way I like Adventureland, where you can actually see the ground.






My favorite first stop when I arrive at the park at opening, the River Belle.






Yummy stuff. I always try and time it just right to get my pancakes fresh of the griddle.






Oh boy, the best $11 breakfast I’ve found at any Disney property.






Yawn…






That one raft kept circling the Island at a pretty good rate of speed, I want to do that!






I’ve seen this carriage before, what it ever used as an attraction?






This one I’m pretty sure was used as an attraction at one time. It’s great they still have these things, I would die to see all the stuff they have back stage and in storage!






Let’s talk bridge for a moment. I did a post back in July comparing one of the bridges from the hub to the Plaza gardens. Comparing it with older photos, it seems to be very original. In the previous Plaza Gardens bridge post (link) you can see the floor boards of the bridge appear to be very old and worn (millions of feet will do that).

Maybe it’s just pure coincidence or maybe the Mouse reads my blog, but that little worn bridge is now covered and under construction!






Here’s a peak behind the curtain, yup, they are replacing the floor boards!






Here’s a quick video where you can hear the saws and hammers banging. Also notice the other wooden bridge to the north of this one.







This bridge escaped my notice on my last visit, but check it out, it looks pretty worn out too. The maintenance guys better take up shop here next.






Actually, this bridge looks in worse shape than the other one.







Since I seem to be pointing out some maintenance issues, this is disturbing. This shot of the Monorail is just to give you a reference point.






I sure HOPE that’s just paint that’s cracked.






The whole beam in this spot shakes pretty good when the monorail rolls over this area. Note to self; do not eat under the beam.






Time for Lunch (yes I like to eat at Disneyland). Rancho del Zocalo is one of my favorites. I just love the food and the atmosphere. Did I mention there were no crowds?







Lots of pretty flowers.






Soft Chicken Tacos Monterey, another deal at just $12 including drink (with AP discount).






Three Fences is doing well. It could use a visit from the gardening folks pretty soon.






What in the heck is with this? Someone take that can of blue paint away from the maintenance people!






Is this a promise or a question?






Esmeralda is looking well.






Here’s the prophecies she read for me.





The Dapper Dans are singing there hearts out, boy do they sound good with that hidden sound system!





I hope you enjoyed the trip as viewed from my odd perspective. See you tomorrow on Bonus Sunday!