Your Guide to Disneyland - October 1973

From October 1973 here’s a fun Disneyland pamphlet “Your Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth”. This is similar to a April 1977 pamphlet from a previous post (link). In the 1977 Guide the photos and the format looked “older”, I’d say some of it originated with this 1973 guide. Apparently “Monday” was of some significance to someone.






The “ABC’s” of ticket books. I see the Pack Mules thru Nature’s Wonderland is on the “E” ticket list – The mules had probably just closed for good when this was printed.






“Sorry Disneyland is Closed” What? The disappointment from kids pulling up to a “closed” Disneyland must have been brutal.






The guide opens up to this mini poster, lots of cool photos and some classic Mickey Balloons!






Loyal blog readers with great memories will recall I've posted a guide very similar to this one two years ago (link) The guide one from the 2008 post is from June 1973 and compares it to a 1968 guide.






New Blog Alert *Main Gate Admission* is a great newer (well, it’s almost a year old) blog that I just recently found. It’s lean and mean, with some super Vintage photos and paper goods. Be sure and check out all the previous posts. *Main Gate Admission*

Magic Mountain - Gravity Defied 1976

It's been too long since we've had a Magic Mountain post, gotta pay some attention to Disneyland's Stepsister to the north. In 1976 when the Revolution premiered at Magic Mountain all my friends couldn't wait to ride it while I was honestly scared to death of the darn thing. After being peer-pressured into riding it I was glad I did, although it still gives me goose bumps on that long drop as you head into the loop.

Wow, five roller coasters and Magic Mountain was considered the "Roller Coaster Center of the World".






Here's a few "Silk Finish" snaps shots of Magic Mountain from its first few years. These are tiny prints at 2" by 2" and the silk finish makes then really weird if you zoom in, does anyone know how to remove that?

The "Galaxy" was a one time event for me - just look at thing, its like a monster and you're only seeing half of it! Even though the colors may be a little "off" in this photo, I do recall it had a weird paint job.






The "Jet Stream" is one of my favorites. This photo shows the left side drop in use. The left side has been closed for years, I wonder why.





This poorly composed photo sure gives you an idea of how murky the water was on "El Bumpo". That water had a "unique" smell when it got hot outside, it was "two-stoke exhaust enriched".

Washington's Birthday at Disneyland - 1977

Happy Presidents Day everyone. Back in the old days (1977) we used to celebrate a couple of actual individual presidents birthdays – at some point it got switched to the generic and silly “Presidents Day" (which technically is still called Washington's Birthday). I think they should bring back Lincoln’s birthday and Washington birthday and drop “Presidents Day”, OK OK - we can have James Polk day too…






“Let’s Celebrate America” with a Polynesian Revue. Enjoy the new Jungle Cruise? How many times has the Jungle Cruise been “new”?






Wow, even back in February 1977 they accurately predicted the opening date of Space Mountain. A note on the little codes at the bottom right; 2/19-21/77 are the dates, and the “38M” I always assumed was the print count, 38,000 in this case. But is 38,000 enough flyers for three days? It was winter, but a weekend and a holiday? Maybe that’s not what the “38M” means?

Valentine Party at Disneyland - February 14, 1970

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

Don't Mickey and Minnie look cute on this Saturday, February 14, 1970 ticket to the Valentine Party at Disneyland? $6 got you admission to Disneyland and unlimited use of all attractions except shooting galleries.

Valentine's Dance at Disneyland - February 13, 1965

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. On Saturday night, February 13, 1965 Disneyland had its very own Valentine’s Dance. An impressive line up; Les Brown and his Band of the Renown had a great sound, Guest singing star Frankie Randall, The Elliott Brothers Orchestra - Wow. And MORE all at “Regular Box-Office Prices!”






The above panel is actually the back panel to this parking lot flyer from February 12, 1965. The “Tencennial” logo is timeless. Who is Charles B. Cass? Maybe he's on Facebook!






(1) For a personally guided tour, how about a two-hour “Happiness Trip”, Timothy Leary not included. (2) Don’t bother with the “Big 10” book, go for the “Deluxe 15” if offers “greater savings’.






That‘s sure a simple winter schedule.

Indiana Jones Adventure Cast Preview - February 11, 1995

It’s been fifteen years since Indiana Jones Adventure opened at Disneyland. This ticket was for a Cast Member Sneak Preview exactly fifteen years ago, February 11, 1995. Disneyland I.D. required, no “regular” guests allowed! So this attraction was open all day, in plain view of paying guests, but only cast members got to ride it? Is that how they usually preview new attractions?






Speaking of new attractions, isn’t this the last real “E” ticket added to the park? FIFTEEN years and no new “E” ticket attraction? The Rocket Rods do not qualify as an “E” Ticket, I rode it twice, it was a solid “D” ticket. Great “Hand” stamp on the back of the ticket. Be sure and see the Indiana Jones Adventure "Commemorative" ticket on my March 2008 post "Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye"






If there was still a Vacationland Magazine in 1995 I’d show it to you, but they stopped making them ten years earlier. In 1994 Disney News became the Disney Magazine, which is really like Vacationland and Disney News merged together. They are actually pretty good.






Nice four page article on the new Indiana Jones Adventure attraction.








Hey, this talks about the how to activate the “booby trap” ceiling in the spike chamber in the queue line, I always use that trick to scare people!






“160,000 possible ride combinations” – I’ve either got a great memory (not likely) or there are only a few combinations in use these days.






This is a super four page article shows how Walt was proud of relationship with Corporate America. Ironic that a “Corporation” with his name became one of America’s largest. Some amazing signage photos in this article.










Here’s another well produced article, this one is about Walt’s apartment at Disneyland.






I don’t think I’ve seen the wide shot of the interior before or the patio, nice!






Neat story, more excellent photos.






No advertisements in this magazine, well, maybe this.

Videopolis Press Kit - Part 2

Let’s take a look at the rest of the Videopolis press kit. The record sleeve makes no mention of what’s on the record inside or who is the artist. The other side of the sleeve is identical to this side.






The record is self is gives no credit or mention of its content other than “Videopolis”. I figured this would be a mid ‘80’s band like the Banarama or something along those lines. Boy was I wrong; you have got to listen to this song. It’s a custom made “hit” just for Videopolis, “I’m going to the Top – Videopolis”. Is it just me or is this tune vaguely familiar? Did they play it at the park? Both sides of the record are the same song.



Videopolis Record in MP3 Format – 5mb

Videopolis Record in WMA Format – 2.5mb








More press release information. This information is fascinating for future fashion designer historians; check out the cast member costume colors; pink, cantaloupe, turquoise, orchid and jasmine on pleated shirts with suspenders, and it just gets worse from there.








90 television monitors, what was the carbon footprint of that beast? Can you image how cool it would be with flat screens?







High-energy Rock Bands – Rock on Videopolis!







Lastly, a lonely unused Videopolis button.





I hope you enjoyed this fun look at Videopolis, I sure did.

Videopolis Press Kit - Part 1

Can you believe it’s been almost 25 years since Videopolis opened at Disneyland? Let’s take a look back at all the hype that surrounded the “newest” dance spot in Anaheim in 1985. This press kit contains all kinds of neat stuff, so much stuff that I’m going to spread it over two posts, be sure to come back tomorrow for part two.






The Videopolis Media Premiere was held on June 24, 1985. A Buffet Reception was held at The Golden Horse from 7:30-9:00pm, and then at 9:15am time to have a “Blast” at Disneyland’s all new teenage video dance club phenomenon.






Here something super-shinny for all you Disneyland Postcard collectors out there.






It’s a Postcard AND a Bumper Sticker, boy do I miss the ‘80’s.






Isn’t it neat the way this press photo gives a vivid color description of the entrance to Videopolis but then includes a dull black and white 8 x 10 glossy?







“Disneyland Dance Fever” - I’m speechless…







The press release is full of fun facts and figures.






The back of the press release paper is covered in Videopolis Logos!






“Yumz” sounds yummy! You’ll see more about that “Videopolis Passport Certiicate” during Grad Nite season.






Come back tomorrow for the rest of the press kit; more black & white photos, more facts & figures and a 7” vinyl record that I have yet to play so we’ll be hearing it together for the first time tomorrow. Be sure to wear your Guess Jeans…