Disneyland's Chinatown in Full Color

Planned for an offshoot of Main Street U.S.A., the master Imagineer Walt Disney, had big ideas once his beautiful little park in Anaheim was realized to be a major crowd pleaser. Disneyland would have its own Chinatown. Complete with an early version of a fortune telling Audio-Animatronics character at a restaurant, it was sure to be an enticing addition. As we know, plans changed, but this little piece of concept art in full color gives us a little taste of Chinese culture. Years later, a full pavilion would be devoted to China in World Showcase at EPCOT Center, proving once again great ideas never die. They just morph!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney's Pre-Westcot Chinatown

Rummaging through my stuff to complete Tuesday's Animal Kingdom piece and happened upon this admittedly small but rare concept for Disneyland's abandoned Chinatown, an offshoot from Main Street U.S.A. 

This image comes from a larger guidebook page with concept art for the "Haunted House" (sic) and "Adventures in Science". Enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)