1967 Disneyland Map

Want to see a Disneyland map with the Peoplemover, the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland, the Skyway, and the Mike Fink Keelboats? Well, here it is! These long gone gems of Disneyland are right here on this 1967 map. Or is it "Fun map"? I never can remember. Regardless, the vintage, retro, very cool image is just the very bright and charming piece I wanted to show this Monday morning. With all the doom and gloom in the world, a little fun never hurt anyone. 

(Image copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Mike Fink Keelboats Journey from California to Florida to France

Leave it to Walt Disney to create an attraction for his beloved California kingdom that was based on a hard living, hard drinking, man who plied the Mississippi River back in the days when America was moving west.

Yes sir, the Mike Fink Keelboats came to Disneyland on Christmas Day opening year. These were an instant hit because a park staple for over 40 years. The boats were free floating and provided a scenic view of a changing Frontierland close to the water without having to paddle a canoe. With Tom Sawyer Island on one side and the riverbank on the other, there's was always plenty to keep an eye out for. Over the years, New Orleans Square and the Haunted Mansion were added and then the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland gave way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I bet there's some great construction photos out there!

Over in Florida's Magic Kingdom, the keelboats were an opening day attraction but survived a decade less. At EuroDisney aka Disneyland Paris, they were known as River Rogue Keelboats but only lasted a mere eight years. In all cases, but seems rowdy guests couldn't control themselves, and this led to the removal of the attraction. Regardless, they were fun while they lasted and brought a bit of real life history to the parks.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Art from Frontierland's Past

Disneyland's Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante is one beautiful eatery with its lanterns, lush bougainvillea and tile work. Honestly, it's one of my favorite meal time getaways when the park is busy. I can sit on the patio and watch Frontierland's guests on their way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Golden Horseshoe.

In the long ago, the restaurant was called Casa de Fritos. I bet you can guess who sponsored the place. 

The buildings of Casa de Fritos backed up right next to the town of Rainbow Ridge, part of the Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland, the charming predecessor to Big Thunder. When the land also had the Pack Mules, the place was full of energy. It was the same on the Rivers of America. The Mike Fink Keel Boats and the Canoes shared the space with the Sailing Ship Columbia and the majestic Mark Twain.

These pieces of concept art were part of a display at Main Street's Disney Gallery. Photographs came to me courtesy Mint Crocodile and his terrific Magic Eye blog. I'm so appreciative of his weekly updates. You should check it out.

(Art copyright the Walt Disney Company.)

Before Tom Sawyer Island Went PC

If memory serves me correctly, that settler's cabin on Tom Sawyer Island used to really burn. Of course it did! I've seen it myself for years. 

This image, a small piece of Imagineering concept art for Disneyland, comes from a Preview of Coming Attractions circa 1963- years before Pirates of the Caribbean and decades before these pirates would invade the island. 

Is the remodel well done? Yes, for what it is. Did they destroy yet another piece of Frontierland by taking down even more vegetation for a pirates inspired show? Yes- and it makes the waterfront piece of property less mysterious and more civilized. Honestly, I liked it better more rustic and inviting. There are so few true Frontierland experiences left in the park. So long Mike Fink Keelboats as well. Thank God the suits haven't touched the Sailing Ship Columbia and the Mark Twain Steamboat.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)