Evening at Disneyland's Plaza Inn

From a 1960's promotional piece for the expansion of Disneyland: The Plaza Inn is an under appreciated restaurant on Main Street U.S.A. The Imagineering concept art is an expression of Walt Disney's desire to give park guests more than they bargained for. A smart business plan to keep them coming back!

The decor is subdued but elegant. The food is very good by theme park standards, and the place has a fairly loyal clientele. In the Summer, it's a quiet refuge from the crowds outside, and in the slower months, it's overlooked in place of the park's splashier dining establishments. Either way, the place is worth investigating!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

From the Plaza Inn to the Crystal Palace

The Plaza Inn. What an absolutely wonderful place to eat when you want a break from the crowds at Disneyland! The exterior perfectly fits Main Street U.S.A. inside and out, and once inside, it feels far removed from a theme park as can be.

Walt Disney and the early Imagineers knew their audience, always striving to give them the best experience possible. Good enough was not the mantra of the time. Case in point: In 1965, Disneyland was in the middle of an iconic expansion still talked about among fans to this day.  Pirates of the Caribbean was was soon to debut. The Haunted Mansion was not far behind and neither was the great big beautiful New Tomorrowland. 

Guests visiting Walt's park had an opportunity to purchase a nice little souvenir book filled with concept art of upcoming attractions. The particular book this piece comes from had some rare art as well.  The Plaza Inn was given the Imagineering treatment from the beginning, starting with a rendering to highlight the feel of the place. 

You can almost see the inspiration for Walt Disney World's lovely Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom here. As with many things, Disneyland was the proving ground for what would come in the future. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

What's All the Hubbub?

Come back tomorrow, Monday morning for a Disney fan's look at all the changes on Disneyland's Hub. My thoughts on what's behind it, what's good, what's bad, and what's all the fuss about! It's the great Main Street Debate of our time- and your opinion counts. See you Monday!

Plaza Inn Perfection

In 1965, Disneyland was in the midst of a great expansion- Pirates was on its way, as was Haunted Mansion, and a wonderful new Tomorrowland. Guests visiting the park had an opportunity to purchase a souvenir book filled with alot of concept art of upcoming attractions. However, this book also has some rare art of existing attractions, shops, and restaurants. This small piece found on the Main Street pages catches my eye- The Plaza Inn. Instead of a photo, this beautiful piece of art was displayed surrounded by the usual photos. It is quite small- but stunningly elegant- and perfectly captures the mood of this wonderful restaurant.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Victorian Elegance on Main Street U.S.A.

In 1965, Disneyland was in the midst of a great expansion- Pirates was on its way, as was Haunted Mansion, and a brand New Tomorrowland. Guests visiting the park had an opportunity to purchase a souvenir book filled with alot of concept art of upcoming attractions. However, this book also has some rare art of existing attractions, shops, and restaurants. This small piece found on the Main Street pages catches my eye- The Plaza Inn. Instead of a photo, this beautiful piece of art was displayed surrounded by the usual photos. It is quite small- but stunningly elegant- and perfectly captures the mood of this wonderful restaurant. It's not as grand as Florida's Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World, but it is every bit as charming!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)