Vintage Disneyland Tahitian Terrace

I cannot resist the lure of the islands! It seems I am not alone in this either. From tiki bars across the States to the authentic thing in Hawaii, people just love the chance to escape even if for a few hours. 

Walt Disney was one smart man- and he was quick to realize the allure. At Disneyland, the incredible Tahitian Terrace was my very first experience. Tucked back in the corner between the Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room was a very special restaurant. Cuisine was highlighted by teriyaki everything and pineapple- lots of it. Yum! The food was great, but the performances were just plain mesmerizing and fun. Even this black and white photo cannot kill its charm.

When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the lovely Luau Cove and its all star revue at the Disney's Polynesian Village was a must-do experience. We were fortunate to go to the show one last time before the Cove disappeared forever to make room for the Disney Vacation Club Expansion. Ah, those innocent days of Disney when to stay at the island themed resort was actually affordable! Now, a brief break at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto will have to scratch the itch.

(Photographer unknown.)

Design Detail: The Disneyland Hotel's Blank Wall

Given the freedom and budget, the famous Disney Imagineers can even create beautiful work for a blank wall. Proof positive is this once blank exterior wall at the Disneyland Hotel. It'd be easy not to notice it as you are on your way to the main lobby or maybe even leaving the main lobby on your way to get into Trader Sam's, the hard to get into location for all things Tiki done Disney style.

The deep rich tones fit perfectly with the surrounding area. The shapes remind me of Mary Blair's work for It's A Small World. Certainly not a coincidence! 

Where Walt Disney World may be known for it's "wow!" inducing big, splashy icons, Disneyland is known for its smaller charms that must be discovered by guests as they explore the much more limited space. There's layer upon layer of beautiful design detail in California. Part is this is certainly by necessity. However, the end result gives "Walt's park" a dreamlike fairy tale atmosphere, making guests believe for just a moment that the man himself could be just around the corner.

Conversely, for those of us who can be "Disneyland snobs", taking the time to discover the beauty of the Florida resort and appreciating it as the unique experience it is can take a firm mental shift. In fact, each resort evokes different feelings, but just as much beauty- and design detail- can be found in the Sunshine State. Some folks even prefer it to California. Imagine that.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Sgt. Preston's Yukon Saloon and The Disneyland Hotel Project from the Past

Long before Anaheim's difficult to book Trader Sam's, there was Sgt. Preston's Yukon Saloon. It was the place to go in the area for some late night mischief on The Disneyland Hotel  property. Imagine a Canadian show setting with an Adventurer's Club vibe. It was unique to the time, setting the stage for what would come later in Florida when Walt Disney World needed to compete with Church Street Station's popular complex in Orlando. Did you think under Michael Eisner's reign, Pleasure Island came about because of more altruistic motives?

Anyway, back to Aneheim.

 

 

The Disneyland Hotel has been through so many additions, so many incarnations,  that it is pretty impossible to track them all. 

This piece of concept art above is most likely from the 1970's when the newest feature was planned- a large, expanded tropical pool zone. The Imagineers on this job kept it pure and simple, and probably rather inexpensive. But I don't remember this actually being built as shown. Dancing Waters? Check- been there and remember that. Same with the hotel's first video arcade. And many other additions.

Sgt. Preston's Yukon Saloon, and the beautifully done wharf area nearby made the area a great place for a cheaper date night when you wanted your Disney fix.  You could still ride the monorail from the hotel into the park and back for a small fee. In earlier days, day guests could even play miniature golf on a course that featured icons from Disneyland park. 

What comes next after the Disney Vacation Club tower opens? Who knows?  But the evolution of the hotel and its grounds will go on and on as long as there are Disneyland fans left in the world. In other words, until the end of time!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)