After the Mouse: Research Project

Spacebar

dwxi1 — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 15:24:36 +0000

Spacebar dwxi1 Sun, 02/20/2022 - 15:24

The Space Bar was perhaps the park’s most futuristic restaurant – an “automat”. This style of ordering combined the accessibility of a vending machine with the flexibility and variety of a restaurant. Guests purchased each item of food separately, by selecting an item from a particular service window. Every meal was individually constructed, tailored to each diner.

During its lifetime, the Space Bar was one of the more popular restaurants in Disneyland. Guests enjoyed its unique ordering style, and the sunny patio was a great place to people watch or wave to passing Skyway cars. But when Disney announced the major Tomorrowland renovation in the late 1960’s, the Space Bar was removed to make way for a brand new attraction: The Carousel of Progress. The Bar closed in September 1966, and “New Tomorrowland” made its debut less than a year later.

Citation

Duchess of Disneyland

Spacebar

The Mule Pack

dwxi1 — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 15:17:43 +0000

The Mule Pack dwxi1 Sun, 02/20/2022 - 15:17

It was also possible to view Nature’s Wonderland on Mules. Guests took a 10 minute tour of the Disneyland Frontier; originally there were 2 packs, consisting of 1 lead horse and 9 mules. The ride was so popular that Disney increased the herd from 50 to 75, paying $50 each for 25 more of the temperamental animals in May 1957. Feed cost for the entire group was only $15/day—what a value! The Mule Pack (1955-1956) was renamed The Rainbow Ridge Mule Pack (1956-1959), and then Pack Mules Through Nature’s Wonderland (1960-1973).

Citation

Daveland

The Mule Pack

Stagecoaches, Buckboards, & Conestoga Wagons

dwxi1 — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 15:06:12 +0000

Stagecoaches, Buckboards, & Conestoga Wagons dwxi1 Sun, 02/20/2022 - 15:06

Stagecoaches, Buckboards, & Conestoga Wagons drawn by horses. Guests could ride either shotgun (on top with the driver) or inside of the coach itself (and learn what a sardine feels like!). Both the Stagecoaches and Wagons shared the same route through Frontierland, which included Coyote Rock, Elephant Rock, Inscription Rock, Horse Thief Canyon, Dead Man’s Spring, Natural Bridge, and Indian Territory. 12/1955 newspaper ad for Frontierland stated: “You will ride the Conestoga Wagon in Frontierland—one of the most picturesque and vital vehicles in history. It was the Conestoga, not the Covered Wagon, that developed the West. The great wagons were first built in the Conestoga Valley of Pennsylvania, with water tight bottoms that permitted safe crossing of rivers. You will also ride authentic stage coaches, pack trains, and buckboards in this remarkable re-creation of the old West.” After new scenic landscaping, the Stagecoaches were renamed the Rainbow Mountain Stage Coaches in 1956. Unfortunately, the Stagecoaches were prone to tipping over , breakaway harnesses didn’t solve the problem...instead it caused many a guest to be stranded while the horses proceeded on the journey. Low guest capacity and high overhead were the reason the coaches were eliminated; the last journey of the Stagecoach and the Conestoga Wagons is debatable; in the Nickel Tour, two dates are given: September 13, 1959 and February 10, 1960.

Citation

Daveland

Stagecoaches, Buckboards, & Conestoga Wagons

Mermaids

dwxi1 — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 03:40:17 +0000

Mermaids dwxi1 Sun, 02/20/2022 - 03:40

Guests who were visiting Disneyland Park in 1959 were in for a special treat — live mermaids! (Well, sort of).

I think it’s safe to say that mermaids don’t actually exist, but Disney used to cast live mermaids who spent their days flippin’ their fins around the beautiful tropical lagoon. Whether you were enjoying the Submarine Voyage attraction or you were taking the monorail into Tomorrowland, guests were able to spot the beautiful mermaids enjoying the sun on a rock or splashin’ around in the water.

Huffington Post got the chance to speak with one of the mermaids, who mentioned why they spent so much time on the rocks. Suzanne Brewster, a former Disneyland mermaid, explained that the water in the mermaid lagoon was much colder than it looks so they typically sat on the rock to warm themselves up in the warm California sun.

The live mermaids only appeared in Tomorrowland during the summer of 1959 and three other seasons between 1965 and 1967.

Citation

Inside the Magic

Mermaids

Ring Carvers

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:16:15 +0000

Ring Carvers Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/15/2022 - 06:16

Ring Carvers is located in the Mexico Pavilion area adjacent to La Hacienda de San Angel and specializes in personalized rings. This outdoor kiosk shop is an attraction in itself as you can watch the artist at work carving your name or initials into a ring. If you are looking for a unique gift or souvenir, make sure you check out Ring Carvers.

Citation

WDW Kingdom

Ring Carvers

Gateway Gifts

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:16:15 +0000

Gateway Gifts Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/15/2022 - 06:16

Gateway Gifts is located in Future World East and is part of one of the three support pillars for Spaceship Earth. Inside Gateway Gifts you will find Disney mugs, Disney character clothing, snacks and sundries. Located near the entrance and exit of Epcot, this is a great place to pick up the sunscreen you forgot or a quick souvenir before you leave.

Citation

WDW Kingdom

Gateway Gifts

Disney Traders

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:16:15 +0000

Disney Traders Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/15/2022 - 06:16

Disney Traders is one of two identical looking gifts shops (Port of Entry is the other) as you walk into the World Showcase from Future World. This Epcot gift shop features a variety of items including MagicBands, Pins, Disney Princess Merchandise, Disney and Star Wars souvenirs and other fun merchandise. Disney Traders is the building to the left as you enter Showcase Plaza.

Citation

WDW Kingdom

Disney Traders

The Toy Soldier

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:16:15 +0000

The Toy Soldier Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/15/2022 - 06:16

The Toy Soldier is located in the United Kingdom Pavilion area of Epcot’s World Showcase near the Winnie the Pooh and Friends meet and greet. Inside The Toy Soldier you will find English toys, games books, pop culture merchandise and more. There is a strong presence of Winnie the Pooh and friends merchandise as well inside the shop.

Citation

WDW Kingdom

The Toy Soldier

The Queen's Table

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:16:15 +0000

The Queen's Table Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/15/2022 - 06:16

The Queen’s Table is located in the United Kingdom Pavilion area of Epcot’s World Showcase next to The Tea Caddy. Inside The Queen’s Table you will find a variety of English housewares including tea pots, saucers, cups as well as books, music and more. You will also find a nice selection of Ireland’s Belleck Fine Parian China inside the shop.

Citation

WDW Kingdom

The Queen's Table

Sportsman's Shoppe

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:16:15 +0000

Sportsman's Shoppe Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/15/2022 - 06:16

The Sportsman’s Shoppe is located in the United Kingdom Pavilion area of Epcot’s World Showcase across from the Rose & Crown. Inside the Sportsman’s Shoppe you will find a collection of UK football clothing from various teams plus merchandise from Dr. Who, Monty Python and more.

Citation

WDW Kingdom