Disneyland at 60 or Yawn…
So, in July of 2015, Disneyland turns 60 years old.
Plans call for a new day-time parade, new night-time fireworks and a new show using the system created for World of Color in California Adventure.
And that’s about as far as it goes. Oh, sure. There is new resort merchandise ahead, including the usual event to kick off selling it. Call me cynical, but nothing shown here says “Buy me”.
Yes, the park will be spiffed up, all shiny and sparkling. Literally. The castle gets the “ooh shiny” treatment with lots of lights (okay LED’s or light emitting diodes for the curmudgeons) and gems to catch the sun.
But what don’t Park guests get for the big Six-Oh? Well, no new attractions. Nothing inside the berm. Maybe a look back in the form of a museum of sorts in the Innoventions rotating building in Tommorowland; it’s self a left over from the 1960’s redo of the area as the GE Carousel of Progress, re-purposed from the 1964 New York Worlds Fair. And some new/revised areas across the way in California Adventure as Condor Flats gives way to the Grizzly Peak Airfield.
One can’t fault the management in Anaheim or Burbank for this. Attendance at Disneyland remains high, from both casual guests and annual passholders. Why dip into the corporate coffers for major expenses if people keep coming with what is in place right now?
Color me disappointed somewhat. Disney has added Pixar, Marvel and Lucas to the empire. Surely one of these could offer something for the 60th? Frankly looking down the road to the 65th, 70th and the even bigger 75th anniversaries for the Park, you have to see those parts of the entertainment industry as being part of a bigger influence.
I certainly understand how much of a challenge it is to design anything that those Accountanteer’s are willing to fund. Yet, if they could turn loose with big bucks for Radiator Springs (a.k.a. Carsland), what’s the hold up? After all, can’t let Universal and Harry Potter steal that much of the spotlight. Star Wars alone can and will hold audience attention in theaters as well as theme parks.
Yes, I may just be impatient. Wiser folks than I have said that Bob Eiger will announce plans for Star Wars projects worldwide either during the Star Wars Celebration or at the D23 Expo – both also being held in Anaheim this year.
But Disneyland’s 60th? So far, nothing compelling for this summer has been announced to get me down the Five to the Southland. Maybe just an excuse to visit friends will be enough.
A bit of Disneyland close to home
For the years 1964 to 1970, I called the city of Mountain View, California home.
We lived in a new housing tract just off US Highway 101 near Sterlin Road. But it was what was located on the other side of the freeway that often caught my eye. In particular, if a ride in my parents car involved using the on-ramp to the northbound lanes there. Because it would provide a glimpse into the world of theme park attractions. Specifically Disney theme park attractions
This image has made the rounds on Facebook among various groups.
Sharp Disney fans will identify the hanging attraction vehicle as one of the flying pirate ships from the Peter Pan attraction. A further look at the guide rail system the vehicle is attached to shows the system used at Florida’s Magic Kingdom. But it is the location pictured in the image that tells today’s tale.
That berm with the white guard rail? Yes, indeed. That’s the northbound US-101 on-ramp from Sterlin Road. And this is the yard in back of Arrow Development‘s location at 1555 Plymouth Street in Mountain View. Arrow had a fruitful relationship with Disney providing many attractions and for a while, even owned it’s own theme park, Frontier Village, in nearby San Jose.
We saw all kinds of attraction prototypes tested here. Who wouldn’t be fascinated seeing roller coasters tested on a short track as you accelerated onto the freeway?
1855 Plymouth Street in Mountain View, CA.
Arrow is long gone and the property redeveloped into offices. But for those days gone by, it was exciting to think what awaited us on that next theme park visit may have gotten it’s start that close to home.
San Francisco’s PresidiGo
Ron and Diane Miller at what would become the Walt Disney Family Museum,
in San Francisco’s historic Presidio.
When it comes to spectacular locations in San Francisco, the Presidio is pretty high on the list. With views of the Golden Gate (bridge and all) that just can’t be beat, it is not hard to understand why it is such a favorite of so many people.
Yet, it manages to be one of the most difficult for folks from out of town to find, let along enjoy. If you drive a car (your own or a rental), all of the current construction along Doyle Drive and the approaches to the Golden Gate Bridge can be more than a little confusing. Trying to get a taxi cab from anywhere in the City can also be frustrating as more than one cabbie has confused Montgomery Street downtown with the street of the same name on the Presidio’s Main Post.
You can travel to the Presidio using the San Francisco Municipal Railway’s (or SF Muni) bus routes to and from the Presidio. Many require at least one transfer from one bus route to another to get there or back.
Another favorite of tourists is one of the hop-on, hop off double-decker bus tours that makes the rounds of the City. Yes, it does stop right in front of the Walt Disney Family Museum, but not on a predictable schedule that I have seen in action.
But would it surprise you to learn that there is a free bus service that travels from downtown San Francisco to and from the Presidio? Indeed, there is. And it is called PresidiGo.
Last Saturday, I was enticed to visit the Museum as a friend had an extra ticket for the 3:00 pm presentation by Glen Keane. But not wanting to drive into San Francisco from Livermore (46 miles or better than an hour and a half of travel time) made me think about alternatives. The one that made the most sense was to take a BART train from it’s Dublin/Pleasanton station to San Francisco’s Embarcadero Station. From there, a ride aboard the PresidiGo Downtown Shuttle to the Presidio’s Transit Center and a short walk to the Museum. In about the same travel time, with a whole lot less hassle, there I was. And the shuttle ride? It was absolutely free!
On weekends, the Downtown Shuttle operates between 1030 am and 730 pm. During the week, the same route operates between 610 am and 930 pm; however it requires a pass for employees or residents before 900 am and for certain afternoon departures from the Presidio. A stop at California Street and Drumm Street, right in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel – next to the California Street Cable Car and BART’s Embaradero station – is well placed for travel in both directions.
So pass the word! Here is a very simple way to travel to and from the Presidio from downtown San Francisco.
Disneyland – No Extra Souvenirs
I’m still recovering from a visit to Anaheim shortly before Christmas. Not that it was a challenge. Both parks looked great and we had a fantastic time.
No, I was gifted with a rather nasty cold that all too soon became acute bronchitis. Down for the count, I was flat on my back in bed for the better part of three weeks.
Maybe it was just me, but it sure seemed like there were a whole lot more folks coughing and wheezing all around. I know, it is the season for colds and flu, right? Add to that some folks who think that a measles outbreak is traced back to their own Disneyland visits.
What can you do? First and foremost, wash your hands. I can’t say that often enough. Wash your hands. If you’re out and about in the theme park world, it’s just a good idea no matter what. That and or make use of the hand sanitizer. (I’ve started packing a small bottle just to be safe.)
Along the way? Eat smart, be sure you don’t over do it and get the appropriate amount of rest. Taking that middle of the day nap can be a good idea. Even just getting off your feet for a while does more good than you might think. As tempting as taking that open to close day might be, relax and the time away can be restorative.
I also need to sound the voice of reason here. If you don’t really feel up to mixing in with all those guests? Don’t. Just don’t take the chance. Having done so and paid the price for it (with an extended hospital stay), I can honestly say that if you’re not ready for a day at the Park, it is best to stay home or even in your hotel room. Get better and enjoy the Parks another day. Don’t push yourself. An ambulance ride is not an E Ticket attraction.
So, the moral of the story? You can’t stop everything around you. But, being smart, you can take a few steps here and there to keep yourself healthy while out in a crowd. Here is hoping you don’t get any free “souvenirs” take take home, like I did.
This time of the year
It is an interesting time of the year. At least, it is for me…
Another orbit of the sun comes full circle in more ways than one. For the most part, things are good. They could be better, but can’t we all say that?
I know that a lot of people see things much in flux right now. I tend to agree but have a practical side. Walt Disney is often quoted as saying, “The way to get started is to stop talking and start doing.” That is good advice no matter what you find on your agenda for the coming year. Don’t like where you are headed? You are pretty much the one who will take the action needed.
Another good bit of advice has always been “No one helps no one but himself.” Sure, you can give your help, and there are plenty of good choices willing to take what you have to offer, but in the end, only you make the decision. Good or bad, right or wrong. Deciding to take assistance may be one of those decisions you make. At least you get off your butt and do something.
In my own case, probably the best thing that ever happened to me was a forced change. I saw it coming but did not want to acknowledge it. I was comfortable where I was and had been for some time. Yet when change arrived, I felt relieved. As if all of that comfort and security really was keeping me back. By having it gone, changes were ahead. Changes I couldn’t anticipate. In the end, all for the better.
In Tolkein’s book, “The Fellowship of the Ring“, Bilbo Baggins sings a song entitled The Road Goes Ever On:
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
I feel somewhat the same way. There are many great things I can look back and say I was there for or was part of. Places I have been and people I have been privileged to meet. Yet instead of looking back and counting the memories, I hope to make more of them.
So, I hope that this time of year allows you all to join together and share the pleasure of one another. Remember those no longer with us. A smile or two and a fond moment along your way. May you have many tomorrows ahead to bring peace. Even if only for a short time. A good smoke and a strong drink to go along with it, if you enjoy that.
Just take it all in.