Windows

Look Up

Welcome to first of a multi-part post highlighting the windows of Main Street USA.  Not the windows of shops and stores.  Most of these windows are a little higher up, on the 2nd floor, and have some special meaning.  You have to look up when you walk down the street, and in many cases you need to stop and take a moment to see them.  Come along as we stroll down the street.

 

For many people entering into the park the first choice they have to make is which side of Town Square to enter from. If you enter through the east tunnel you will pass directly in front of the Disney Gallery and Opera House, but if you enter under the west tunnel then you will pass the tours garden and be directly in front of our first window, located at City Hall.

 

If you look at the upstairs window, just to the right of the porch you will find the window dedicated to the "Honorary Mayor" of Disneyland, Jack Lindquist. Jack is one of the Disney Legends, and was integral to the history of Disneyland.  From the Disney Legends site:

 

Jack Lindquist was hired by Walt Disney as Disneyland's first advertising manager, and eventually played a key role in making the Park a world-famous tourist attraction. From . marketing the original "E tickets" to lobbying for Disneyland's millennial expansion, Jack was involved in nearly every aspect of the theme park.

 

For a detailed bio click here

 

 

Now let's move down the west side of the street.

 

Between the Emporium and the Crystal Arcade sits one of the many facades along the street. Next time you pass by take a look up at the window.  The name my ring a few bells.  Elias Disney, husband of Flora and father of five children. Born in February of 1859, he would go on the have a varied career which including working in construction. Oh, and his youngest son went on to do some great things as well.

 

Walter Elias Disney paid tribute to his father in a very special way with this window on Main Street.  Having passed away in 1941, Elias never saw what would become The Happiest Place on Earth, but he would forever be a part of it with this window. For more history look here.

 

 

Continuing, between the Crystal Arcade and The Fortuosity Shop is out next stop. 

 

The first of two windows here belongs to Wathel Rogers, imagineer and Disney Legend. Do you love the audio-animatronics that are all over Disneyland? Thank Mr. Rogers for his work each time you pass by the window. More here.

 

The next window belongs to another Disney Legend, Mary Ann Mang.  After writing to Walt Disney in 1960, asking for a job, she went on to become a vital part of the park and resort. More here.

 



 

And to finish this posting we look above the door to the Fortuosity Shop

 

This is a fairly non-descript window, with two names on it. C.V. Patterson & W.F.Allen. These two gentlemen were, respectively, Vice-President of Upjohn Pharmaceuticals and a pharmacist from Upjohn, who were instrumental in getting a pharmacy on Main Street. Nowadays if you want medical attention you can visit First Aid.

 

 

Next time we will continue down the west side of the street and look at more windows.





25 Days - 11

Day 11

A Christmas Fantasy Parade

 

 

No mater what age you are, and no mater how many times you may have already seen it, there seems to be a thrill that come over people when you line the streets on Main Street (or anywhere along the parade route) to watch the Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland.  There are many holiday traditions that families take part in while on vacation at the parks and it seems that this is one of them.

 

 

 

Every year the parade brings an army of toy soldiers trumpeting, drumming and marching in perfect formation. Each Christmas Gingerbread men dance and play down the street.  Cheerful snowmen and snow girls waddle up, down and across the street. And, leading the way for Santa himself, a herd of silly faced reindeer prance along to a jolly tune.

 

 

If you listen really carefully you can just hear that parade coming down the street.

 

 

Mmmm! I'll just sit here with my Hot Cocoa and warm Cinnamon roll as the parade rolls by.

 

 

 

 





25 Days - 10

Day 10

 

Lazy Days - Festive Shopping

Main Street Windows

 

Busy days at the park can take a toll. So what better way to end a day at the park with a stroll down Main Street USA. Be sure to do a little window shopping before heading into the bustling stores.

 

Looking for kitchen supplies?

Fresh gingerbread cookie anybody?

A festive tree skirt for Mickey & Minnie fans.

Also, be sure to take in the street decorations that surround you.

 

As night falls along the street be sure to get a prime spot along the sidewalk so that you can take part in a yearly tradition - A Christmas Fantasy Parade. I have my hot cocoa from Jolly Holiday Bakery and a warm cinnamon roll.  Join me on this comfy holiday blanket, because the sun is going down and the parade is about to start.

 

Come back tomorrow as we take a closer look at the parade.



 

25 Days - 1

Day 1

Visions of Sugar Plums...

 

No matter who you are, no matter what age you are, your first impression of Christmas upon entering Disneyland Park is that of Main Street USA. For Decades now we have travelled back in time to celebrate the merriest time of year.  This has become a tradition with many families and rightly so.  Main Street offers many different holiday options.

 

First and foremost are the decorations. Mickey wreaths and garland hang across the street. Festive garland and ornaments adorn each of the shop and eateries up and down the street.  Sitting squarley in the middle of Town Square is the iconic Christmas Tree, and of course down at the end of the street sits the snow covered Sleeping Beauty Castle.  Photo opportunities are plentiful and many many families get a group picture in front of the tree or castle for the annual christmas card.

 

But, there is one thing that happens on Main Street that you may want to look into. Candy Canes.

 

Not the shrink wrapped ones that you find everyday at the Candy Palace, but the hand made ones that are freshly made.  There are very few opportunities in life the get fresh candy canes.  Disney offers a rare chance each year to get them.  For more info on this follow this link.

not so Frightening Fridays Final

not so Frightening Fridays Monday

Let's conclude our look at Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort.

Review part one here.

Review part two here.

Review part three here.
Review part four here.

Review part five here.
 

Welcome back to Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

Today we wrap up our Halloween visit at Disneyland.

So let's take part in Mickey's Halloween Party. (select nights)

 **************************************

 

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to take part in Mickey's Halloween Party, and had a super night. Come along as we explore some of the offerings at this very popular annual event.

 

Entry into the park, early in the evening, was a challenge.
Signs reminded guests about costume guidelines.

 

 

As the day guest began leaving, a flood of people, the party guests began arriving.

 

The rush of leaving guests and arriving party goers made for a bit of a bottleneck.

Mickey Ghosts greeted arriving guests



Light projections on the pavement created atmosphere

Different decorations, including Ghost Mickey and light projections greeted incoming party guests. They looked good in the twilight hours, but really came to life after dark. (Video below)

 

 

My first stop of the night was a ride on Ghost Galaxy.

I even snapped a pic of the ride.

 

Is that what was chasing us?

 By the time I got off the ride darkness had begun to arrive.

A spider seems to have taken up residence above Star Traders



Pumpkins spin on the ground

Phineas & Ferb had a trick-or-treat line inside Innoventions

Crossing the Hub toward the west side of the park I came across

 another Ghost Mickey, and a few other characters...

 



Mickey is much better looking after dark.

 

These "scarecrows" were a hoot.

I could have stood there all night.

 

The Castle had a spooky glow. Music filled to hub for twilight fun.

 

Next, I was off to Frontierland.

The Halloween Tree was lit up for the night.



Piratepalooza, a dance party, was in full swing at Rancho Del Zocalo.

 

 

The Rivers of America were filled with fog and eerie music.

 

 

The trail behind Big Thunder Mountain was also "creeped out".

 

Fog and creepy lighting filled the pathways.

 

 

Trick-or-Treat trail across the park had long lines.
 

While on the west side of the park I got a ride in at

Haunted Mansion Holiday. Another visit from Jack Skellington

would come along later in the night.

 

 

As I headed back to Main Street for the parade I spotted another light projection, in front of Pirates of the Caribbean and in Frontierland, photo and video below..

 

 

 

Finally, after criss crossing the park, it was time to sit down for

Mickey's Costume Party parade. Enjoy the video below.

 

 

That was fun, but the highlight of the night is of course is

the very special showing of Halloween Screams fireworks.

 

 

Wow, how fun was that!

 

The whole night was a lot of fun. Trick-or-Treat lines were very full all night, but the variety of the candy was pretty good. I only had to trade away a few of the candy bites that I got.

 

One last little treat at the end of the night was a visit from the villains.

The villains wanted to say goodnight to all the guests. They chose the train station for a stage.

 

 

Such a fun night. Now it's time to go home and count my candy.

 

 

 

 

The Voices...

The Voices of Liberty

 

As the Summer months wind down, and we

fast approach the first day of Fall, it's time to reflect.

 

One of the most inspiring additions to Disneyland park this summer

was the limited engagement of The Voices of Liberty

at the Main Street Opera House.

 

 

This group originally started at Walt Disney World,

specifically at Epcot's American Pavilion.

They are a fabulous group of talented choral singers,

and I hope they return again, or find a permanent home here.

To encourage those passing by to come in a hear more
the members of the troupe put on a little mini-show outside.

Then, park guests are invited inside to hear more.
The Voice of Liberty perform a pre-show of sorts, before the
Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln that makes its home at the Opera House.

Enjoy this video.