Reliving Fond Memories: Back at the Park
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And even I was impressed with was the Block Party happening at California Adventure. The set pieces for the various Pixar films were very well done. Though I was looking at the Monster’s Inc. float from a distance, it was very well done, the performers energetic, and the crowds appreciative.
As the day went on, despite the endless grind of the crowds, there were other signs that Mr. Ouimet’s tenure at TDA is no fluke. While waiting for a cream cheese pretzel at the small world mall, the lighting went off. This was followed by a projection presentation of music, color and cool retro animation onto the façade of It’s A Small World. Through lasting just about two minutes, the show was wonderful, and was met with applause by everyone in the crowd. My friends and I stared at each other dumbfounded. We had become so used to the bare minimum at the parks. This was delightful, completely frivolous and the audience loved it. It set the mood for the holiday edition of IASW. The lines for the attraction were huge, winding down the mall.
The ghosts of attractions past.
As I milled around the Disneyana shop early on, I walked into the sculpture portion of the shop, my eyes immediately focused on the far wall. There, grinning at me like an old friend was a replica of the Hotbox Ghost from the Haunted Mansion. Beside him was also another friend, a victim of ill advised past purges. Now I know what I want for Christmas. (Note to Merchandising: How ‘bout a full size replica of the Ghost Host portrait?? Hmmm?).
At California Adventure, one of the reasons for me to go there was the chicken strips I enjoyed at Boardwalk Betty’s (the subject of yet another column). Now it seems the chicken and fish strips have sneaked across the Esplanade and are everywhere at Disneyland. At least in Frontierland, anyway. I liked them as an alternative to the usual cheeseburger. Apparently, I was not alone. The Golden Horseshoe was packed, as well as the Stage Door Café next door.
So, despite the crowds (there were evening winding lines for popcorn), I still had a “Disney Day�?. Walking out of the park around midnight, I paused to look at the animated window displays at the Emporium, (subject of a past column too!). In the windows were bits and pieces of animation past. Some of them, such as Orville the Albatross, wiggling his tail, brought back memories of the summer of 1977, when I had first decided I wanted to go into animation. It was a pleasant, tingly piece of nostalgia, making me smile. This is why Disneyland continues to be so popular; each generation shares with another.
I went home, my feet sore, but satisfied. It was good to be back home!
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-- Posted October 17, 2005
-- Text and Pictures by David Mink