Walt had a great admiration for Abraham Lincoln ever since he was a small boy. It’s no wonder he chose this stalwart and gentle giant from our past to be featured in the audio-animatronic presentation celebrating America and freedom: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Did you know this was the first Disney attraction to be running simultaneously on the east and west coast? Between July 18, 1965 and October 17, 1965 the show was running at both Disneyland and the New York World’s Fair. This poor bandstand was moved many times at Disneyland. Originally located in Town Square, shortly before the park was opened, it was realized that this large structure would block the view of the Castle and disrupt the cinematic “long shot” desired looking down Main Street. Its next residence was near the castle, where it resided until Walt decided that the Disneyland Band needed a more permanent stage. John Hench sketched up a few ideas for the Carnation Plaza Gardens and the bandstand was moved (again), approximately July 1956; this time to Adventureland, in an area known as Magnolia Park, located between the Jungle Cruise and the Chicken Plantation Restaurant. When the Jungle Cruise expanded in 1962, the addition of the Elephant Bathing Pool meant that the Bandstand had reached the end of the line at Disneyland. The next (and final) owner was Rogers Gardens. According to Rogers Gardens, The City of Anaheim called the owner of Roger’s Gardens around 1975 and said that they were going to throw the gazebo away and if Rogers wanted it, they had to come get it by the next day. A very large truck was rented and the Bandstand was relocated.
It is now a favorite resting spot in the gardens, and Rogers is making a new sign that advertises the fact that it truly is the original Disneyland Band Gazebo. Rogers themselves started out in Costa Mesa, moving to its present location of Corona Del Mar in January 1970. In the mid-1970s, Roger’s Gardens acquired the ‘Original Disneyland Bandstand’ (Gazebo) from Disneyland and moved it to the gardens in Corona del Mar, CA. During the holiday season, Santa would hold court inside the bandstand, listening to children share their Christmas wishes. Now the bandstand resides within the Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, a farm-to-table restaurant, and serves as a special place for customers and visitors to dine. New Orleans Square is exclusive to Disneyland, based on 19th century New Orleans. At the opening, Walt Disney made then-mayor of the real New Orleans, Victor H. Schiro, the mayor of New Orleans Square. Before New Orleans Square was built, Holidayland stood in its place. When it was designed, New Orleans Square was meant to be a perfect square, although now it is difficult to determine where New Orleans Square ends and Frontierland begins (Frontierland’s original New Orleans section is where the River Belle Terrace building is currently located). This area contains two of the most popular Disneyland attractions: Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. The exterior of the Haunted Mansion was actually constructed in 1962, but Imagineers took several years to develop the attraction. The completed ride opened on August 9, 1969. Pirates of the Caribbean opened March 18, 1967. Morse code can be heard from the telegraph at the train station in New Orleans Square. The transmission is the first two sentences from Walt’s opening day speech on July 17, 1955: “To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.” This area has featured live jazz music since its inception, including The Royal Street Bachelors and Delta Ramblers. The Side Street Strutters have performed weekly since 1985. Teddy Buckner and His Jazz All-Stars were regulars in the ’80s. Teddy was often mistaken for Louis Armstrong and even played him once in a film. His famous band was busy entertaining the generals and VIP’s in WW2. In 2006, the French Market restaurant featured the Jambalaya Jazz Band, including a live singer “Queenie,” who also performs outside the Disney Gallery several times a day. The Bootleggers pirate band also performs nearby.
Goofy’s yard is dedicating to the spirit of play with soft, spongy ground and is the perfect place for kids to place in a fun, enclosed area. This is where Goofy encourages his son, Max, and his friends to play. You can also see in the concept art a playful sound garden. There's a space for adults to rest while kid discover all the fun noises the garden makes and explore an all new clubhouse. Chip and Dale's Gadget Coaster coming soon! Goofy's house has been transformed with the addition of Goofy's How to Play Yard which features a large grass space with plenty of shade and areas to play. One of two new restaurants coming soon! Good Boy! grocers a friendly farmers market roadside stand for grab and go treats. Cafe Daisy serving diner classics at sidewalk table eatery. Concept art was shared for El CapiTOON Theater, a special exhibit created by the Toontown Hysterical Society celebrating all things Mickey with costumes and props from the toon world. The exhibit features several items guests may recognize from classics including “Steamboat Willie” and “Plane Crazy” and more modern favorites such as “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” and iconic music releases.
Splash Mountain is set to receive an update to incorporate the Princess and the Frog. Not many people are happy about this. They feel Splash Mountain should remain as is and that Tiana needs a separate ride of her own.
There will also be a re-imagined restaurant in New Orleans Square with a Tiana Palace theme and a store Eudora's Chic Boutique that will sell her gourmet sauces and spices. Coming 2024 |
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