the pickle barrel

2008-09-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

1967 Vacationland Magazine Cover Painting

One of my favorite pieces. Disney WED designer/illustrator Neil Boyle's concept/publicity art for the creation of New Orleans Square. The painting, which is based on an early Herb Ryman concept view of the Royal Courtyard, dates from at least 1965. Before it was featured on the cover of the Winter/Spring 1967 issue of Vacationalnd, it was in the interior pages of both a 1965 and 1966 issue.

Boyle's work will be familiar to fans of the 1965 Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln LP on Disneyland records.

Check out the full 1967 Vacationland at http://vintagedisneylandtickets.blogspot.com/

2008-05-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

2007-08-23T23:47:00.000-07:00

FREEDOMLAND ON THE AUCTION BLOCK....SORT OF.

Well, posting the Freedomland posters got me thinking. I haven't close to enough wall space left to hang them so why not offer them to some Freedomland nut?

I'm certainly in no rush to sell 'em but if the right person was interested, they might be in better hands. Of course, they aren't cheap but when compared to Disneyland posters, the seven are a steal...especially since I believe these to be much more rare. Also, it would be a sin against humanity to break them up.

Anyhow, here's the link if anyone want's to double-check the lint in their pockets....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260152895445

There's a bunch of other rare crap that might be of interest to visitors of this blog in my other auctions.

Now's the time to cash in yer kid's college fund!

2007-08-09T00:48:00.001-07:00

FREEDOMLAND UBER ALLES!

Here's the last poster for all you freedomland fans, you....

Probably the coolest of them all, yet still amazingly, Freedomlandy.

It's of the Braniff Space Ship from Freedomland's interpretation of Tomorrowland. Satellite City.

From the looks of this poster, you'll happily crash your space ship into the San Fransisco Bridge!
And you thought the Rocket Rods were a bad idea!

Well, that's my Freedomland poster contribution to the blogger world. Enjoy!

2007-08-08T00:12:00.001-07:00

EVEN MO' FREEDOMLAND GOODNESS!

Here's a couple more for ya.....

Civil War from the fake, New Orleans Square, Freedomland, USA.

And from Freedomland's psudo Main Street , Santa Fe Railroad Depot.

Something about these posters really bring the Freedomland Park alive to me. They represent the whole tone of that park. Not necessarily bad, not necessarily good. Just.....well, a decently soul-less replication of Disneyland done with the best intentions.

2007-08-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

MORE FREEDOMLAND GOODNESS!

Here's a couple more attraction posters from the elusive park in the Bronx.

From Freedomland's New Orleans Square, a rather gloomy looking clown.

I have seven posters. I'm not sure if that means they only did seven posters that happened to cover just these attractions or whether there were many other posters made. There's a couple for Satellite City so that probably means there are more...

From Freedomland's Tomorrowland, an Autopia Car driven by an insect.

Like the secret to how many licks it takes to get to a Tootsie Pop's chocolatey centre, the world may never know.

2007-08-05T23:01:00.001-07:00

FREEDOMLAND, USA!!!

Hello all! Been a while. Hope things are well with everyone.

I've been busy with work and found that it was too frustrating to keep up an even pace with the blog. So basically, I stopped. I've since received some very nice e-mails from people who occasionally check back. Thanks for the kind words!

Of course, my interest in all things Disneylandy is stronger than ever. I'll try to stop in from time to time and update.

That said, this post is in regard to Patrick's great postings on STUFF FROM THE PARK about that obscure and practically 'lost' theme park from Bronx, New York, FREEDOMLAND.

Freedomland was a short lived, East Coast answer to Disneyland. Even with the involvement of key Disneyland personel, the park lacked the magical glue that set Disneyland so high above its imitators. The park's short life span ran from 1960 to 1964. Poor attendance, bad weather, and the forthcoming World's Fair in Queens helped Freedomland into its early grave.

Here's a weird piece of original concept art I have for
the "PopityPop" Popcorn Cart from the LITTLE OLD NEW YORK theme area.

Not as well known or as many enthusiasts as Disneyland, Freedomland does have a rabidly fanatic fanbase...many of which were lucky guests of this lost New York park.

In response to Patrick's post that had some Freedomland signage, I'll post some extremely rare Freedomland Hand-Silkscreened Attraction Posters over the next few days. They cover various attractions from the seven themed areas of the park.

Combination Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Autopia, the HORSELESS CARRIAGE
attraction was in the LITTLE OLD NEW YORK theme section.

Like most of Freedomland, they are a pale imitation of Disneyland's Attraction Posters. Cheesy as they may be, they have an absolute charm of their own.

Freedomland's answer to Disneyland's SKYWAY in THE OLD SOUTHWEST theme section.

I'm certain these posters are much more rare than even the rarest Disneyland posters. You simply don't see them around.

2007-03-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

I GET CHILLS......

Howdy fellow theme park fans!

Yeah, yeah...I know. I've been bad. Well, if its any consolation, I feel bad.

My hit counter has consistent numbers so, I'm aware that I must be creating disappointment. Trust me, I will pick things up.

Going through some slides tonite, I found this rather nice Matterhorn interior from 1980.

Seeing it's icy cool chunkiness made me realize how much that view is missed and of course, the attraction that allowed that killer view.

Next to world peace, racial harmony and the Never-Ending Gobstopper, I wish for the return of the Skyway.

Awlrighty, I'll gladly trade in any two for the Skyway.

Damn you, bittersweet fate!

2007-02-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Ahoy, Mateys!
I've been busy swabbin' the poop deck. But me buckos, I'll be postin' some pirate booty soon!

In the meantime, munch on some tuna fishk sangwiches and gander at the Chicken O' the Sea Pirate Ship from 1956.

It's funny how this long lost attraction is now as etherial and legendary as the fantasy ship it portrayed....makes ya think, don't it!

2007-01-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

MORE DISNEYLAND '56 with the LIMPKNUTS!

...check out the fancy schmantzy panographic pics!

2007-01-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

A VISIT TO DISNEYLAND PARK, WITH THE LIMPKNUT FAMILY!
c. March 1956

2007-01-25T00:39:00.000-08:00

Now, Where The Hell Did I Put My Magic Feather?

Anyone tired of Santas's Village?

Here's a nice underbelly shot of the first Dumbo's Flying Elephants ride vehicle. Weird, since it's Dumbo himself. Notice the ears which have hinges at the skull.

These early Dumbos featured 'ear flap' animation which quickly caused more problems then the effect was worth. The sculptor, Chris Muller, was commissioned to fix the problem by creating new casts from a fixed ear Dumbo with no hinges for movement.

Well, it was a nice try anyhow.

Sorry for no posts. Just find myself so exhausted when I get home, the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer again. I'll get over it.... Thanks for checking back! I'll start up the routine soon!

2006-12-23T22:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Xmas! Jews, Gentiles and Everyone In-Between!

Hey everybody! Well, that beloved day is upon us!

The little Lord Jesus will have first laid down his sweet head approximately 2041 years ago! Talk about staying power!

Ya gotta respect Christianity's skill in the public relations department. No matter what your background, the thematic holiday of Christmas is most successful advertising campaign of all time!

A lot has been done by mankind in Jesus' name...some good and some well, not so good. One thing I'm certain he'd be proud of is, Santa's Village theme parks!

If there's one thing theme parks do best, it's to re-package a thematic concept, melt it down into a homogeneous syrup and spread it around for everybody with a colorful icing. Yummy, yum-yum!!!

This time, we'll center on the now defunct, Santa's Village in Skyforest, California.

Because I've been away and probably will be for a little bit more, I thought I'd choke you with an overdose of sugary images from this visual playground.

There's a lot so be sure not to swallow it all at once! These images consist of brochures, postcards and slides...

Of course, there's a billion reasons to love Santa's Village; colors, candy, cartoony architecture, 50s kitch, mushrooms, elves, reindeer, phallis, pixies, fat men, fat women, trains, seasonal denial...the list could go on forever.

More so than any other place, Santa's Village tip-toed the line between creepy and cute!

Now that's one way to get an underage boy into your creepy boudoir!

For the purposes of this blog, I'd like to draw your attention to yet another aspect of the Santa's Village greatness...it's shameless, wonderful, roadside/carny-esque rip-off if it's beloved neighbor to the south, Disneyland.

Not entirely on the surface mind you, but there in spirit. I'll point some out and see if you can find some others.

Of course, the biggest comparison would be Fantasyland. So many elements in Santa's Village draw from Disney's European flavored land.....

Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach and Pinocchio's Village are represented. Tinkerbell's Toy Shop with dolls of many lands can be found. There was even a "Wee Puppet Theater" at the park.

Alice In Wonderland was sure not to miss her place at Santa's pad!

Ah, yes. Main Street and it's call back to a bygone era...

Steam trains, turn of the century automobiles and hand made candy emporiums flourished here...

And here we have a Santa's Village equivalent of the Main Street Flower Mart...

Pixies selling pansies...

Not to mention dads who just tried their darndest to let the spirit overtake them....

Herman likes Santa's Village 'cause at least it's a hellavalot cheaper than Disneyland!

Santa's Village was educational too! Did you know Santa responds to more than just milk and cookies after he shimmies down your chimney?

I'd lock up my house pets and small farm animals on Christmas Eve...just to be safe.

Hey, let's not forget Tomorrowland! Here we have representation of both the Monorail and the Astro Jets!

Part Matterhorn Bobsled, part Frontierland Stagecoach, Santa's Sleigh Ride was powered by almost live Reindeer...and occupied by almost live guests!

They look like pretty happy beasts of burden, don't they?

Well, I'm certain there's many, many more comparisons out there. I have some more pics but alas, I have to save some for next year!

Anyhow, have a happy holiday theme park fans and I'll see you on the other side!

2006-12-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

RUN, DON'T WALK!!!!!!

Wowzie, wowzie, woo-woo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been searching for something on this new dvd set for 20 years! I'm on camera, grilling both Roy Disney and Art Linkletter about the possible existence of a very rare film. Dave Smith has heard my wrath on this subject! Low and behold, today it's finally released!!!!

Kodak Presents, Disneyland '59!

My sweet lord! I've been told time and time again that this thing simply didn't exist. Bill Cotter has said he had never heard of an existing print.

For those of you who don't know, this was the "second opening" of Disneyland in 1959. Broadcast live a'la "Dateline Disneyland", this 90 minute special was hosted by Art Linkletter and featured celebs and visual intros to what the newly revamped park had to offer on June 14, 1959. Luckily, Dateline Disneyland was filmed as a kinescope from the live broadcast. Disneyland '59 was said to not exist on film. Well, this surprise DVD set offers it in all it's restored glory. The 'pre-filmed' or 'canned film footage that was inserted live into the original broadcast has even been restored and inserted, crystal clear into this new DVD.

Talk about an early Kwanzaa for me!!!! This was the Holy Grail...now it exists in my fuzzy, greedy little paws!!

If you love Disneyland, YOU MUST GET THIS SET!!!!!!

2006-12-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

Jeez! Thanks Santa!

Joe Barbera (1911-2006)

Well, I'm sure many of you are wondering where I've been. Let me apologize in advance.

After almost eight years as an independent in animation, I've started a new gig at Dreamworks Animation. I have to say, so far I love it! What a great place.

On the excuse note, things were a little crazy when I first started and I had to place the blog on the back burner for a little bit. I promise to pick things up in the next week.

That said, I heard the crappy news today.....we lost another massive figure in animation today. Joe Barbera. He's absolutely one of my heroes and this is a big loss for those of us who loved his work.

I'm off to an event this evening but I'll try to post something later. just wanted to say....something before getting plastered this evening. Besides, it's very possible I might not make sense later!

In the meantime, get the latest news from my favorite site, Cartoon Brew.

Again, I apologize for the absence but I shall return!

2006-11-27T00:11:00.000-08:00

HA!
Casey Jr. Animal Car c.June 1965

Nobody puts people down better or more friendly than Disneyland!

Happy Monday!

2006-11-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, THEME PARK FANS!

2006-11-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

SAY, "AHOY!" TO THE BLACK PEARL AND FLYING DUTCHMAN!

Ah, yes. Those quality-striving folks in Disneyland management are at it again and there's talk of 're-theming' Tom Saywer's Island.

Since most kids today haven't ever picked up a book, Disneyland has decided to follow instead of lead.

Well, being a fan of Walt Disney's theory of consistent theming, I think they should re-christen the Rivers of America...er, make that Waters of Tortuga vessels with new monickers...

I mean, fer cryin' out loud, what blockbuster film franchise can a kid relate the first American trans-global schooner or a Mississippi river boat too? There needs to be a change....

So, let's get crackin! Get out your crowbars and bronze colored paint cans and get to work swabbies! We wouldn't want to send a mixed signal to our increasingly illiterate and historically ignorant, consumer youth now, would we?

Walt wouldn't have it any other way............I think.

2006-11-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

WE WANT MORE STUFFED PEOPLE!

Ya know, thinking about the lack of monkey at Disneyland the other day, I began to think about some of the other old-tymee goodness that has been cleansed from the theme park experience....

STUFFED PEOPLE!

Just Imagine the sawdust these three would kick up!

Both Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland featured stuffed people throughout the park. Remember the Burning Settler's Cabin arrow victim or the Main Street squatters?

A rare snap-shot from the quickly removed, Disneyland Main Street
Bates Motel Attraction.

Be afraid little girl, be very afraid....

Why Disneyland and Knotts competed in this rather strange fringe of the display arts, I don't know. Must be an Orange County thing.

And we're not talkin' animatronics...No, sir!

We're talkin' stuffed skins over bamboo and balsa wood armatures!

This was quality entertainment folks!

Would you park your naive stuffed men with these two shifty lookin' kids?

What I do know, is that you and I (and our $60+ clams to get into the parks) are not worthy of this rare and lost art form.

Now that these residents of the parks and the Movieland Wax Museum are gone, the closest thing we have to stuffed people are the middle management in most of our corporate entertainment companies...

2006-11-15T00:49:00.000-08:00

MAIN STREET MONKEYSHINES!

I know it's not the most fascinating pic in the world, but if you remember a month or so ago, I begged for monkey. Well, looking for some stuff to post tonite, I found this Main Street castmember from 1957.

I like how everyone has their paws out in a gesture of friendship. If only we could all reach out with our monkey paws, the world would be a better place...

I haven't been to Disneyland in a while, but the last time I was there, I had no monkey. Please bring back monkey...please?

2006-11-14T00:57:00.000-08:00

MORE MONORAIL MADNESS!

Well, to add to everyone's Monorail posts, here's some more shots.

Is it possible to take a poor snap shot of the monorail I ask?

Bob Gurr...ya gotta hand it to the guy!

The Monorail alone should get him a first class ticket into Heaven, Nirvana, Shangra-La or a fairly good delicatessen in the sky!

Thanks, Bob!!

We are now passing General Dynamic's, Submarine Voyage!

Greetings, Space Mom!

Please have your hand stamped before you leave the platform!

2006-11-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

A gift from Disneyland on Sunday...

2006-11-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

IT'S 'FURRY-FREE FRIDAY' AT THE PICKLE BARREL!

Disneyland has always been full of posers. Yup! People who want their picture taken...on both sides of the costume!

There's no question the walk-around characters at the Disney parks are what set them apart from everything that came before them...and even the one's that have tried since then.

Walt wanted Disneyland to be a tactile experience. For a little tyke , actually touching and interacting with their fantasy friends is a powerful experience.

"I got ya poison apple...right here!"

It takes a special breed to take on the role of fantasy character...

In the days since their inception, that breed has expanded for better or for worse....

The wonderful thing about Tiggers, is they always take the Fifth!

"No bouncing 'til I speak to my attorney!"

But on the whole, the walk arounds are cool no matter how you look at them...

It's amazing how a polyester and rubber suit can break down walls...

...and get us closer to the things we love! yipes!

"Ahoy, Matey!"

I just hope the furry thing doesn't creep into the parks too much....

"Ok, Louie, you distract'em, I'll go for the cash..."

God knows we don't need Mickey Mouse molested by sauced-up soccer moms...

Anyhow, thought this would make a nice post today....Being Furry Free Friday and all...

Say "Bye, Bye, Mickey!"

"Bye, Bye!"

2006-11-09T02:20:00.000-08:00

The Original Walt Disney World,
MICKEY MOUSE REVUE!

Back in the early 1960s, Walt had several plans for his budding Audio Animatronics technology. We've all heard of the earliest concepts such as Lincoln and the Tiki Room.

Depending on how learned a nerd you are, you may have even heard of such concepts as the primal Dancing Man/Disneylandia show, the early pre-Ford pavilion-Disneyland dinosaur exhibit or the Main Street/Chinatown Confucius character.

True, all of these were conceptual thoughts that pre-date the Tiki Room, but another early concept that eventually came to be was The Mickey Mouse Revue!

Upon the first successful tests at WED, Walt immediately thought the Audio Animatronics technology would be a perfect progression in the evolution of bringing his film cartoons to life.

His concept was to reinvent the age-old presentation of a character puppet show. In keeping with the joyful thoughts of his little wooden head, these puppets would have no strings! The show itself, a musical gag production using songs from his greatest films. Of course, the emcee would be none other than....well, Mickey Mouse!

As we've heard before, there just wasn't enough time for all of Walt's ideas to be realized in his lifetime. However, when the new park was being prepped in the late 1960s, Walt's 'super-puppet show' would be resurrected and given a fitting home.

The show had many neat sequences , featuring Disney stock characters from the films: Alice in Wonderland, The Three Caballeros, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, Cinderella, and even some TV and short film characters such as Ludwig Von Drake and Clarabelle Cow. Yep, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, his wench, his rotten nephews, Goofy and the Three Humaniod Pigs were in on the act as well...

Unfortunately, if you never visited WDW in the 1970s or very early 80s, you wouldn't have seen it. The low attendance attraction was pawned off on the Japanese when they bought Tokyo Disneyland in the late 1970s. The Revue was dismantled rather than recreated and was ready for the April 1983 opening in Japan.

Oddly enough, if these rare interior shots pique your interest enough, you can still see this great show today. Tokyo Disneyland is still very much intact from it's 1983 opening...and the Mickey Mouse Revue just happens to be one of the survivors! The show is virtually the same as the 1971 show...except re-recorded in Japanese!

It seems like a no-brainer, but three dimensional recreations of the Disney CARTOON characters could really breathe some life into the parks again. America Sings, Country Bears and later, Splash Mountain all used AA technology to bring cartoons to life as opposed to the simple servo motor animation in the dark rides.

Hopefully with Pixar in the mix, the AA tech will once again bring the classic characters back to America with new shows in the spirit of Walt's, Mickey Mouse Revue!

2006-11-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES!

Anyone out there tired of castle shots? Nah, I didn't think so!

Ain't she purty?