Tell me something random about Disneyland

[Zzizzy]

The Tomorrowland Boats attraction was only open for eights days, giving way to the Phantom Boats -- didn't last long either -- before the site became the lagoon for the Submarine Voyage.

What happened in those eight days?

This one took some research and it's a pretty strange story. Here's an excerpt from what I found...

On July 20, 1955, Disneyland debuted the Tomorrowland Boats in the lagoon that would eventually be home to the Submarines. This attraction was a snoozer; only 542 guests rode them at opening. Compared to the other unique and fun attractions, the slow-moving and unexceptional Boats just couldn’t compete. On August 16, 1955, they were rechristened The Phantom Boats and redesigned with tailfins that were apparently a mechanical nightmare. They quickly got a bad reputation for stranding guests in the lagoon.

There were a total of 14 gas-powered fiberglass marvels painted in bright colors, designed by Bruce Bushman. Poor mechanical design caused the motors to constantly overheat; every night the boats had to be rescued and repaired. “Pilots” for the boats were added to help the situation, but despite all their efforts, the Phantom Boats received the dubious distinction of being the first permanent Disneyland attraction to be closed. By the end of 1955, they were taken out of commission. There was a brief attempt to change the attraction to a Florida Everglades type “Airboat” (guests could even see signage proclaiming their June 2, 1956 opening). The new boat was built and even tested, but ultimately vetoed, so as a last resort, the Phantom Boats came back for one more chug around the lagoon in the summer of 1956.

More inforamtion can be found at http://davelandweb.com/motorboatcruise/

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

Walt Disney's brother, Roy Disney, proposed to his now-wife onboard the Mark Twain on opening day.

Almost none of the Disneyland employees knew Walt had lung cancer. It only came out after he died.

Walt's one surviving daughter, Diane, owns a winery in Napa--Silverado. You can now find the wine inside DCA and at Club 33.

 

[lurpee]

This one took some research and it's a pretty strange story. Here's an excerpt from what I found...

On July 20, 1955, Disneyland debuted the Tomorrowland Boats in the lagoon that would eventually be home to the Submarines. This attraction was a snoozer; only 542 guests rode them at opening. Compared to the other unique and fun attractions, the slow-moving and unexceptional Boats just couldn’t compete. On August 16, 1955, they were rechristened The Phantom Boats and redesigned with tailfins that were apparently a mechanical nightmare. They quickly got a bad reputation for stranding guests in the lagoon.

There were a total of 14 gas-powered fiberglass marvels painted in bright colors, designed by Bruce Bushman. Poor mechanical design caused the motors to constantly overheat; every night the boats had to be rescued and repaired. “Pilots” for the boats were added to help the situation, but despite all their efforts, the Phantom Boats received the dubious distinction of being the first permanent Disneyland attraction to be closed. By the end of 1955, they were taken out of commission. There was a brief attempt to change the attraction to a Florida Everglades type “Airboat” (guests could even see signage proclaiming their June 2, 1956 opening). The new boat was built and even tested, but ultimately vetoed, so as a last resort, the Phantom Boats came back for one more chug around the lagoon in the summer of 1956.

More inforamtion can be found at http://davelandweb.com/motorboatcruise/

Thanks for looking! That's interesting. I wil be checking out the lagoon in December.
Thanks again!
Kerri

 

[starshine514]

DL used to hold a country fair celebration, and they put up a ferris wheel in the hub.

I now have that song from the commercial running through my head - 'Oh the state fair at Disneyland is something special...'