Weekend Update: Parks Past and Present
Twas the Weekend Update after Christmas and all through the site, the MiceChatters were getting ready for theme park pictures shot right.
We'd continue with the Night Before Christmas rhyme, but we've had one too many eggnog. Somehow we've managed to pull together this fantastic world tour through our sugar plum induced stupor.
Santa, the Ronald Reagan Library, construction update from Disney World, and for good measure we bend space and time to jet you back to the golden age of Pacific Ocean Park and Magic Mountain. But first, we give thanks to the holiday just past.
Epcot Center
Walt Disney World, Florida
SummerInFL has been nice this year. Good thing for her since she is bringing us a tour of Santas from around Epcot's World Showcase.
Every year in World Showcase, each country tells the story of how they celebrate Christmas and who Santa is to them.
Canada
France
Japan
A little light to help us find our way home
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Simi Valley, California
sir clinksalot chaperoned a field trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library recently. His photos offer us a glimpse of this majestic tribute to our 40th president.
Welcome to the Ronald Reagan Library
Quote:
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs is the presidential library of Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Designed by Hugh Stubbins and Associates, the library is located in Simi Valley, California, about 40 miles northwest of Downtown Los Angeles and 15 miles west of Chatsworth.
Construction of the library began in 1988, and the center was dedicated on November 4, 1991. The dedication ceremonies were the first time in United States history that five United States Presidents gathered together in the same place: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. Six First Ladies also attended: Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush.
A 90,000-square-foot exhibit "hangar" serves as the setting for the permanent display of the Boeing 707 aircraft utilized as Air Force One during Reagan's administration. The aircraft, SAM 27000, was also used by six other presidents in its active service life from 1973–2001, including Richard Nixon during his second term, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
Construction of the library began in 1988, and the center was dedicated on November 4, 1991. The dedication ceremonies were the first time in United States history that five United States Presidents gathered together in the same place: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. Six First Ladies also attended: Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush.
A 90,000-square-foot exhibit "hangar" serves as the setting for the permanent display of the Boeing 707 aircraft utilized as Air Force One during Reagan's administration. The aircraft, SAM 27000, was also used by six other presidents in its active service life from 1973–2001, including Richard Nixon during his second term, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
An actual BGM-109 Gryphon Nuclear Missle (without the warhead of course)
Gorbechev and Reagan signing the missle treaty
A Replica of the Oval Office as seen during the Reagan Presidency
Some campaign memorabilia
The Notre Dame sweater that "The Gipper" wore.
Each Year, the library has a display of Christmas Tree's from around the world
The coolest Advent calendar EVER
Some of the trees
This is an actual piece of the Berlin Wall. This was the West German side
The East German Side
A gorgeous view
The Rose Garden
The Final Resting Place of our 40th President
There are 40 trees planted here
And 2 olive trees. One in honor of Nancy Reagan...
...and one in memory of President Reagan.
Pacific Ocean Park
Santa Monica, California
I saw this fantastic YouTube video about Pacific Ocean Park recently and really enjoyed it. Although I was raised in the OC, I don't think I ever visited "P.O.P." I gathered a few images of the old park which are followed by the video.
Quote:
Pacific Ocean Park was a twenty-eight acre, nautical-themed amusement park built on a pier at Santa Monica, California which was intended to compete with Disneyland.
"POP," as it was soon nicknamed and pronounced, "pee-oh-pee" was a joint venture between CBS and Santa Anita Park. It opened on Saturday, July 28, 1958 with an attendance figure of 20,000. The next day, the park drew 37,262 which handily outperformed Disneyland's attendance figure that same day. Admission was ninety cents for adults which included access to the park and certain exhibits. The term "POP" was also used as a clever acronym for "Pay One Price", though other rides and attractions were on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Like Disneyland, Pacific Ocean Park found corporate sponsors to share the expenses of some of the exhibits. Six of the pier's original attractions were incorporated into the new park: The Sea Serpent roller coaster, the antique Looff carousel, the Toonerville Fun House, the Glass House, twin diving bells and much more.
In 1965, Santa Monica began its Ocean Park urban renewal project. Buildings in the surrounding area were demolished and streets leading to the park were closed. As a result, visitors simply couldn't reach the park and attendance plummeted to 621,000 in 1965 and 398,700 in 1966.
At the end of the 1967 tourist season, the park's creditors and the City of Santa Monica filed suit to take control of the property because of back taxes and back rent owed by the park's new owner since 1965. Pacific Ocean Park closed on October 6, 1967. The park's assets were auctioned off June 28 through June 30, 1968. The proceeds from the sale of thirty-six rides and sixteen games were used to pay off creditors. The ruins of the pier became a favorite surfing area and hangout of the Z-Boys of Dogtown fame. The park's dilapidated buildings and pier structure remained until several suspicious fires occurred and it was finally demolished in the winter of 1974-75.
Other than a few underwater pilings and signs warning of them, nothing remains of Pacific Ocean Park today. However, a few miles north, the original Santa Monica Pier does feature a newer amusement park, similarly called Pacific Park. Today, the rides and attractions of the Santa Monica Pier include the old Carousel that is featured prominently in the 1973 Academy Award -winning film,The Sting.
"POP," as it was soon nicknamed and pronounced, "pee-oh-pee" was a joint venture between CBS and Santa Anita Park. It opened on Saturday, July 28, 1958 with an attendance figure of 20,000. The next day, the park drew 37,262 which handily outperformed Disneyland's attendance figure that same day. Admission was ninety cents for adults which included access to the park and certain exhibits. The term "POP" was also used as a clever acronym for "Pay One Price", though other rides and attractions were on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Like Disneyland, Pacific Ocean Park found corporate sponsors to share the expenses of some of the exhibits. Six of the pier's original attractions were incorporated into the new park: The Sea Serpent roller coaster, the antique Looff carousel, the Toonerville Fun House, the Glass House, twin diving bells and much more.
In 1965, Santa Monica began its Ocean Park urban renewal project. Buildings in the surrounding area were demolished and streets leading to the park were closed. As a result, visitors simply couldn't reach the park and attendance plummeted to 621,000 in 1965 and 398,700 in 1966.
At the end of the 1967 tourist season, the park's creditors and the City of Santa Monica filed suit to take control of the property because of back taxes and back rent owed by the park's new owner since 1965. Pacific Ocean Park closed on October 6, 1967. The park's assets were auctioned off June 28 through June 30, 1968. The proceeds from the sale of thirty-six rides and sixteen games were used to pay off creditors. The ruins of the pier became a favorite surfing area and hangout of the Z-Boys of Dogtown fame. The park's dilapidated buildings and pier structure remained until several suspicious fires occurred and it was finally demolished in the winter of 1974-75.
Other than a few underwater pilings and signs warning of them, nothing remains of Pacific Ocean Park today. However, a few miles north, the original Santa Monica Pier does feature a newer amusement park, similarly called Pacific Park. Today, the rides and attractions of the Santa Monica Pier include the old Carousel that is featured prominently in the 1973 Academy Award -winning film,The Sting.
Orlando, Florida
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt sent us these construction photos from around Walt Disney World. Denise has lots more photos on her website: mousesteps.com.
The new Downtown Disney stage:
A boat traveling to Magic Kingdom:
The Contemporary Villas:
Work being done inside the Contemporary Resort 4th floor:
Magic Mountain
Valencia, CA
Valencia, CA
If the segment on Pacific Ocean Park made you nostalgic for the good old days, you'll love what MickeyMaxx offers us this week. Who else remembers the kinder, gentler Magic Mountain that is depicted here?
Long ago, and far away, 2 uncles used to take their 2 nieces to a theme park each year to celebrate their birthdays. One of their favorite parks was Magic Mountain. I ran into this book of miniature post cards we bought on one of those early visits when cleaning out the garage the other night.
So, here's to a simpler time and having the opportunity to bond with two wonderful girls, on quite a Magical Mountain! Heather and Jessica we still love you dearly!
In the words of the original souvenir album:
More than 2 million gallons of water, fountains, lakes and lush landscaping make Magic Mountain a natural wonderland.
Valencia Falls and its fountain set the mood for night time activities at MM. The soft glow of natural gas lights enhance the thrilling rides and top name entertainment featured at MM.
The Grand Carousel. Ride to the tunes of a pipe organ. Originally built in 1912, and completely restored, the historic carousel features 64 hand carved horses.
On Log Jammer, speeding through a half mile long flume of raging water in a hollowed out log is one of many exciting things to do.
The Galaxy, a double arm ferris wheel rising more than 100 feet into the air offers a whirling ride high above Magic Mountain.
Even small children can ride on the Mini Pree, a scaled down version of a Grand Prix raceway.
On the Wild Goldrusher, you'll breeze through our mountain on a twisting swirl of wild west excitement.
Challenge your driving skills on the Chevron Grand Prix, where visitors race sports cars through a lushly landscaped course, while the Metro passes overhead.
Soaring columns of brilliantly lighted water sway to the rhythms of popular tunes at Dancing Waters.
Splashing and bouncing in a water-filled lagoon in your own boat is the thrill of El Bumpo.
Kudos to Mike Roberts Color Production, which produced this piece for the park, and captured the feeling of this moment in time so well.
And that brings us to the end of another week. Our photographers have just enough time to reload their cameras before we see you all again next weekend. Thank you to all of our wonderful readers, and as always, a huge thank you to our amazing team of global photographers, spies, and gossips:
Jack Hollywood 1939 Wixom
TDLFAN
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt
SummerInFl
PhotoMatt
Fishbulb
sir clinksalot
MickeyMaxx
BigPigletFan
Abominable Snowman
Your Editors - Rixter and Dusty
Where have YOU been recently? We invite you to share your photos of theme parks or any other destination that may be of interest to our readers. Please feel free to contact me via MiceChat Private Message (screen name Rixter)
or send me an email: oceansiderick@gmail.com.
or send me an email: oceansiderick@gmail.com.
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*Some factual information sourced from wikipedia.com.
Total Comments 18
Comments
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Great update, I remember the El Bumpo well. I never rode it without getting soaked everytime.Posted 12-27-2008 at 06:49 AM by hadesthecat
Updated 12-27-2008 at 06:50 AM by hadesthecat (it didnt make sense) -
Thanks for the great shots this week everyone!
Those early Magic Mtn shots are amazing. My earliest trip there was right after the Revolution opened, and at that time, it seemed like the scariest ride in the universe. I remember getting a "white knuckler" badge after riding that and the Gold Rusher...and maybe one or two other rides. I remember being amazed at the way the trees had grown in around the Revolution when I was there last year with my kids. I am equally amazed at a comparitvely treeless park in those early shots/post cards. Thanks for sharing those, MickeyMaxx.Posted 12-27-2008 at 08:25 AM by Mac Daddy -
I do miss the Galaxy.
Posted 12-27-2008 at 10:24 AM by JesterMn - Great Update, as always. I look forward to it every weekend, especially pictures of Disney and other destinations where I've never been (and alas, sometimes never will...).
Isn't this the Magic Kingdom boat launch, though, rather than Downtown Disney?Quote:A boat traveling from the Wilderness Lodge to Downtown Disney:
Posted 12-27-2008 at 10:36 AM by Mikado -
Great update, interesting pictures from the past of some of these theme parks!Posted 12-27-2008 at 10:38 AM by WheresMickey - I wish Magic Mountain was still like that and not as gang-infested.Posted 12-27-2008 at 10:51 AM by disneylandfan95
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That was a fun update! Thanks for sharing the old memories!Posted 12-27-2008 at 10:52 AM by dmomof4 - wheres disneyland?Posted 12-27-2008 at 09:00 PM by disneygeek@sc
- Quote:
Hey where are all the houses? All i see are mountains!
Ah simpler times...Posted 12-27-2008 at 09:01 PM by aduecey -
Great Update, except there is one small problem. The only way a boat can get to Downtown Disney from Wilderness Lodge is if it can fly over land. They are on different bodies of water about a mile or so apartPosted 12-27-2008 at 10:20 PM by DisneyImagineering -
this is fantastic i live in santa monica and have never heard of P.O.P.
thanks a lotPosted 12-28-2008 at 01:53 AM by norcal1219 
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I have fond memories of POP. That bubble ride over the ocean was kind of scary. I was a preteen when it opened and I do remember being sad when it was taken down. Parts of the final episode where the one armed man is caught from the TV show The Fugitive were filmed at the abandoned POP.Posted 12-28-2008 at 01:54 PM by Wendygirl -
super duperPosted 12-28-2008 at 10:01 PM by b236en -
great update! i love the old pictures of the theme parks.Posted 12-29-2008 at 06:11 AM by Lady Stardust -
Great update, iI love looking at old theme park photosPosted 12-29-2008 at 07:06 AM by BrizMarc -
Great weekend update. Thanks for posting the photos of the Reagan museum. Very nice!!
Thanks also for all the nostalgic photos!! Good stuff!
I also loved all the different looking Santas from around the world.Posted 12-29-2008 at 08:38 AM by xalesa -
ah the good ole days. how we all miss them, especially this day in age. happy new year everyone! hope everyone had a great yr, I did!Posted 12-29-2008 at 11:39 AM by wdwnut4life -
I don't know if I should laugh or cry at the "Canadian" Santa. Canadian Santa looks just like American Santa - the red Coca-Cola kind. Hopefully they made him like that just to fit in with the area, and not for educational purposes, because I've never once seen a Santa here who looks like that! Maybe it's an east coast or French-Canadian thing???Posted 12-29-2008 at 12:46 PM by SBAngelBear
