Hallmark PDL Postcard X3

After going through a dry-spell of not finding any Disneyland postcards, I've come across three different Hallmark PDL cards.  These cards were published by Hallmark and sold in Disneyland between 1960 to 1962. The first card (above) features a great close-up from Storybook Land.  I don't think any other postcard featured the detailed work that went into this attraction.

Next, we have a great shot of the Tom Sawyer rafts making their way across the Rivers of America.  The background includes a nice shot of the mill before this area was super-sized with the Fantasmic stage.  And, below the Columbia makes it's way around the bend right next to Cascade Peak.

Sleeping Beauty Part II

Per request, here's a couple more images from the 1957 Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle brochure.

One Thousand

Nope, not my one thousandth post, but rather my one thousandth Disneyland postcard.  I was putting away my latest batch of postcards yesterday and decided to count my collection. And to my surprise I'd crossed over into the 1000s.

I would never have thought that when I started collecting postcards on July 30, 1998 (that's the day I registered with eBay) that I'd have this many cards.   

I don't think I have as many cards as my buddy, Mike, though.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

When Disneyland opened in 1955, Sleeping Beauty (the movie) was still a few years away.  (It was finally released on January 29, 1959.)  In what was probably an effort to link this upcoming movie with the Theme Park icon this brochure was created in 1957.

It's only eight pages long and contains numerous production stills from the movie including a double-gate fold (I think that's what it's called) in the center.  There's also a great picture of Walt Disney in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

And in a stroke of luck, the copy I picked up still has the coupon for a free envelope available at the Arts Crafts Store in the Castle Courtyard.

Main Street Jumbo Postcard

Picked up a great jumbo (9" x 6") postcard of Town Square on Main Street in Disneyland. Looking at the right hand frame of the postcard (circa 1955) you'll notice no view of the Matterhorn and the never-built International Street.  I don't think there were any other postcards that contained a view of International Street.

I also believe of the dozen or so jumbo cards that were produced in this era, this is the only view that wasn't replicated in the standard view (3.5" x 5.5").

Peter and the Starcatchers

My son and I were browsing through our local bookstore. I was trying to get him interested in reading some chapter books during the summer. That's when we stumbled upon Peter and the Starcatchers.  I remember when this book first came out in 2004. I was amazed that Dave Barry (who I truly enjoyed reading his weekly humor column and numerous books) was tackling a beloved children's icon. I was also amazed that somebody would attempt a prequel to one of my favorite Disney movies and theme park attraction. My son didn't show any interest in reading about Peter Pan, but I thought I'd take a stab (no pun intended) at it.

Dave Barry teams up with suspense writer Ridley Pearson. Those who are very familiar with Barry's work will see his sense of humor pop-up in this book. It's a pretty easy read. After all, it's aimed at the juvenile set. But, it's definitely a page-turner. I couldn't put it down. Hat's off to these two writers for creating a new children's book series. 

Of course, when I finished reading it, I did two things. 1) I checked to see when it's going to be made into a movie. Disney has purchased the movie rights and rumors are pointing to it being made into a CG movie. And 2) I bought one of the sequels: Peter and the Shadow Thieves.

Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July Everyone.

I hope you all have a safe and sane holiday.

And in other news, I've fixed my scanner so updates should appear more frequently.