food IS a theme park
The Disneyland Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Submarine Voyage are three of Disneyland’s oldest and most iconic attractions. Today, we were lucky enough to attend a special media event celebrating the 60th anniversary of these beloved Disneyland rides.
Disneyland Monorail
During the event, we not only had the opportunity to ride each attraction but we also heard from a Disney Archivist about the history of each one. Take a journey with us back in time as we fill you in on what we learned!
We’re suckers for original Disneyland locales, and The Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland is one of those that totally steals our hearts. A mainstay of the park since day one, there’s plenty of lore about this now-quick service spot, including the presence of Walt’s personal box — at the right-most corner of the restaurant’s balcony — which is now open to the public.
The Golden Horseshoe
November marks 90 years of fun (and “oh boys!”) courtesy of Mickey Mouse — and the Walt Disney Company is celebrating the main mouse with a two-hour prime-time television event on November 4! It is appropriately named Mickey’s 90th Spectacular — and we got a sneak peek when we attended the taping this weekend!
Mickey’s 90th Spectacular!
You want history, my fellow Disney-loving friends? Well, then, you’re going to love what we have in store for you today.
Sign
That’s right, we’re taking another trip to Disneyland for a rip-roarin’ good time at one of our favorite Old West saloons — The Golden Horseshoe!
This place has it all — Disney pedigree, a hilarious show, and signature menu items.
If you haven’t been there before, I have a feeling it will be on your Disney Bucket List once we’re finished talking about this time-honored spot in Disney’s original theme park.
Let’s check it out!
Head up Main Street USA towards Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and hang a left at the hub. You’ll find The Golden Horseshoe centrally located in Frontierland, appropriately.
One of the most interesting bits of trivia about this spot is that it was one of the original fixtures when the park opened waaaaaayyy back in 1955.
In fact, Walt and his wife, Lillian, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary with a private party here just days before the park opened to the public.
Awesome Golden Horseshoe Signs
(Check out Heather’s post about a cool Limited Time Magic event earlier this year, which included a dessert with a picture from that famous night!)
The boardwalk outside touts Ice Cream Sundaes and more as you anticipate heading inside… .
Entrance
Enter into the saloon-themed counter service spot and take in all the details. The restaurant was designed by Harper Goff, and if it seems familiar, then you must be an old film buff — it’s based upon a set design that Goff used in the the 1953 western comedy musical Calamity Jane, starring Doris Day. (See? Reading DFB is not only a treat for the eyes, it’s a learning experience, too! ;-D You’re SMARTER than you were when you started reading!)
Seating and Stage Under the Rotunda
Two levels of seating provide you lots of options for taking in the show. You’ll also notice some “box seats” situated closer to the stage. Walt himself kept the one on the right for viewing the show anytime time he wanted to, as this was a favorite spot of his. The boxes are open to the public now.
Upper Level Seating on the Rotunda and Longhorns
Rich details surround you, and actually, the feeling is pretty [Read more…]
Located just a few miles away from the Disney Studios in Burbank, The Tam O’ Shanter is Los Angeles’ oldest restaurant that has remained in the same location under the same ownership and management since 1922.
AND Walt Disney ate here. A lot.
The Tam O’ Shanter was very close to Walt’s Hyperion Studio when it opened. He frequented the restaurant so often that is was commonly referred to as the “studio commissary.”
The Tam O' Shanter
After seeing Beauty and the Beast in 3D at the Disney Studios, my family and I decided head over to The Tam O’ Shanter to check it out — and possibly sit where Walt once sat, Table 31.
I made us a reservation, which I highly recommend as the restaurant does get fairly busy. I even requested Table 31. Since it was dark, my pictures really don’t do the building justice. The restaurant looks like a quaint cottage located smack in the middle of a busy Los Feliz Boulevard.
The Tam O' Shanter
The entrance is guarded by a robust lion statue, and an old phone booth stands just to the left of him. As you enter the lobby area, you feel as though you’ve stepped through a time portal… [Read more…]
Bread Pudding from Main Street Bakery
Jim Korkis has a great article over on MousePlanet about Walt Disney’s favorite foods, including some great recipes.
The Disney’s family cook prepared a dessert every night. Walt’s other favorites included Apple Brown Betty, custards, bread pudding, baked apples, red Jell-O with fruit, lemon snow pudding, and lemon chiffon with a graham cracker crust. He liked Gingerbread and another type of cookie made with chow mein noodles and melted butterscotch.
This article should be on your must read list!
Read it in its entirety here.
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