Disleelandia

The Disneyland Game – Family Fun in the Magic Kingdom

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Dis-LEE

So what colour do you want? Me, I like red! Yes folks, it’s Game Night tonight, and you’re invited to play the Happiest Game on Earth. The Disneyland Game – Family Fun in the Magic Kingdom is an easy but entertaining way to spend some time with the family!

Let’s roll the die, give the spinner a tap, and get ready to move through this post. You go first:

I like that this game contains many photographs featuring scenes from throughout the Park. Even the front of the box has a nice shot of Sleeping Beauty Castle, albeit, with a cartoon Tinker Bell added for good measure! This game was manufactured and distributed by Parker Brothers.

The bottom of the box has a description of the game along with the instructions. You can enlarge the image (above left) to read them for yourself. The image above right shows the inside contents. I am happy to report that although this game is used, it is complete!

Some game boards are adequate for the purpose of play while others, like this one, are suitable for framing! It gives a bird’s eye view with all the Lands laid out much as they are in the actual Park. Some creative license was taken, of course, to fit what was necessary in the limited space available. Again, enlarge and enjoy!

The game pieces are steam trains. The spinner is intended to be a time clock showing when the Park opens (9 am) and when it closes (9 pm). So we have a 12-hour day to play in!

One of the objects of the play is to collect picture cards for points. Every good photo card is worth 5 points. There are five vertical picture cards.

There are seven horizontal picture cards. I like that the creators decided to add some candid shots with guest interaction.

If you draw a bad photo card you get ‘0’ points.

This game was released to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the opening of Disneyland. That means it was sold to the public in 1990. Not really vintage but certainly older and highly collectable!

Lastly, there are seven Lands represented with cards, totaling 48 in all. Each Land has both character cards (worth 2 points) and attraction cards (worth 1 point). Each card is colour-coded on both sides and is placed on the board beside the Land it represents.

Each Land features characters native to it, or at least in a logical grouping, and will feature attractions from that Land as well. Here is a list for each Land:

Main Street U.S.A.: Mickey / Minnie / Pluto & DL Railroad / Main Street Cinema / Penny Arcade / Mr. Lincoln.

Tomorrowland: Donald / Daisy / Goofy & Space Mountain / Rocket Ship / Submarine

Adventureland: Mowgli / King Louie / Colonel Hathi & Adventureland Bazaar / Jungle Cruise / Swiss Family Treehouse / Enchanted Tiki Room.

Fantasyland: Snow White / Cinderella / Pinocchio & Casey Jr. Circus Train / It’s a Small World / Cinderella Castle / Storybook Land Boats.

Critter Country: Br’er Rabbit / Br’er Fox / Br’er Bear & Splash Mountain / Davy Crocket’s Canoes / Country Bear Jamboree / Mile Long Bar.

Frontierland: Pecos Bill / Paul Bunyan / Little Hiawatha & Columbia Sailing Ship / Big Thunder Mountain / Tom Sawyer’s Rafts / Mark Twain Stern-Wheeler.

Can you spot the extinct attractions?

New Orleans Square features characters from Peter Pan and I think at least one extinct attraction:

Have you been playing along? Who won? Well, if you and your family had fun, then we all won!

I love collecting old Disney games and have well over 20 in my collection. You can see an overview of my collection here and a more detailed coverage of one game called Mickey’s Poppin’ Magic Game. So find a partner of two and have at it, gamers!

Posted in Anniversaries, Artwork, Attractions, Characters, Collectibles, Disneyland, Games, Theme Parks | Tagged 35 Years of Magic, Anniversaries, Artwork, Attractions, Characters, Collectibles, Disneyland, Family Fun in the Magic Kingdom, Games, Hersch, Parker Brothers, The Disneyland Game, Theme Parks | Leave a comment

Mickey Mouse UNIMASS Race Car Pencil Case

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Dis-LEE

This is an unusual item. It can be used as a toy because it has small wheels on the bottom of the tin making it possible to roll it around like a car. But you can also open it and use it for its intended purpose: A Pencil Case. I guess that’s one way to sneak a toy into class!

Let’s have a look at the gorgeous lines of this race car:

Very streamlined for fast racing… or studying.

The front of the car (upper left) looks like a Rolls Royce or Bentley while the back of the car (upper right) looks more like a Corvette.

From the side it could be… a Camaro? A Viper?

This piece of merchandise has some nice badging. Mickey is on the hood and the roof. On the roof, Mickey seems to be in front of the old Disney Channel logo. On the trunk lid there are three ‘M’ shapes with Mickey striking a pose within each one. On the undercarriage, Mickey strikes a common pose in front of a ‘hidden Mickey’ icon.

We also find by looking on the bottom that the manufacturer is Unimass. The link will take you to a website that seems to be unused, or at least hasn’t been updated in some time. But there are a few Disney-related products still advertised. You will have to use the translate button as the site is in Chinese.

When I first tried to open this product I thought it was only an empty tin for storage. But then I was delighted to find that it has two trays that open outwards.

So logically, it was intended to be a pencil case.

Six dollars later I was ready to add another car-related Disney item to my collection! Vrr-Ooooom!

Posted in Characters, Collectibles, Sports, Toys | Tagged Characters, Collectibles, Mickey Mouse, Pencil Case, Race Car, Racing, Sports, Tins, Toys, Unimass | Leave a comment

Disney’s Duckville Texas Handkerchief

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Dis-LEE

Just found a fun little handkerchief in a local antique store. It has an issue with cultural insensitivity in the border design, but if you look at the main image, it contains a comical moment for Donald Duck!

For what it is, let’s have a look:

We see the mischievous varmints Huey, Dewey, and Louie are up to their usual skullduggery. This time they aim to bushwhack their Unca’ Donald! And with the help of Goofy, no less. Everyone seems happy enough, so we will assume the guns are cap pistols and at least the horse won’t get hurt.

The copyright is ‘Walt Disney Productions’ which helps us to date this item before 1986.

Basic western imagery is peppered around the handkerchief. Stars, cacti, a horse, a covered wagon, and unfortunately, not one but three stereotypical Indians.

I think that Donald’s three nephews have ‘moved’ Duckville to Texas to better authenticate their ambush. Because not many desperados operate in New York. At least, not western-type ones!

FUN FACTS: Do you know why this is called a Handkerchief? Because you put it in your hand before you ker your chief. Okay. Maybe not a fact. But it was fun to think about!

Posted in Characters, Clothing, Collectibles | Tagged Characters, Clothing, Collectibles, Cotton, Dewey, Donald Duck, Duckville, Goofy, Handkerchief, Huey, Louie, Texas, Western | Leave a comment

Mickey: The True Original Crew Socks

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Dis-LEE

Are your dogs barking? Are you dead on your feet? Well, let’s get this blog off on the right foot and dip our toes in the water. Unless you have your foot in your mouth. Then you might want to put your foot down, keep both feet on the ground, and walk on!

Yes, that’s my way of introducing a post about socks.

My sister bought me this set of three crew socks some time ago and I’ve only now gotten around to putting a pair of them on. They’re comfortable. In case you were wondering. The material is 97% Polyester and a whopping 3% Spandex.

The box makes a nice keepsake. And bundled inside are three classic Disney characters immortalized in knit:

Mickey appears with three different poses. One of them (upper left) looks like he isn’t too impressed with the ode de smell.

Goofy is just plain happy to be here! And when you’re rockin’ the plaid, how can you be anything but happy?

Donald isn’t of two minds, but it does take two socks to complete his pose! And how does he feel about keeping your tootsies warm? “Aw, phooey!”

The back of the box, and the inside, sport more images depicting Mickey in his wide range of roles throughout the years.

These socks are a product of Centric Brands.

Now, if you were light on your feet, you probably ran through this post pretty quick!

Posted in Characters, Clothing | Tagged Aw Phooey!, Centric Brands, Characters, Clothing, Crew Socks, Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Socks, The True Original | Leave a comment

Disneyland 50th Anniversary Tour-Exclusive Book

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Dis-LEE

The Disneyland Resort celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2005. To commemorate the event the Park offered a special tour of the property and gave each person a tour-exclusive book.

I wasn’t able to attend this celebration in Disneyland and so had to buy this awesome keepsake from an eBay Seller. I get my Disney magic where I can find it! Let’s have a look:

The ‘book’ (more of a pamphlet, really) measures 4 3/4 inches by 10 1/2 inches. It’s printed on glossy card-stock and features full-colour images.

The two pages above are the ‘Introduction’ page and ‘Welcome’ page, respectively. And peeking out of the side of the ‘Welcome’ page you can see the format of the book. It is designed to resemble the old ticket books that the Park used from 1955 to 1982.

Each letter, ‘A’ through ‘E’, represents a ten-year span of events in the history of Disneyland. After each image, I will share a few highlights from that decade:

1955: Park opens and eventually welcomes its one-millionth guest.

1956 – 1965: 45 new attractions were added to the Park.

1965: Disneyland celebrates its Tencennial and welcomes the 10-millionth guest.

1966: Walt Disney passes away.

1971: The Park welcomed its 100-millionth guest.

1978: Mickey Mouse celebrates his 50th Birthday at the Park.

1980: Disneyland celebrates its 25th Anniversary.

1982: Ticket books are phased out in favour of Disneyland Passports.

1985: Disneyland celebrates its 30th Anniversary and welcomes the 250-millionth guest.

1987: Disney Dollars are introduced.

1988: The Disneyland Hotel is purchased by the Disney Company.

1990: As part of the 35th Anniversary the Park is rededicated, featuring the original opening-day hosts Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings, and now-President Ronald Reagan!

1993: The Partners Statue of Walt and Mickey is dedicated.

1995: Disneyland celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

1997: The Park welcomes the 400-millionth guest.

2000: Disneyland celebrates its 45th Anniversary.

2001: Disney’s California Adventure opens.

2005: The Happiest Homecoming on Earth celebration marks Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary.

It may seem like I’ve given you almost all of the facts contained in this book but that simply is not the case. There are so many more! For any Disney fan, this wonderful keepsake is a font of knowledge. For the blogger/vlogger, it is an indispensable resource for accurate dates of pivotal events in the history of Disneyland.

I can only imagine how cool it would have been to take the actual tour! But at least I can live vicariously through this book.

Posted in Anniversaries, Attractions, Collectibles, Disneyland, Exclusive, History, Theme Parks | Tagged 50 Years of Theme Park Magic, Anniversaries, Attractions, Collectibles, Disneyland, Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, Exclusive, From Imagination to Celebration, Happiest Homecoming on Earth, History, Theme Parks, Ticket Books, Tour-Exclusive Book | Leave a comment

Burger King TOY STORY Kid’s Meal Toys – Part Two

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Dis-LEE

Welcome back to Part Two of our look at the eight toys released by Burger King to delight kids (and disneyana collectors) and bribe parents into buying more fast food. Hey, we all have to have a purpose.

Before continuing, be sure to check out Part One for more on the background of these toys. You’ll find pictures and details for Scud, Slinky Dog, Hamm, and Lenny. But this post is all about the stars of Toy Story.

The first star is Woody:

Woody is an action-type toy. Once you have assembled his lasso, you simply click it into his hand and raise his arm. Be sure to keep the loop of the rope above his wrist, or the lasso won’t twirl. To activate the action, you scroll the dial on his back upwards.

Bo Peep has lost her sheep in this toy variation. But she has gained the power to spin like a top. Because… she is a top.

Bo Peep is placed in the launcher which is then twisted three or four times to wind her up. Once you have placed the toy close to a hard surface, simply press the button on top of the launcher and watch her spin! She spins for a very long time.

As mentioned in Part One, Buzz is one of the toys that has no action, so that is why he is not in the companion video. He is posable. And he also has 8 sounds that blast from his jet pack when you push a button. Unfortunately, due to the age of this toy, it no longer works. The batteries are no doubt dead and there is no way to change them. From research on the all-knowing Internet, I’ve found out that the noises are just beeps, chirps, and space-like sounds.

And now it’s time to meet The Chosen One. Ooooooooooh! The Claw begins to move:

Oh. It’s just a LGM. This toy is the other one not included in the companion video. He has no action that needs to be seen live. But if you squeeze the little guy, all three of his eyes do ‘space out’, or bug out.

He also comes complete with The Claw. And like any real Claw that I’ve ever tried to use to pick up a prize, this one is pretty weak! Grab the LGM just right or you will not be able to ‘win’ him! Good luck and have fun trying!

I hope you enjoyed this nostalgic look back to the far away past of 1996. If you remember getting these toys in your Kid’s Meal, then I bet you feel old right about now! Sorry.

Posted in Advertising, Animation, Characters, Collectibles, Figurines, Food, Movies, Pixar, Promotions, Restaurants, Toys | Tagged Advertising, Animation, Bo Peep, Burger King, Buzz Lightyear, Characters, Collectibles, Figurines, Food, Giveaway, Kid's Meal, LGM, Movies, Pixar, Promotions, Toy Story, Toys, Woody | Leave a comment

Burger King TOY STORY Kid’s Meal Toys – Part One

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Dis-LEE

When we think of finding cool toys in Kid’s Meal boxes, we seem to automatically defer to the MacDonald’s line of merchandise in the iconic Happy Meals. But the partnership between the Mouse and the Clown wasn’t the only alliance Disney formed. We can’t forget the King! No, not Elvis. Burger King!

Back in 1996, Disney and Burger King joined forces to produce and distribute eight toys to promote the release of Pixar’s first full-length animated feature: Toy Story, on video. You remember VHS, right?

In this post, which I shall imaginatively call Part One, we will share Scud, Slinky Dog, Hamm, and Lenny. We’ll save the stars of the movie, Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep, and a LGM, for what I have also imaginatively called Part Two. I know, I’m like a literary genius.

Let’s start by checking out how these toys were presented:

I purchased each of these toys for just a buck a piece at a local flea market! All were in their original packaging but I have taken them out to show them clearly and produce a video of them in action (see the end of this post). Being as there were likely millions of these toys just given away, I don’t feel leaving them in the package would have increased their value.

As you can see from the pictures above, each toy came with an insert explaining the promotion which when opened gave you instructions on how to use the toy. So let’s have a look at the first one:

Scud is the pet dog belonging to Sid, the sadistic Toy Killer, and neighbor to Andy’s family. Did you wonder why Sid picked such an unusual name for his dog? Well, when you read where he got the name from, I think you’ll get it: A Scud missile is one of a series of tactical ballistic missiles developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It was exported widely to both Second and Third World countries. The term comes from the name attached to the missile by Western intelligence agencies. And now you know.

Scud is a racer-type toy. You wind him up and he shoots across a surface. But he also chomps and bites as he goes. This is in line with his actions in the movie when he was chasing Woody and Buzz down the street.

Slinky dog is a walker-type toy. You wind him up and he slowly moves across a surface. He is supposed to contract and expand as he does so, but this function is weak.

Hamm is also a racer-type toy. When you press down on the coin on his back, he shoots away! And he’s fast! The coin has an image of Buzz Lightyear on one side and the Star Command insignia on the other.

Spoiler alert: Lenny is my favorite toy in this set! When you wind him up, he slowly waddles away with his googly eyes shaking and jiggling. Too cute!

To see these toys, along with Woody and Bo Peep, in action, please click on the video link below:

Thanks for watching and supporting our YouTube Channel! If you like what you saw, why not subscribe? We’d sure appreciate it, Pardner!

Be sure to check out Part Two and learn why Buzz Lightyear and the LGM aren’t included in the video.

Posted in Advertising, Animation, Characters, Collectibles, Figurines, Food, Movies, Pixar, Promotions, Restaurants, Toys, Videos | Tagged Advertising, Animation, Burger King, Characters, Collectibles, Figurines, Food, Giveaway, Hamm, Kid's Meal, Lenny, Movies, Pixar, Promotions, Scud, Slinky Dog, Toy Story, Toys, Videos, YouTube | Leave a comment

Book Review: Retro Housewife – A Salute

Posted on March 14, 2021 by Dis-LEE

Publisher: Collectors Press

Year: 2004

Pages: 130

Type: Hardcover

ISBN: 1-888054-92-1

“A Rose-tinted look back“

Is June Cleaver your idea of the ideal housewife? How about Harriet Nelson? The 1950’s certainly served up a plethora of mostly-identical women playing the perfect homemaker on television. And in movies. Really, anywhere a home needed to be made. And make the home they did!

Now, to quote from the Introduction, and to get this post started: “Now dears, it’s time to come along with Mother on a trip down memory lane – that is, if you’ve finished your homework, washed your hands, and put your bikes away.”

Author Kristin Tillotson puts on her mothers old floral-print apron and pens a tongue-in-cheek look back at the 1950’s housewife, or Suburban Superwoman. The resulting book is filled with facts about the era, the products, and the struggles that filled the life of the stay-at-home Mom.

Perhaps the real charm of the book comes from the images. Each are rendered in a retro 50’s style. Below are some examples:

The book is divided into five main sections: An Attentive Wife; Mother Knows Best; The Way to the Heart; A Home That Sparkles; and That Feminine Touch.

Most of the pictures are of women who are way too excited about mundane things! And I must say, I’ve never seen so many pictures of refrigerators in my life! Apparently, women in the 50’s just lived for a good deep-freeze!

I like the imagery on the dust jacket but just had to show the actual hardcover of the book. It too radiates a retro vibe!

Now back to a few final images of women having way too much fun with appliances and vintage décor:

Tillotson balances the content between facts about the era with statistics about women in the workplace, divorce rates, and cultural changes. Most images have text relevant to themselves but some of the text seems out of place on the page. But that’s a minor complaint.

Retro Housewife originally sold for $16.95 US. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the nostalgia of the 1950’s and in images of that era.

Collectors Press produces many other books in the Retro line, including titles such as Retro Baking, Retro Beach Party, and Retro Diner, amoung others. If you’re like me and can’t afford your very own time machine, these books just might be the best way to visit the past!

FUN FACTS: The most popular names for boys in the 1950’s included James, David, Robert, John, and Mark while the girls got Susan, Linda, Debra, Nancy, and Karen. The most popular colours for children’s pajamas were Canary, Blueberry, Flamingo, and Robin while the colours of choice for furniture were Moss, Cocoa, Lime, Peacock, Mist, and Coral. Yes… it was a vibrant time!

Posted in Artwork, Books, Education, History, Humor, Reviews | Tagged 1950's, Artwork, Book Review, Books, Collectors Press, Education, History, Humor, Kristin Tillotson, Nostalgia, Retro Housewife | Leave a comment

Pixar’s BUZZ LIGHTYEAR Bust Clock

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Dis-LEE

If you’re going to defeat the evil Emperor Zurg, you’d better be on time! No Space Ranger can afford to be late to the battle. So built into the space suit of every Cadet is a handy dandy, regulation, digital clock (hi-tech, of course!)

So suit up, Space Cadets! It’s time to go to “Infinity and Beyond” in search of the perfect time piece:

An Interstellar Profile

From research I’ve done on the all-knowing Internet, this seems to be from Toy Story 2.

I picked up this Galactic Warrior for just a buck (yes, that’s one whole dollar!) at a local antique barn. After inserting the required AAA batteries, Buzz was ready to tell me the time… but no other information of importance. I don’t have the clearance.

Other then tell the time, you can ‘play’ with Buzz by flipping his helmet shield up and down. He doesn’t like it. But you can do it.

A Phillips screwdriver (that’s the star one to all you laymen out there) opens the battery compartment.

For some reason, this bust clock was distributed by General Mills. Was it a product promotion? A giveaway if you sent in so many cereal box tops?

General Mills has done Toy Story giveaways in its cereal boxes but the above example is not the promotion we’re looking for. Ours may have to remain one of those cosmic mysteries!

Posted in Animation, Characters, Collectibles, Merchandise, Movies, Pixar | Tagged Alarm Clocks, Animation, Bust Clock, Buzz Lightyear, Characters, Clocks, Collectibles, General Mills, Merchandise, Movies, Pixar | Leave a comment

Mickey Mouse Talking Alarm Clock Radio Telephone

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Dis-LEE

Now ain’t that a mouthful! I have many Mickey Mouse phones. Some are animated, others talk, but this one I’m sharing in this post does just about everything! Well, it hasn’t made me toast yet, but I live in hope.

TeleMania is the company responsible for distributing this model making it a Segan Product. It was designed by M. H. Segan. I have another Mickey Phone by the same people which you can see here.

What I love about this version is the vintage vibe it has:

It’s pretty common for newer phones to have the push buttons for dialing embedded in an older style rotary dial. Adds to the old time look! This model was released in 2002. You can see the snooze button for the alarm on the front as well as the tuner for the radio. When plugged in, the red screen shows the time.

On the right side of the phone (above, left) there’s a fine tune dial for the radio. Also the switches for the AM/FM frequencies and volume, again, for the radio. And lastly are the controls for the alarm.

On the left side of the phone (above, right) are the control buttons to set the clock and the alarm.

On the back of the phone we find the power port, Tone/Pulse selector, ring volume, a button to select whether the phone rings when there is an incoming call or if Mickey speaks up instead. Lastly there is the input port for the phone cord and the receiver cord.

The receiver is pretty standard. On the bottom are found many stickers and imprints explaining standards and codes that the phone has met. Also the name of the phone and the manufacturer.

I’m missing the proper power adaptor but have been able to repurpose a power cord from an old laptop. With that in place, I was able to hear the phrases Mickey uses to let you know when an incoming call is waiting:

Anybody Home?

Hey! (chuckles) The Phone’s ringin’!

Gosh! (chuckles) Anybody gonna answer that?

Whoever it is, they sure wanna talk to ya!

Gee, (chuckles) I wonder who it is?

Why not listen to Mickey spout off the sayings himself? Check out the video below:

This phone is hearing aid compatible and has last number redial. It also has a battery backup (9 V) to keep the clock and alarm functioning in the event of a power outage.

One online site specializing in Novelty Phones had this one listed for $149.95 US. eBay has many used models listed for between $50.00 and $100.00 US, with and without the original box and instruction manual.

Posted in Characters, Collectibles, Phones | Tagged Characters, Collectibles, M. H. Segan L. R., Mickey Mouse, Phones, Segan Product, Talking Alarm Clock Radio Telephone, Telemania | Leave a comment