[Pictures] 1980's Disneyland Hotel

[oldhotelguy]

As stated in another thread from yesterday, I recently had access to another stash of paper artifacts from the Disneyland Hotel's past. These items were mainly from the late 1970's to the late 1980's and were mostly brochures and paper items. Interestingly enough, the 1970's & 1980's were areas in which I did not have all that much material on for my first book on the Hotel's history. The redo book editions on those decades will have quite a bit more visuals thanks to finds like these.

First off, some non-Disney publication covers depicting the Disneyland Hotel. The BGW refers to Bonita Granville Wrather.

[Circa1966]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

Ironic that Western Landscaping features the horseshoe falls on their cover and they've been ripped out! As always, good stuff Don...

[Tomorrowland67]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

It's always great to see photos of my favorite hotel. I especially like seeing the Sierra pool, the express elevator, and the waterfall.

[clara]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

Oh how I miss those waterfalls...

[AB Born]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

Oh how I miss those waterfalls...

Me too, but I quite like what's been done to the area.

[DLandFansAZ]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

Wow what a time warp. The caption on the first picture "Knoxville Opens Doors to the World" sure took me back. My brother was working in Oak Ridge, TN in 82 and we visited him and all went to the 1982 World Fair in Knoxville.

Great pics as always, thanks for sharing.

[Executioner]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

What a great time period to have gone to the hotel. I miss it and how it was back then. Thanks for sharing!

[skoolpsyk]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

It will never be better than what it was, because how could you ever beat opening a window to get fresh air and see and hear the sounds of the park? Unfortunately I never experienced that and never will; my mom said that was the highlight of the one time she stayed there.
And yes, I miss the waterfalls and the dancing/fantasy waters!!!!

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

I am working on getting a new Garden structure being considered on the grounds. Make it completely 50's retro but with modern touches...same design as previous Garden structures. Just think of how many people would want to relive memories in that type of building. They have the space for it.

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

Here is one from 1978 just after the Bonita Tower opened.

[skoolpsyk]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

I am working on getting a new Garden structure being considered on the grounds. Make it completely 50's retro but with modern touches...same design as previous Garden structures. Just think of how many people would want to relive memories in that type of building. They have the space for it.

It would be nice if it had a mini waterfall that changed colors as a tribute to the old one!

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

I agree. People just loved those waterfalls.

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

In 1985, the Disneyland Hotel started some aggressive advertising campaigns aimed at specific offerings the Hotel featured. Here are scans of some brochures listing those specific target offerings.

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

California Fun was a Disneyland Hotel magazine that was always filled with wonderful stories and pictures. See below for more details.

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

Many of these items from my latest findings had the original memo still attached to the item from a Hotel executive usually addressed to Bonita Granville or Chris Wrather. Sadly, Jack Wrather had passed away previously in 1984. In the memo below, Bunny was the name affectionately given to Bonita Granville-Wrather.

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

I wouldn't do that to ya'....here is the cover without the memo on it.

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

[Mr Wiggins]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel

Many of these items from my latest findings had the original memo still attached to the item from a Hotel executive usually addressed to Bonita Granville or Chris Wrather.

More than history of the Disneyland Hotel's operations, these memos testify to how the Wrather family remained personally involved in the Hotel after Jack had passed away. Their involvement continued the warm, family feeling guests received from management and staff that was the hallmark of the DLH in those years.

As always, thank you very much Don for sharing these amazing items!

[oldhotelguy]

Re: 1980's Disneyland Hotel