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The stylized Tomorrow Land that we have today with all of the rides and attractions is very different than how it was in 1955. Tomorrow Land was mostly a collection of exhibits showing future technologies and educational facts. Cooperations sponsored these exhibits and also showed off what they could accomplish in the very near future.
The Monsanto House of the future was built in 1957 in the spot where Pixie Hollow now sits. It was a testament to modern engineering, made entirely of plastic. According to Disney lore, the demolition that was supposed to take a day ended up taking 2 weeks since the wrecking ball would only bounce off. The reinforced concrete foundation is still there and in now being used as planters.
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This is probably the most lamented loss to the Disneyland community. Every where you look in Tomorrow Land you can still see the remains of this ride. As you first enter Tomorrow Land just past the Astro Orbiter you see this the supports for a tramway that have been long devoid of any activity. The PeopleMover opened in July 1967 and closed in August of 1995 when it made way for the short lived Rocket Rods. Tomorrow land was in need of a make-over in the 90’s and the PeopleMover was on the “re-imagine” list. It was a good idea. Turn an aging slower moving attraction into an “E” ticket ride that would race through Tomorrow Land. Unfortunately the Rocket Rods were plagued with problems right form the start. Tires that had to be replaced all too often and the supports for the PeopleMover were never designed to support a fast moving attraction. These were just a couple of the reasons the Rocket Rods left the park so quickly. After only two years the ride was closed down forever and all that remains of these two attractions is the tracks that run up above Tomorrow Land and through the other attractions.
The abandoned PeopleMover Tramway
Rocket Rod in the loading area
The ride never reopened despite what the sign said.
In 1962 the Tahitian Terrace opened in Adventure land. This restaurant had a Polynesian theme complete with live dancers and a waterfall curtain.
In 1993 this location was changed to Aladdin’s Oasis with a live dinner show. This only lasted until 1995 and now it is underutilized as a story teller’s location.
This location used to share a kitchen with The Plaza Pavilionbut that location is in the middle of a remodel, due to open in 2012 as The Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. Maybe someday they will reopen this location as well.
This ride opened in 1956 and closed in 1959 when it became “Mine train through nature’s wonderland.” In 1960 the train route was expanded and gave views of animatronic animals in nature. The ride closed in 1977 and made way for “Big Thunder Mountain.”
Here a photos form the Mine train through nature’s wonderland while it was in operation.
This is part of what can still be seen from several areas of the park.
