July 17, 1995 was a milestone day, for several reasons. As Walt Disney's magical little theme park in Anaheim was celebrating "40 Years of Adventures", Jody and I were celebrating the completion of one of our first collaborative projects together: Four freestanding kiosks showcasing photos and memorabilia from Disneyland's first four decades.
For months leading up to the 40th, we researched and gathered content, wrote captions, and designed the display cases, which were intended to evoke the nostalgic architecture of each area of the Park.
Some of the kiosks had built-in planters for living greenery.
As the summer rolled by, the displays sometimes rolled to different locations.
When their service eventually came to an end, the kiosks were auctioned off to collectors. (Do you have one??)
With the debut of the new Indiana Jones attraction that summer, and all the publicity surrounding it, Park Operations felt Adventureland didn't require any extra attention, so its themed display was never built!
Wow.
ReplyDeleteAs always, you and Jody have done some astounding work!
Any chance of getting a Frontierland one for my backyard?
Absolutely incredible artistry. Just think when I first saw them at Disneyland, I did not know you guys. I must thank the internet. Great stuff Kevin. Thanks again for everything, Richard.
ReplyDeleteKevin, when you got the specs, were you told what the life span for these kiosks were expected to be, and did that alter your selection of materials or method of construction?
ReplyDeleteWow! Another situation of totally being able to recognize your work if only I had known who you two were! If I had known who you were, and someone said, "Kevin and Jody did these kiosks", I would have said "Of course! That's why I love them,".
ReplyDeleteAs always, not only beautiful work but also happy memories! At that time (fully a decade before the much-needed infusion of 50th anniversary "sprucing up" maintenance funds), I remember thinking how the kiosks' colorful and attention-grabbing personalities often outshone their surroundings--the very areas they were celebrating, which suffered by comparison!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Dear Disneyland, then and now...and thank you, Kevin and Jody...always (and in advance of creative delights to come)!!
Those are really great. I wish you'd been able to do one for Adventureland. I love the lettering on Tomorrowland.
ReplyDeleteDidnt they re-use these as Stamping Locations for the reproduced Sam McKim Souvenier Maps during the 45th anniversary in 2000?
ReplyDeleteI remember these kiosks very well and LOVED their design. Tokyo Disneyland did something similar last year for their 25th birthday. Each land had it's own large sign (but not a cool kiosk like yours) and each "original" attraction had a smaller shadow box type of sign showing original artwork and photos.
ReplyDeleteI remember these too! Awesome work! "Auctioned off to collectors"? I think they should have been "given to the artists"...
ReplyDelete