Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Disneyland Hotel: Vacationland

Here's a random Disneyland Hotel postcard.  A couple years ago my wife and I were fruit picking in Watsonville, California, and there was a small antique shop next to the farm.  I stopped in and found this.


 By the looks of it, this card was published sometime in the 1970's, but I haven't really been able to find much info on it.  Apparently Vacationland (an RV park associated with the Disneyland Hotel) was around until 1997 when it was demolished for the expansion of the Disneyland Resort.  So, while I have not seen another card like this...there must be some more out there somewhere given the 1997 closure date.


If you have another Vacationland postcard...post it up in the comments.  I would love to see it.

Until next time...
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1 comment:

  1. Beau ButlerMarch 14, 2013 at 10:24 PM

    Hope this helps you out.

    Ballard, Donald. Disneyland Hotel: The Early Years 1954-1988. Ape Pen Publishing, 2005. p.82

    "[Vacationland opened at 1343 South West Street on June 15, 1970 and was located north of the Hotel just past an area known as the "strawberry fields." Operated by the Hotel, it was a park for recreational vehicles of all sizes, including travel trailers, motor homes, pickup campers, and tent trailers. Full utility hookups were provided for all 280 parking spaces. Located on 10-acres, this beautifully landscaped area was the largest RV park in Orange County. It included a large recreation hall, housing a television area, a billiard room, a card playing area, and a lounge. A heated swimming pool, a playground for children, a facility with restrooms--showers--dressing rooms, and a coin operated laundry were also available to campers. The daily cost was $4.50 per vehicle for the non-peak season. During Christmas, Easter, and vacation season (from May 30 to September 7), the fee was $7.50. RV travel clubs were given special consideration in making reservations. Vacationland had been designed by Walters and Son of Newport Beach, California, specialist in recreational vehicle parks. [In 1981, the camp grounds added a tenting section with space for sixty tents. This new area quickly became popular with foreign students who either were traveling by bus or were hitchhiking across the country and spending nights at various camp sites. A covered picnic area with tables and grills was also added.]"

    The following is from:
    Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland
    www.yesterland.com

    "[Overnighters are welcome at Vacationland, the RV park of the Disneyland Hotel.
    Vacationland became Disney’s Vacationland when The Walt Disney Company acquired the Wrather Corporation in 1988 to obtain ownership of the Disneyland Hotel. Disney’s Vacationland lasted until early 1997 when it fell to the Disneyland Resort expansion. West Street is now called Disneyland Drive. The tram stop for the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure in now located on the site of Vacationland.]"

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