Instead , Tom Sawyer Island offered its special brand of choose-your-ownadventure , and Davy Crockett ’ s Canoes took the action to the water . Everyone ’ s favorite shootin ’ gallery was in place on opening day , as was Pecos Bill ’ s Cafe . What you might not expect is the Mile Long Bar , which used mirrors to make the interior look something like that endless hallway in Haunted Mansion , but no spirits could be had — find out why on page 63 .
LIBERTY SQUARE Let ’ s do what everyone does in Liberty Square and immediately queue up for Haunted Mansion . Wait , this is Mike Fink Keelboats ? Turns out , the dock for these bygone riverboats was repurposed as extra line space for Haunted Mansion . In 1971 , you could still get lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern , but I wouldn ’ t bet on any plant-based not-meats for the vegans in the crowd .
CHARACTER MAGIC :
EARIDESCENT EIGHT
The Hall of Presidents is exactly where you left it in 2022 , minus a few Audio- Animatronics .
FANTASYLAND Time travelers trying to blend in would have a pretty easy time in Fantasyland . Here you could expect to see the carousel , though it was named for Cinderella on opening day instead of Prince Charming . Peter Pan ’ s Flight , Pinocchio Village Haus , and “ it ’ s a small world ” are all in the same spots you left them in 2022 .
A few extinct treasures you ’ ll want to check out : Mr . Toad ’ s Wild Ride , Snow White ’ s Scary Adventures , and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea . For those of us without time machines , you can visit Disneyland for a peek at what these rides would have been like in 1971 , though the West Coast versions have been updated over the years .
Today , we venture to Tomorrowland from Fantasyland by strolling past the squeals and screams emanating from Seven Dwarves Mine Train . Back in 1971 , you could rest your feet and take in a bird ' s-eye view of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea while aboard the Skyway to Tomorrowland . We futuristic beings can get a slight taste of the highlife aboard the Skyliner these days .
BY TRISHA DAAB
THE MOST MAGICAL COSTUMES ON EARTH : Mickey , Minnie , Goofy , Donald , Daisy , Pluto , and Chip ‘ n ’ Dale are spiffedup in EARidescent 50th Anniversary Celebration outfits — vests , jackets , bowties , and party dresses in shimmering shades of blue and purple with pops of gold and Cinderella Castle embroidery .
ANSWER THE CALL : Catch them at Magic Kingdom during Mickey ’ s Celebration Cavalcade featuring the EARidescent Eight and the catchy earworm , “ The Magic Is Calling .”
GREETINGS FROM A DISTANCE : After the cavalcade , all eight wave and pose at Main Street Train Station .
Mickey has socially distanced meets in Town Square Theatre . Check out our blog for the first look as characters are added .
MAKE SURE TO : Have your camera and smile ready . You never know when Goofy will pull up his ears , Daisy will strike a sassy pose , or Minnie will blow a kiss . The characters are experts at cheesing for selfies .
BEYOND THE AUTOGRAPH BOOK : Once autographs come back ( wishing on all the stars it ’ s soon ), try anything 50th — a photo album , park map , or an adorable EARidescent Eight character plush ! Or call back to a previous park memory and share a favorite trip photo , vintage park map , or book from the last 50 years .