New Orleans Square

The first land to be added to the original five was New Orleans Square. Planned for several years, it opened in 1966 at a cost of about $18 million. Architecturally the most authentic area in Disneyland, NOS holds many surprises and hidden pleasures. It is, of course, home to two of Disneyland's most popular attractions, the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. It is also the home of the most hidden attraction, visited by the fewest guests: Club 33. Club 33 is a semi-private (members only) restaurant situated above the central core of shops in NOS. It is pricey, but the food is very good and the service uniformly excellent. It is also the only place that serves alcoholic beverages in Disneyland. For the best information on this "attraction" check out the new Club 33 Page.

Also situated above the ground level, directly over the Pirates entry foyer, is the Disney Gallery. The space occupied by the Gallery was originally designed as new living quarters for Walt and/or Roy Disney while they visited the park (Walt originally had a small Victoria apartment over the Fire Station on Main Street, which is still there). However Walt's death in 1966 caused those plans to be abandoned. Knowing this, the beauty and splendor fo the Gallery makes each visit poignant. On the upstairs veranda adjacent to the Gallery look for the initials "WD" and "RD" in the wrought-iron scrollwork.  Also, around the overhead eaves of the interior patio note that there are vents, even though you are outside.  This was designed so that the surrounded patio area upstairs could be air-conditioned during warm southern California days or nights when Walt or Roy might be entertaining there.  Alas, since Walt passed before the structure was completed, the apartment complex was left unfinished for years.  It was finally completed more or less as originally envisioned, and the Disney Gallery opened.

New Orleans Square covers about three acres, making it the one of the smallest "lands." But New Orleans Square perhaps better than any other area of Disneyland provides a pleasing blend of attractive design, entertaining and thematically proper attractions, and a multitude of appropriate shops.

ATTRACTIONS

Pirates of the Caribbean

Since its opening in 1966, this attraction has always been in the top five of Disneyland favorites. POTC features 64 human and 55 animal Audio-Animatronic figures. It took more than 10 years to develop this attraction before its opening in the Spring of 1967. And it is still top notch for a variety of reasons. It's a great get-away on a hot day, ambling in a flat-bottom boat through the eternal night of the Blue Bayou, only to be told that "Dead men tell no tales" and plummeting down an indoor waterfall to the other-worldly caverns of long-departed pirates. Beyond a ghostly tableau of skeletons and skeleton ships, the brave travelers are thrust into the middle of a coastal battle with canons roaring and shot l anding all about the boat. The Pirates are sacking the town, and mayor is in the well, and the town women are put on the block for sale. But on one seems to mind, despite the 1990's political incorrectness of it all. After sacking the town, it's put to the torch, and we escape back up a waterfall before some drunken pirates blow us all to smithereens in the powder locker.

There has long been a lot of controversy about this attraction, and the various messages, both implied and expressed, it contains. On the one hand, it's about pirates, free spirits, and a highly romanticized version of a very short historical period. On the other, it glorifies theft, intoxication, the subservience of women, rape, vandalism, destruction of property, and even murder and torture. But I tend to think that this latter expression is another example of applying the "sensitivities" of the 1990's to what was conceived originally as a fun "adventure." All I know is that after all these years, I still enjoy this ride, and see something new almost every time I go. It's texturally rich, populated with intriguing characters, whose individual stories I wish I knew more of. Of course, I also feel that those who say these "dark" themes are obviously sinister have too much time on their hands.

Of late, the folks at Disney bowed to the trend toward political correctness, and changed the emphasis from wenching to gluttony. According to the powers that be, Pirates needed this make-over so the pilaging would not insult or offend women. These seems like using a sledge hammer to swat a fly. Perhaps I am insenstive, but that's what I always thought pirates DID. I seem to recall George Orwell mentioned something about re-writing history. Remember when the burning cabin on Tom Sawyer Island was ablaze because of "unfriendly Indians?" Then that wasn't PC as the fire was caused by a still explosion, and the scalped guy outfront became a drunken moonshiner. Don't get me started!

Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is home to 999 spooks, spirits, ghouls and ghosts, but there is always room for one more. The beautiful exterior of the mansion was constructed in 1962, from a design produced in 1957. But it sat empty for many years. Rumors were that Walt and company were out collecting ghosts. But in reality, there were problems with the special effects. The technology just wasn't available to do some of the things that Walt and the WED designers wanted. Other stories held that the ride was initially "too scarry" as planned, and had to be toned way down for a family park like Disneyland. In any event, the house opened to the public in 1969, and has been brining chills to adventureous guests ever since that time.

Of the effects presented, the ballrom is still a great achievement. The voice you hear as the "Ghost Host" belongs to Paul Freese, who is most notably remembered as the voice of Boris Badenov of "Rocky and Bullwinkle" fame, and the original voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy. Paul passed away several years ago, but he still lives in the Haunted Mansion. Appropriate, eh? Another item of "note" in the ballroom is the "phantom" organist. The organ he's playing was originally seen in the quarters of Captain Nemo in Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and was itself on display at Disneyland back in the late 50's and early 60's in Tomorrowland, along with other sets from that movie.

Madam Leota's disembodied head floats in a bowl during the seance scene. The effect is quite dramatic. You'll see her again when you exit the Haunted Mansion. She is also the face and voice of the small figure to your left as you ride up the escalator, bidding you to "Hurry back, and be sure to bring your death certificate." The effect is accomplished by the same means in both locations.

By the way, in the graveyard seen, when you come to the singing busts, take a good look at the second bust from the left. No, that's not Walt Disney, although there is a vague similarlity. It's Thurl Ravenscroft (and you'll hear him singing too). He was the original voice for "Tony the Tiger" of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes fame. He also was the original narrating voice for the Submarine Voyage in Tomorrowland. And you'll still hear his voice as the narrator on the Disneyland Railroad ("The smoking lamp is out.")
The Haunted Mansion Holiday that debuted in 2001 will be a regular returning feature. Combining the HM with Nightmare before Christmas themes and characters truly revived this attraction, making it more fun that ever. The makeover is done for this year, and ready to roll! It will run until New Year's Day or shortly thereafter.

Disney Gallery

While not an attraction in the sense of the word, such as a ride or performance, this is far more than just another shop. A beautiful setting for some spectacular Disney Art. Here you'll find Disney works from notecards to Original Oils, and prices to match the opulence of the surroundings. Fortunately, there is also something for most any budget, even if it is a small poster reproduction, or a nice limited edition lithograph of a favorite Disneyland scene. Several displays have been featured on a "touring" basis, such as "The Art of Disneyland Paris", featuring original models and artists conceptions for rides and attractions that were never constructed, or that materialized far differently that originally conceived. Recently, the main salon has featured concept works from Herb Ryman, reknowned Disney artist, including fine art (non-Disney stuff) and many of his original renderings of Disneyland and attractions.

As you walk about, remember that these rooms were originally designed as guest rooms for Walt Disney and family. Note the "WD" and "RD" designs in the grillwork of the balcony. Shortly after the night spectacular "Fantasmic!" began, the balcony was used on a sign-up basis as a place to watch, and a great place it is. I videotaped the entire performance from that location a couple of years ago, with no one walking in front of the camera. However, sensing that an extra buck could be made, Disneyland now has limited this access to those willing to pay the price (somewhere around $35 I'm told) for a reserved comfortable seat, coffee or tea, and desserts from Club 33. During the day, while the Gallery is open, check out this balcony and decide if it is right for you. But make reservations quickly. The balcony seats only about 16 people for each show each evening, and there's obviously plenty of folks willing to pay the price.

Disneyland Railroad-New Orleans Station

See the information on this attraction on the Main Street USA Page.

FOOD

Blue Bayou Restaurant

The best full service restaurant in Disneyland open to the public. This popular eating place is open for lunch and dinner. Situated within the "Pirates of the Caribbean" lagoon, but accessible only from its own entry off Royale Street, the Blue Bayou is in perpetual night. It is always cool, fireflies dance among the moss-laden trees, and the moon is always just about to rise above the swamp line across the bayou. The menu offers seafood, steak, prime rib, chicken, and the world-famous Monte Cristo sandwich, to name a few. While the menu is overall limited, it is still the best food anywhere in the park. Service is always prompt, very courteous, eager to please and as you would expect, Disney-friendly and cheerful. The mint juleps are alcohol free, but other than that, it's a great place of dine. Reservations should be made early. When you get to the park at opening time, while you're waiting in line for Indiana Jones, send one of your party to the Blue Bayou. They won't be open, but a friendly castmember will be at a podium out front with the reservation book. Make your dinner reservation either early enough to get a place to watch Fantasmic! later, or late enough to go after that show. You'll avoid waiting in the cattle line that snakes around out front of the restaurant, and doesn't move very fast.

French Market

This open air restaurant sits at the far end of NOS, next to the Railroad Station. The menu is varied, but features fish, sandwiches, and salads. Most everyone will find something to their liking here. Recently, rumors held that this restaurant was moving from full service to limited service, and the china and flatware were to be abandoned for paper plates and plasticware. If anyone has info on this, please advise me by the mail link on the home page and I'll update this section. On the extreme west end of this restaurant, really right next to the train station is the Mint Julep Bar. Yes, you can get soft drinks there, but why? The mint juleps are delicious, and served in a very sturdy, tall plastic cup for only $2.19. You can't get better, and the taste is a unique part of New Orleans Square. Have one!

Cafe Orleans

Want a quick sandwich or salad? Here's the place. Limited menu, the this "buffeteria" style restaurant is great for a fast snack or light meal. While the food is good, most places pale when compared to the Blue Bayou.

Royal Street Veranda

It's easy to walk right by this little spot. Almost hidden behind the western staircase to the Disney Gallery, this patio service area is a favorite haven for the Dixieland musicians found here in NOS. The Veranda features soft drinks, frozen desserts and treats, fritters, and clam chowder in a bread bowl. Very rarely is there a line here, so if you're really in a hurry, try this spot for a cool lunch.

Petite Patisserie

This tiny little shop, just a service window really, features pastries and the occasional sandwich on a croissant, with a cup of coffee or milk. Doesn't seem to be open very often, but it it is, the pastries are quite good and very fresh (usually).

SHOPS

There's almost too much to list, as shopping is the real thing to do here, after Pirates and the Haunted Mansion. Here's the best:

Cristal d'Orleans

Loads of glassware and crystal. Lots of Disney pieces that you can have monogrammed or engraved as a lasting souvenir, assuming you can get it home in one piece! If you miss it here, the same shop (basically) is on Main Street.

Jewel of Orleans

Lots of great costume jewelry, high end, that could fool many for real. Also a few really nice pieces with really nice prices.

Mascarades d'Orleans Shop

Well that's what it used to called.  Now this location near the New Orleans Square restrooms and Artist'sCorner, is just another pin gallery, although appropriately themed with very pleasant and helpful castmembers.

Pieces of Eight

This is the novelty/toy store immediately at the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean, so if you're with the kids, it's a "must stop." Pirate souvenirs, pennants, toy flintlock pistols and rifles, sabres, rubber knives, and of course, "pieces of eight."

Port d'Orleans

Once the One-of-a-kind Shop and later a gourmet cooking shop, this is now the place for all Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise, from bendable Jack Skellington's to HM t-shirts, posters, prints, figurines and more.

Boutique de Noel

It's Christmas 365 days a year at this little shop, just beyond Blue Bayou and Club 33. Here you'll find all manner of Disney Christmas ornaments and other holiday decorations.

The Artists' Corner is also in New Orleans Square. Near the restrooms, way in the back, is a small courtyard where portraits are quickly prepared by several street artists. Years ago, this was a feature on one of the side alleys along Main Street, but now for a relatively small fee, a custom portrait in pastels can be prepared while you sit. The art is somewhat generic, but for a personalized portrait, the price is relatively small.

Continue the Tour

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