#Disneyland60.....Today In Disneyland History.....July 30, 1956

The Mineral Hall

July 30, 1956

July 30, 1956 marked the opening day for The Mineral Hall, located in Frontierland.  Operated by Ultra-Violet Products, the Mineral Hall featured a free exhibit, which includes a mineral display lit by black light. The Mineral Hall shop was located next door to the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train/Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland ride.  Rainbow Caverns Mine Train was a narrow gauge mine train ride through the  then new Living Desert. After the scenery was again redone in 1960, it was also upgraded and became 1960–1977, Mine Train Through Natures Wonderland. 

The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad  attraction replaced this sedate train ride with the “wildest ride in the wilderness”, The only attraction that remains from the scenic vistas is the mighty waterfall tumbling from Cascade Peak into the Rivers of America, visible only from various boat rides around the Rivers. The structure that formed Cascade Peak and its waterfalls was demolished in 1998 after it was found to be suffering structurally from the decades of water that flowed over it. 

Back in the day, before closing in 1963, The Mineral Shop sold related gifts and mineral samples. Selling anywhere between 10 & 50 cents, the Disneyland-themed mineral samples were labeled Walt Disney's Mineral Land - Rocks & Minerals. An inscribed window reminds guests of one of Disneyland's attractions of a time gone by. The window and former Mineral Hall location are currently part of the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante dining area. While you're in Frontierland, be sure to check out the new The Legends of Frontierland Interactive Game And that’s what happened today in Disneyland history.

Mickey Pancakes and More!

When our friends over at Adult Side of Disney asked what some of our favorite Disneyland eating spots were, River Belle  Terrace immediately came to mind as a must do on every Disneyland trip.  Located across from the Rivers of America where Frontierland meets Adventureland lies one of my family’s favorite eating spots in all of Disneyland-the River Belle Terrace.  Not only is this one of the original eateries from when Disneyland opened in 1955, but it is the only place in the Park to get the coveted Mickey Mouse Pancakes. This quick service restaurant boasts incredible menu choices throughout the day. 

For breakfast, choices range from the Mickey Pancakes, to the Mark Twain platter of scrambled eggs, country-style potatoes, bacon or sausage, and a biscuit to a fresh fruit platter large enough to be shared by the entire family and the perfect choice for those with special dietary considerations in your group. Lunchtime selections include our favorite the Tennessee BBQ pork while the Vegan traveler in our group loves the Vegetable Po’ boy.

The Plantation roast beef salad with southern ranch, the citrus-tarragon-dressed rosemary turkey breast salad and Aunt Polly’s harvest medley offers something a little lighter to save room for bigger meals later in the day.  Every Disneyland insider knows that not only does the River Belle Terrace offer incredible food, but come nightfall, the outdoor patio area offers one of the best seats in the house for viewing of Disneyland’s nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic.  Pull up a table along the fence of the patio and enjoy an evening meal of Huck’s Slow Roasted Beef served with horseradish gravy, the Catch of the Day or for those needing specialty items to take care of other dietary considerations, the River Belle

 Be sure to save room for dessert.  Choices range from the melt in your mouth Key Lime Pie to a delectable Red Velet Cake to a Minty Grasshopper Pie or my personal favorite, the Café Au Lait Cheesecake. So let’s review-Mickey Mouse Pancakes for breakfast, great quick service meals throughout the day with something for everyone combined with the nostalgic feel of one of the original Disneyland eateries and the perfect view of Fantasmic-the only question to answer is now is what are you waiting for? Head on over to the River Belle Terrace located in the heart of Disneyland across from the Mark Twain. 

Gayle is a lifelong educator by day and avid blogger by night and is the owner and cofounder of the Disney Gals, one of the most popular Disney blogs around! Proud mommy to 5, Grammy to 4 she is blessed to share her life with an amazing man who encourages her to chase her dreams, no matter how bumpy the road or where they may lead.  When not in the classroom, she can be found following her son as he dances his way through life, or working with young performers in free nationally recognized after school children’s theater program that she founded 13 years ago.  She believes that life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain. On any given day you will find Gayle skipping her way through life with a giggle and a smile knowing that today is meant to be lived and enjoyed. To learn more about Gayle, click here.