Rocket to the Moon
A 1965 aerial view of Tomorrowland shows the double-domed Rocket to the Moon building, fronted by an impressive "TWA Moonliner." The ride was later replaced with Mission to Mars, which was replaced in 1998 by Redd Rockett's Pizza Port.
Plastics Home of the Future
This prototype building was shaped like a large X and was located at the entrance of Tomorrowland, where Ariel's Grotto now stands. Monsanto sponsored the attraction.
Monorail Plaza
Photos by Chris Jepsen
Monorail Plaza was one of the original elements of the Disneyland Hotel and features punched metal girders, futuristic light fixtures, a coffee shop, (The Monorail Cafe,) and of course, a monorail station. These buildings are scheduled for destruction in late 1999.
Tomorrowland Train Station
Photo by C. Jepsen using M. Tucker's camera
The V-shaped roof is cantilevered in both directions and is supported by steel girders cut with decorative circles. It is one of the few bits of original 1955 googie remaining in the park.
World Clock
An hourglass-shaped clock, topped with a sputnik-like orb once stood near the center of Tomorrowland. Note the use of silver and turquoise. The TWA Moonliner can be seen in the background.
Adventureland Tiki
Tiki architecture isn't googie, but it's related by era and (in some respects) by form. While googie buildings were themed to the future, tiki tapped into primitive themes. As Tomorrowland was a hub for googie, so Adventureland was a hub for tiki. In the "Enchanted Tiki Room" birds, tikis and flowers put on a vaudeville show.
Outside, on the Tahitian Terrace, tourists ate lunch amid live Polynesian music and dancing.
The archway to Adventureland is especially representative of tiki architecture. To learn more about tiki, visit my tiki page.
