I was hoping to type up a nice, eloquent post about Disneyland and its 57 years of a visionary’s dream come true. But as I was rewatching the Dateline Disneyland special of the July 17 grand opening, pictured above is what caught my eye.
How could I ever forget the first time Pluto was ever depicted as a walkaround, furry character? Comparing size to the man in a white shirt, he’s has to be over six feet tall at the head! Now that’s a giant puppy.
Admittedly, it’s obvious in why this will never work in today’s Disney parks around the globe. There’s a great possibility that two male employees are maneuvering the oversized pup costume, the front legs walking and arms tucked by his chest, while the second male is stooped down and holding onto the first male while walking. They need to stay in show, not slipping in the padded paws, must withstand the heat of the California sun, and all while keeping up with the character parade. And this is just a temporary gig for four-legged Pluto. If this was utilized today, it be a safety hazard for both guests and employees with these stressful conditions.
So in the meanwhile, enjoy the Pluto that was back in 1955. All four legs of Pluto. I wish actual photos of this Pluto would exist but since these came directly from the ABC broadcast, these must do. However, as I was browsing around for more evidence, I came across this quote:
Actually, on Disneyland’s opening day, Pluto (one of the costumes on loan from the Ice Capades for the opening) did walk on four legs.
Ice Capades? An interesting lead indeed… Hmmm.
EDIT: Closest thing I could find. And it’s his rump. Faaaar left.
And this is a publicity shot. I know the Dumbo one is amazing, but I swear it’s next to impossible to get just ONE clear pic of the full body. 🙁 That tail looks dangerously like a dreadlock…
