Hey howdy hey, and welcome to another vintage finds feature! Since the DIS Unlimited team (including myself) are currently on a Disneyland content trip, I thought I would take a quick break from trekking around Cars Land and marathoning Indiana Jones Adventure to do another one of my favorite things: vintage shop. Let’s step back in time and review some merch from the Disney California Adventure that once was…
As part of Michael Eisner’s tenure as Disney CEO, Disney California Adventure opened in 2001 and was sort of an oddball park from the start. But, who wouldn’t like to visit a California-themed park within the state of California? Never mind, don’t answer that. Anywho- I dug up some fun finds from the opening years of Disney California Adventure. Before there was a Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo, or Cars Land… we’ve got citrus, some bears, lots of sunshine… and dinosaurs? Let’s dive in!
First up, we have another vintage lunch box! I love collecting these and using them as storage containers and occasionally as a purse for a fun outfit. This one is plastered with all of the original attractions around the border — most aren’t in the park today, or at least their names have changed! What’s even better, a commemorative watch is inside, themed to King Triton’s Carousel of the Sea (which is now Jessie’s Critter Carousel).
Available HERE | $18.00 (currently on sale)
Next we have a classic wardrobe staple for any theme park fan: an embroidered denim button-down. This one includes the park’s original logo featuring Grizzly Peak.
Available HERE | $39.99
Dinosaur sunglasses patch
This fun patch is based on the original dinosaur-shaped sunglasses kiosk that once stood near Corn Dog Castle.
— Image credit: Yesterland
Known as “California Crazy” architecture, this building design became popular in the 1930s to attract the attention of potential customers in a BIG way (also see Gertie at Disney’s Hollywood Studios). This patch even features the hidden Mickey as seen on the original sunglass shack!
Available HERE | $20.00
Did you know one of DCA’s opening day attractions didn’t even make it to the one-year mark? Superstar Limo was Disney’s most short-lived dark ride, opening in February 2001 and closing in January 2002 due to negative reception. That didn’t stop this glittering rhinestoned pin from making it into production. It’s not an obvious Disney pin; it’s one of those “if you know you know”-type accessories. A fun conversation starter!
Available HERE | $25.00
I’m not sure if you’re ready for this last piece… Brace yourself. A silver, light-up visor featuring California Screamin’. I mean… WHAT? Imagine showing up to Paint the Night later this summer wearing this little baby. What a statement!
Available HERE | $17.50
I hope you enjoyed this week’s step back into Disney California Adventure goodies. Let me know what you’d like to see from my future digs through the trenches of eBay. Ta-ta for now!
