Lost Disneyland: Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland: Abandoned remains

0:04 We're back at Disneyland

0:04 We're back at Disneyland [Music]

0:08 [Music]

0:08 [Music] today and enter the world of random land

0:17 [Music] frontier land at Disneyland. We're here

0:19 frontier land at Disneyland. We're here

0:19 frontier land at Disneyland. We're here today to talk about one of the biggest,

0:21 today to talk about one of the biggest,

0:21 today to talk about one of the biggest, the most massive, the most incredible

0:23 the most massive, the most incredible

0:23 the most massive, the most incredible lost attractions in the history of the

0:25 lost attractions in the history of the

0:25 lost attractions in the history of the park. And it was located right here in

0:27 park. And it was located right here in

0:27 park. And it was located right here in the Old West. Although we mainly think

0:29 the Old West. Although we mainly think

0:29 the Old West. Although we mainly think of Frontier Land as being the home of

0:31 of Frontier Land as being the home of

0:31 of Frontier Land as being the home of Big Thunder Mountain, back in 1955 when

0:33 Big Thunder Mountain, back in 1955 when

0:33 Big Thunder Mountain, back in 1955 when Disneyland opened, this was the busiest,

0:35 Disneyland opened, this was the busiest,

0:35 Disneyland opened, this was the busiest, most exciting part of the park. You see,

0:37 most exciting part of the park. You see,

0:37 most exciting part of the park. You see, back in the 1950s, the Old West was all

0:40 back in the 1950s, the Old West was all

0:40 back in the 1950s, the Old West was all the rage. The US had come through two

0:42 the rage. The US had come through two

0:42 the rage. The US had come through two mechanized wars and seen the rise of

0:44 mechanized wars and seen the rise of

0:44 mechanized wars and seen the rise of radio and TV and watched as the prairies

0:47 radio and TV and watched as the prairies

0:47 radio and TV and watched as the prairies rapidly gave way to the suburbs. And as

0:49 rapidly gave way to the suburbs. And as

0:49 rapidly gave way to the suburbs. And as a result, Americans had a growing

0:50 a result, Americans had a growing

0:50 a result, Americans had a growing nostalgia for the past where a lone

0:52 nostalgia for the past where a lone

0:52 nostalgia for the past where a lone rider could go off into parts unknown

0:54 rider could go off into parts unknown

0:54 rider could go off into parts unknown and carve out an adventure in hostile,

0:56 and carve out an adventure in hostile,

0:56 and carve out an adventure in hostile, lawless terrain. That means that

0:58 lawless terrain. That means that

0:58 lawless terrain. That means that Disneyland was born right in the heyday

1:01 Disneyland was born right in the heyday

1:01 Disneyland was born right in the heyday of the craze for Davy Crockett, Coonkin

1:03 of the craze for Davy Crockett, Coonkin

1:03 of the craze for Davy Crockett, Coonkin Caps, and Frontier American Exploration.

1:07 Caps, and Frontier American Exploration.

1:07 Caps, and Frontier American Exploration. Due to the initial budget being a tad

1:09 Due to the initial budget being a tad

1:09 Due to the initial budget being a tad tight, Frontier Land was themed around

1:11 tight, Frontier Land was themed around

1:11 tight, Frontier Land was themed around wide open spaces. The landscaping

1:13 wide open spaces. The landscaping

1:13 wide open spaces. The landscaping consisting mostly of dirt and more dirt.

1:16 consisting mostly of dirt and more dirt.

1:16 consisting mostly of dirt and more dirt. But luckily, that dirt was crisscrossed

1:18 But luckily, that dirt was crisscrossed

1:18 But luckily, that dirt was crisscrossed by covered wagons, a stage coach ride,

1:20 by covered wagons, a stage coach ride,

1:20 by covered wagons, a stage coach ride, and best of all, pack mules. Of course,

1:23 and best of all, pack mules. Of course,

1:23 and best of all, pack mules. Of course, as soon as the park was a success, Walt

1:25 as soon as the park was a success, Walt

1:25 as soon as the park was a success, Walt Disney saw in this wide open space not

1:27 Disney saw in this wide open space not

1:27 Disney saw in this wide open space not only an opportunity for more immersive

1:28 only an opportunity for more immersive

1:28 only an opportunity for more immersive western theming, but he couldn't pass up

1:31 western theming, but he couldn't pass up

1:31 western theming, but he couldn't pass up the chance at putting yet another train

1:33 the chance at putting yet another train

1:33 the chance at putting yet another train into his park. He sure loved his trains.

1:36 into his park. He sure loved his trains.

1:36 into his park. He sure loved his trains. So, in 1956, the Rainbow Caverns Mine

1:39 So, in 1956, the Rainbow Caverns Mine

1:39 So, in 1956, the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train rolled into Frontier Land. All of

1:42 Train rolled into Frontier Land. All of

1:42 Train rolled into Frontier Land. All of the frontier scenery was enhanced,

1:44 the frontier scenery was enhanced,

1:44 the frontier scenery was enhanced, including more realistic desert

1:45 including more realistic desert

1:45 including more realistic desert landscaping and new canyons with spires,

1:48 landscaping and new canyons with spires,

1:48 landscaping and new canyons with spires, balancing rocks, and even a sight gag or

1:50 balancing rocks, and even a sight gag or

1:50 balancing rocks, and even a sight gag or two. The area was massive, basically

1:53 two. The area was massive, basically

1:53 two. The area was massive, basically taking up every square foot of space

1:55 taking up every square foot of space

1:55 taking up every square foot of space between Sleeping Beauty Castle and the

1:57 between Sleeping Beauty Castle and the

1:57 between Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Rivers of America. The idea was to make

1:59 Rivers of America. The idea was to make

1:59 Rivers of America. The idea was to make guests feel like they were in a living,

2:00 guests feel like they were in a living,

2:00 guests feel like they were in a living, breathing part of the Old West, whether

2:02 breathing part of the Old West, whether

2:02 breathing part of the Old West, whether on board the new mine train or the old

2:04 on board the new mine train or the old

2:04 on board the new mine train or the old pack mules. But of all this traffic in

2:06 pack mules. But of all this traffic in

2:06 pack mules. But of all this traffic in the living desert, only the mine train

2:08 the living desert, only the mine train

2:08 the living desert, only the mine train took you into the rainbow cavern itself,

2:10 took you into the rainbow cavern itself,

2:10 took you into the rainbow cavern itself, a beautiful giant cave illuminated by

2:14 a beautiful giant cave illuminated by

2:14 a beautiful giant cave illuminated by pools of mysteriously glowing water.

2:16 pools of mysteriously glowing water.

2:16 pools of mysteriously glowing water. Now, all of that was pretty good, but

2:18 Now, all of that was pretty good, but

2:18 Now, all of that was pretty good, but this is Walt Disney we're talking about.

2:20 this is Walt Disney we're talking about.

2:20 this is Walt Disney we're talking about. He could never be satisfied with

2:21 He could never be satisfied with

2:21 He could never be satisfied with something being pretty good. It had to

2:23 something being pretty good. It had to

2:24 something being pretty good. It had to be the best. So, after adding on to

2:26 be the best. So, after adding on to

2:26 be the best. So, after adding on to other areas of the park, like building

2:27 other areas of the park, like building

2:27 other areas of the park, like building the submarine, lagoon, and the Matter

2:29 the submarine, lagoon, and the Matter

2:29 the submarine, lagoon, and the Matter Horn, Walt Disney focused his laser beam

2:31 Horn, Walt Disney focused his laser beam

2:31 Horn, Walt Disney focused his laser beam like mind once again on Frontier Land.

2:34 like mind once again on Frontier Land.

2:34 like mind once again on Frontier Land. And in 1960, the next wave of creativity

2:38 And in 1960, the next wave of creativity

2:38 And in 1960, the next wave of creativity hit the Old West. So, the entire Living

2:41 hit the Old West. So, the entire Living

2:41 hit the Old West. So, the entire Living Desert became the brand new Nature's

2:44 Desert became the brand new Nature's

2:44 Desert became the brand new Nature's Wonderland. It was like an all North

2:46 Wonderland. It was like an all North

2:46 Wonderland. It was like an all North American version of the Jungle Cruise,

2:47 American version of the Jungle Cruise,

2:47 American version of the Jungle Cruise, featuring expanded scenery, landscaping,

2:49 featuring expanded scenery, landscaping,

2:49 featuring expanded scenery, landscaping, and of course, Jungle Cruise style

2:52 and of course, Jungle Cruise style

2:52 and of course, Jungle Cruise style mechanical animals from America's

2:54 mechanical animals from America's

2:54 mechanical animals from America's frontier wilderness. And it was the mine

2:56 frontier wilderness. And it was the mine

2:56 frontier wilderness. And it was the mine train that really tied them all

2:57 train that really tied them all

2:57 train that really tied them all together. In true Disney fashion, the

2:59 together. In true Disney fashion, the

2:59 together. In true Disney fashion, the loading platforms for both the mine

3:01 loading platforms for both the mine

3:01 loading platforms for both the mine train and pack mules, by now, the wagons

3:03 train and pack mules, by now, the wagons

3:03 train and pack mules, by now, the wagons and stage coaches had disappeared, were

3:05 and stage coaches had disappeared, were

3:05 and stage coaches had disappeared, were themed around the fictional western town

3:07 themed around the fictional western town

3:07 themed around the fictional western town of Rainbow Ridge. Some of the smaller

3:10 of Rainbow Ridge. Some of the smaller

3:10 of Rainbow Ridge. Some of the smaller background buildings of Rainbow Ridge

3:11 background buildings of Rainbow Ridge

3:12 background buildings of Rainbow Ridge have survived here in the queue for Big

3:13 have survived here in the queue for Big

3:13 have survived here in the queue for Big Thunder Mountain, but the original town

3:15 Thunder Mountain, but the original town

3:15 Thunder Mountain, but the original town of Rainbow Ridge was quite a bit larger.

3:17 of Rainbow Ridge was quite a bit larger.

3:17 of Rainbow Ridge was quite a bit larger. The small buildings you see here were

3:19 The small buildings you see here were

3:19 The small buildings you see here were located on the hill above the loading

3:20 located on the hill above the loading

3:20 located on the hill above the loading platform, which gave the illusion of a

3:22 platform, which gave the illusion of a

3:22 platform, which gave the illusion of a much larger town stretching up the

3:24 much larger town stretching up the

3:24 much larger town stretching up the mountain side. While waiting for their

3:26 mountain side. While waiting for their

3:26 mountain side. While waiting for their train, guests could sometimes catch

3:27 train, guests could sometimes catch

3:27 train, guests could sometimes catch humorous bits of conversations and sound

3:29 humorous bits of conversations and sound

3:29 humorous bits of conversations and sound effects coming out of the buildings up

3:31 effects coming out of the buildings up

3:31 effects coming out of the buildings up on Rainbow Ridge and even witness

3:32 on Rainbow Ridge and even witness

3:32 on Rainbow Ridge and even witness costume cast members acting as bandits

3:34 costume cast members acting as bandits

3:34 costume cast members acting as bandits and sheriffs getting into gunfights and

3:36 and sheriffs getting into gunfights and

3:36 and sheriffs getting into gunfights and other old west scuffles. Some of this

3:38 other old west scuffles. Some of this

3:38 other old west scuffles. Some of this action took those vines right up the

3:39 action took those vines right up the

3:40 action took those vines right up the hill on the outside of town where the

3:41 hill on the outside of town where the

3:41 hill on the outside of town where the full-sized humans probably looked a

3:43 full-sized humans probably looked a

3:43 full-sized humans probably looked a little strange next to those miniature

3:45 little strange next to those miniature

3:45 little strange next to those miniature buildings. Well, gee whiz, Fred, I'm a

3:48 buildings. Well, gee whiz, Fred, I'm a

3:48 buildings. Well, gee whiz, Fred, I'm a giant. Once finally loaded on your mine

3:50 giant. Once finally loaded on your mine

3:50 giant. Once finally loaded on your mine train, you would leave town through a

3:52 train, you would leave town through a

3:52 train, you would leave town through a tunnel and find yourself passing through

3:54 tunnel and find yourself passing through

3:54 tunnel and find yourself passing through the scenic Beaver Valley, which was

3:56 the scenic Beaver Valley, which was

3:56 the scenic Beaver Valley, which was located right around these here parts.

3:59 located right around these here parts.

3:59 located right around these here parts. The train would then pass through this

4:01 The train would then pass through this

4:01 The train would then pass through this second tunnel, which was infested up on

4:03 second tunnel, which was infested up on

4:03 second tunnel, which was infested up on top of here with marmets. They'd pop up

4:05 top of here with marmets. They'd pop up

4:05 top of here with marmets. They'd pop up and whistle at the guests.

4:07 and whistle at the guests.

4:08 and whistle at the guests. But once past those pesky marmets and

4:09 But once past those pesky marmets and

4:09 But once past those pesky marmets and through the tunnel, the train finally

4:11 through the tunnel, the train finally

4:11 through the tunnel, the train finally came out onto the wide open scenery of

4:13 came out onto the wide open scenery of

4:13 came out onto the wide open scenery of the Rivers of America. Almost

4:15 the Rivers of America. Almost

4:15 the Rivers of America. Almost immediately after exiting the tunnel,

4:17 immediately after exiting the tunnel,

4:17 immediately after exiting the tunnel, you found yourself approaching the

4:18 you found yourself approaching the

4:18 you found yourself approaching the towering Cascade Peak. Guests came

4:21 towering Cascade Peak. Guests came

4:21 towering Cascade Peak. Guests came perilously close to the spray of mighty

4:23 perilously close to the spray of mighty

4:23 perilously close to the spray of mighty Big Thunder Falls. Gee, wonder why that

4:26 Big Thunder Falls. Gee, wonder why that

4:26 Big Thunder Falls. Gee, wonder why that name sounds familiar. You would then

4:27 name sounds familiar. You would then

4:28 name sounds familiar. You would then pass by the next two smaller waterfalls,

4:30 pass by the next two smaller waterfalls,

4:30 pass by the next two smaller waterfalls, which were known as the Twin Sisters.

4:32 which were known as the Twin Sisters.

4:32 which were known as the Twin Sisters. And according to the ride's narration,

4:34 And according to the ride's narration,

4:34 And according to the ride's narration, that's because they're always babbling.

4:37 that's because they're always babbling.

4:37 that's because they're always babbling. Not sure we can get away with that joke

4:38 Not sure we can get away with that joke

4:38 Not sure we can get away with that joke today, folks. The mine train then moved

4:40 today, folks. The mine train then moved

4:40 today, folks. The mine train then moved up into the hills beneath the Pacmeal

4:42 up into the hills beneath the Pacmeal

4:42 up into the hills beneath the Pacmeal Trail through, you guessed it, another

4:44 Trail through, you guessed it, another

4:44 Trail through, you guessed it, another tunnel and out onto the perilous Trestle

4:47 tunnel and out onto the perilous Trestle

4:47 tunnel and out onto the perilous Trestle Bridge high above bear country. Not

4:50 Bridge high above bear country. Not

4:50 Bridge high above bear country. Not country bears, mind you, but bear

4:52 country bears, mind you, but bear

4:52 country bears, mind you, but bear country nonetheless. This is what's left

4:55 country nonetheless. This is what's left

4:55 country nonetheless. This is what's left of bear country. There were all kinds of

4:57 of bear country. There were all kinds of

4:57 of bear country. There were all kinds of realistic looking mechanical bears who

4:59 realistic looking mechanical bears who

4:59 realistic looking mechanical bears who would sniff and scratch and hunt for

5:02 would sniff and scratch and hunt for

5:02 would sniff and scratch and hunt for fish and do, you know, bear stuff. Looks

5:06 fish and do, you know, bear stuff. Looks

5:06 fish and do, you know, bear stuff. Looks pretty bear of bears. Now, remember that

5:09 pretty bear of bears. Now, remember that

5:09 pretty bear of bears. Now, remember that unlike modern audio animatronics, these

5:11 unlike modern audio animatronics, these

5:11 unlike modern audio animatronics, these were much simpler creatures, a lot like

5:13 were much simpler creatures, a lot like

5:13 were much simpler creatures, a lot like the Jungle Cruise hippos or something

5:15 the Jungle Cruise hippos or something

5:15 the Jungle Cruise hippos or something like that. But they did move around

5:17 like that. But they did move around

5:17 like that. But they did move around enough to satisfy the imaginations of

5:18 enough to satisfy the imaginations of

5:18 enough to satisfy the imaginations of guests riding high on the trestle bridge

5:20 guests riding high on the trestle bridge

5:20 guests riding high on the trestle bridge above, safely out of reach of any stray

5:22 above, safely out of reach of any stray

5:22 above, safely out of reach of any stray bears. Now, even though the last

5:24 bears. Now, even though the last

5:24 bears. Now, even though the last remnants of the trestle bridge itself

5:26 remnants of the trestle bridge itself

5:26 remnants of the trestle bridge itself are long gone, you can still see an

5:28 are long gone, you can still see an

5:28 are long gone, you can still see an original piece of bear country right

5:29 original piece of bear country right

5:29 original piece of bear country right here, the mechanical jumping fish. Now,

5:32 here, the mechanical jumping fish. Now,

5:32 here, the mechanical jumping fish. Now, although they break down periodically or

5:34 although they break down periodically or

5:34 although they break down periodically or somebody forgets to turn them on, these

5:36 somebody forgets to turn them on, these

5:36 somebody forgets to turn them on, these fish have been jumping around happily in

5:37 fish have been jumping around happily in

5:38 fish have been jumping around happily in here since the 1960s.

5:40 here since the 1960s.

5:40 here since the 1960s. So, just in case you've ever stopped by

5:41 So, just in case you've ever stopped by

5:41 So, just in case you've ever stopped by here and thought to yourself, something

5:43 here and thought to yourself, something

5:43 here and thought to yourself, something a little fishy going on in there, you

5:45 a little fishy going on in there, you

5:45 a little fishy going on in there, you were right. Anyway, next the train went

5:48 were right. Anyway, next the train went

5:48 were right. Anyway, next the train went underneath the path of the pack meals

5:49 underneath the path of the pack meals

5:49 underneath the path of the pack meals again, passing under a natural arch and

5:52 again, passing under a natural arch and

5:52 again, passing under a natural arch and into the vast living desert area. Only

5:55 into the vast living desert area. Only

5:55 into the vast living desert area. Only now, in addition to the original

5:56 now, in addition to the original

5:56 now, in addition to the original scenery, the living desert was thickly

5:58 scenery, the living desert was thickly

5:58 scenery, the living desert was thickly populated with cigaro cactuses, and all

6:01 populated with cigaro cactuses, and all

6:01 populated with cigaro cactuses, and all kinds of moving desert critters. There

6:03 kinds of moving desert critters. There

6:03 kinds of moving desert critters. There were bobcats, wild pigs, coyotes,

6:07 were bobcats, wild pigs, coyotes,

6:07 were bobcats, wild pigs, coyotes, possibly goats. You get the idea. Now,

6:09 possibly goats. You get the idea. Now,

6:09 possibly goats. You get the idea. Now, by this point of the ride, after being

6:11 by this point of the ride, after being

6:11 by this point of the ride, after being in the desert sun for so long, some of

6:12 in the desert sun for so long, some of

6:12 in the desert sun for so long, some of the cactuses started to look like they

6:14 the cactuses started to look like they

6:14 the cactuses started to look like they had human faces.

6:17 had human faces.

6:17 had human faces. Hey, that was funny back there. That was

6:19 Hey, that was funny back there. That was

6:19 Hey, that was funny back there. That was good stuff. Around the bend, right

6:21 good stuff. Around the bend, right

6:21 good stuff. Around the bend, right around in this area were the fantastic

6:23 around in this area were the fantastic

6:23 around in this area were the fantastic devil's paint pots. Sounds pretty scary,

6:26 devil's paint pots. Sounds pretty scary,

6:26 devil's paint pots. Sounds pretty scary, right? These were made to represent

6:28 right? These were made to represent

6:28 right? These were made to represent volcanic hot springs bubbling up from

6:30 volcanic hot springs bubbling up from

6:30 volcanic hot springs bubbling up from somewhere hotter than heck itself. Next

6:33 somewhere hotter than heck itself. Next

6:34 somewhere hotter than heck itself. Next up was a majestic geyser suddenly

6:35 up was a majestic geyser suddenly

6:36 up was a majestic geyser suddenly shooting water up into the sky. Oh no, I

6:39 shooting water up into the sky. Oh no, I

6:39 shooting water up into the sky. Oh no, I just got wet. Don't worry folks, that

6:41 just got wet. Don't worry folks, that

6:41 just got wet. Don't worry folks, that was just old unfaithful geyser having

6:44 was just old unfaithful geyser having

6:44 was just old unfaithful geyser having her way. Oh great, I just got wet. After

6:50 her way. Oh great, I just got wet. After

6:50 her way. Oh great, I just got wet. After that, the train would pass by the pond,

6:52 that, the train would pass by the pond,

6:52 that, the train would pass by the pond, which was sort of a desert watering hole

6:55 which was sort of a desert watering hole

6:55 which was sort of a desert watering hole in this area and basically an excuse to

6:57 in this area and basically an excuse to

6:57 in this area and basically an excuse to show some more desert creatures. Oh,

6:59 show some more desert creatures. Oh,

6:59 show some more desert creatures. Oh, cool. Some more desert creatures. The

7:01 cool. Some more desert creatures. The

7:01 cool. Some more desert creatures. The train passed through the treacherous,

7:03 train passed through the treacherous,

7:03 train passed through the treacherous, teetering, whirling, balancing rocks. Oh

7:06 teetering, whirling, balancing rocks. Oh

7:06 teetering, whirling, balancing rocks. Oh my god, there's a rock up there. At

7:08 my god, there's a rock up there. At

7:08 my god, there's a rock up there. At last, the train would enter the rainbow

7:10 last, the train would enter the rainbow

7:10 last, the train would enter the rainbow caverns, which was made even more

7:12 caverns, which was made even more

7:12 caverns, which was made even more beautiful, almost psychedelic, even with

7:15 beautiful, almost psychedelic, even with

7:15 beautiful, almost psychedelic, even with upgraded black light technology.

7:17 upgraded black light technology.

7:17 upgraded black light technology. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of

7:19 Unfortunately, due to the limitations of

7:19 Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the colored film of the day, there

7:20 the colored film of the day, there

7:20 the colored film of the day, there really isn't any good footage of what

7:23 really isn't any good footage of what

7:23 really isn't any good footage of what the caverns actually looked like.

7:25 the caverns actually looked like.

7:25 the caverns actually looked like. Luckily, websites like Daveland have

7:27 Luckily, websites like Daveland have

7:27 Luckily, websites like Daveland have lots of amazing photographs, but

7:28 lots of amazing photographs, but

7:28 lots of amazing photographs, but everyone who visited the caverns agrees

7:30 everyone who visited the caverns agrees

7:30 everyone who visited the caverns agrees that no photograph could ever really

7:33 that no photograph could ever really

7:33 that no photograph could ever really capture the experience. The closest

7:35 capture the experience. The closest

7:35 capture the experience. The closest thing to Rainbow Caverns we'll

7:36 thing to Rainbow Caverns we'll

7:36 thing to Rainbow Caverns we'll experience today is the wink and nod to

7:38 experience today is the wink and nod to

7:38 experience today is the wink and nod to the old attraction inside the first lift

7:40 the old attraction inside the first lift

7:40 the old attraction inside the first lift hill of Big Thunder or down in the

7:42 hill of Big Thunder or down in the

7:42 hill of Big Thunder or down in the Calico Mine ride at nearby Knots Berry

7:44 Calico Mine ride at nearby Knots Berry

7:44 Calico Mine ride at nearby Knots Berry Farm which was built in the same year.

7:46 Farm which was built in the same year.

7:46 Farm which was built in the same year. But as fantastic as those similar scenes

7:48 But as fantastic as those similar scenes

7:48 But as fantastic as those similar scenes are, the people who really experience it

7:50 are, the people who really experience it

7:50 are, the people who really experience it here will all agree nothing's ever quite

7:53 here will all agree nothing's ever quite

7:53 here will all agree nothing's ever quite beat it. The trains would exit the

7:56 beat it. The trains would exit the

7:56 beat it. The trains would exit the Rainbow Caverns right about there where

7:57 Rainbow Caverns right about there where

7:57 Rainbow Caverns right about there where the Big Thunder Maintenance Building is

7:59 the Big Thunder Maintenance Building is

7:59 the Big Thunder Maintenance Building is and make their way back to Rainbow

8:00 and make their way back to Rainbow

8:00 and make their way back to Rainbow Ridge, finally wrapping up guest journey

8:02 Ridge, finally wrapping up guest journey

8:02 Ridge, finally wrapping up guest journey through the massive layout of Nature's

8:05 through the massive layout of Nature's

8:05 through the massive layout of Nature's Wonderland. Now, given that this

8:07 Wonderland. Now, given that this

8:07 Wonderland. Now, given that this attraction was such a massive part of

8:09 attraction was such a massive part of

8:09 attraction was such a massive part of the park, some people wonder why in the

8:11 the park, some people wonder why in the

8:11 the park, some people wonder why in the world would they ever take it out? Well,

8:13 world would they ever take it out? Well,

8:13 world would they ever take it out? Well, it's all about the timing, folks. You

8:15 it's all about the timing, folks. You

8:15 it's all about the timing, folks. You see, by the 1970s, the Old West had lost

8:17 see, by the 1970s, the Old West had lost

8:18 see, by the 1970s, the Old West had lost its charm in the popular imagination.

8:19 its charm in the popular imagination.

8:20 its charm in the popular imagination. And not only that, but by the time the

8:21 And not only that, but by the time the

8:21 And not only that, but by the time the rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and

8:23 rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and

8:23 rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion came along,

8:24 the Haunted Mansion came along,

8:24 the Haunted Mansion came along, showcasing Disney's huge leap in the

8:27 showcasing Disney's huge leap in the

8:27 showcasing Disney's huge leap in the field of audio animatronic technology,

8:29 field of audio animatronic technology,

8:29 field of audio animatronic technology, the animals in Nature's Wonderland

8:31 the animals in Nature's Wonderland

8:31 the animals in Nature's Wonderland looked a little less convincing than

8:33 looked a little less convincing than

8:33 looked a little less convincing than they used to. On top of all that, in the

8:36 they used to. On top of all that, in the

8:36 they used to. On top of all that, in the preceding decades, other parks had tried

8:38 preceding decades, other parks had tried

8:38 preceding decades, other parks had tried to compete with Disney by placing a

8:40 to compete with Disney by placing a

8:40 to compete with Disney by placing a heavier and heavier emphasis on roller

8:42 heavier and heavier emphasis on roller

8:42 heavier and heavier emphasis on roller coasters. So, with guests seeking more

8:44 coasters. So, with guests seeking more

8:44 coasters. So, with guests seeking more thrill attractions and Disney's own

8:46 thrill attractions and Disney's own

8:46 thrill attractions and Disney's own success with Space Mountain in 1977,

8:48 success with Space Mountain in 1977,

8:48 success with Space Mountain in 1977, they knew the mine train had had its

8:50 they knew the mine train had had its

8:50 they knew the mine train had had its day, and they started constructing one

8:53 day, and they started constructing one

8:53 day, and they started constructing one of the greatest Disney rides of all

8:55 of the greatest Disney rides of all

8:55 of the greatest Disney rides of all time, Big Thunder Mountain.

8:59 time, Big Thunder Mountain.

8:59 time, Big Thunder Mountain. Today, Big Thunder Trail cuts through

9:00 Today, Big Thunder Trail cuts through

9:00 Today, Big Thunder Trail cuts through much of what once was nature's

9:03 much of what once was nature's

9:03 much of what once was nature's wonderland, and the Big Thunder Ranch

9:04 wonderland, and the Big Thunder Ranch

9:04 wonderland, and the Big Thunder Ranch sits on top of what used to be the

9:06 sits on top of what used to be the

9:06 sits on top of what used to be the living desert. But if you know where to

9:08 living desert. But if you know where to

9:08 living desert. But if you know where to look, there's all kinds of abandoned

9:10 look, there's all kinds of abandoned

9:10 look, there's all kinds of abandoned remains of this former amazing

9:12 remains of this former amazing

9:12 remains of this former amazing attraction scattered around today's

9:15 attraction scattered around today's

9:15 attraction scattered around today's Disneyland. Of course, we've already

9:17 Disneyland. Of course, we've already

9:17 Disneyland. Of course, we've already seen the tunnel and the fish from the

9:19 seen the tunnel and the fish from the

9:19 seen the tunnel and the fish from the original Bear Country, and hundreds of

9:20 original Bear Country, and hundreds of

9:20 original Bear Country, and hundreds of guests pass right by the old tunnel to

9:22 guests pass right by the old tunnel to

9:22 guests pass right by the old tunnel to Cascade Peak every single day. But if

9:25 Cascade Peak every single day. But if

9:25 Cascade Peak every single day. But if you board the Mark Twain, you can still

9:27 you board the Mark Twain, you can still

9:27 you board the Mark Twain, you can still see a big section of abandoned track

9:30 see a big section of abandoned track

9:30 see a big section of abandoned track from the original ride. Cascade Peak was

9:32 from the original ride. Cascade Peak was

9:32 from the original ride. Cascade Peak was finally removed in 1998 after becoming

9:35 finally removed in 1998 after becoming

9:35 finally removed in 1998 after becoming unsteady. And the last remaining train

9:37 unsteady. And the last remaining train

9:37 unsteady. And the last remaining train from the attraction that had been left

9:38 from the attraction that had been left

9:38 from the attraction that had been left for scenery along the river has long

9:40 for scenery along the river has long

9:40 for scenery along the river has long since left for Griffith Park and

9:42 since left for Griffith Park and

9:42 since left for Griffith Park and hopefully a future restoration. But over

9:44 hopefully a future restoration. But over

9:44 hopefully a future restoration. But over here, just by the entrance to Big

9:45 here, just by the entrance to Big

9:45 here, just by the entrance to Big Thunder Ranch, two of the original and

9:48 Thunder Ranch, two of the original and

9:48 Thunder Ranch, two of the original and this last arched rock formation from the

9:50 this last arched rock formation from the

9:50 this last arched rock formation from the ride can still be seen up close and

9:52 ride can still be seen up close and

9:52 ride can still be seen up close and personal. Wow, check this out. She's a

9:55 personal. Wow, check this out. She's a

9:55 personal. Wow, check this out. She's a real be. Right over here inside Big

9:58 real be. Right over here inside Big

9:58 real be. Right over here inside Big Thunder Barbecue is an abandoned piece

9:59 Thunder Barbecue is an abandoned piece

9:59 Thunder Barbecue is an abandoned piece of scenery almost nobody ever notices,

10:01 of scenery almost nobody ever notices,

10:01 of scenery almost nobody ever notices, hidden right in plain sight. Now, this

10:03 hidden right in plain sight. Now, this

10:03 hidden right in plain sight. Now, this tunnel didn't actually lead anywhere but

10:05 tunnel didn't actually lead anywhere but

10:05 tunnel didn't actually lead anywhere but backstage maintenance, but it still

10:07 backstage maintenance, but it still

10:07 backstage maintenance, but it still counts.

10:10 counts.

10:10 counts. It smells like history. Disney history.

10:13 It smells like history. Disney history.

10:13 It smells like history. Disney history. Now, if this looks a little strange,

10:15 Now, if this looks a little strange,

10:15 Now, if this looks a little strange, it's because the ground level here was

10:17 it's because the ground level here was

10:17 it's because the ground level here was raised up above the original living

10:19 raised up above the original living

10:19 raised up above the original living desert. And if the imagineers who built

10:21 desert. And if the imagineers who built

10:21 desert. And if the imagineers who built Big Thunder are telling the truth, this

10:23 Big Thunder are telling the truth, this

10:23 Big Thunder are telling the truth, this is also where they buried all the

10:24 is also where they buried all the

10:24 is also where they buried all the original animals from the attraction.

10:27 original animals from the attraction.

10:28 original animals from the attraction. That doesn't seem very green. But hey,

10:29 That doesn't seem very green. But hey,

10:30 That doesn't seem very green. But hey, it was the '7s. Back then, we solved our

10:32 it was the '7s. Back then, we solved our

10:32 it was the '7s. Back then, we solved our problems by burying them. Well, that's

10:34 problems by burying them. Well, that's

10:34 problems by burying them. Well, that's about all we have time for because it's

10:36 about all we have time for because it's

10:36 about all we have time for because it's time for me to be hitting the old dusty

10:38 time for me to be hitting the old dusty

10:38 time for me to be hitting the old dusty trail. Make sure to subscribe for some

10:39 trail. Make sure to subscribe for some

10:39 trail. Make sure to subscribe for some more wacky video adventures, history

10:41 more wacky video adventures, history

10:41 more wacky video adventures, history inside and outside of Disneyland. Check

10:42 inside and outside of Disneyland. Check

10:42 inside and outside of Disneyland. Check out our website.com and I'll see you in

10:45 out our website.com and I'll see you in

10:45 out our website.com and I'll see you in random land. Bye-bye.

10:47 random land. Bye-bye.

10:47 random land. Bye-bye. [Music]

10:56 [Music] Are you tired of wearing the same old

10:58 Are you tired of wearing the same old

10:58 Are you tired of wearing the same old apparel? Well, it's time to get

11:01 apparel? Well, it's time to get

11:01 apparel? Well, it's time to get something new to wear. We have shirts,

11:04 something new to wear. We have shirts,

11:04 something new to wear. We have shirts, hats, and so much more. So, come on down

11:08 hats, and so much more. So, come on down

11:08 hats, and so much more. So, come on down to live pastour.scr.com.

11:11 to live pastour.scr.com.

11:11 to live pastour.scr.com. [Music]

11:14 [Music] Pack mules. See how many people

11:17 Pack mules. See how many people

11:17 Pack mules. See how many people pack me.

11:17 pack me.

11:17 pack me. How many people you get to look at this

11:19 How many people you get to look at this

11:19 How many people you get to look at this way?

11:19 way?

11:19 way? Pack me. Pac-M

11:23 Pack me. Pac-M

11:23 Pack me. Pac-M right there does not appreciate pack

11:24 right there does not appreciate pack

11:24 right there does not appreciate pack mules. Not a big fan of pack meals. More

11:27 mules. Not a big fan of pack meals. More

11:27 mules. Not a big fan of pack meals. More of a fan of pack man.

11:29 of a fan of pack man.

11:29 of a fan of pack man. I don't know why I'm rubbing my belly.

11:30 I don't know why I'm rubbing my belly.

11:30 I don't know why I'm rubbing my belly. Because he likes to eat a lot. He likes

11:32 Because he likes to eat a lot. He likes

11:32 Because he likes to eat a lot. He likes to eat.

11:33 to eat.

11:33 to eat. He likes to eat a lot. He likes to eat

11:35 He likes to eat a lot. He likes to eat

11:35 He likes to eat a lot. He likes to eat those little You're not insulting him.

11:36 those little You're not insulting him.

11:36 those little You're not insulting him. He probably does like to eat. I like to

11:37 He probably does like to eat. I like to

11:37 He probably does like to eat. I like to eat. What about you?

11:39 eat. What about you?

11:39 eat. What about you? But he just he likes to eat cherries,

11:40 But he just he likes to eat cherries,

11:40 But he just he likes to eat cherries, too. Those cherries that pop up.

11:43 too. Those cherries that pop up.

11:44 too. Those cherries that pop up. We're coming into bear country now,

11:45 We're coming into bear country now,

11:45 We're coming into bear country now, folks. And while we're crossing the old

11:47 folks. And while we're crossing the old

11:47 folks. And while we're crossing the old trestle, you got to sit real still.

11:50 trestle, you got to sit real still.

11:50 trestle, you got to sit real still. We'll tell them how long she's going to

11:52 We'll tell them how long she's going to

11:52 We'll tell them how long she's going to last. If you don't know what a marmet

11:54 last. If you don't know what a marmet

11:54 last. If you don't know what a marmet is, don't worry. Neither does anybody

11:56 is, don't worry. Neither does anybody

11:56 is, don't worry. Neither does anybody else. Moving on. One of them gals from

11:59 else. Moving on. One of them gals from

11:59 else. Moving on. One of them gals from the red light district lost her lace

12:00 the red light district lost her lace

12:00 the red light district lost her lace bib. How's she going to eat her soup

12:03 bib. How's she going to eat her soup

12:03 bib. How's she going to eat her soup now?

12:03 now?

12:03 now? As we pass through old natural arch

12:06 As we pass through old natural arch

12:06 As we pass through old natural arch bridge, you can see the great living

12:08 bridge, you can see the great living

12:08 bridge, you can see the great living desert down below.

12:16 The beavers probably like it. Seems

12:16 The beavers probably like it. Seems good. Seems good. It's a little drier

12:18 good. Seems good. It's a little drier

12:18 good. Seems good. It's a little drier than it used to be, huh? A little drier

12:20 than it used to be, huh? A little drier

12:20 than it used to be, huh? A little drier than it used to be. Just like my jokes.

12:22 than it used to be. Just like my jokes.

12:22 than it used to be. Just like my jokes. Oh. Oh, there she blows. I'm sure glad

12:25 Oh. Oh, there she blows. I'm sure glad

12:25 Oh. Oh, there she blows. I'm sure glad you all brought your raincoat. But look

12:27 you all brought your raincoat. But look

12:27 you all brought your raincoat. But look out now. We never know when she's going

12:30 out now. We never know when she's going

12:30 out now. We never know when she's going to go off. That's why we call her oh,

12:33 to go off. That's why we call her oh,

12:33 to go off. That's why we call her oh, unfaithful.

12:34 unfaithful.

12:34 unfaithful. Look out now.

12:36 Look out now.

12:36 Look out now. You folks in them last cars be ready.

12:38 You folks in them last cars be ready.

12:38 You folks in them last cars be ready. She's threatening again. Albert Einstein

12:42 She's threatening again. Albert Einstein

12:42 She's threatening again. Albert Einstein just like E= MC². My mind is blown.

12:47 just like E= MC². My mind is blown.

12:47 just like E= MC². My mind is blown. Not sure we could get away with that

12:49 Not sure we could get away with that

12:49 Not sure we could get away with that joke today.

12:52 joke today.

12:52 joke today. Yeah, it's like my cousin Kelly.

12:55 Yeah, it's like my cousin Kelly.

12:55 Yeah, it's like my cousin Kelly. [Music]

13:13 See, he remembers.

13:13 See, he remembers. He remembers.

Lost Disneyland: Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland: Abandoned remains

Transcript