For some reason the Sambo's that used to be on this corner is much missed by mid-century fans, maybe because Sambo's was a common restaurant dating back to at least the early '60s that no longer exists, or maybe because this Sambo's had '60s-ish rock walls and topiary bushes. When this restaurant converted to Coco's, though, at least they kept the same phone number as the old Sambo's.
Possibly this Sambo's had some arrangement with Stovall's Inn of Tomorrow next door, because this Sambo's also had topiary bushes in front. All the topiary bushes are now gone from Coco's, however.
The way it used to be... Sambo's used to have topiary bushes like its next-door neighbor, Stovall's Inn of Tomorrow. Photo courtesy of Synthetrix [4-15-07].
Sambo's Restaurant [1978] |
This Best Western Stovall's Inn used to be much more interesting in decor. In the 1970s it had flickering atoms on the front of it, and all kinds of twisted, futuristic, aluminum bars, and all kinds of protrusions with geometric shapes on its roof, all highly reminiscent of Disneyland's Tomorrowland of the '60s, especially of the Monsanto attractions Hall of Chemistry and Adventure Thru Inner Space. Modern remodeling has made its appearance blander, although its many topiary animals still exist, as does the spherical building by the pool, and one of the looped bars by the pool.
The sphere used to be painted white, but now is a light brownish color. I never knew what this sphere was until I visited the motel in 2007 and took pictures. I used to assume it was some storage shed for tools or electrical equipment, but it's a changing room for the pool, with a doorway on one side for men, and a doorway on the opposite side for women.
The general concensus on MousePlanet is that nowadays this is an acceptable but unexciting hotel. Nobody even bothered to write a review for it. A few people wrote that it is a tiny bit far for walking to and from Disneyland, especially after a long day, especially with children, although that keeps the price down, and tourists can use the ART busses instead of walking. People also wrote that Stovall's store was open only very limited hours, so was largely useless, but on the positive side the free breakfast was good, the rooms were clean, and the pool was heated and nice.
The way it used to be... Stovall's Inn's pool area is largely unchanged since the '60s. Photo courtesy of Synthetrix [4-1-07].
Inn of Tomorrow [1978] |
Disney's modern Simba paking lot takes up the span of a whole block. At least part of this lot is Cast Member parking only, per signs at the entrance on Katella.
There used to be several mid-century businesses along this stretch of Katella, including Wonderbowl bowling alley and Skyview Motel.
The way it used to be... Skyview Motel used to exist where the Simba parking lot is now. Photo courtesy of Synthetrix [4-26-07].
Skyview Motel [1978] |
This is another motel near Disneyland that is mid-century in at least its original construction. Recently (as of 4-13-07) one upset MousePlanet forum member reported sighting a cockroach inside a guest room, and didn't think it was a clean motel. The exterior certainly looks attractive, however. There is a cute pool area, many flower pots on the balconies, Iceland Poppies in front, flower vines on the wall, and so on.
The way it used to be...
Alamo Motor Lodge [1978] |
This is another Disneyland area motel that has been around since the 1960s but has been remodeled to look more modern, at least in front. The motel's former gaudy yellow color has been changed to a nondescript yelllow or beige, for example, and the brightly colored panels separating the balconies have all been painted the same nondescript color. But the pool in the center of the complex is still surrounded with rock walls and a V-shaped structure, all of which have a very '60s look. The overall feel of this hotel is that of an old, cloistered, cozy, clean, family motel.
The way it used to be... "Three blocks" must refer to West Street and Casa Vista Street. Photo courtesy of Synthetrix [4-1-07].
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Another visually unremarkable motel. The pool looks nice, there is umbrella-like architecture on stairwells, a tree fern in front, and a convenient Denny's that shares their parking lot, but that's about the extent of the visual interest as far as I can tell. In the past, however, this was once the site of the exotic Space Age Inn, which had very interesting architecture.
The way it used to be... The rocket seems to have been unique among this set of futuristic Best Western motels. Photo courtesy of Synthetrix [5-1-07].
Space Age Motel [1978] |
Wonderbowl was another business that used to be located where the Simba parking lot is now. Wonderbowl was gone by the 1970s, per old phone book data. It appears in phone books from 1963 and 1966-1967, but not in 1968-1969 or later.
The way it used to be... Wonderbowl used to exist where Simba parking lot is now. Photo courtesy of Synthetrix [5-3-07].
Wonderbowl, Inc. [1963]
Wonderbowl, Inc. [1966-1967] |
Created: February 24, 2007
Updated: May 7, 2007
