Mainstreet USA Changes

[ExtinctJenn]

I think many of you know by now I administer a site dedicated to extinct WDW. One of the things I just recently started to think about were the changes to Main Street outside of the addition/removal of shops etc. It dawned on me that there was a section of Main Street that may have been closed at one point... I think where the fake flowers used to be to make it look like a florist. I'm having a "duh" moment and am looking to you wonderful people to help me out here.

Outside of new shops etc., what are the changes that have been made to Main Street? Help!

 

[bethymouse]

Wasn't there a cigar/smoke shop at one point? Other than that, not sure. Good luck on your research!

 

[FettFan]

Wasn't there a cigar/smoke shop at one point? Other than that, not sure. Good luck on your research!

There was! It was not far from where the Crystal Palace is today, and they had the customary wooden Indian Chief outside.

Today, the Chief can be found in Frontierland (and in need of a bit of restoration....), outside of Pecos Bill's.

 

[unkadug]

http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id80.htm
http://www.yesterland.com/reminders.html
WidenYourWorld

just a few sites that may have info for you.

 

[marni1971]

You mean Cemtre St west?

 

[Californian Elitist]

There was! It was not far from where the Crystal Palace is today, and they had the customary wooden Indian Chief outside.

Today, the Chief can be found in Frontierland (and in need of a bit of restoration....), outside of Pecos Bill's.

The first picture looks a lot like Disneyland. I'm pretty sure it is Disneyland.

 

[MarkTwain]

You are in fact referring to Center Street West. The area was filled in and replaced with a dome-covered structure that connected the two western portions of Main Street, combining them into the Emporium.

Pic here

 

[graphite1326]

The first picture looks a lot like Disneyland. I'm pretty sure it is Disneyland.

the last time I was at WDW I stood next to this Indian. I can't remember where it was though.

 

[ExtinctJenn]

http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id80.htm
http://www.yesterland.com/reminders.html
WidenYourWorld

just a few sites that may have info for you.

Very familiar with each of those (they are my competition of course LOL). In all seriousness, I am a huge fan of Werner's (Yesterland) and Mike's (Widen Your World). In fact Mike has been a great motivation for me in working on my site.

You are in fact referring to Center Street West. The area was filled in and replaced with a dome-covered structure that connected the two western portions of Main Street, combining them into the Emporium.

Pic here

THAT is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

 

[ExtinctJenn]

The Cigar Shop falls into the work I'm doing re: the extinct shops and restaurants but I had totally forgotten that the Indian was once over on Mainstreet. Thank you so much for that @FettFan!

the last time I was at WDW I stood next to this Indian. I can't remember where it was though.

He's over in Frontierland now so that may be it!

 

[real mad hatter]

Yep,spoke to him last week at Frontierland,asked him for directions,never spoke a word,weirdo.But what I did love at Main St USA was the newly painted shops and signs.So bright & cheery.

 

[midwest_mice]

Main St is looking great. Too bad they couldn't have a few more unique shops in there. Magic Shop comes to mind...

 

[Californian Elitist]

the last time I was at WDW I stood next to this Indian. I can't remember where it was though.

I guess you're referring to the second Indian because the first Indian is located on Disneyland's Main Street. I can see the Main Street Cinema in the background of the picture.

 

[ExtinctJenn]

I just did some reading and y'know what.. Raven is right. That was DL not WDW. Although Raven there was a MS Cinema in WDW too just FYI. Found a few other pictures that confirm it based on the stairs behind him. Was there not one at WDW too?

EDIT: See below.

 

[ExtinctJenn]

Ok confirmed for myself... YES there was the exact same Indian and a Cigar Store on Main Street in the MK as well.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnsland/2192128615/

http://disneyshawn.blogspot.com/2009/03/excuse-me-but-where-can-i-smoke.html

 

[Californian Elitist]

Although Raven there was a MS Cinema in WDW too just FYI.

Do you know why and when it was taken out?

 

[vonpluto]

Regarding the first pic above, I have to agree with Raven. If the shop behind Big Chief Seegar is the tobacco store, then it’s not WDW. The original Tobacconist at WDW was across Main Street from the Cinema.

Timeline:
Tobacconist till 1985>Main Street Stationers >Main Street Bookstore
In the mid 90’s, the Bookstore, along with the Penny Arcade and the House of Magic were replaced by Main Street Athletic Company

The Tobacconist was relocated across Main Street into the Main Street Market House, and remained until the early 90’s. The Main Street Market House is now Crystal Arts, IIRC.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Do you know why and when it was taken out?

I do not know when, but it was made into an Art of Disey shop. The facade remains that of the cinema with the marquee reading "Now Showing The Art of Disney" and a screen in the back of the store that runs a video loop. Why? Because a shop is more profitable than a small, lightly attended attraction.

 

[ExtinctJenn]

Do you know why and when it was taken out?

I do not know when, but it was made into an Art of Disey shop. The facade remains that of the cinema with the marquee reading "Now Showing The Art of Disney" and a screen in the back of the store that runs a video loop. Why? Because a shop is more profitable than a small, lightly attended attraction.

For awhile it was the VMK shop. It was the spot you went to turn in your little game sheets etc. to get cards with codes for in-game stuff. You could also play the game on little kiosks in there. Behind the counter and kiosks was the same screen that's there today. It also showed cartoons in but if I remember right often it was showing in-game stuff instead.

 

[FettFan]

The first picture looks a lot like Disneyland. I'm pretty sure it is Disneyland.

After double-checking, yes that picture IS Disneyland.


BUT....both Main Streets had a cigar shop with the same Indian Chief out front. At WDW he's now in front of Pecos Bill's/Country Bears, while at DL he's in front of the Frontierland Trading Post.