Charles Phoenix Brings Brea Retro Disneyland

Charles Phoenix's slideshows of found photos from kitschy '50s and '60s always seem to sell out but there are still tickets out there for March 16-17 "Retro Disneyland Slide Shows" at the Curtis Theatre in Brea.

"Festive dress is encouraged but not expected," says your gentle host.

He promises glimpses of the early days of Main Street USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland. He'll fill you in one the back-story of long-gone attractions like the House of the Future, Flying Saucers, Indian Village and the Carousel of Progress. You'll also get to see Freedomland USA, an "ill-fated Disneyland wannabe theme park that opened in New York City in 1960."

The Saturday, March 16, show begins at 8 p.m., and the following day's program is a 2 p.m. matinee. Click here for tickets, which are $23-$30.

Another popular Charles Phoenix attraction is his "Disneyland" Tour of Downtown Los Angeles, a six-hour walking/school bus tour that treats the big city like it's a theme park. Wasn't it the San Francisco Chronicle's Herb Caen who said Southern California is the box Disneyland came in. Or something like that.

Anyway, the walking tour is so popular the March 24 event sold out. So Phoenix added another one, on April 7. You meet promptly at Union Station, 800 N. Alameda, Los Angeles, at 11 a.m. and head on via bus hops to places like Chinatown, Olvera Street, Phillipe's, the Bradbury Building, Carroll Avenue, Angel's Flight, Bob Baker Marionette Theater and Walt Disney Concert Hall. It ends at 5 p.m.

The $79 cost, still less than the Mouse House, includes museum and show tickets, a taquito on Olvera Street, souvenirs and transportation, but you have to pony up for your own French Dip at Phillipe's. Click here for tickets.

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