Carnation Ice Cream Parlor, 1996-ish

Here are three recent-ish (but still over 20 years old) photos of Disneyland from our mutual friend, Mr. X, who was a particular fan of the old Carnation Ice Cream Parlor, which had been there since opening day in 1955. He took quite a lot of photos of it at this time, I forgot to ask him if he did it "just because", or if he was aware that changes were afoot. Notice the vertical sign, which is now at the Carnation Farm near Seattle.

To our left is an outdoor dining area, formerly the home of the Flower Market and the Carnation Milk Truck. The dining area was added in 1977, while the truck stuck around backstage for years until going to the Carnation Farm along with that sign.

I zoomed in on the windows, and can make out the name "Royal Clark" on the leftmost panes. I didn't know who he was, and the Disney History website says that "...Royal Clark was among the most trusted life-long friends and business associates of the Walt Disney family.

He served as Executive Vice President of WED Enterprises, retiring in 1984. In addition, he served as Treasurer and as Vice President of Walt Disney's privately held company, RETLAW Enterprises".

The interior was beyond your typical amusement park eatery, with its gorgeous, genuine antique soda fountain, and the beautifully crafted wood and marble counter. Mr. X got there first thing in the morning, before anybody else was even thinking about ice cream. The Carnation Ice Cream Parlor closed in January of 1997.