Rare Characters From 1983's Flights of Fantasy

In a recent post we watched the giant Fantasia brooms march by, and now we're taking a look at some more rarely-seen characters who grabbed the spotlight in Disneyland's 1983 Flights of Fantasy parade. We've got a dozen photos today, starting with the best armored oddballs ever:

 

The Trumpeter, Hippo Knight and Rhino Guards from Robin Hood show up! Check out the rhino on the far right menacing the crowd.

Heffalumps and Woozles. Hide the honey!

Ghosts of the Past: The Disney Villains Shop

This quaint little shop in Disneyland's castle courtyard has seen many changes over the decades. It's been a magic shop, a Christmas store, and it currently sells swords and family crests. In the early 90's, however, it housed the Disney Villains shop.

One of the most fun stores in the park, The Villains Shop sold a colorful variety of shirts, hats, license plate frames and coffee mugs, all featuring characters such as Maleficent, Chernabog, the Evil Queen, Captain Hook, Ursula, Cruella and the Cheshire Cat.

The Cheshire Cat?!?

Cheshire Cat Guidance

If you're lost, wandering around Fantasyland's borders, the Cheshire Cat's more than eager to point you toward the entrance to the Alice in Wonderland dark ride several yards away.

You'll be seeing a lot more of him inside the attraction, as he appears five times during the ride itself...although sometimes he's not quite "all there."

But beware. Just like in the animated classic, he has ulterior motives here; he loves any chance he can get to tick off the Queen of Hearts!

Disneyland Details: The Swirly Light

Every Time I visit Disneyland, I notice something I never saw before. I'll bet many die-hard fans know where this pink, swirly light is located. I'll reveal the location after the break! GEBQ96XECN6F