The Main Street Flower Market (1955–1977) was a charming, open-air shop on Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A., delighting guests with vibrant displays of plastic flowers billed as “the world’s finest natural flowers not grown by nature.” Located on West Center Street, this floral nook added a whimsical touch to the park’s turn-of-the-century aesthetic before moving briefly to East Center Street and closing to make way for dining expansions. Here are 10 fun facts about this blooming attraction, packed with 1950s charm and Disneyland nostalgia!
- Opening Day Blossom: The Main Street Flower Market opened with Disneyland on July 17, 1955, filling West Center Street between Upjohn Pharmacy and Carnation Ice Cream Parlor with colorful, artificial blooms, creating one of the park’s loveliest and most photographed spots.
- Plastic Perfection: The market sold plastic flowers of every variation, from roses to tulips, priced at 50 cents to $2.75 in the early 1960s. Packaged in florist boxes, these wilt-free souvenirs were a hit.
- Slogan Star: The iconic tagline, “The world’s finest natural flowers not grown by nature,” adorned the market’s signage, capturing its playful promise of everlasting beauty. This phrase, highlighted on Wikipedia, became a quirky hallmark of Main Street’s charm.
- Flower Market Annie: Anne Salisbury, affectionately called Flower Market Annie, was the market’s longest-serving cast member, working from 1955 until her retirement around 1977. Her warm presence made the shop a guest favorite.
- Relocation Drama: In 1977, the market moved from West Center Street to the smaller East Center Street to accommodate Carnation Cafe’s expansion. It later sold silk flowers instead of plastic, staying open at least until 1983.
- Polyethylene Pioneers: The flowers were made of polyethylene, a 1950s innovation praised for its durability and realism, as detailed in a 1964 New York Times article. This tech made the market’s blooms socially acceptable and “fashionable,” even among high society.
- Christmas Magic: During the holidays, the market leaned into Main Street’s festive vibe, selling plastic poinsettias and wreaths.
- Photogenic Nook: The market’s vibrant carts and lush displays were a shutterbug’s dream, rivaling the Floral Mickey for photos. A 1971 Reddit post shared by u/AxlCobainVedder (with 1,143 votes) called it a “perfect example” of Main Street’s unique charm.
- Nostalgic Revival: In 2013, flower carts reappeared on East Center Street as a tribute, but these held real, fragrant flowers, unlike the original’s plastic ones.
- Original Photo Op: The market’s carts were so popular that guests often carried bouquets around the park, adding pops of color to 1950s Disneyland photos.
