World's Oldest McDonald's in Downey, California

Opened in 1953, this McDonald's location in Downey, California is the 3rd McDonald's restaurant to be opened, the 2nd McDonald's restaurant to be franchised by Richard and Maurice McDonald before the involvement of Ray Kroc, and currently the world's oldest still operating McDonald's. On appearance alone it feels like a roadside attraction right out of a movie.  

This McDonald's location is particularly notable because the building still retains its original Googie architecture and design featuring double golden arches and walk-up ordering windows. This McDonald's also houses a small museum full of memorabilia in an attached seating area that was later added, and has its original sign featuring "Speedee" McDonald's original mascot. 

Fittingly, the historic Downey location is also the only McDonald's in the continental US that still serves the original deep fried apple pie. The modern version of the apple pie is baked at all the other locations so this variation does provide one more excuse to come and have a look and experience this really unique McDonald's throwback.

 

Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California

A few visuals of the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. 

Demolished: Whoville Set at Universal Studios

Once a staple of the backlot tour, the Whoville set from the 2000 production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood was demolished in 2020. These images were captured right before the park closure during the pandemic that year. 

 

Studios Gates at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood

A few visuals of the Melrose Gate and Bronson Gate at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood.