Disneyland Daily Photo

Simba & Nala

2010-06-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Disneyland likes to pick the lovey dovey song scenes for their window displays apparently. I haven't seen The Lion King in a long time, but this looks like a moment from "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

Sailing Off for the Peter Pan ride

2010-06-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

As you wait in line for the Peter Pan, and trust me, you will always be waiting for at least a few minutes, be sure to check out this great pirate ship painting at the entrance. You can get glimpses of it between loading.

A Whole New World

2010-06-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney flicks. Probably so because it was one of my little sister's favorite, and we watched it over and over. She really wanted a genie of her very own. She was convinced she could just keep it in her pocket.

This magic carpet ride moment is captured from the film in one of the windows on Main Street. I think you can even somehow meet Aladdin & Jasmine at Aladdin's Oasis in Adventureland. I'm sure one of the cast members will let you know how you can get in.

Jack & Sally

2010-05-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I usually see the same dressed up characters when I go to Disneyland - Cruella de Vil, the Queen of Hearts, Alice - and I am okay with that, but it's nice to see different ones. Around Halloween time last year, they trotted out all the villains and also Jack & Sally from a Nightmare Before Christmas. I wish I could have got a better photo of them, but I just caught a glance out of the corner of my eye as they swept past. Their costumes were lovely, and I could tell that the Sally had the walk down to a tee (if you haven't seen the movie, and I recommend that you do, Sally walks like a giant doll, kind of stuttering and not too fluid).

Figurehead of the Sailing Ship Columbia

2010-05-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Back in the 16th-19th centuries, it became commonplace to have a figurehead on the galleons of the times. One reason was to have a visual way to identify the ship in a not so literate kind of society. The figurehead about is found on the Sailing Ship Columbia; it cruises around the Rivers of America.

Storybook Land Canal Boats

2010-05-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

As you float through Storybook Land, you'll see many miniatures. I spend most of this ride squeaking in delight at the tiny houses. I especially squee about Prince Eric's seaside castle.

World of Color Preview

2010-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another preview of the World of Color show premiering next month at California Adventures. It debuts on June 11. They been testing ideas and designing the show since 2007. I'm looking forward to seeing it, but not any time close to the opening date.

Cruella De Vil

2010-05-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

How could you not be endeared to a face like that? I'm always tickled to see Cruella De Vil make an appearance. After a short, but fun visit, I noticed a crowd outside the Disneyland fire department. The band was playing and Cruella De Vil was helping... or interrupting, not positive which. I had to stop and watch and take a few photos. She blends fun and snarkiness perfectly for the surrounding kids. They don't know quite what to make of her and therefore, are not afraid. At least when I'm around, I'm sure she's unintentionally made a kid cry at some point.

World of Color

2010-04-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

A big new feature is coming to California Adventure. In an effort to get more folks over to the less popular park, they are building a new water fountain spectacular. I quote: "Designed by Walt Disney Creative Entertainment, this show is planned to have 1200 fountain nozzles with 1200 individually controlled underwater LEDs, one for each nozzle, and is scheduled to include lasers, lights, and fire with a water spray backdrop screen." It opens on June 10, not sure if I'll be in line that day, but I'll definitely check it out this summer. I'll be posting more of the preview photos soon.

Dole Whip Float

2010-04-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

I think I've mentioned the delightful Dole Whip Float before. It is one of my most favorite things about Disneyland, and if it were not for distance, I would be popping into the park just for one of these. To me, they are that good. You can buy your very own in only one place in the park. Right outside the Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland, there is a little hut cranking out hundreds of these a day. There is always a line, and especially so on a long day. Sometimes you can enter the waiting area for the Enchanted Tiki Room and get faster service from the other side of the hut, but not always.

You can get pineapple spears, pineapple juice, a Dole Whip - pinapple soft serve, or the amazing Dole Whip Float - pineapple soft serve over pineapple juice. It is entirely perfect on a warm day at the park.

A hiatus of sorts

2010-03-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know how you daily photo bloggers do it. Every single day is a lot of posting. I've extended myself a bit beyond my capability with this blog. I'm going to be taking a break, I'm not sure if it will be permanent or not. For one thing, my photo supply is dwindling as I haven't been able to get to the park lately. I also want to put more time and work into my other two blogs and focus my energy on keeping them going. I think I will still post photos here, but I don't think I can do it every day.

Thank you for reading and looking at my photos, and I hope to figure something out soon.

I'll have to change the title to Disneyland When-I-Feel-Like-Posting Photo. :)

In the skies of Tomorrowland

2010-03-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Far over Tomorrowland the bright colors of the future shine. Apparently a ride used to be on this platform, which would be way too high for my taste!

Buzz Lightyear

2010-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

He does have quite the chiseled jaw, doesn't he?

Astro Orbiters

2010-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of a few rides at Disneyland that my stomach and nerves cannot take. This ride goes up and in circles. For added fun, you can make it go up and down while you are going around, but not if you're in my rocket.

Star Tours

2010-03-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

You can find Star Wars even in Disneyland. Disneyland proposed the idea to George Lucas in 1986. The partnership between Disney and Lucas started with the opening of Captain EO. Disney imagineers bout military flight simulators and designed the ride structure. When the ride opened in 1987, throngs of Star Wars fans came to the park in costume and Disneyland stayed open for a 60 hour marathon.

Shuttle into the future

2010-03-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Imagineers were and are always making things better. I think this was an idea for the shuttle maybe for Star Tours?

Tomrrowland Orbits

2010-03-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

This sculpture at the entrance to Tomorrowland has always reminded me of an orrery though I'm not sure if it was intended to be so.

Pacific Wharf Cafe

2010-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it is just all about the food. This was a white cheddar bacon soup served during a food and wine festival at the park. Mmm.

Pacific Wharf

2010-03-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Wharf in California Adventure is based on Monterey's Cannery Row area, supposedly especially as depicted in John Steinbeck's novels. Has anyone else read Cannery Row? I don't think anything Disney developed could quite be the same as that book. Disney doesn't normally do gritty like that.

Anyway. The wharf does resemble San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. I do like this area of the park for two reasons: the food and the textures and rust on all the buildings.

Paradise Pier

2010-03-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Paradise Pier is themed after a boardwalk with games and all the accompanying rides. Unfortunately most boardwalk type rides - ferris wheels, roller coasters, and the like - make me nauseous. I like to walk through and gander though.

Fantasia Mickey

2010-03-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Though California Adventure is mostly about well, California, Mickey and company are still around. This snazzy statue happens to be in one of the best rides in the place, the Monsters Inc. ride.

Entrance to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot

2010-03-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

The entrance to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot is guarded, so to speak, by two ceramic elephant sculptures on tall columns. It's a tribute to a set constructed for the 1916 film Intolerance. The Kodak Theatre (where the Oscars are hosted) also have elephant sculptures atop columns.

It's Hollywood, just nod and smile.

San Francisco...in Anaheim

2010-03-09T05:00:00.001-08:00

In California Adventure, you can visit the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Tall facades reach into the sky, everything from a scary hotel to fake San Francisco building fronts. It's supposed to remind one of the boulevards and studio lots in the ever-glamorous Hollywood.

California Adventures

2010-03-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Across the entrance plaza to Disneyland, you'll find Disney's redheaded stepchild, California Adventure.

I can illustrate my feelings about the place with one word - even with the pass that lets me into both parks whenever I wish, I only go over to California Adventure about one in every ten visits. And then it's usually just for a ride or two or to visit a shop I really like or to see the Main Street Electrical Parade during the holidays. I've never spent an entire day there and don't see much reason too.

Still, it does have its charms. We'll be visiting here the rest of the week.

It does have its charms. Some

Enchanted Tiki Room

2010-03-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Speaking of the Enchanted Tiki Room, here's a glimpse of more of it. When this attraction opened in 1963, it was the first to feature audio-animatronics. For first time parkgoers, I think it's a must see. It's charming. And here's a pleaser for the adults, there is a single stall restroom inside the tiki room area.

Adventureland Guardians

2010-03-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

These stand just beside the Enchanted Tiki and more importantly, the place to get Dole Whip Floats. :D

Balcony in Adventureland

2010-03-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

This balcony is just by the Adventureland entrance, across from Aladdin's Oasis. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to sneak up on these balconies and sit for a while above all the crowds?

Overhead

2010-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Tarzan's Treehouse at the end of the Adventureland - I wish guests were allowed to go all the way to the top.

Lights in Adventureland

2010-03-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I sure like these lights too. Not sure what the inside of the glass is lined with, but they have a delightful glow at night.

Aladdin's Oasis

2010-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Aladdin's Oasis in Adventureland used to be the location of a storytelling show. Character cast members told the story of Aladdin and a meet and greet was featured after the story. It closed in 2008 though. Nowadays, I see the occasional line outside but I have no idea what goes on there. I do know there is a small sitting area to the right that's a relatively quiet place to duck into though.

The World Famous Jungle Cruise

2010-03-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

A ride on the Jungle Cruise is a must while visiting the park, just keep your fingers crossed that you get one of the extra funny cruise guides.

So I'll keep putting up pictures this week, but I might be lacking in words... busy time at the office. Enjoy the photos at least!

Snacks...

2010-02-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Snacks, for me, are a big part of going to Disneyland. I try to devour as much as I can everytime...without making myself ill. It's a fine line. These are some of the many available treats at Pooh's Corner.

Honeycomb Ride Vehicle

2010-02-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

For your ride through the Hundred Acre Wood, you'll jump into a honeycomb adorned with this little bee of sorts.

Hunny for Pooh

2010-02-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

If you've watched any Winnie the Pooh cartoons you'll know that he likes his hunny. He can't be kept from it. As you exit the ride, keep an eye out for all the hunny pots and an ear out for the buzzing of bees.

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

2010-02-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

The idea for a Winnie the Pooh ride bounced around for a while before it landed in Critter Country and opened in 2003. The site used to be occupied by the Country Bear Jamboree. If you ever want to hop right onto a ride, I can tell you I've stood in line for longer than two minutes for this one.

Mickey in a tree

2010-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

For as many balloons that they must sell at Disneyland, this is a site I rarely see. Once in a while, I'll see them floating off into the distance. But when they get stuck in the trees, the staff must remove them fast. I'm sure there's a whole balloon removal team ready to rush out with ladders and special tools at a moment's notice.

Lights in Critter Country

2010-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

I know I've said that certain lights are my favorites more than once, but these really are. You can find these beauties over in Critter Country by the Fast Pass distriubtion area for a Splash Mountain. I happened to catch them at twilight on my last visit.

Lanterns

2010-02-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

These lanterns hang from the awning of the Pioneer Mercantile. I wouldn't mind having a few of them to hang from the tree in the backyard. Disneyland should have a store that just sells replicas of its decorations.

Indian Joe

2010-02-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Indian Joe has been standing guard outside this shop, currently the Westward Ho Trading Company, for some time. You'll notice there is a similar figure on Main Street USA. Daveland blog has some great details on this sculpture.

The Golden Horseshoe

2010-02-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

I've never been inside the Golden Horseshoe, so I can't tell you about the show. I can tell you the outside of the building is snazzy. I've read that the interior of the saloon was designed by Harper Goff, the same person who designed a saloon set for the movie "Calamity Jane" starring Doris Day.

Shooting Exposition

2010-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Frontierland Shootin' Exposition used to use metal pellets for the shooting guns; however, the metal pellets would chip the paint off the sets and targets, so the shooting arcade was repainted every night. Now, the shooting arcade uses lasers to determine the accuracy of the shooters.

Aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia

2010-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of the grand boats that makes its way around the Rivers of America is the Sailing Ship Columbia. Please take a ride on it if you have the opportunity. It's a nice relaxing cruise; you can sit above deck or walk below deck and check out the mini floating museum of sorts. You can get a small glimpse of what life was like. These are the captain's quarters.

Imagineers wanted to create a faithful replica of the actual ship Columbia, but sadly, there were no copies of the plans for the original vessel. Instead, they tracked down plans for the HMS Bounty and used those for reference in re-creating this vessel. It was made in a shipyard in Long Beach and made its Disneyland debut in 1958.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

2010-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened in 1979. This one in Disneyland is modeled after Bryce Canyon while the one in Disney World is based on Monument Valley. This big mountain is 104' tall and covers two acres. Lots of gold-mining decorations dot the surrounding area. I confess I've only been on this a couple of times because it is very jolty and often closed when I stroll past it in the evenings. Which makes me a little nervous. ;) I have a thing with roller coasters, even tame ones.

Trip to Frontierland

2010-02-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

Frontierland was one of the five original themed lands at Disneyland's opening. Initially, the land did not contain many attractions. It was centered around open expanses of wilderness which could be traversed by guests via stagecoach, pack mules and walking trails. It's come a long way, and now it includes attractions such as:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island
Frontierland Shooting Exposition
Mark Twain Riverboat
Sailing Ship Columbia
Big Thunder Ranch

The Bonanza Outfitters is a great store right on the corner of Frontierland and Adventureland. Besides being gigantic, it is a great place to duck into and use as a shortcut after the Fantasmic and firework crowds.

Cruella De Vil

2010-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Trust me, this is a much better song to have stuck in your head than "it's a small world."

We all know her. The villain from 101 Dalmations who wants to turn the pretty spotted skin into a luxurious coat. The horror! How does one play a villain like this at the happiest place on Earth? Let me tell you how. Like the actress in the above picture.

She has the character down. She's mean but in more of teasing, biting way instead of make your children cry why. For example, as I took this photo, two teenagers had just said, "Hey Cruella." She replied with a snarling, "What do you want?" and waved her fake cigarette.

Not a bad gig. Though those shoes don't look super comfy.

Tattooing & Banjo Lessons

2010-02-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Now if only you could actually go into all these neat sounding places in Disneyland. Harper Goff worked as an Imagineer for Disney films and parks. This window is tucked into Adventureland instead of Main Street.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Model

2010-02-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

This makes the little girl in me (okay, and the adult one too) sooo happy. You can view this model in the opera house on Main Street U.S.A. I don't collect any specific Disney toys, but if I were going to buy something, it would be a model of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. And maybe the electrical parade.

And apparently, they used to be widely available from Robert Olszewski.

Rivers of America Construction

2010-02-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

I heard the Rivers of America was empty and the boats were sitting idle. I wanted to climb up Tarzan's Treehouse to get a better view, but alas. The day I visited it was closed because of the rain the previous week. Darn. So I just stood on my tippy toes on the bridge trying to get a peek. For me, as many others, construction and a peek of the real world at Disneyland is just fascinating. I'm not sure if they're just refurbishing or maybe taking out Fantasmic (we can only hope). We'll see what happens when it re-opens!

You can view more photos of the construction (as well as a million other cool Disneyland things) at Daveland blog.

Moody Chandelier

2010-02-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

You know that I like to look at the lamps of Disneyland by now, right? Well I do. I am always looking for new ones to photograph, and there are practically endless possibilities. I finally photographed a few of my favorites on the last visit, but I'll share that soon.

Anyway, this beauty can be found in the front half of the Pieces of Eight store in New Orleans Square. Pirates of the Caribbean conveniently dumps you out right beside this very cool store. You can find of course, all things pirate from hats to fake gold to candy in treasure sheets to Jack Sparrow wigs. Then in the front part of the store, you can find tons of Nightmare Before Christmas themed items. They have a pair of really cute Jack Skellington pajamas that I've been eyeing. Maybe on the next visit.

Alice & The Queen of Hearts

2010-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Let's take a break from themed land visits for the week. We'll just hop around the park instead. I have never seen Alice in Wonderland characters around as much as I have in the past month or so. I can only imagine it is at least partially due to the pending movie release. I would love to see recreations of the characters from the Tim Burton flick walking around, but I am pretty sure they want to preserve the animated versions for park visitors. The Mad Hatter was about with these two as well, and they were quite funny to watch. Those cast members sure know how to interact with each other.

The poor Queen though. That get-up looks terribly uncomfortable.

Walt & Mickey

2010-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you really don't need many words. Or any. :)

More Matterhorn

2010-02-07T23:10:00.000-08:00

Oops - this didn't post like it was supposed to earlier last week:

Matterhorn facts:
- This is where Tinkerbell takes off from on her nightly dash through the sky during the fireworks. In case you didn't know, that's what all the lines overhead are for. (Fun fact: I know one of the fireworks Tinkerbells. She's been doing it for at least six years now).

- There is indeed a basketball half court inside the Matterhorn.

- Walt Disney conceived the idea for the attraction when visiting Switzerland during filming of his film, Third Man on the Mountain.

- It was the first tube steel-track roller coaster in the world when it premiered in 1959.

Crocodile!

2010-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yep, little touches like these are why I'm constantly looking up at Disneyland. There are few fun weather vanes in the park. I bet you'll never guess where in the park I found this weather vane. Actually, go ahead and guess. :)

The Matterhorn

2010-02-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Somehow, and I have no idea how, I had never photographed the Matterhorn prior to my last visit. This trip though I couldn't stop noticing it. Maybe the blue of the skies made it jump out? Who knows. I'm glad I noticed this angle though. I like seeing the 1/100 scale Matterhorn loom over the relatively tiny Fantasyland village.

I don't know if people always realize that the Matterhorn is a part of Fantasyland, not Tomorrowland (it changed in the early 70s). It's right on the edge. The bobsleds of the ride take you up eight stories and then plunge you right back down in a jaw jarring fashion. Keep an eye out for the abominable snowman who has been surviving renovations since 1978.

More Matterhorn tomorrow.

Wishing Star

2010-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Before my last visit, I had never noticed this sign. Appropriately, it is tucked in beside Pinocchio's Daring Adventures. According to what I've found on the internet, you used to be able to get laser engraved crystal souvenirs here. The store was only open a few months. Maybe it wasn't a popular souvenir? Anyone have more info about this shop?

Original Fantasyland Model

2010-02-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of my coolest recent discoveries in the park is the huge, original model on display in the opera house. I'll post a picture of the full model later, but for now here is a close up of Fantasyland (I've decided it's Fantasyland week by the way). Do you recognize some of the rides? Check out the little flying Dumbo elephants and the tea cups of the Mad Tea Party. You can also see the Casey, Jr. Circus Train and the beginnings of the Storybook Canal.

Also? I love how the little tables with umbrellas look like little mushrooms.

King Arthur's Carrousel

2010-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

The King Arthur Carrousel in the middle of Fantasyland has one of the longest histories in the park. It was actually made in 1922, and it was used in a Canadian amusement park. Somehow or another it was discovered by Disneyland designers. The horses were refurbished and other parts were re-purposed. The carriages were taken and used as the train cars on the Casey, Jr. Circus Train.

The flag and tent style is also reminiscent of the older, medieval style of Fantasyland.

Disney Apocalypse??

2010-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, maybe not an apocalypse. Probably just zombies. Because do you notice the lack of people in this castle shot? That has never happened to me before and definitely not on a Saturday. I do realize the castle is one of the most photographed objects in the park, but I can't help myself. Especially one a day of brilliant, trademark Southern California blue skies. I could do a week of nothing but castle shots, but I don't want to give anyone "pink castle illness." What, you haven't heard of that?

As I've mentioned before, Sleeping Beauty's Castle is inspired by the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Herb Ryman was unsure of the design and rearranged it by putting the top on backwards before a meeting with Walt. Walt liked the switch, so that's the way it stayed (so my Disneyland Imagineering Field Guide says).

Main Street clouds

2010-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

I really couldn't have picked a better day to visit Disneyland than last Saturday (the 23rd). Most Southern Califonia folks must not have believed the forecast when it said there would be a break in the rain. Even arriving at 11am, I parked on the second level. I meandered, taking pictures, enjoying the sunshine. The lighting was just perfect. And I walked onto nearly every ride without a wait. I only went on a handful, but still. If this gives you an idea, the usually hour+ standby wait for Indiana Jones never went past ten minutes the few times I walked past.

Fargo's Palm Parlor

2010-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Roland Fargo Crump was one of Disney's first Imagineers. He worked at Disney over a span of 40 years. He worked closely with Walt on the development of the Haunted Mansion. When it was in its beginning stages, it was going to be a walk-through attraction, no doom buggies.

Coffee!

2010-01-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Because what would Main Street USA be without a place to get coffee? There are actually a few places, here in the bakery and the Market House for starters. The Market House has some tasty flavored varieties, but I'm never blown away by the coffee at Disneyland. Maybe they should put a team of Imagineers on that.

Crystal Arcade

2010-01-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Some fun facts about Main Street USA:
- the storefront windows are not period correct. Walt had them placed lower so that children could see into them.
- the music for Main Street usually has an upbeat, bouncy tempo to encourage a feeling of optimism.
- some of the windows of Main Street have special effects that cast shadows to make the buildings continue to feel after dark.

Disneyland's Fire Department

2010-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

The fire department's brick and mortar building is quite lovely, but the building is most known for housing Walt Disney's family apartment. It was his home away from home where he could keep an eye on the park. When he stayed, he would leave a light on in the upstairs window to let cast members know he was staying over. You can see the light now; it is kept lit continually in his honor.

Windows of Main Street

2010-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

While you're strolling down Main Street, look up and check out the names of the businesses on the windows. It is names of Imagineers, developers, artisans, and anyone who helped bring the magic of Disneyland about. It is a huge honor to have your name placed on one of these windows. The windows are revealed at a ceremony on Main Street to the honoree, and the honoree receives a scale replica of the window.

Here's some of the names in the above photo:
Ken Anderson - animation art director, key figure in transferring film environments into the real spaces of Disneyland

L.H. Roth - an assistant to Joe Fowler, who was in charge of Disneyland construction.

George Mills - he was in charge of the Mill

Main Street USA

2010-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

This week we'll be taking a long walk down Main Street USA. I am usually guilty of breezing through here, anxious to get to the first ride of the day. Then at the end of the day, I stumble back through, too weary to notice where I am. And it really deserves more than just a glance.

Main Street was inspired by Walt Disney's memories of his hometown of Marceline, Missouri. It is designed to resemble the center of a turn-of-the-century (c. 1908) American town. Several vehicles traverse Main Street, and if you're lucky enough, you'll catch a ride on the omnibus, the horse drawn streetcar, the fire engine, or the horseless carriage.

Help?

2010-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

I was attempting to continue my Adventureland theme this week, and in a desperate grab for one last photo, I found these lanterns. But they could actually be in Critter Country. Does anyone recognize them?

Wait, didn't we just do this?

2010-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Adventureland...again. I didn't realize I had a non-cropped version, oops!

Don't make the natives angry

2010-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Keep low as you float through headhunter country. You might be attached by spears and blow darts. Sound effects are normally provided by your cruise guide.

Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye

2010-01-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

I know, you're scratching your heads. Last time I checked, Indiana Jones wasn't Disney branded either. However, since Lucasfilm's success with Indiana Jone's Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Florida's Disney Hollywood Studios, they thought a ride would be a brilliant idea. And it is. It's a fast paced, spine jolting, yelp inducing, whopping good time of a ride.

It should be too. It took 400 imagineers to design and create this attraction. Every bit from the queue to the temple itself was planned to the tiniest detail. Which is good, because unless you are quick enough to grab a Fast Pass for this ride, you will spend a considerable amount of time in the queue before your quest for the Jewel of Power.

Ride along here

Back to the treehouse

2010-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Because I like to hop all about Adventureland, here is another photo from the top of Tarzan's treehouse. I really want to spend more time up there, but alas, I get easily frustrated by all the bouncing children. When will Disneyland have an adults only day? Or actually, I'd even take a no strollers day.

Right. Back to the post. This is after Tarzan's tree has been trashed. This particular image always makes me a little sniffly. Yes, I am that sappy.

Elephants in Disneyland!

2010-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, these guys are supposed to be in Disneyland. These robotic elephants are found on the banks of the Jungle Cruise. Hop aboard, and your skipper will whisk you away down the rivers of Asia, Africa, & South America - in less than ten minutes. It opened in 1955, and the imagineer behind the design, Harper Goff, was inspired by the movie African Queen.

Cool Jungle Cruise fact: One of the tricks the imagineers used to create a tropical jungle on a tight budget was to put everyday plants beside the exotic ones. They uprooted local orange trees and re-planted them upside down and grew vines on the exposed roots.

You can take your very own trip on the Jungle Cruise with this video.

Welcome to Adventureland!

2010-01-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Adventureland. Enter a world of jungles, bazaars, and action. The land was originally based on Walt Disney's True Life Adventures film series. Here you can visit the Enchanted Tiki Room, get a Dole Pineapple Whip Float, ride the Jungle Cruise, eat tasty skewers from the Bengal BBQ (may I recommend the asparagus wrapped in bacon?), ride along with Indiana Jones, and finally, climb Tarzan's Treehouse.

More of the treehouse!

2010-01-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

I think this is meant to be a scene from Jane's base camp, but it fits in anyway!

In the treehouse

2010-01-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

Remember those details? Yeah. This is a photo of Tarzan's human parents.

Tarzan's Treehouse

2010-01-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it used to be the Swiss Family Treehouse. But then the Tarzan movie came along, and in 1999 Disney re-themed it to coincide with the movie release. The big artificial tree got a giant makeover from the Imagineers. They replaced over 6,000 vinyl leaves and added a new suspension bridge. 6,000!!

It try to take a walk through every other visit or so. The details (as ever, forget about "God is in the details, it's "Disney is in the details) are just lovely. I find something new to check out in the base camp area every time.

Cartoon Pin-Up

2010-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

The inside line decorations for Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin are some of my favorites. This cartoon pin-up calendar is such a great addition!

Etch a Sketch Alien

2010-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Don't be fooled when you get inside a building at Disneyland. They are the masters of the "inside lines." You stand outside in the line, you look up optimistically when you get to the building attached to the ride. And then. Then there is more line. The good thing about this is that you can find a lot to look at while standing in lines. It's a great opportunity to check out the magical Disney detail touch.

This Etch-a-Sketch can be found in the line for Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters, a super fun ride in Tomorrowland.

Leave today

2010-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't think I really need to add anything to this... :)

Fairy Godmother

2010-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Cinderella had a fairy godmother to give her a fancy dress and transform her pumpkin into a coach and her mice into horses. This cast member played a fantastic fairy godmother. She was just adorable with the children. A long queue of little girls couldn't wait to talk to her, and they all had a look of awe on their faces.

Cinderella Window Display

2010-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Cinderella & Her Horses
Though this window display has been around for a while (apparently the window displays haven't changed much over the past five years), it still charms my socks off. If I were going to a ball, I think a carriage and white horses would be required. Glass slippers wouldn't hurt either.

Snow White

2010-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Snow White completed the Disney princess trifecta as we exited the park. Please don't hit me, but I'm not a huge fan of Snow White. I don't dislike it, but I don't have anything exciting to say about it. It doesn't help that this particular cast member didn't seem fantastic with the children either. So I'll just say pretty dress and lovely make-up and move along.

I lied, I also have to say, I like the retro version of her outfit better - check out this photo.

As I was researching for this post and getting distracted by looking at the various costume, I stumbled across a Disney Park Characters Blog. Really fun to look through!

Princess Aurora

2010-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Princess Aurora is at the top of my list of favorite Princesses. She was with the group of princesses signing by the exit. You can tell it must have been a chilly day because they were all wearing the winter (and warmer) versions of their dresses. Even from the profile view of this little girl's face, you can tell she is thrilled.

If I were ever going to do a Disney princess costume, it would be Aurora's. Though I adore Belle's get-up, Aurora's dress is more like something I would actually wear. But in blue. Not pink.

Snow White tomorrow...

Belle

2010-01-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

One day as we exited the park, I noticed several Disney princesses offering pictures, hugs, and autographs. I yippee'd like the five year old I am and tried to snap photos in between the kids going up.

This dress of Belle's from Beauty & the Beast is one of my favorite Disney princess costumes. The beautiful yellow, the elaborate details. I wonder how much the costume weighs. Anyone know a costumer at Disneyland that could maybe let me borrow this outfit? This cast member (they are not employees) certainly remained cheery so I would think it can't be terribly heavy. Or she's a great actress. It's really fun to see the characters interact with the children. Especially the villains.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Clock

2010-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

This view of a clock on Sleeping Beauty's Castle shows the sign for the store I miss - Once Upon a Time. What else would you call a Disney princess store?

The Sleeping Beauty Castle was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and designed by Imagineer Herb Ryman. The castle has many interesting architectural details, including water spouts shaped like squirrels and the Disney family coat of arms above the entrance.

Cinderelly, Cinderelly

2010-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

It is well worth your time to stop and look at window displays at Disneyland. I've probably mentioned that before. They stay the same for a while, but they are full of details and cuteness. On our last visit, I noticed this window display in Fantasyland. It is right by the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique*.

I haven't seen Cinderella in a while, but this display showing the little mice hard at work on Cinderella's dress immediately brought to mind the tune of Cinderelly. Aren't you glad I put that song in your head? Spools of thread and scissors are strewn across the display, and the edges of the pattern book are even nicely aged. Disney does it right.

*The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a place where girls can make appointments to get a princess makeover. Special hair-dos, sparkly barrettes, glitter make-up, you get the idea. It took over my favorite Disney Princess store. But, I'm not bitter. Really. Okay, to be fair, most of the items sold in the Princess store are still there, but it's not the same.

Dapper Dans

2010-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Dapper Dans are a barbershop quartet that has been performing at Disneyland since 1959. They also perform at Disney World and other international Disney locations. You can usually find them around Main Street in Disneyland, and sometimes they are on a Schwinn four-seater ordered especially by Walt Disney.

Even though I would not usually stop for a barbershop quartet, these guys kinda rock. It seems very difficult to become a member of the Dapper Dan and once a member joins, he sticks around until retirement or death. One of the quartets in Disneyland was together for ten years!

Here is a video of a Dapper Dan performance of Do You Remember When.

Magicland - Virtual Disneyland in Second Life

2010-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Magicland in Second Life
Maybe you really, really want to visit Disneyland but for some reason or another, you just can't. An aversion to crowds, distance, or cost stop you from going. Well, I discovered a cool thing recently, you can visit it virtually in Second Life.

Second Life is a virtual world started up by Linden Labs in 2003. It is what it sounds like - an online place with lands/destinations, shops, clubs, etc where your avatar can hang out with others. I think of it as social networking with graphics. I like to go there just to visit random places and see all the beautiful things people have designed. There are gorgeous virtual gardens and cities. While searching for locations to visit, I came across Magicland.

Spinning tea cups and carousel in Fantasyland
Magicland is an entire theme park that is both inspired by and a tribute to Walt Disney's original Disneyland. If you have a Second Life account, here is the Second Life URL. Here you will find Main Street, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland. You can walk around and explore, and my favorite part - virtually ride things like The Jungle Cruise. The Jungle Cruise combines computer graphics with photos from the ride, and they even have a classic recorded cruise guide audio piece that plays while you ride.

The attention to details are just wonderful, and I have had a fun time exploring the park and testing out rides. If you really want to check it out, downloading Second Life is free and admission to Magicland is also free. You can make a donation in Linden dollars (Second Life money) though.

Upcoming attractions - Electrical Parade, Matterhorn bobsleds, and the Tiki Room

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

Light in Rancho del Zocalo restaurant

The Rancho del Zocalo restaurant has so many pretty lights. I know I've mentioned it, but it is really one of my favorite places to dine in Disneyland. I've never had to stand in line long, and the atmosphere is cozy if you sit indoors and a little louder if you sit outdoors. It's kind of a break from the theme park craziness as well, which I appreciate. In case you are curious, here is their menu. Nothing fancy, but it is all tasty and the portions are big.

Thank you for visiting my little blog, and I hope you all have a fantastic 2010.

Just a tiny break

2009-12-28T21:25:00.001-08:00

Darn that scheduling thing, I had a note to go up on 12/26, but it didn't post. I'm taking an eensy break until 1/1! I'm compiling some research to go with all my photos of the park. See you guys soon!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Lights over New Orleans Square

Here's wishing you all a lovely Disney holiday!

Disneyland has decorations up until January 3rd.

King of the Christmas party

2009-12-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

This wreath hangs in the front of New Orleans Square. The jester gets to overlook it all, and every year I am amazed that it doesn't fall down.

Decorations on Main Street

2009-12-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Here are the tops of Main Street USA all decked out. You can see the giant tree lit up in the background.

Main Street USA decoration facts:
- 7,410 total feet of ribbon is used to make 812 bows. That’s 1.4 miles of ribbon!
- 79,000 ornaments all throughout Main Street.
- 2,015 feet of garland
- 10,395 lights make everything sparkle and just a little bit brighter.

Main Street Christmas Tree

2009-12-22T16:13:00.001-08:00

They don't kid around with Christmas trees!

I'm dashing off to Disneyland for the evening right now, but I will definitely look up information and facts about this giant tree when I return tonight. Assuming I'm not crashing from all the sugar anyway. :)

Edit: Okay, here's a few facts:
- there 2,000 ornaments on the Christmas tree- it's 60' tall and weighs 13 tons.
- the tree has 60,000 lights
- the lighting and the electrical alone weigh over 5,000 pounds
- up until a few years ago, they somehow carted down a real tree from Northern California. They are now using an artificial tree to be more "green"

Soft lights

2009-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just a few more days of Christmas decorations, I promise. I'll only post until Christmas Day, not until when Disneyland takes them down.

This wreath and light are tucked over by Fantasyland. I sat by this wreath while contemplating the very long line for It's a Small World. I decided to pass on the ride and get hot chocolate instead.

Giant snowflakes

2009-12-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

These giant blue snowflakes sit atop the entrace gate. They are among the first Christmas decorations you'll see (other than a few in Downtown Disney). They set the tone. I really wouldn't mind have some of those fake caps of snow to put around the house this time of the year. I guess that isn't impossible considering I live with a propmaker.

I haven't got a shot of this at night yet, but I'm going to the park for a birthday celebration Tuesday night and will try to grab one!

Honey Pot Tree in Pooh's Corner

2009-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

If you remember, my favorite place to get treats is Pooh's Corner over in Critter Country. This tree is tucked away in a corner. The bulbs are covered in honey. Bows, hunny pots, and pine cones complete the decorations.

It's a Small World Wreath

2009-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Lots of different wreaths adorn the area around It's a Small World. There are lots of colors and themes.

I'm beginning to feel pangs of sympathy for the people that have to take all these decorations down.

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin

2009-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin is one of just a couple of rides in Toontown. Because of it's popularity, it actually has a Fast Pass. As you might guess, it's based on the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. You board a cartoon cab and race through scenes from the movie. The line for the ride is entertaining too. As entertaining as lines can be. Lots of props and fun scenes from the movie.

Christmas Tree in Toontown

2009-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

I can't resist close-ups of ornaments on Christmas trees and wreaths. This brightly decorated tree can be found in Toontown!

Goofy's Playhouse

2009-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Another area in Toontown for the kiddies to crawl around, play, and most importantly, get exhausted!