Disneyland photography blog
I was recently a passenger in the Lilly Belle for the very first time. It’s the beautiful red car you sometimes see at the end of a train with “Disneyland Railroad” on it in gold across the top. If you go to the Main Street Station early, you can ask to ride in it too! It’s one of the most magical experiences I’ve had at Disneyland. It’s named, of course, after Lillian Disney, Walt’s wife and is rich with history.
Being fairly attached to the original, I was skeptical about the new entrance to Disney California Adventure. After seeing the concept art, which featured an elegant, classic design, my concerns were lifted. Seeing the California letters come down and the construction walls go up was still a little difficult but we watched the progress, week after week. It wasn’t long before the structure was there, standing at the edge of welcoming its first guests. There is still work to be done on the overall concept for DCA’s remodeled entrance, but these turnstiles have won me over.
In the evening, when many of the attractions surrounding Paradise Bay close, there is a calm from those spots that would normally find guests shrieking with merriment and delight. The energy all focuses on the preparations for World of Color and the buzz from guests waiting for the fantastic water show is electric. We recently took a stroll through Paradise Pier as this was happening and I found myself drawn to the grounded Golden Zephyr. The area was completely vacant save one cast member. It really resonated the classic boardwalk theme with me, part of which I am certain came from the cast member’s costume, which wonderfully reflects that feeling. The Golden Zephyr itself is an attraction that I love, not necessarily for the experience, but for its look and what it represents. The way the bluish light from the onset of evening brought out that sleek chrome on the zephyrs was really what I was drawn to most. I love the feeling of the Pier and really felt this scene captures it.
The little details in Disneyland make it so complete. The little statues of woodland creatures around Sleeping Beauty Castle are adorable and you really can’t help but smile and reflect once upon a dream. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to hang out by the Castle all day everyday? Can you imagine all the moments these bunnies could share? Proposals, first trips, first pictures in front of the Castle. All rites of passage in a society enamored with the ideals Disneyland is dedicated to. We hope you enjoy our perspectives of these lucky little guys.
Upon entering the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-through, you are greeted by this magical, mysterious staircase. Curiosity is certainly sparked and climbing the steps is an inevitability. Exploring castle corridors is a thrill you wouldn’t expect in Southern California either. Thank goodness for Disneyland!
Off the beaten path in California Adventure’s Golden State, you can get yourself into all sorts of trouble in a redwoods themed challenge trail. From climbing over things, to under them, to through, there’s no lack in variety of ways to potentially hurt yourself. Of course you may just find yourself stuck inside one of those redwoods, which offers you this chilling challenge… okay maybe not. Finding a way out isn’t all that rough, but you may not want to leave too soon. It’s another peaceful place for some adventurous diversions.
