Disneyland photography blog
The sun dipping behind the Soarin’ structure is a really cinematic moment that almost feels like it should be included in the ride itself. It’s easy to forget that you’re at Disneyland and start dreaming of flying into that sunset on your very own adventure. Just watch for passersby. They don’t take too kindly to being run into, even if you’re humming an epic theme song.
I love roller coasters and I’m grateful that Disney California Adventure has one. But it’s not just any roller coaster. It’s California Screamin’. It features so many wonderful elements I often wonder why the line isn’t longer than it is. As you make your way through the queue, the anticipation builds. Trains keep leaving the station, returning and leaving once more until, finally, it’s your turn. You step down into the car and pull the shoulder restraints over you. They click into place to assure you of your safety, but just to double check a ride attendant gives it a good pull. Then comes the “go ahead”. You leave the station only to stop again over the water. A somewhat antagonistic voice comes over a set of loud speakers instructing, “Get ready screamers!” and in an instant, the massive train you’re in is launched without hesitation. It’s a marvel and I love the anticipation. It’s awesome to think that we live in a world where brilliant people can apply their intelligence to facilitate an amusement that brings satisfaction to the brave and daring. Are you ready?
A new year has begun and it’s time to change the speed and alter the mood. We spent most of the holiday season posting pictures from Disneyland. It seemed appropriate to showcase Disney California Adventure today, especially since 2012 is going to be such a big year for DCA. I couldn’t think of a better way to energize things than stopping off at ElecTRONica to share a glimpse of an amazing light cycle. Doesn’t it feel great to have that fresh start atmosphere? I’m loving it and hope you are too. I’m really excited and hopeful for this year and all that it has in store. From a Tours Departing Daily standpoint, we have a ton of ideas to make 2012 our biggest and best year yet. We may even have some big news to share with you along the way.
Gone but not forgotten. The Golden Gate Bridge was one of my favorite things at Disney California Adventure during Christmas. The mini icon was always fun but to see it dressed up in garland and lights… well, that’s something San Francisco hasn’t got. Sometimes change can be tough, especially when we’ve developed a fondness with what’s familiar. Admittedly, I am a sentimental person and change is something that I don’t always enjoy. Then I remember that change has to happen. Things have to change, to move, to grow, to pass on and to start again. Life is a constant continual cycle of beginnings and endings. Beginnings are almost always exciting, fragrant with the fresh aroma of hope and bustling with the energy of optimism. Endings are often bittersweet. What makes change easier is the understanding that what has changed is never really lost. We can carry it with us, if we choose to, by remembering. In that way it’s almost as if change were life’s way of recycling or repurposing, if you will, and what we are left with are memories.
Grizzly Peak is kind of like the Sleeping Beauty Castle of California Adventure for me. It’s that iconic piece of the magic puzzle that you always find yourself drawn to and that you can immediately identify and associate with Disney. It doesn’t matter what time of day or night it is either. There is always something majestic about it. When we first started taking pictures around the Disneyland Resort for this crazy idea we had for a web site dedicated to Disney pictures, Grizzly Peak is what I tried to capture the most. I have probably racked up well over a thousand images of this man made mountain since. This was one of the first.
Being in San Francisco this weekend has been a blessing and another eye opener of Disney’s hard work and authenticity. Thanks so much for joining us in our adventures.
