Every story begins with a dream. Walt Disney set out to realize his with a big break in Tinseltown. It was not without hardship or heartache, but Walt was not the kind for quitting. If he had a vision for something, he would dog it ’til it was done. His story backs up a motto he seemed to live by, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” Courage was not something Walt ever appeared to lack and I imagine it’s because he had the understanding that if you don’t take big risks, you’ll never know what you’re capable of, or maybe even what you’re meant for. Risk stares us in the face with “what ifs?” but it also frees us from “what could have been?”. For me Walt’s story is a reminder that no matter how you’re feeling, if you keep on fighting, believing and risking, you can have your very own story worth telling.
The Winding Hall of Animation
I really love wood textures, so when we stumbled upon this winding hallway in the Animation Building at DCA, I knew instantly that I wanted to photograph it. The pictures of some of Disney’s best animated characters are a great homage to the rich history of the Walt Disney Studios. Does anyone know what that glowing white light on the pillar is from? Anyone? Bueller?
Telling a New Story
Disney California Adventure has come a long way since its remodel and improvements began. With a few weeks under its belt, DCA 2.0 is only getting better and I can’t seem to get enough of it. The thing that stands out to me most is the obvious and strong connection to Walt Disney that the park was practically void of. You can barely even get into DCA before you notice it. The park feels free and happy with an air of opportunity and possibility. California Adventure is telling an audacious new story, one that’s fitting of the Disney name.
Crystal Captivation
This beauty of a chandelier can be found hanging out over head in the jewelry department of Elias & Co. It’s almost disorienting as you look up and find yourself captivated by the depths of its detail and craftsmanship.
The Raceway Through Ornament Valley
I spent a good chunk of my night in Cars Land taking in the wonder that is Radiator Springs Racers. It really got me thinking about the part in Cars when Sally is talking to Lightning about how people used to drive along the highway to have a great time, not to make great time. We really do have a bad habit of getting hung up on the destination. Sally’s insight is such a beautiful reminder to take your time. Enjoy it. Enjoy the people you’re with. Most of all, enjoy the journey. That’s where the adventure is.
A Junkyard Jamboree
I was not expecting to love Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree half as much as I did. Fortunately for us, a good friend gave us the tip of all three sitting together. Let me tell you, those little tractor’s can sure dance. I have no idea how the Imagineers did it, but you swing back and forth all over the junkyard, transferring partners and trying to keep your laugh at a tolerable volume for the people brave enough to ride with you. Or at least with me. When we were making our way out of Cars Land for the evening, I noticed the tractors finally at rest from a long, joyful day.