That moment when you realize your watch is too big for your pocket… or that you’re not wearing pants.
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
Fantasyland
Welcome to Pixie Hollow
Tinker Bell greets guests as they enter Pixie Hollow in the foreground of the mighty Matterhorn. While I may not wait in line to meet the fairies that inhabit the hollow, I do admire the rich detail of their dwellings and the lovely flora. It’s easy to get lost taking pictures of all the details you find in this enchanted place.
King Arthur Carrousel at Night
On nights that I close out Disneyland, I often find myself stopped at this view. Seeing King Arthur Carrousel at rest after a long day of circumnavigating guests seems to restore balance to the world. It helps to preserve a magic and immersive atmosphere to have tranquil moments that counter the busier ones. Michaela and I have noticed that if we go on busy days at Disneyland without having this sort of break, the desire to return can dwindle a bit (one can only feel like herded cattle so much before saying, “Enough!”).
If I had Fantasyland to myself for an evening like this, I think I might stroll around leisurely inspecting every detail of every nook before valiantly pulling the sword in the stone from its resting place and hoisting it high overhead. What would you do if you had Fantasyland all to yourself for a night?
Daring the Icy Slopes
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It’s amazing to think that the Matterhorn is over fifty years old. I never grow tired of seeing that mountain bid me welcome as I get near Disneyland and it never seems to grow tired of offering its greeting. Once in the park, I think I enjoy sitting back and watching people pop in and out of the mountain in the bobsleds as much as I enjoy being the one to do it. They’re always smiling, screaming or something in between as they look on in determination, daring the icy slopes.
An Afternoon at Toad Hall
As hectic and busy as Fantasyland can be, its charm is still able to overwhelm discomfort. The setting is intimate not only because of its size but because of its endearing character that is both intricate and inviting. Now we just need to pop over to Toad Hall and borrow a monocle to better take in the sights.
The Beauty of Morning
There’s a passage in the Bible that says “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” It’s a thought that I’ve meditated on for over a decade now and I finally feel like I’m beginning to understand its truth. The setting of this shot may or may not look familiar to you, it was One More Disney Day. The park was closed at this, the twenty-fourth hour. I waited intently and very patiently to take this, something I’d planned for a long time. The park was packed… like sardine status packed, for the entire night. There was definitely some weeping as people were passed out on benches and, oh heck, the middle of Main Street. It was another scene entirely as morning came.
Morning has always held a special place for me. The quiet and the sunrise are so peaceful, so filled with promise. Weeping may endure for a night but it cannot rob us of the joy that comes with the morning if we don’t allow it to. Life isn’t easy but we have to leave the past behind so that we can seize the potential of a glorious future. If we’re not careful to remind ourselves of all that is good and beautiful, the bad contaminates our thoughts and hope is lost to cynicism. So if you’re having a bad day, just remember that tomorrow is a new day and that joy comes in the morning.
You matter and you’re loved,
Matt
You Don’t Need a Magic Feather
That’s right, you don’t. That was the lesson from Dumbo. The secret to achieving the things you thought were impossible is really no secret at all, it’s faith. Fear, doubt and unbelief are only hinderances and distractions. Can you believe that Disneyland has been around for over 58 years? What a testament to the fulfillment of Walt’s hope for his original “Magic Kingdom” to be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. I can’t help but wonder if he knew all along what it would become. I imagine that, in many ways, his foresight saw well beyond 58. It’s pretty obvious he believed in what he was doing and that that was a source of confidence and boldness. He didn’t need a magic feather and neither do you.
A Fantasy Faire Night
As has been wisely and widely shared about Fantasy Faire, I am not a member of Disney’s target market. That said, this new kid at the end of Main Street has appeal. I don’t see myself waiting in line to see princesses or taking seats from children for the performing thespian troop. I do see myself finding inspiration there. I’m in love with the textures and the play of the lights across them. With the quiet evenings, I can see myself spending a good deal of time enjoying its majestic atmosphere.
