Fantasyland – Page 5

Spreading Christmas Cheer

There’s nothing that spreads cheer quite like the glowing lights of Christmas. It’s a Small World is a testament to that. An attraction whose line is moderate throughout the year will have you waiting in a queue that wraps all around the Small World Mall once it’s gorgeous light display has been turned on. Why? Because there’s something in that warm glow that reaches deeper than our skin. I suspect it’s something different for each one of us; a fond memory of Christmas past; hope for a brighter tomorrow; maybe it’s simply a reminder to cherish the moment you’re in and the people you’re with.

The Corridor of Goons

Disneyland, Fantasyland

The Corridor of Goons is such a neat hidden gem inside Sleeping Beauty Castle. It seems only fitting to pay it homage during October when villains take over the Park.

The Sleepy Boutique

Disneyland, Fantasyland

Whilst wandering through Fantasyland late one night I stumbled into the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, long after all the princesses had gone to bed. I had never seen it before. To my surprise, it was truly a richly detailed place and though I am certainly not a princess, I’m glad to have found it. I think it must be all of that glorious wood.

As Disneyland Wakes

Disneyland, Fantasyland

I find myself in a rather peculiar mood today, in wandering thoughts on life. I feel I must make a disclaimer that the following characters are the product of fingers run away with themselves at the keyboard, lost in these thoughts. Please feel free to scroll past to the picture.

I am so grateful for reminders of what really matters in life. But I find the need for their frequency alarming. Each time I feel a renewed sense of gratitude I think, “This time it will stick. This time I won’t lose sight.” When the next reminder rolls around I’m always taken with surprise, “Did I really forget again?” I know it’s different from person to person. Not everyone struggles with it and not everyone cares. I’ve had seasons without struggle and I’ve found I don’t care much for apathy.

“What’s the big deal with forgetting here and there?” you might wonder. For me it’s important to keep my mind focused on the truly important stuff, because that’s the stuff of life that keeps you honest. It keeps you grateful. It keeps your motives pure. I tend to live by a belief that Walt Disney voiced, saying “If you live right, things happen right.” When things don’t happen right I feel lost. I don’t like feeling lost. That’s usually my indicator that I’ve forgotten the important stuff.

Of course, when you’re lost you have two options: Find your way or give up and stay lost. Since I don’t like feeling lost I strive to find my way. When I do eventually find my way back to being focused on and grateful for the truly important stuff, I also find myself right here – wondering why I lose my way so much and need so many welcome reminders of what really matters.

You might also be wondering what in the world any of this has to do with this picture and I wouldn’t blame you, if you decided to go ahead and read all of this. To answer the question, this picture contains two reminders for me: sunrise and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Sunrise reminds me of the joy of a new day ahead and that it begins with beauty. Sleeping Beauty Castle is the icon that probably best encompasses Disneyland, which reminds me that with enough audacity, courage and hard work, dreams do come true, no matter how big or small. So I’ll keep on struggling to find my way, believing I can achieve my dreams, big and small. I hope you will too.

Dark Chamber of the Evil Queen

Disneyland, Fantasyland

Tales there be a plenty in this cursed place and they aren’t for the faint of heart. This chamber belongs to an evil queen who knows not mercy or love. What she does know is how to take a perfectly good piece of fruit and make it rotten, a talent perhaps not all that uncommon.

This spot is one of those at Disneyland that I always wish I could linger at a little longer, not because I enjoy standing in line but because I love to get as immersed as I can in all of the rich detail. As much as I love the stories found on the rides, I also enjoy discovering the ones that precede them.

The Mountaineer atop the Matterhorn

Disneyland, Fantasyland

The day after the Matterhorn reopened we spent the day at DCA taking in Buena Vista Street and Cars Land. In the early afternoon we met up with a friend and headed for a ride on Mickey’s Fun Wheel, which was practically devoid of a line. As we approached new heights, I wondered if there might be climbers on Anaheim’s iconic mountain. To my great pleasure and surprise there was one mountaineer, sitting peacefully atop the Matterhorn. I can only imagine that view.