Disneyland photography blog
There’s nothing quite like surrounding yourself with wood. Sometimes that’s exactly what a man needs. This passage between the Plaza Gardens and Rancho del Zocalo is a quiet transition into Frontierland. At night, with the beautiful lights of the restaurante glowing at the end, it’s pure magic.
You know what I love about Disneyland? I love the fact that I can have the experience of riding a runaway mine train and walk away with the urge to do it again. It’s even better when you share that pseudo-near-death experience with friends. The handsome gentleman in front of me for this picture is our good friend Ryan Graves. We always have a blast when he comes out to visit.
Santa’s got toys all over Big Thunder Ranch during his Reindeer Roundup. I’m sure it makes him feel a little more at home in warm Southern California while away from the North Pole. All of these vintage toys add up to make a magical toyland with cars and dolls and teddy bears so fluffy you may just need to hug one. These charming toys take me straight back to my childhood when all it took was a teddy bear to make my Christmas dreams come true. I hope this picture recalls some fond memories for you.
Santa’s famous reindeer take some time at Disneyland before their big night of touring the world. We’re currently in negotiations with them and Santa about utilizing their amazing transportation services in the off-season. A tour guide can dream, right? Anyway, it’s a lot of fun taking time at the Big Thunder Ranch to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures. And it’s magical when they take a moment to glance back at you.
Frontierland is so cozy this time of year. The dim, soft light glistening over woodgrain and garland is especially inviting. As a young boy, I used to imagine being a cowboy on the frontier. My parents even got me a little log cabin for Christmas one year. Sights like this take me straight back to those rifle shooting, boot wearing days when I would hold up in the back yard under attack from all manner of varmints. I would duck beneath the window and taunt them with all the cowboy slang I could remember from western movies and if that wasn’t enough I would threaten to taunt them a second time. Of course, they were really no match for my straight shooting or my ten gallon hat. It’s truly wonderful how simple things can spark those fond childhood memories and let us relive those cherished moments.
Halloween can sometimes be thought of as a diabolical holiday filled with evil spirits and gruesome characters, but not at Disneyland. During Halloween Time, there is a sense of wacky spirit and goulish fun throughout the park. It’s surprising to see such a holiday turned into a great time for families and young children. There are only few days left to experience the wonder of Halloween Time at Disneyland.
