Frontierland – Page 8

The Sweetest Words a Riverman Can Hear

Mark Twain. Two of the sweetest words a riverman can hear. We would submit that that’s not only because of the water’s depth either. Boarding the Mark Twain for an excursion around the Rivers of America is one of the sweetest, most relaxing rides at Disneyland. The whistle and the steady puff of steam are the serene soundtrack for your voyage, unlike that pesky Sailing Ship Columbia and the canon they fire in hopes of making you jump in front of your friends or spill the last bites of your sandwich into the river for the ducks. So if it’s a placid and pleasant journey through the frontier you’re after, “Mark Twain” are the sweetest words you’ll hear… not Columbia.

Halloween Chuckles

Disneyland, Frontierland

Carving gourds with all manner of pointy tools is not the first thing that jumps to my mind when I think of art, but it truly is. Back in the Big Thunder Ranch the Halloween festivities have been in full swing with artists carving classic Disney characters, both old and new, out of pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes. The likenesses are inspiring. I especially liked “Chuckles” from Toy Story 3.

The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness

Disneyland, Frontierland

We hang out at the Frontierland bridge a lot, which lends itself to seeing things in new ways. We were hanging out one evening and this section of track really struck me. The way the amber light from the lanterns glistened on the rails as they curved and twisted for a wild ride. The bright bluish hue on the wood in the foreground contrasting sharply against the amber. Moments of complete calm before a mine train comes barreling through loaded with guests, screaming and laughing. It was easy to get lost in this picturesque scene of wild west adventure.

Evening River

Disneyland, Frontierland

Sometimes I think the Rivers of America are the most peaceful place at the Disneyland Resort. We’ve been spending a lot of time during our recent trips at the Hungry Bear Restaurant, overlooking this view. It’s easy to let the hours pass and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the river, and the circling of the Mark Twain and Sailing Ship Columbia. If you hang around long enough on a Fantasmic! night, you can see the crew going back and forth on rafts and give them a friendly wave. They like that.

Strike Yer Colors & Stow Yer Weapons

Disneyland, Frontierland

Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides is coming out soon. To help hype its release, Disneyland has an amazing 3D sneak peek showing in the evenings back at the Big Thunder Ranch. We had the pleasure of catching it the first night they showed it and it was a lot of fun. They pulled out the stops with theming the area and with talented performing cast members. Captain Jack would be pleased. This Jolly Roger draped barrel with weapons inside is just one small detail found outside the ranch as you wait. So if you have to opportunity to experience the show, do so. Savvy?

Rancho del Zocalo at Night

Disneyland, Frontierland

Sometimes we have to wait patiently for an area to clear to get a shot. After eating at Rancho del Zocalo one evening, I noticed that the outside dining area was practically empty. There was no waiting to be done and I took the shot without interruption. It really set the pace for a fun, relaxed night of photography. Now I just have to get the restaurant to go for my idea of character dining with Zorro.