New Orleans Square

Jewels of New Orleans

Standing on one of the streets in New Orleans Square, I was taken by the strong lighting across these light fixtures on Cristal d’Orleans. Light fixtures seem to be some of the most easily overlooked details. It’s sad too, because they are some of the most authentic and immersive details, creating the environments we love losing ourselves in. There has to be hundreds in New Orleans Square alone, true jewels to its romantic charm. One of these lights surrenders itself to the adornment of jewel-toned beads to tell the story of Mardi Gras. I continually find myself challenged and inspired to put more thoughtfulness into my own endeavors.

Room at the Station

Disneyland, New Orleans Square

The New Orleans Square station and the greater area really take on new life at night. The air is thick with mystery and romance. The quiet tapping of Walt’s speech carries softly from the station. The trickling flow of a brightly lit fountain muffles excited, nervous banter from the queue of the Haunted Mansion. We spent quite a while here one Saturday evening not long ago, near the Haunted Mansion FastPass area, and it remained predominantly vacant. It was strange to watch the train come and go with the transition of but a few souls.

A Night on the Bayou

Disneyland, New Orleans Square

Whether you’re fine dining or sailing through on your way to adventure, the Blue Bayou is one of the most magical, immersive places in Disneyland. You can’t help but get lost with wonder, creating fanciful stories of its inhabitants. I took this picture very late at night and there were no people left at the tables behind me in the restaurant. The uncrowded boats intermittently passing through provided the only pauses from near silence, the faint sound of a banjo in the distance. Moments like these at Disneyland are the best. They are the memories that stand out even amongst the rest. Some people say they don’t “get” Disneyland. I think maybe they just haven’t had a quiet moment like this one.

Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean

Disneyland, New Orleans Square

Pirates of the Caribbean is a Disneyland staple. It’s difficult to imagine one without the other. Like so many Disney attractions, Pirates has myriad treasures waiting ’round every cove. The adventure is finding them. This fountain in the queue is one of my favorite treasures, in particular the plaque, and if I could own a piece of Disneyland, this may very well be it.

The Lady Orleans

Disneyland, New Orleans Square

This amazing statue resembling a figurehead can be found in the Pieces of Eight shop in New Orleans Square. She really reminds me of some of the Haunted Mansion characters and captures the essence of New Orleans Square for me. I love the weathered look and the textures surrounding her. Coupled with the lighting it creates a very moody scene and I quickly found myself entranced.

The House of the Setting Sun

Disneyland, New Orleans Square

There is a house in New Orleans Square they call The Haunted Mansion and while it’s already home to 999 happy haunts, it’s also one of the best reasons to make Disneyland a haunt of your own. You know what they say, “There’s always room for one more.” Just don’t forget to bring your death certificate!