Tours Departing Daily

Disneyland photography blog

Change the Speed, Alter the Mood

Disney California Adventure, Hollywood Land

A new year has begun and it’s time to change the speed and alter the mood. We spent most of the holiday season posting pictures from Disneyland. It seemed appropriate to showcase Disney California Adventure today, especially since 2012 is going to be such a big year for DCA. I couldn’t think of a better way to energize things than stopping off at ElecTRONica to share a glimpse of an amazing light cycle. Doesn’t it feel great to have that fresh start atmosphere? I’m loving it and hope you are too. I’m really excited and hopeful for this year and all that it has in store. From a Tours Departing Daily standpoint, we have a ton of ideas to make 2012 our biggest and best year yet. We may even have some big news to share with you along the way.

Dreaming of Christmas

Disneyland, Fantasyland

Christmas day has come and gone and I hope that yours was blessed. Mine certainly was, spending it with family, thinking of friends and reflecting on the tremendous blessings this year has held. Christmas brings warm feelings and optimism with it that tend to wind down as we enter back into our normal routines. I don’t want to do that this year. Too many days go by that feel like being alive more than they do like truly living. I’m dreaming of Christmas that carries on in the coming days with meaning and thriving and warmth because life is wonderful. There is so much to be grateful for and there are so many blessings to share.

Remembering Toyland

Disneyland, Frontierland

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.

Here Comes Sandy Claws

Disneyland, New Orleans Square

When two holidays collide we are left with the Pumpkin King visiting us on Christmas Eve and it won’t be pie that he’s bringing. But who can really blame Jack for being drawn to the warmth and splendor of Christmas? It’s enough to warm anyone’s bones, even if we can’t quite put our finger on why.

The Warm Glow Beneath Winter’s Castle

Disneyland, Fantasyland

The front of Sleeping Beauty Castle gets most of the love most of the time and Christmas is no exception. I’m not really sure why either, because the backside is beautifully adorned in Christmas splendor too. As I stood, however, trying to take this picture, countless flashes went off from folks taking pictures of the opposite side. I like to think of those moments as a duel and see who can wait it out longer to get a shot. Of course, that’s probably just me being a little crazy. Nevertheless, I usually outlast my competition. I think my favorite thing about this perspective is the contrast you get between the icy top of the castle and the warm glow beneath it. It lends a welcoming feeling to the fact that Winter is just around the corner.

Golden Gate and Garland

Disney California Adventure, Sunshine Plaza

Gone but not forgotten. The Golden Gate Bridge was one of my favorite things at Disney California Adventure during Christmas. The mini icon was always fun but to see it dressed up in garland and lights… well, that’s something San Francisco hasn’t got. Sometimes change can be tough, especially when we’ve developed a fondness with what’s familiar. Admittedly, I am a sentimental person and change is something that I don’t always enjoy. Then I remember that change has to happen. Things have to change, to move, to grow, to pass on and to start again. Life is a constant continual cycle of beginnings and endings. Beginnings are almost always exciting, fragrant with the fresh aroma of hope and bustling with the energy of optimism. Endings are often bittersweet. What makes change easier is the understanding that what has changed is never really lost. We can carry it with us, if we choose to, by remembering. In that way it’s almost as if change were life’s way of recycling or repurposing, if you will, and what we are left with are memories.