Disneyland photography blog
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.
The elaborate Christmas decorations of New Orleans Square never cease to amaze me. I am drawn to their color palette, their detail and their whimsy that seamlessly mingles with elegance. Wandering through the alleyways I find myself constantly looking up to try and not miss any of the clever details. I just have to remind myself to watch where I’m going so I don’t run into things.
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.
One of my favorite places is standing beneath Walt’s apartment in front of the Disneyland Firehouse. At Christmas time, they supplant the ever-glowing lamp with a small Christmas tree and despite its small stature, it sits proudly in the window overlooking Main Street. On the eve of Thanksgiving, I find myself with much to be grateful for, as is often the case when we pause to count our many blessings. Among the many things I have to be grateful for, this window is one of them. The light that always shines, whether by lamp or tree and what it stands for. For me it is one of the most poignant reminders of Walt Disney’s legacy. I am grateful for his example of courage to pursue dreams and the tenacity to dog it ’til it’s done. I am grateful that among his dreams, bringing families together was paramount. This tree in the window is one of those holiday touches at Disneyland that is truly special and makes the season bright.
It’s not truly Christmas at Disneyland without taking in the brilliant spectacle that is A Small World Holiday. It really warms you inside in a way few things can… and makes you step back and reexamine your own Christmas light display at home. The purity inherent to both Christmas and Small World combine to make something so perfect that if you let it, it will cause you to leave the original Magic Kingdom resolute to become a better person, filled with hope for a brighter future. Maybe I’m reading too much into these Christmas lights but really how can you not?
The Disneyland Resort has officially started their holiday season this week. It’s amazing how quickly the season has come upon us but I’m greeting it as the old friend that it is with open arms. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and before we know it, Christmas. I feel very fortunate to be able to visit Disneyland during this time because it really does help make the season brighter. Even with all the charm that it has every day, Christmas time at the Park leaves you feeling a little extra warm inside, with idealistic hope that the rest of the year tends to wear on. Browsing through the pictures I’ve taken to decide on one for this evening, I kept coming back to this one. Walt and Mickey surrounded by Poinsettias in front of an icicle covered castle just said “welcome” to me. So to all who come to this happy place for this happy time of year, welcome.
