Tours Departing Daily – Page 50 – Disneyland photography blog

Fantasy in the Magic Kingdom

When Disneyland opened in 1955 Fantasyland was in a much different form. The Matterhorn didn’t exist yet, The Mad Tea Party (Tea Cups) sat where King Arthur’s Carrousel is today, and the Carousel was squeezed between the Tea Cups and Sleeping Beauty Castle. The overall theme of the land was dressed with tournament tents and had a very medieval fair atmosphere. The original drawings of Fantasyland by Herb Ryman looked like a small village with a fairytale like theme, which is much of what you see today. Due to economic factors, and time constraint, the original much cheaper theme was implemented. In 1983, Kim Irvine, Director, Concept and Show Design at Walt Disney Imagineering, re-opened Fantasyland with the village theme that was intended in the first place. It’s amazing how much Disneyland has evolved over the years, and how naturally accepted the changes have been. It is a great testament to the future of the Disneyland Resort.

Halloween Time Glow on Main Street

Disneyland, Main Street USA

The reds, oranges and yellows of the Halloween Time decorations at Disneyland fit right in on Main Street. At night they glow vibrantly beneath the many lights and lamps adorning everyone’s home town. The giant Mickey pumpkin is definitely the grandest of the decorations and it’s painfully obvious when trying to wait for the crowds to thin out to get a picture. From Park open to close couples and children, families and friends wait to have their pictures taken in front of either side of the gargantuan gourd. But if you wait long enough, you can capture quiet moments like this as security makes their final sweep down Main Street to bid you a good night.

Bobsled at Rest

Disneyland, Fantasyland

It was very quiet in this area of Fantasyland during the Matterhorn’s refurbishments recently. No waterfalls. No screaming bobsledders. No abominable snowman growls. Worst of all, no yodeling. It was nice though to see the bobsleds getting some much deserved rest. I found this one particularly interesting, parked all on its own, glistening in the afternoon sun. If you’re like me and find yourself at some point suffering Matterhorn withdrawals, I find that alternating chocolate and Ricola helps. If all else fails, bust out the lederhosen.

The Colors of Fall at Disneyland

Disneyland, Main Street USA

The colors of Fall at Disneyland somehow manages to add to it’s welcome and charm. Walking into the Park is that much easier and leaving that much harder. One of my favorite ways that Disney accentuates the seasons is with their flowers, ever changing and always beautiful. After capturing this shot, I sat for a while watching people come and go and having their pictures taken in front the Main Street Depot.

Disneyland After Dark

Disneyland, Fantasyland

Staying out late at Disneyland can be exhausting. It’s rare, however, that the payoff for postponing a date with your pillow doesn’t make you deaf to the barking of your feet and forgetful of how tired you may be. From being able to run around the Park and practically walk on the E-Tickets to those quiet, deep moments of self reflection, Disneyland after dark is it. It’s my perfect place and I imagine if you are reading this that it’s yours too. If you find yourself fortunate enough to be the last soul to bask in the radiant glow of Sleeping Beauty Castle, cherish that moment and take it in. There is nothing like it. Standing there in front of that icon, that tangible proof that dreams really can come true, it’s as though someone somewhere cues the line from Walt’s opening day speech, “Disneyland is your land”, and it carries oh so softly on the night air. I have never felt so much that Disneyland was mine as when standing at the castle in solitude.

One of the great things about Walt Disney was that he shared the rewards of the risks he took. Few thought Disneyland was a good idea in 1955. It was a tremendous risk. But it was also a dream. Walt shared his dream of Disneyland with the hope that it would be a source of joy and inspiration. It serves as an appeal to everyone who walks through its gates to never quit dreaming or taking risks to pursue them. We each have a purpose in this life and no one can replace us. We each have the power to make the world a better place, whether it be for one person or a multitude. No person is insignificant. Michaela and Kevin and I know that these are just pictures that we post, but we pour ourselves into them with the hope that we might inspire you and bring a little joy into your life every day. These are the kinds of things I think about, standing at the castle in solitude. These are the dreams that take form in Disneyland after dark.

Halloween Has Arrived at Disneyland

Disneyland, Main Street USA

Halloween has arrived at Disneyland and in typical Disney fashion, they have decorated this year to “plus it” from last. We have a lot of fun things in store to share with you. Some things haven’t changed, like this marvelous Mickey pumpkin standing near the beginning of Main Street. It leaves no doubt that Autumn is nearly here and Disneyland is ready for it. The crisp cool air and the soft hazy light of a Fall morning were present for our trip today and oh so welcome. We hope you’re as excited as we are!