Tours Departing Daily – Page 51 – Disneyland photography blog

Today’s Tomorrowland

Whenever we think of Tomorrowland, the first things that come to mind are always Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear and, of course, Star Tours. But there is certainly a lot more to this land where every growing thing is eatable… edible… nibbleable. The Monorail Queue provides a unique view of the Nemo subs through what feels like a prehistoric forest. If you fancy some popcorn, you can have it roasted for you by the Rocketeer. The recently remodeled Star Trader store dazzles with scenes from out of this world and a prominent location for a Star Wars fighter. Yes, that’s right friends, there are lots of neat things to find in today’s Tomorrowland!

The Golden Jester

Disneyland, Fantasyland

This whimsical guy can be found on the King Arthur Carrousel, basking in its glow and innate charm. He made me think of the beautifully detailed architecture you might find in places like Italy or France. He reminds me just how refined Disneyland is. Sure Disneyland has cartoon characters and fantasy around every corner but it’s also one of the most elegant places around. And it’s filled with works of art.

A World of Hope

Disneyland, Fantasyland

I remember exactly where I was ten years ago when I first heard what was happening in New York. I’m sure you do as well. I was at home getting ready for school. It was the strangest school day I ever had. The dean made an early announcement that we were all to go about the day in a normal fashion. Of course no one listened. Teachers all had their televisions on in an attempt to cure the desperately confused state we all found ourselves in.

My first thought for a picture today was to do something patriotic. Something saturated with red, white and blue. But I couldn’t get It’s a Small World out of my mind. A World’s Fair exhibit turned Disneyland attraction that was a call for world peace through the understanding that we are not that very different from one another. Above all, what unites us across the globe is love for our children, the hope of tomorrow.

At the D23 Expo, there was a Small World panel where Richard Sherman shared some history about the song that he and his brother Robert wrote. They were given the task to come up with a song for the World’s Fair exhibit by Walt, with very little time to get it done. The sentiment they came up with was simple enough, “let’s not kill each other”, but not very singable. What the two gifted men came up with is the song we all love or hate. Either way, we know it. Either way, its words ring true.

“It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears. It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears. There’s so much that we share that it’s time we’re aware, it’s a small world after all.”

The part that has resounded with me today is the part about hope. We need it. It’s the anchor of the soul. If we remember that and embrace hope, fear cannot shake us. Though the world is full of fears, hope can overcome them all. Hope gives us the strength and the courage to pursue our dreams. If you’re like me, you’re dreaming of a better tomorrow, a better future for the generations to come. That’s something we all share because it really is a small world after all. So let’s make it a world of hope… together.

Welcome to Mickey’s Toontown

Disneyland, Mickey's Toontown

It’s not very often we get a chance to head into Mickey’s Toontown, but when we do, we soon realize the amazing atmosphere that engulfs this crazy, wacky, toontastic land. Yes, toontastic. Say it. Like it. Love it. Saying it is about as much fun as bouncing in Goofy’s Bounce House, zipping around on Gadget’s Go Coaster, or interacting with the owners of the many local shops in and around Toontown. So next time you are in Toontown think of the word toontastic, use it in a sentence, but whatever you do, don’t open the door at the Toontown Power Company. We’ve warned you.

Sunset Over Space

Disneyland, Tomorrowland

As the sun sets on Summer, it also sets over Space Mountain, which is about to undergo its Halloween transformation into Ghost Galaxy. It won’t be long now before our beloved space coaster is haunted by an extraterrestrial apparition. As if barreling through space with epic music in tow wasn’t thrilling enough. I really do enjoy Disney’s holiday ride makeovers. They not only serve to keep things fresh, they help you to appreciate the originals. With that in mind, I keep hoping they will do a retro phase with Dick Dale’s original Space Mountain soundtrack.

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.