Tours Departing Daily

Disneyland photography blog

Mickey’s Fun Wheel

Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier

Mickey’s Fun Wheel has probably become my favorite thing at Disney California Adventure.  I always thought its predecessor was pretty cool, but having a giant Mickey face overlooking Paradise Bay is just awesome.  I’ve been wanting to get more pictures of it for a while but we’ve been spending most of our time at Disneyland as of late.  It occurred to me, as I pressed on toward my goal, that all of my picture ideas had been for the side with Mickey’s face.  To be honest, I couldn’t even remember what was on this side.  It was a very welcome rediscovery.

Venture into Adventureland

Adventureland, Disneyland

The middle of the day is considered to be a bad time of day for photography because of something called “harsh light.”  While I agree with that to an extent, I am of the opinion that most of these types of rules are made to be broken.  I personally think that midday is one of the best times in Adventureland.  With the dense, tall foliage, it seems that when the sun is highest in the sky is when the lighting there is the most interesting and dynamic.  Many rules, especially artistic ones, are there to help steer us down a time tested path of success.  But many rules, especially artistic ones, are more like the Pirate’s Code; they’re more like “guidelines” than actual rules.  Don’t let “guidelines” repress your own artistic vision and endeavors.  Venture on!

Partners in Bloom

Disneyland, Main Street USA

We had a really great day yesterday.  In the morning we had the opportunity to visit Mickey’s of Glendale at Walt Disney Imagineering where we met some terrific people.  Afterward, we headed to Disneyland where The Disney Gallery was featuring new art, the crowds were small and the weather was lovely.  For quite a while we sat in the hub, which was surprisingly quiet.  It was there that I took this shot, from the perspective of sitting on the ground.  The very best part of yesterday was spending it together, enjoying each other’s company, and doing what we love.

Inside the Pioneer Mercantile

Disneyland, Frontierland

Some of the best finds at Disneyland are inside the shops.  No, I’m not talking about souvenirs, though I’m not discounting them.  The Pioneer Mercantile on the borders of Frontierland and Adventureland is one of my favorite shops.  It has that magic Disney theming that makes you feel like you’ve entered another world from the moment you step foot in the door.

Lucky Fortune Lanterns

Disney California Adventure, Pacific Wharf

Sometimes I find things because I am looking for them.  Other times it feels more like they find me.  With so much attention given to detail, it’s not hard for either.  These lanterns can be found hanging out above hungry park patrons, standing in line at the Pacific Wharf  area of Disney California Adventure.

A Night in Port for the Columbia

Disneyland, Frontierland

Seeing the Sailing Ship Columbia in port like this at night was an awesome, and seemingly rare, experience.  Maybe it happens more often than I think, but it seems to always be somewhere back behind Tom Sawyer’s Island* preparing for or having concluded Fantasmic! It felt good to see the ship at a well deserved rest.

*No, that is not a typo. That is what it will always be to me even though I have a great affinity for pirates. If you must know, it is also the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, not Tarzan the usurper’s. I love bumping the Swisskapolka on the way to Disneyland. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then I suggest you ask yourself: “Have I truly lived?”