Hey there, fellow visitor to Radiator Springs! Are you headed to the race track today? We’ve been invited to join the race – come on, I’ll show you the way. Honestly, the path to the racetrack is one of the most stunning parts of Radiator Springs. We’ll pass under bridges, around clusters of cacti, and […] Read more…
Paradise Gardens Park overlooks a gorgeous waterfront, and it’s easy to find yourself wandering toward the water’s edge to admire the view. But one special attraction goes a step further, inviting you to take a dip under the sea. Welcome to the Aquarium, home of Princess Ariel and all of her friends. The Little Mermaid […] Read more…
As I put together these “Unusual Angles” albums, some lands are just so easy to photograph. Places like New Orleans Square or Grizzly Peak have so many different walkways, vantage points, and different ways to look at the spaces. But others are massively difficult. Pixar Pier has been my biggest challenge so far – how do […] Read more…
Pacific Wharf pays tribute to a massive chunk of northern and central California. From the vineyards of Napa Valley to the canneries of Monterey Bay, this area has so many architectural details and design elements to explore. The next time you visit California Adventure, take some time to really explore this area if you can. […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street is a special little land in California Adventure. It’s the only one in the park designed to feel like a real, living neighborhood – complete with newspapers, local transportation, and visible apartments. And if you visit Atwater Ink and Paint Art Supply, next to Trolley Treats, you’ll find more evidence of daily […] Read more…
Visitors to Cars Land might not know it, but they’re all invited to Luigi’s! He’s throwing a party with all of his cousins from Carsoli, complete with dancing and lots of fun. Shall we stop by? I think Luigi said to walk through his shop and meet him out back. Luigi is very proud of […] Read more…
Hollywood Land might be the land in California Adventure with the strangest mix of personalities. The main drag of the street resembles a movie studio backlot, complete with false exteriors and forced perspective murals. But then the rear area mixes superhero meet and greets, Monstropolis, the Beast’s library, a sorcerer’s lair, etc. To explore Hollywood […] Read more…
As much as I hate when a fun day in California Adventure ends, there’s something so nice about taking one last stroll through Buena Vista Street. In the evening, the street glows. Twinkling lights hang from the trees, while lanterns and spotlights bathe the buildings in warm light. That final walk down the street on […] Read more…
I know I’ve said it many times before on this blog, but Cars Land remains my absolute favorite part of California Adventure. Even if you’ve never been, you’ve likely seen enough images to picture it in your mind. The long, bustling street leads right up to a tall mountain range. But part of the fun […] Read more…
Hollywood Land visitors know the backlot is no ordinary backlot…it’s also a portal to Monstropolis. If you care for a visit to the hometown of Monsters, Inc., you’ll need to visit the Monstropolis Transit Authority. Let’s go see what Mike and Sulley are up to today. Once we arrive inside the MTA, we’ll need to […] Read more…
April 2019 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – Mickey’s Philharmagic faces the main street, so it’s hard to miss. If you’re coming into Hollywood Land from Buena Vista Street, you’ll see the entrance on your left, one door down from Award Wieners. If you’re confused about the theater entrance, you’re not imagining things! It used […] Read more…
Close your eyes and picture Grizzly Peak for a moment. What do you see? For most people, it’s Soarin’ and the River Run. And yes, those two things are super important and beautiful parts of this forested land. But the space has so much more to offer. On my last park trip, I challenged myself […] Read more…
During the day, Pixar Pier is bright and bold: reds, yellows, and blues cover every building and cart. And unlike most lands in the park, after sunset, those colors don’t fade. Instead, they glow neon, with each building shining just as brightly underneath a black sky. From the bridge to the wheel and everything in […] Read more…
You know them, you love them. I wouldn’t dare suggest the beautiful mountains of Radiator Springs are themselves a hidden gem – it’s one of the most recognizable views in all of the Disneyland Resort! But look closer at the parts, not just the whole, and you’ll see seven hidden gems inside this landmark. The […] Read more…