Sometimes the most important details in Disneyland are the ones you never think twice about. Easy example: landscape architecture. Do you notice the subtle changes in trees from land to land? Probably not. But these kinds of design elements shape the storytelling and help distinguish each land. Today, let’s talk about the woman behind this […] Read more…
When designing an out-of-this-world land, Imagineers have to have out-of-this-world imaginations, with concept art to match. But as I was looking through Galaxy’s Edge concept art, I was amazed to discover that most of it is remarkably close to the final product, especially compared to other lands at the resort. While sometimes scale is a little […] Read more…
For some, visiting Disneyland is a bravery test. Not everyone loves the thrill and intensity of the “bigger” rides, and it’s especially tough when you’re the only one in your group feeling the pressure. In those cases, you might have a minute of bravery getting in line…and then have immediate regrets. If that’s the case […] Read more…
California Adventure 1.0 was a little confusing. There were big, clearly defined lands, like Paradise Pier and Sunshine Plaza. And then there were weird, little lands that were sometimes referred to as their own thing, and sometimes referred to as part of the larger “Golden State” region. Golden State was the most “California” part of […] Read more…
In the era of Disney blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels, fans have access to more behind-the-scenes information than ever before. I’m loving the newfound excitement around celebrating Imagineering and celebrating contributions of particular Imagineers, which is why I started this “Imagineer Influence” series. Unfortunately, there are still tons of amazingly talented people that remain in […] Read more…
This summer has been HOT. With long heat waves, one of the resort’s two water-based thrill rides under construction, and much of Downtown Disney‘s shaded bar space behind walls, it was hard to get much of a break from the brutal California sun. But even with the high temps, the Disneyland Resort was shining with […] Read more…
It’s not even Halloween time, but Disneyland is already looking ahead to the upcoming holiday season. This year, the holiday magic runs from November 10 through January 7. Source: Disneyland Resort THE MOST FESTIVE SPOTS AT THE RESORT Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney all bring out the shiny decor for the season, though some […] Read more…
No matter the season, you’ll find an abundance of flowers beautifying the Disneyland resort. But one particular flower holds a special place in the group – a namesake specially cultivated for the mouse. Source: Disneyland Today The Disneyland rose is a rich pink and golden flower that is particular popular with butterflies. In the early […] Read more…
If you have any interest in Imagineering or the development of Disney Parks, you’re likely already familiar with Marty Sklar. He started working on Disney Parks before the first one ever opened, and left his mark on every single park that followed (until Shanghai, which opened after his death). Let’s get to know his story. Source: […] Read more…
We’re officially halfway to Halloween, so you know what that means…Disneyland is locked and loaded with this fall’s festivities. This year’s celebration will run from September 1 to October 31, with nonstop celebrations and excitement. Source: Disney Parks Blog ATTRACTION OVERLAYS DISNEYLAND Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas – This special overlay lasts from Halloween to […] Read more…
Grizzly Peak towers of California Adventure. This mountain range forms the shape of a grizzly bear, growling up at the sky. In Walt Disney Imagineering lore, the early people inhabiting this land held grizzly bears in particularly high esteem, believing the native land embodied the bear’s traits: strength (from the granite hills), pride (from the […] Read more…
Pixar Pier is one of those instances where Disneyland didn’t exactly design from the ground up. Instead, Paradise Pier broke apart, with the boardwalk area getting some new coloring and details – but the bones were there. That’s largely why so much of the concept art is remarkably accurate compared to most imagery we see […] Read more…
With the weather heating up and the California rainy season finally coming to an end, I’ve got summer on the brain. I’m so ready for beach afternoons and mudslides! But springtime is pretty magical at Disneyland too, with flowers of every color blooming and warmth before the sweltering heat sets in. If you’ve got a […] Read more…
After roughly a year and a half of construction and anticipation, Mickey’s Toontown has officially reopened it’s gates to the public. Mickey’s neighborhood has gone through substantial changes, all focused on one key word: play. Everything (yes, everything) from the water fountains to the grassy spaces is meant to be interactive for guests of all […] Read more…