There’s something so inspiring about seeing photos of Walt Disney in Disneyland. Though he will always be better known for his movies, Walt’s true passion project was the original Magic Kingdom. In his later life, he devoted virtually all of his creative energy into a magical place where kids and adults could share in magic. […] Read more…
With the official retirement of Paradise Pier last week, I’ve been looking through some of my photos from the boardwalk. This beautiful land didn’t skimp on the details, and the Victorian theming wasn’t its only nod to the past. In fact, one of the shop signs paid tribute to a 1960s Disney classic: The Jungle Book. […] Read more…
When you’re shrinking to the size of a bug, details matter. That’s why no matter where you go in A Bug’s Land, you’re sure to find amazing little features that fully immerse you in the land. From the towering clovers to the plant roots built into walls, every inch of A Bug’s Land helps create […] Read more…
Source: Wikimedia September 2001 – August 2004 LOCATION Hollywood Land – Who Wants To Be A Millionaire occupied Hollywood Land’s soundstage, in the backlot section of the area. The entrance sat to the left of Monsters, Inc., behind Sunset Boulevard (the main walkway). Today, this space rotates purposes for seasonal events. BACKGROUND California Adventure faced […] Read more…
November 1988 – April 2024 LOCATION Critter Country – The Briar Patch was somewhat hidden in the sloping trails into Critter Country. You’d find this little cottage on the left-hand side of Critter Country’s main walkway, across from the Hungry Bear Restaurant. EXPERIENCE Critter Country’s hat shop clearly once belonged to Brer Rabbit; he hung […] Read more…
Source: Pin IMG June 1959 – September 1998 LOCATION Tomorrowland – The Submarine Voyage toured Tomorrowland’s lagoon, between the Matterhorn and Autopia. Today, the lagoon has an updated version of the attraction: the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. BACKGROUND In 1959, Disneyland went through its first major expansion. The area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland completely transformed, […] Read more…
Fall 1994 – January 2017 LOCATION Fantasyland – The Castle Heraldry Shoppe started out within the castle, where the Enchanted Chamber currently resides. From 2008 until its closure, the shop moved across the courtyard, next to Peter Pan’s Flight. Today, this space houses the Castle Christmas Shoppe. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Family crest merchandise, collectible […] Read more…
When the sun sets at the Disneyland Resort, most visitors start streaming back into Disneyland. It’s a shame, though, because California Adventure does neon lights like nobody else! Paradise Pier was one of my favorite places to spend the evening in California Adventure. The gorgeous glow brought new life to the boardwalk, and of course…World of […] Read more…
April 2009 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – The Boardwalk Bazaar was hidden on the back side of the pier. To find this shop, visitors would head behind California Screamin‘s track, between Midway Mania and Mickey’s Fun Wheel. You’d see the shop along the boardwalk, between Sideshow Shirts and the boardwalk games. EXPERIENCE Details: […] Read more…
Source: OC Register February 2001 – September 2008 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Golden Dreams played in a large theater on the waterfront of Paradise Pier. Today, this space has been transformed into an aquarium, which houses The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. BACKGROUND When Imagineers began designing a park celebrating California, they wanted to include […] Read more…
Tomorrowland’s lagoon always captures the attention of passing guests. The deep blue waters, squawking seagulls, and circling submarines stand out from the overwhelmingly large buildings nearby. When the lagoon opened in 1959, the park also debuted a brand new attraction: the Submarine Voyage. Though the vast majority of this attraction took place underwater, Disney added […] Read more…
California Adventure’s entire purpose is to celebrate the best of California. And what’s more Californian than a gorgeous seaside boardwalk? Paradise Pier sprawled across 14 acres, making it the largest land at the resort. And every section of Paradise Pier had something fun for everyone: roller coasters, tamer rides, boardwalk games, snack carts, and live […] Read more…
In the early years of Disneyland, Main Street USA used to sell a munch broader variety of goods. Along with standard souvenir fare, Disneyland sold tobacco, lingerie…and magical flowers that never wilted. How did Disney accomplish this impossible feat? All of the flowers were made of plastic! Source: Mousetalgia The Flower Market filled the western […] Read more…
Disneyland uses all kinds of storytelling techniques. These extend far beyond the actual architecture and appearance of every land. Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch all work together to transport visitors between imaginary worlds, which we believe are real. A key piece of the storytelling puzzle is music. Each land in the park has a […] Read more…