When Walt Disney started working on Disneyland, he knew from the beginning he wanted an area with a busy riverfront, full of passing boats ferrying around excited guests. But having limited knowledge of boats himself, he knew he needed outside help. And who better to ask than a Navy Rear Admiral? The man known as […] Read more…
Summertime at Disneyland is an experience like no other. The park comes alive with vibrant colors, buzzing energy, and non-stop entertainment that makes every corner feel magical. Yes, the crowds can be intense, and the summer heat might test your stamina, but there’s something undeniably special about this season that’s worth celebrating. If you’ve been […] Read more…
Peggie Fariss may not be a household name among Disney fans, but without her, some of the parks’ most iconic features might look very different today. For over 50 years, Fariss dedicated her career to Disney—spanning multiple parks, groundbreaking projects, and pioneering roles that shaped how Imagineering works behind the scenes. While her illustrious career […] Read more…
I know, I know. It’s not even August. For some of you, back to school is a nightmare because it means summer is ending. But for others, I know that they cannot WAIT for the temperatures to drop and Halloween to creep in. Halloween fans need not wait much longer – this year’s celebration runs […] Read more…
Today is a very special day for Disneyland fans! On this day, 70 years ago, Walt Disney opened his theme park to the world. To celebrate this milestone, this post is a roundup of 70 special hidden gems you can find at the park that started it all. From hidden character references to secret passageways, […] Read more…
The more I read about individual Imagineers and their contributions to Disneyland, the more I see they all seem to have one trait in common: a deep understanding of storytelling, whether they’re more technical roles like architects or engineers, or more artistic roles like illustrators and decorators. Blaine Gibson is one such storyteller – who […] Read more…
Welcome back to another round of park snapshots! This collection includes some older and newer shots, taken across a few different seasons of the year. These posts always get such great feedback in my inbox, so I hope this latest set brings a bit of magic and helps tide you over until your next visit. […] Read more…
Many imagineers leave a mark on one specific attraction or land – really immersing themselves in that creative piece of the Disney puzzle. But a select few have a much broader influence, touching many parks throughout the course of their careers. Herbert Ryman falls into the latter category, leaving his artistic fingerprint across the wide […] Read more…
Springtime is when Disneyland most feels like a storybook to me. With the blooming flowers, cloudy mornings making for softer light…I don’t know, it just feels extra fantasy-esque. When I look through my photo library of random snapshots I’ve taken over time, many of my favorites tend to be from this time of year. Here […] Read more…
 Source: Disneyland Resort Disneyland is turning 70 in July, and the celebration is about to begin. From little surprises to completely new shows, the anniversary will be packed with fun and extra magic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or visiting for the first time, you’ll be sure to find something exciting to experience during the […] Read more…
Every time you step into Disneyland, you are entering a world that has been carefully crafted by a skilled team that blends engineering with creativity. One contributor – towering both literally and figuratively – is the legendary Claude Coats. Known as “The Gentle Giant,” Coats was a master of mood, color, and immersive design, both […] Read more…
Every now and then, I like to compile snapshots that don’t necessarily fit into a full blog post but still feel might be interesting enough to share. These photos often make me reflect on some little detail I never noticed before, or call out a part of the park I need to explore further and […] Read more…
Disneyland enthusiasts and Star Wars fans, rejoice! The magic of the galaxy far, far away is descending onto Disneyland once again with the Season of the Force celebration. From March 28 to May 11, 2025, you’ll be able to celebrate Star Wars with new specialty offerings, merchandise, and of course…plenty of treats. Â Source: Disneyland Resort […] Read more…
Every Imagineer brings a little bit of their own magic into the parks—whether through art, engineering, or design. On the art side of the magic formula sits Peter Ellenshaw, a creative who’s work influenced the screen just as much as the park’s first visual representation.  Source: D23 Born in London in 1913, William Samuel Cook […] Read more…