When you arrive at the gates of Disneyland, long before you see the castle or the Matterhorn or the Rivers of America, you stand before a special building: the Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station. This place overlooks the berm, which protects Disneyland from the real world outside, hosts live performances from characters and the Disneyland […] Read more…
Hollywood Land is California Adventure’s living movie set. You’ll see painted backdrops, false buildings, even a few soundstages. And no backlot would be complete without its own water tower. You’ll find it in the backlot section of the land, to the right of Monsters, Inc. The Hollywood Water Tower draws inspiration from those located on […] Read more…
It’s no secret that Goofy’s Sky School is a little unorthodox. Given the twists, turns, and frantic stops…it doesn’t really seem like Goofy knows what he’s doing. Well, if you still dare venture into his school, pay close attention to the Sky School Bulletin Board. You’ll see it on the wall as the ramp turns […] Read more…
Main Street USA may represent the American past, but in one shop, you can find out a little about your future. Let’s head over to the Penny Arcade. Right in the entryway, you’ll see her. Meet Esmeralda, Main Street USA’s fortune teller. Drop in a quarter, and she’ll tell you what’s in store. Esmeralda doesn’t […] Read more…
Take a spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and you’ll have a panoramic view of Fantasyland – with a beautiful soundtrack in the background. So, where does this music come from? Source: Dismodo Meet the magical Dumbo Organ, standing right behind the attraction and queue. This authentic organ, built by Gavoili, dates back to 1915. […] Read more…
In Disneyland, sometimes it’s easy to forget the park has only been around since 1955. So many of the park’s fixtures just feel like they’ve always been there, from the stone architecture of Fantasyland to the dense forests of Critter Country. In fact, most of Disneyland’s components serve that specific purpose – to alter your […] Read more…
One of my favorite places in California Adventure is the long walkway at the back of Cars Land. The path connects Pacific Wharf and the plaza by Radiator Springs Racers. The whole area just has an amazing view, and a hidden gem along the roadside: the Cars Land Road Signs! The signs serve as a […] Read more…
I know I’ve said it a million times before, but Disneyland’s meticulous attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. Fantasyland might just top the list of the most detailed lands, and every accent has a purpose, helping immerse you in the magic kingdom. One of my favorite details in Fantasyland appears right as you […] Read more…
The Indiana Jones queue is by far the most elaborate in Disneyland. Visitors wander through the jungle, into an ancient temple, and through a maze of caves and stone walkways. The details carry all the way to the last piece of the attraction’s exit: the Indiana Jones Truck. This patrol truck isn’t just a piece […] Read more…
New Orleans might be one of the most famous waterfront cities in the world. When Disneyland built a square paying tribute to the city in the 1960s, Imagineers had an impossible challenge. How do you build a waterfront city in firmly landlocked Anaheim? Well, one tiny visual trick came to the rescue: the Port of […] Read more…
It’s amazing how quickly Disneyland memorabilia changes over time. How could we have known back in the day that 50s and 60s souvenirs would be so highly coveted? Originally, Disneyland didn’t have any official place preserving mementos of the past. But in 1995, on the park’s 40th anniversary, cast members buried a time capsule (called […] Read more…
Adventureland has no shortage of stunning palm trees, towering above visitors. But one tree has a unique history, predating the rest of the park. Meet the Dominguez Tree, the tall palm to the right of the Jungle Cruise boathouse. Source: Disney Parks Blog This tree’s story begins in 1896, almost 60 years before Disneyland’s opening. […] Read more…
Out of all the lands in Disneyland, Fantasyland might just have the most charm and detail. Every pillar, lamp, and windowsill plays a role, building the magical fairytale village that houses so many of Disney’s iconic characters. One of those characters, Princess Aurora, anchors the land with her magnificent castle. But she also has a […] Read more…
If you’ve ever been on Main Street USA, you’ve undoubtedly seen the Disneyland Fire Department. Mickey Mouse himself often meets guests outside the station, and the fire house band performs periodically in the square as well. But did you know you can actually step inside the fire department? Parked inside, you’ll see Walt’s favorite vehicle: […] Read more…