Downtown Disney isn’t known for its attention to detail in quite the same way as the resort’s two parks. But if you wander the shops, restaurants, and hotels with sharp eyes, you’ll definitely spot some amazing little details. One of my favorites is in the last place you’d guess: Starbucks. Head over to the Starbucks […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street is California Adventure’s primary nostalgia spot. Guests here can enjoy handmade sweets, listen to the 5 & Dime, or hop on the Red Car Trolley. Like Main Street, Buena Vista Street’s nostalgia doesn’t fully extend into the shops; virtually every retail space sells the newest Disney goods. But one shop has a […] Read more…
There’s a very distinct Disneyland experience to be had in Mickey’s Toontown. Sure, in Fantasyland you can meet tons of characters, but in Toontown, you get to snoop through their houses. You have uninterrupted access to Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Chip & Dale’s homes. Mickey and Minnie’s houses offer particularly revealing tours, where you […] Read more…
When Walt and his Imagineers designed Disneyland, they included tons of little nods to Walt’s interests, loved ones, and life. Imagineers continued these tributes without Walt during the design of California Adventure, so both parks at the Disneyland Resort celebrate the things Walt loved most. Take Buena Vista Street for example. This street is supposed […] Read more…
Fantasyland is the epicenter of royalty in Disneyland. Beneath the towers of the castle, you’ll find wandering princes and princesses, evil queens, even the occasional fairies offering counsel to various members of Disney monarchies. Fantasyland provides a regal backdrop for these characters, right down to the tiniest details. On various signs, banners, and gold detailing, […] Read more…
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…