September 21, 2011

Daily Photo Tour - Disneyland After Dark


Staying out late at Disneyland can be exhausting. It's rare, however, that the payoff for postponing a date with your pillow doesn't make you deaf to the barking of your feet and forgetful of how tired you may be. From being able to run around the Park and practically walk on the E-Tickets to those quiet, deep moments of self reflection, Disneyland after dark is it. It's my perfect place and I imagine if you are reading this that it's yours too. If you find yourself fortunate enough to be the last soul to bask in the radiant glow of Sleeping Beauty Castle, cherish that moment and take it in. There is nothing like it. Standing there in front of that icon, that tangible proof that dreams really can come true, it's as though someone somewhere cues the line from Walt's opening day speech, "Disneyland is your land", and it carries oh so softly on the night air. I have never felt so much that Disneyland was mine as when standing at the castle in solitude.

One of the great things about Walt Disney was that he shared the rewards of the risks he took. Few thought Disneyland was a good idea in 1955. It was a tremendous risk. But it was also a dream. Walt shared his dream of Disneyland with the hope that it would be a source of joy and inspiration. It serves as an appeal to everyone who walks through its gates to never quit dreaming or taking risks to pursue them. We each have a purpose in this life and no one can replace us. We each have the power to make the world a better place, whether it be for one person or a multitude. No person is insignificant. Michaela and Kevin and I know that these are just pictures that we post, but we pour ourselves into them with the hope that we might inspire you and bring a little joy into your life every day. These are the kinds of things I think about, standing at the castle in solitude. These are the dreams that take form in Disneyland after dark.

Disneyland After Dark
Photo by Matthew Hansen

Comments (6)

On September 22, 2011 at 8:15 AM , Anonymous said...

Once again, the picture is beautiful but your words are just as awe inspiring. It's always such a treasure to find others who feel the same warmth in the Disney magic. Thank you for sharing.
-Charla

 
On September 22, 2011 at 8:36 AM , Amber said...

I agree with Charla. I join you with my coffee every morning to feel the joy and inspiration that emanates from your photos/words everyday. Thank you for the time the three of you take to make this site what it is.

 
On September 22, 2011 at 8:56 AM , LynneAnne said...

I think that Walt himself would covet your amazing pictures and all the care that goes into each of them the same way your followers do, and he would be flattered by your appreciation for his beautiful and ever changing park.
~Lynne

 
On September 22, 2011 at 3:11 PM , Savanna Rodriguez said...

I just stumbled upon your site and I have to say, I love it! You have a way of capturing the magic! Its truly inspiring.

 
On September 23, 2011 at 7:45 AM , Orlando said...

Absolutely amazing pic. I thought it was CGI at first!

 
On October 4, 2011 at 10:18 AM , Matthew Hansen said...

Thank you everyone for your amazing comments! The three of us feel so unbelievably blessed and overwhelmed by the all the amazing people who appreciate what we do and share how much it means. Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words, it means more than you know.