Daily Photo Tour - Path to the Grand Gardens

I love everything about the Grand Californian Hotel. From the decor to the architecture to the landscaping, it is imbued with a Disney interpreted Arts and Crafts vibe. When I think of the Grand, I think of strength and peace. Something about those clean lines and 'natural' materials seem to give one permission to take a deep breath. If you're lucky enough, you may even find a rocking chair near the gardens to take it in, which is exactly where Michaela and I were headed as I stopped to take this picture. As we walked through this archway, the cares of the world faded.

Daily Photo Tour - Bear Left

Condor Flats is famous for its views... from the air, of course. This aviation themed land is a pilot's paradise with a real rocket engine and plane for props. Aerial tours aren't limited to the imagination though; Soarin' offers a taste of the best of California in glorious sight and smell! If you're headed up to Grizzly Peak afterward, make sure to bear left!

Daily Photo Tour - Now It's Time to Say Goodbye

Is it just me or does anyone else hear the end of the Mickey Mouse Club March at the end of a long day at the Disneyland Resort?

"Now it's time to say goodbye to all our company. M I C, see you real soon. K E Y, why? Because we like you. M O U S E."

Daily Photo Tour - Relaxing by a Grand Fire

I have a lot of memories at the Grand Californian. My family stayed there a couple of times for the holidays and my sister and I spent a lot of time in front of this fireplace. With the Christmas tree all lit up and holiday music filling the air, it's one of my favorite memories. We may only be a little more than halfway to Christmas, but every time I see this fireplace it warms me from the inside.

Daily Photo Tour - Storytellers Cafe

Some of my fondest memories are of family trips to the Disneyland Resort at Christmastime. We had the opportunity to stay at the Grand Californian Hotel and it was incredible. The thing I love most about this hotel is that you feel constantly immersed in the heart of the Disneyland Resort. The Storytellers Cafe is a wonderful extension of this. The character throughout the restaurant reflects what is seen and felt throughout the parks and this sign serves as a great preface to the craftsmanship that awaits you inside.

Daily Photo Tour - The Battle for Downtown Disney

While many enjoy the splendor inside the parks, Downtown Disney has excitement all its own. The Lego Store recently got a remodel that features some incredible brick building feats. While Buzz and Woody blast off to save Andy from the Evil Emperor Zurg, Prince Philip deflects a fiery burst from the dragon Malificent, whom I imagine will have to cut this battle short to get ready for Fantasmic! That should give the Prince time to find his beauty from amongst the crowd and catch a movie at the theater... or jam out with Brother Yusef... or swing dance with Doc Anello and the Swing Machine! So many exciting choices and we haven't even discussed dining. The real battle lies in the decision of what to do.

Daily Photo Tour - The Grand Lobby

This photo has been a long time coming. I had put it on the back burner after learning that one does not simply walk into the Grand Californian and start taking photos. There is a bit of a difference regarding the comfort of guests in a hotel as compared to a theme park. Some of my fondest memories of visiting the Disneyland Resort are staying here with my family. What I really love about the Grand is that you never feel like you leave the magic present in the parks. Staying at other hotels in the area, there is a definitive moment at which you know you've left. Not here. Here you remain immersed. The Grand is saturated with Disney magic and detail. Fortunately for me, our friend Dave was a guest at the Grand this weekend, making it much easier to wander around and take pictures.

What I envisioned in my head for a picture was something that would capture and communicate the enormity and well, grandness of the Grand Californian lobby. At ground level you have to be careful not to hurt your neck from attempting to drink in the view to the ceiling, with the amazing craftsmanship and light fixtures. As we wandered about, this view from a few floors up really seemed right for what I was hoping capture. I was so excited about it, I couldn't wait to post it.

If you've never heard of our friend Dave's site, Daveland, we highly recommend you head over to his blog and check it out. Be prepared to spend some time there. He has incredible vintage photography from Disneyland that he posts regularly as well as incredible photography and art of his own. Thanks Dave!

Daily Photo Tour - A Cloudy Day at the Pier

Cloudy days at the Disneyland Resort are always exciting. We usually find ourselves rushing around from place to place trying to find new angles that take advantage of it. This shot was one of the many we took that day with our new wide angle lens. I really loved the lines leading from the pier to the Golden Zephyr and the wide angle gave me just the right amount of room to fit it all. Ahh, the joys of a new toy.

Daily Photo Tour - Welcome to the Hollywood Tower Hotel

After a short hiatus, we finally made it back to the park this last Saturday. I think the boys would agree with me when I say it was by far one of our best trips yet. The morning started off with a little rain, but shortly after we arrived, the rain cleared and the sun made it's way through the clouds. It created a beautiful backdrop for just about every picture we took. We began our day at DCA with a glimpse of Cars Land, which looks even better than I imagined it would, and quickly headed to the pier for some shooting. It was mid-afternoon when we finally made our way over to Disneyland. What really made our day was the opportunity we had to meet some new people and catch up with some of our good friends that work in the park. The more we do this, the greater our appreciation for this amazing place and the incredible people behind it grows. They do so much to make you feel welcome and a part of something special. The one thing that I continue to take away from our experiences, are the conversations we have with people we would have never met outside of this common interest. I feel overwhelming blessed and am continually grateful. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

iPhone Wallpapers

We are very pleased to announce that we have launched the beginnings of a Tours Departing Daily iPhone Wallpaper Gallery. Sometimes you just want Disneyland right there on your phone's wallpaper, right? Well we hope that we've made it easier for those of you with iPhones to have just that. You can get there by clicking here. We'll be putting up a bigger and shinier link on our sidebar soon. We'll also be expanding to have an iPad Wallpaper gallery in the very near future, so watch for that!

Daily Photo Tour - Get Ready Screamers

I love roller coasters and I'm grateful that Disney California Adventure has one. But it's not just any roller coaster. It's California Screamin'. It features so many wonderful elements I often wonder why the line isn't longer than it is. As you make your way through the queue, the anticipation builds. Trains keep leaving the station, returning and leaving once more until, finally, it's your turn. You step down into the car and pull the shoulder restraints over you. They click into place to assure you of your safety, but just to double check a ride attendant gives it a good pull. Then comes the "go ahead". You leave the station only to stop again over the water. A somewhat antagonistic voice comes over a set of loud speakers instructing, "Get ready screamers!" and in an instant, the massive train you're in is launched without hesitation. It's a marvel and I love the anticipation. It's awesome to think that we live in a world where brilliant people can apply their intelligence to facilitate an amusement that brings satisfaction to the brave and daring. Are you ready?

Daily Photo Tour - A New Entrance for Disney California Adventure

Being fairly attached to the original, I was skeptical about the new entrance to Disney California Adventure. After seeing the concept art, which featured an elegant, classic design, my concerns were lifted. Seeing the California letters come down and the construction walls go up was still a little difficult but we watched the progress, week after week. It wasn't long before the structure was there, standing at the edge of welcoming its first guests. There is still work to be done on the overall concept for DCA's remodeled entrance, but these turnstiles have won me over.

New Pictures of the Three Amigos

We've updated the Three Amigos page with some new pictures. We've also put the links to our pages at the top of the sidebar to make them a little easier to find. Go check them out!

Daily Photo Tour - Welcome to Disneyland

This sign brings back so many fond memories for me. Although a bit different from the original Disneyland sign, it carries a similar charm. As a child, I remember being filled with such excitement as we came upon the sign for Disneyland because it meant we had finally arrived at the happiest place on earth. Some of my earliest memories are of me and my family bundled up in our Mickey ponchos watching the rain fall on Main Street, dancing with my sisters at the Plaza Gardens, and falling asleep on my father's shoulder as the Main Street Electrical Parade made it's debut. All these memories encompassed by a simple sign, a place where joyous and unforgettable moments are created everyday and everything in life seems that much sweeter. Welcome to Disneyland.

Daily Photo Tour - Dapper Disney

As soon as you enter Steakhouse 55 you are greeted by a vintage portrait of Walt Disney looking rather dapper. His smile conveys a sense of welcome as if returning home from a long day. His portrait is just a prelude to the number of famous faces adorning the walls of the dining room that awaits your arrival. Art deco graces the ceiling and chandeliers and the dining room chairs offer just enough whimsy to allow its occupants the freedom to relax and have a good time. For a moment you may even feel as though you've caught a glimpse into life in Old Hollywood.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful dads out there. Dads can be such an inspiration, even if they aren't trying to be. As a child, there were a few things that really stuck with me about my dad. One was how hard he worked. Another was watching him play guitar. Another still was watching his excitement over cameras and photography. I knew it was something special when I got to hold one of his cameras and inspiration to capture photos of my own rooted itself deep within. It was something that I lost sight of for quite some time, but obviously rediscovered. Thank you dad for inspiring a passion, even if you didn't mean to.

Daily Photo Tour - A Magical Welcome

This picture of the lobby to the Disneyland Hotel was taken by my dad. He uses a Canon 7D which is a pretty awesome camera. He gave me his set of bracketed pictures to edit and post here if I wanted. I thought it would be appropriate to present today. So without further ado, I present you with the Disneyland Hotel's magical welcome, featuring WED Enterprises concept art of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Daily Photo Tour - Man in the Mirror

As much as I miss the Swiss Family Robinsons' Treehouse, I have to admit Disney did a wonderful job with Tarzan's. It really pays to take your time exploring as you climb your way through the tree. Attention is given to every detail and there are plenty of treasures waiting to be discovered.

Daily Photo Tour - Day of the Dead

Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

Daily Photo Tour - World of Disney After Dark

Long after children have gone to bed, and restaurants have served their last meal for the night, Downtown Disney enters a stark stillness. It remains illuminated, with all its vibrant and whimsical charm. The air just seems more clear. These moments are brief, however, because Disney quickly gets to work preparing another magical day. But those moments of early morning hours are magical themselves.

Daily Photo Tour - The Haunted Mansion

One of the things that has always stood out in my mind about the Haunted Mansion is that Walt wanted the outside to look well kept. I believe his main concern was the overall appearance of Disneyland yet the almost charming exterior of the Mansion also serves another purpose, intensifying the experience inside. Potential riders are less likely to question entering a house that hasn't fallen into disrepair. Once the elevator doors open, however, followed shortly by the monotone behest to drag your body to the dead center of the room, it's a whole different ball game. I have to admit, I am one of those people that recites the monologue in the elevator along with the "ghost host."

Daily Photo Tour - Bones of Thunder Mountain

The first time I rode on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, I was small enough to fit between my mom and dad in one seat... sort of. I remember hearing so many interesting sounds and feeling the rush of wind against my face. What I don't recall is seeing anything except for these bones. I was far too busy being made into the kind of sandwich that had mistakenly been sat on on the way to school, with a slice of mom on one side and a slice of dad on the other. As a child, I was frustrated. I felt like I had missed out. But it is just that kind of memory that fills me with gladness and brings me back to Disneyland time and again. And you can bet when I have a child who is sort of small enough to fit between my wife and me, we'll be headed straight for the "wildest ride in the wilderness" to have ourselves a sandwich.