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 Wonderful World of Disney

After getting off the tram one morning, we found Downtown Disney rather empty still. World of Disney was opening their doors and it just seemed like the perfect time for a picture. Some might call that "go time", but I prefer to pretend that I am not quite that intense about it. On a side note, I really want to ride that, um... bikealloon? Bike + balloon = Bikealloon. Yep, you can take that to the bank.

Daily Photo Tour - Downtown Disney

My favorite time to be in Downtown Disney is early in the morning. I don't mean before the park opens either; I'm talking about after you have closed it down. It's empty. The sidewalks get pressure washed and glisten beneath lights that linger 'til sunrise. This sign is a beacon for that peaceful walk back to the car.

Daily Photo Tour - Riding Off into the Sunset

So maybe the tram isn't riding off into the sunset. It's just parked. Maybe this isn't the picture you've all been waiting for. It's just the tram area. But maybe you appreciate it anyhow because you love the feelings you get from being at the Disneyland Resort. I don't have any particular affinity towards the trams themselves and I don't really enjoy waiting in line to catch one. I do love the experience though. As lacking in magic as it may seem, it's a part of the journey that is a trip to the original Magic Kingdom. Maybe the tram area isn't all that fun, but how many great conversations have you had or heard while there? How many children have you seen bury themselves into their parents in blissful exhaustion? Have you been one of those parents? Have you been one of those children? And just how many times have you been told to "stand behind the yellow line"? I bet you've lost count. I believe magic can be found in just about anything if you choose to see it. While the tram area may not seem to possess much magic, there are myriad feelings you experience as you stand there, waiting to board your last ride of the day. Joy. Contentment. Exhaustion. Sadness. Satisfaction. It's the place where you begin reflecting on the day of memories you've just made with your loved ones. Those memories that are the souvenirs we all take home from the park. Maybe that is magic.

Daily Photo Tour - Sugar Plums Dance Overhead

One of my favorite things about Christmas at the Disneyland Resort is the way the trees light up in Downtown Disney. They come to life with these huge, vibrant, gumball like lights. Coming from the Mickey & Friends Parking, it's the first bit of Disney that you get to see on your arrival via the trams. In that way for me, these lights are how the holiday season gets under way at the resort. I couldn't let the season come to a close without sharing them!

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.