Daily Photo Tour - The Icy Peak

As a kid, nothing said you were almost to Disneyland like the icy peak of the Matterhorn coming into view. What seemed like an eternity in the back seat of a car quickly faded from memory as the mountain and the realization of all your excitement grew.

Daily Photo Tour - Reach for the Sky

When you're a kid, anything is possible. You believe with your whole heart that the dreams you hold inside can actually come true. You believe that wishing on a star isn't just a gimmick in a Disney movie. You wonder about the outcome, but believe for a moment that the mountain to climb really isn't that daunting. Unfortunately, at some point all those wishes become falling stars in the sky, and they never come to fruition. But that's just part of growing up right? You can't hold on to everything forever, and we sure don't live in Neverland.

What is it that gets in the way of our dreams, our hopes, and our passions? What's holding you back? Is it work, school, family, time? Nope. It's none of these. Once upon a time you peered over the edge, and with the innocence and imagination like a child, you looked up into the sky and knew that you, and only you could make your dreams possible. Walt was right when he said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” The only thing knocking those stars out of the sky is you!

So what is it that's stopping you? Is it guilt, confidence, fear, weakness? Is it the thought of failure? Let me tell you something, the dream you have, or the passion inside of you, it isn't there by chance. It's there for a reason. But it takes making your dream come true to find out why. It literally is the best journey you could take in your entire life. So like a child, look out into the depth of the sky and believe in that idea, that passion, that thing that makes you feel alive, and make it come true.

Daily Photo Tour - Autumn Glow on the Matterhorn

It's amazing how something steadfast, such as the Matterhorn, can take on an entirely new perception based on mutable external factors. The weather this Autumn is being its usual unpredictable self; the temperature swings, the wind blows, the sun tracks South towards Winter. The soft glow from this changing alignment coupled with a cool breeze lends credibility to the glistening snow. Maybe, just maybe it's cold enough at the top of that peak for that snow to cling.

Daily Photo Tour - The Fleet

The night time views in Disneyland never cease to amaze me. This lagoon and the placement of the Matterhorn is just one of those unique scenes in the park. While the three of us where meandering one night, we worked our way up the monorail platform and found this spectacular view. It's no question that transportation has been a long constant theme here in Tomorrowland. The fleet of submarines is hard to miss amongst the amazing backdrop of the Matterhorn, lagoon, and passing monorail.

Daily Photo Tour - The Mountaineer atop the Matterhorn

The day after the Matterhorn reopened we spent the day at DCA taking in Buena Vista Street and Cars Land. In the early afternoon we met up with a friend and headed for a ride on Mickey's Fun Wheel, which was practically devoid of a line. As we approached new heights, I wondered if there might be climbers on Anaheim's iconic mountain. To my great pleasure and surprise there was one mountaineer, sitting peacefully atop the Matterhorn. I can only imagine that view.

Daily Photo Tour - A Golden Future

I've learned over the past two years that becoming, and staying inspired actually takes work. I've also learned that any goal I have is only going to come to fruition if I stay inspired. For some reason, its just the way my brain seems to work. So to finish anything, I have to stay inspired. And you know what inspires me? Sunsets! And random trips to the mountains to take pictures! And of course, Disneyland! For me, keeping a golden future involves staying inspired, and looking towards the things that keep me there. What inspires you?

Daily Photo Tour - The Famous Peak

The Matterhorn peeks it's way through just about anything around the Disneyland Resort. It's usually the first distinct landmark you see before entering Disneyland. I remember as a kid looking towards Disneyland from the freeway. I always got so excited to see the Matterhorn. It meant Disneyland was close! And now, I just can't stop looking at it. There are so many angles around the park that offer great perspectives of the famous peak.

Daily Photo Tour - An Evening at the Hub

Tonight marks the second anniversary of Tours Departing Daily and what an incredible ride these past two years have been. We never dreamed this website would turn into anything like this or that it would become such a special place for us to share our love of Disneyland. When we began taking pictures of Disneyland, our only thought was to try and share how it made us feel and that has been the goal we've strived for since. Disneyland is a wonderful place that has the ability to bring out the best in people, providing a source of both joy and inspiration. A short while ago, we mentioned our anniversary on Twitter and the generous outpouring that followed from friends really touched us. It's difficult to express how much appreciation we have for everyone that joins us in this journey, that shares feedback and words of encouragement on Twitter or Facebook or a friendly e-mail, that finds us in the Park. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. We are partners in this. We are bursting with excitement for some of the things we have planned for this year. We promise it will be the best yet. So with that obligatory statement intended to wet your appetite, what better place to join us in celebration than an evening at the hub?

Daily Photo Tour - Tomorrowland Matterhorn

Sometimes I am a lazy photographer, and sometimes I have a driven, go get 'em kind of attitude. When I took this photograph, it was one of those go get 'em kind of days. The Matterhorn seems to always catch my eye from the Tomorrowland side. I find it amazing that something so out of place, can look completely in place from a futuristic setting. The Matterhorn is great from all angles, but the ones from Tomorrowland seem to be my favorite!

Daily Photo Tour - Bobsled at Rest

It was very quiet in this area of Fantasyland during the Matterhorn's refurbishments recently. No waterfalls. No screaming bobsledders. No abominable snowman growls. Worst of all, no yodeling. It was nice though to see the bobsleds getting some much deserved rest. I found this one particularly interesting, parked all on its own, glistening in the afternoon sun. If you're like me and find yourself at some point suffering Matterhorn withdrawals, I find that alternating chocolate and Ricola helps. If all else fails, bust out the lederhosen.

Daily Photo Tour - An Afternoon at the Mountain

The Matterhorn seems to glimmer in any light. It must be the snow caps that give it that glisten and glow. The first thing I look for when I get close to Disneyland is the Matterhorn. It's the easiest to spot from far away, and let's me know that I'm close. I grabbed this shot of the mountain during a summer afternoon recently. We had just entered the queue and the waterfall was very inviting. As I'm sure you already have found out, they just recently updated the bobsleds on the mountain. The classic seat belts have been replaced by lap bars, the sleds have a new look, and the awkward double lap seating has been replaced with single seats for each rider. I'm excited to see the changes the next time we are at Disneyland.

An Artist Who Inspires

There are a number of talented artists who have their work sold at Disneyland. One of our very favorites is Dave Avanzino. He is probably best known for his shadow boxes that feature details from Disney attractions and classics, among other creations. We are only fortunate enough, at present, to have one of his pieces, the Jungle Cruise, seen below. Dave was kind enough to comment on our page with some encouraging words and also to share our page with his Facebook fans. We feel so very blessed and honored to be recognized by an artist who constantly inspires us. If you aren't familiar with his work, you should go visit his Facebook page by clicking here. If you are familiar, then you probably already appreciate it the way we do. If you haven't already become a fan of his Facebook page, you too should head on over and show your support! If you are so inclined, let him know we sent you!

Daily Photo Tour - A Night at the Matterhorn

I've had this shot for a few months now. It's one of those that I wanted to wait on and it just so happens that after a wonderful evening at Disneyland yesterday, I found myself strongly inspired to go for it. I have always found this pathway to the Matterhorn intoxicating, with the luminous lamps bathing the walkway. The waterfall glistens faintly at night like a silk ribbon dancing in the whimsical night air. With all the warm, gentle glowing, the Matterhorn itself majestically stands, with all the confidence the first Disneyland peak ought to have.

Connecting Through Google

We've reached the one hundred mark and beyond with Google's Friend Connect and want to thank you all so much for joining us in our daily photo tours. We love doing this and we love having you along. It's a tremendous blessing to have our work so well received by so many amazing and interesting people like yourselves. If you haven't clicked the Follow button at the bottom of our sidebar, it's a convenient way to connect with our site and with other passengers on our tours. You can sign in with your Google account, Twitter, Yahoo! or even AIM. If you want to help us out even more, click on our Google +1 button on the top of our sidebar. It will help even more awesome folks to "Google" us!

Daily Photo Tour - Matterhorn in Tranquility

Disneyland at night, is one of those places you can just walk around and consistently feel in awe. I don't know any other place where this is the case. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, things don't get dark, but instead, they become more magical. I wandered off one night, becoming lost and entranced with the atmosphere of the closing park. I set up for this shot, and while the shutter was snapping through the several exposures, something hit me. The Matterhorn very well may be one of the most classic rides in the entire park; because of its age, its engineering feats, and it's inspiration from the man himself, Walt Disney. As I stood there, I thought, what did all this look like before the Matterhorn. What was here? What was it like after it had first opened? How many different people have stood in the exact spot I was standing in. And then my camera stopped taking pictures. And I realized, I am looking at one of the most unique displays of human imagination and engineering. A combination of human achievement, and innovation. Yeah, it is just a ride. But more than that, it is the final display and outcome that was conjured up from one man's imagination, and several men's hard work and determination. And then I kept thinking (very dangerous), there are over a dozen of these masterpieces scattered all throughout the park. Where else on earth can you view or experience such a dense amount of human thought and innovation? Nowhere. Only Disneyland.

Daily Photo Tour - Guten Tag

Deep in the forests of Anaheim stands a majestic, snow capped mountain. It is said to be the home of a monster. A monster who eats climbers that feel the need to yodel from atop this mountain. So before you get any ideas of breaking out your lederhosen and warming up those vocal cords, make sure you are ready to become a snack or your name is Tinker Bell. She seems to have no trouble evading this monster of the Anaheim mountain.

Daily Photo Tour - Mysterious Matterhorn

In 1956, just one year after Disneyland had opened to the public, Walt Disney proposed a bobsled styled ride where passengers could barrel down a mountain at high speeds. This was almost unheard of at the time, but with emerging technologies, and Walt Disney's excursion into the Swiss Alps, the Matterhorn was born. It was the first steel tubular roller coaster, and is considered by many a classic.

Daily Photo Tour - A Matterhorn Morning

The Matterhorn Bobsleds have been around for a while, but they are still one of the best rides around. There are so many facets to this mountain that make it the "E" Ticket attraction that it is. My favorite part of the Matterhorn is charging past the waterfalls. I know they are coming but I always find them catching me by surprise.

Daily Photo Tour - The Matterhorn at Sunset

The Matterhorn is my first memory of Disneyland. Even before parking or setting foot on Disney pavement, looking for the mountain peak that contrasts so sharply the Anaheim skyline marked the beginning of a magical day for making memories. I find myself still searching for that peak when we get close to the park. And when my eyes catch sight of it, it feels strangely familiar to coming home. As with many things, one of the very best times to see it is when the sun's concluding rays kiss it ever so gently goodnight.

Daily Photo Tour - Midnight Matterhorn

There is a basketball court inside the top of the Matterhorn. This has fascinated me since I first found this out. I imagine Tinkerbell ballin' it up before she takes flight for the fireworks. I'm sure she has a wicked jump shot. I mean, she has to, all that time in the mountain leading up to the show has got to give her loads of practice. But, enough about basketball, let's talk about the left track of the Matterhorn. Absolutely amazing. The best time in my opinion is to ride during sunset; the view is great. The Matterhorn is one of those rides you can't ride by yourself. You've got to experience the head jerking sensation of the Swiss Alps with your best friends. There is nothing like sitting in the back and watching everyone's head in the bobsled jerk in unison as the train barrels through the mountain. This might be the only ride in the park I don't have memorized. I blame that on the twisting path of the track, and the whiplash to my head. I just can't remember. Tink, we'll be sure to see you at the Draft.

Daily Photo Tour - Tomorrowland Terrace

Tomorrowland is a lot fun, but it's not an easy place to find a good angle to capture everything you take in while you're there. I wanted to find a different perspective and happened upon the exit for Innoventions, which allowed for this elevated view. It was great to be up there and get this wide view which encompasses some awesome Disneyland attractions. The gloomy day really made the Matterhorn seem even larger, and the sleek blue Monorail pop. Tomorrowland Terrace is always bustling with people, but I especially like it at night when they showcase live music.