Daily Photo Tour - Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Ghirardelli isn't exactly new anymore but it was certainly a welcome addition to DCA's Pacific Wharf. It's really no stretch at all to imagine that you're in San Francisco. Unless it's hot. Then you pretty much know that you're not. But that's all the more reason to go inside and get a free chocolate sample, err... I mean, ice cream!

Daily Photo Tour - A Quiet Evening in Wine Country

The Wine Country Trattoria is one of the most charming places in Disney California Adventure with some of the best food. After dining service has concluded, as the late night World of Color shows near their end, its vacancy adds to that charm. You almost forget that the Pacific Wharf and Paradise Bay are behind you as you walk past the glistening tables and quietly bubbling fountain. The only thing that could make it better would be having one last glass of wine, perhaps something from the Lasseter Family Winery.

Daily Photo Tour -The Calm After the Storm

Life has a way of throwing curve balls our way and even though it's inevitable, it seems we're never really prepared. Opportunities for us to question what we're doing and why seem to spawn uncontrollably. Opportunities to listen to the doubting suspicion nagging at us from the inside, encouraging us to question things we were so sure about a week ago. Through these times I think the most important thing to remember is to be true to yourself. To know your course and to stick with it regardless of how things may appear. If you can do this, you can weather any storm with a confidence and tenacity that is not easily extinguished. This is where the true reward lies, in the journey.

Daily Photo Tour - The Beginning of a Story

This is the model for the new "Storytellers" statue that will be placed in DCA for the opening of Buena Vista Street. It represents the start of Walt's story as he arrived in California. It serves as a reminder of where he began and how far he traveled in pursuit of his dream. I think beginnings are all too often overlooked. We see the success someone has acquired, but fail to realize the handwork, sweat and tears that went into making their dream a reality. Walt is the perfect example of that. In spite of facing financial ruin and creative infringement, he didn't give up. That to me is even more important than the success that followed. To have that much passion and tenacity for life is to truly live.

Daily Photo Tour - The Sunset and the Sea

Growing up in Northern California, I am a big fan of anything that takes me back there. While no imitation is quite as sweet as being in San Francisco, it's easy to get sucked into the Pacific Wharf. Every detail has its purpose to make it resemble the real thing. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the Imagineers and the craftsmanship of the crews that put the parks together. When you stop and think on it for a moment, it's not a stretch to realize that where you are, what you are seeing and what you are standing on are all works of art contributing to a greater, immersive piece.

Daily Photo Tour - Pacific Wharf Canning Co

Being in San Francisco this weekend has been a blessing and another eye opener of Disney's hard work and authenticity. Thanks so much for joining us in our adventures.

Daily Photo Tour - Details of Disney California Adventure

The richest rewards of the Disneyland Resort are certainly in the details. There is so much thoughtfulness and planning in each and every one of them. It's an adventure just finding them. We're really excited for all the details that are coming to Disney California Adventure and wanted to share some that are currently there.

Dot on the Lookout

Employment Office

Twilight Around the Bend

Daily Photo Tour - Golden Winery

I noticed the golden light hitting the facade of the Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Valley Winery. I stopped, found a nice composition and decided to take a few shots. I really wasn't getting the shot that I had seen in my mind. The problem was a sneaky little umbrella that kept finding its way into the frame. So, being the determined (and annoying) individual that I am, I asked a couple of the cast members if it was okay if I moved the umbrella a little to the right. They gave me some awkward glances without any vocal communicaiton, and moved the umbrella for me! You gotta love the patience of those cast memebers! They must think we are pretty crazy sometimes!

Daily Photo Tour - The Trattoria Tower

A Tuscan villa in the middle of Southern California? You bet! Disney has a wonderful way of bringing worlds together and making them flow seamlessly. As you sit on one of the lovely terraces of the Wine Country Trattoria, enjoying a fabulous dish with a Meditteranean influence, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of a classic beach boardwalk atmosphere without even thinking twice about how different the two are. I don't know about you, but I could totally go for a glass of California wine and some Tony Bennett while I wait for World of Color to begin.

Daily Photo Tour - Maseca

The Mission Tortilla Factory is a cool little spot. It consists of a mini tour where you learn a little history behind the tortilla and you get a free tortilla sample at the end. If you stop by on your birthday they'll give you a whole package of them! So if you're a fan of tortillas or free samples, this is the place to go.

Daily Photo Tour - The Blue Sky Process

What do you see when you look at a blank page? Does it scare you? Are you inspired to put something down onto it? I appreciate and envy the Imagineers that get the opportunity to design and create the attractions and lands we all admire. The Blue Sky process is the first step Imagineers take into brainstorming and coming up with a new attraction or land. Here at Disney California Adventure, The Blue Sky Cellar is a place where the guests of the park can actually see the outcome of this process.

Daily Photo Tour - Pacific Gold

When we first started taking pictures around the Disneyland Resort, this was one of the spots I was most drawn to. It's so dynamic and I love all of the different textures. With the sun setting, soft warm light flitted its way across all of those wonderful textures. I took this picture and a few others, but mostly just stood there taking it in. It's one of those places you can stand for a while, leaning against a banister, contented.

Daily Photo Tour - The Wharf

It's very interesting to be in the park, and see something for the first time. It's probably not exactly what you're thinking. I'm talking about seeing the Golden Gate Bridge before you've actually stood in front of it. Or seeing Fisherman's Wharf even before stepping foot on the actual land. I've done this several times in the past few years. I've been to places only in Disney, and then seen them after in real life. Disney pays a great tribute to all the scenic and historical landmarks in California. Of course, the real thing is nothing compared to a copy, but Disney does a great job.

Daily Photo Tour - Lucky Fortune Lanterns

Sometimes I find things because I am looking for them. Other times it feels more like they find me. With so much attention given to detail, it's not hard for either. These lanterns can be found hanging out above hungry park patrons, standing in line at the Pacific Wharf area of Disney California Adventure.

Daily Photo Tour - The Salt 'n' the Sea

This is a part of the Pacific Wharf area of California Adventure. You might recognize it as being the top of the food place that's next to the place that gives out free bread. That's how I know it. My wife knows it as the top of the place with clam chowder in a bread bowl. We were taking a break in the middle of this food court area when I noticed that there were words on the building. In person, these words are very difficult to see. Have you ever noticed that when you stop for a moment, that is usually the time you notice the most amazing things? If not the most amazing things, at least the things that keep you from thinking you've seen it all. Those are the best things sometimes. So this is the result of my endeavor to share one of those things with you!