Daily Photo Tour - Now it's Time to Say Goodnight

It had been a long, wonderful, rainy day. We'd come prepared with umbrellas and plastic bags for covering our cameras. It was an adventure.

Whether we like it or not, whether we acknowledge it or not, life is an adventure. I know that many of you reading this know that. It's part of the reason we love Disneyland. It's an ideal adventure; a day filled with opportunities, missions and decisions. You can expect the unexpected. You can do the impossible. Good always triumphs over evil. (I don't know about you, but for me, that is a prerequisite for a good adventure. What would Raiders of the Lost Ark be if the Nazis had beaten Indiana Jones? It may have still contained elements of adventure, but it would be a tragedy.) I think Walt, ever the optimist, intended for Disneyland to not just be an ideal adventure, but to inspire us to live our own ideal adventures. In everything he set his hands to, he aimed to entertain, but more importantly, to bring out the goodness in people. That's remarkable. So often, we look to the future, thinking that someday things will get better, things will be better. It's great to be hopeful for the future but let me ask you this - why not today? Why shouldn't "better" be right now? We have a tendency to procrastinate when it comes to taking charge over our lives and sometimes we get caught up with the failures of the past or, perhaps, the nostalgia of it, all of which prevents us from making the most of the present. Adventures don't happen in the past, though we can look back fondly on them and learn from them, nor do they happen in the future, though we can do our best to prepare for them. So quit talking and lay hold of that wonderful thing called "life". Adventure happens now.

Daily Photo Tour - Partnership in Bloom

One of the hardest and most rewarding things I've experienced over the last few years is learning how to work creatively with people. At face value it may seem like a simple concept but it can be much more complex. When it comes to brainstorming ideas and figuring out practical execution, compromise can be your saving grace. It's learning how to make a precious idea of yours vulnerable. Laying it on the altar for your fellow creatives to dissect or dispose of it completely. The first few times it can feel like a blow to your ego, but you soon learn that to truly create anything beautiful, ego must take a back seat. It's through the collaboration of many that something beautiful is formed. As the saying goes, "two heads are better than one". It couldn't be more true. Our best ideas for things in the works have come from each one of us laying down our ideas and allowing each other to pick them apart and piece them back together. You learn to welcome it with excitement knowing there is something better that will evolve from the simple act of sharing ideas. It's yet another example of why I am so grateful to be working with the people I am. We teach each other something new every day.

Daily Photo Tour - A Resolution for the New Year

Well, here we are, January 1st. Another year has passed. I'd like to think that today is just any day, but it isn't. I always pretend that the first of the year is just another holiday, but I'm totally lying to myself, it is much more than that. I tend to look back on the entire year, as I'm sure most of you do on this day, and think what has changed. Not geographically or physically. Not even financially. But how I have changed? How I have grown? What have I learned, and who have I learned it from? How have I affected other people? Who has affected me? What have I sacrificed this year, and how have I loved? These always prove to be the hardest questions to ask, but the answers will give you a deep understanding of your character this past year, what needs to change, and what needs to stay constant.

For me, I have learned that I need to guard my heart. Not to be so vulnerable, and to be patient and realistic. I've learned to not bottle up my feelings, but rather to bring my emotion to the front of my mind, so I can understand it and deal with it in a healthy way. I've learned that my actions speak volumes, and even more, my lack of action has sometimes an even greater effect.

I've learned so many things from so many people. Whether it's an epic conversation in a living room, or a meaningful yet difficult talk that I really needed to have sitting in a parked car with a great friend. My friends have made such an impact on my life and it's because they were honest and truthful with me about my actions and attitude.

I don't know how I have affected other people, but I would hope that I have caused some to follow their passion, believe in their dreams, and to do the right thing. This year I have sacrificed my pride in a way that I never thought I would have to do. And how have I loved? Well, that is the most important question of them all, and the one that has left me silent this year. If I can be completely honest with myself, I can't think of a moment this year that I have truly loved. Not the romantic type of love, but the giving, sacrificial love that is most apparent and relevant relationally. I have been given so much from so many people, but I have given back so little. Relationships are so important, and it is love that is at the center of them. This will be the very thing I change this year. A resolution to love.

Daily Photo Tour - A Fond Farewell to the Passing Year

Though we have escaped apocalyptic doom this year, we have not escaped tragedy or heartache. It's easy to get enraptured in the idyllic scenes of Disneyland and forget a somewhat cold reality around us where bad things happen. Forgetting, at least momentarily, is part of the appeal; we can leave today and enter a world of fantasy. Don't mistake me, I don't mean this in a negative way at all, quite the contrary. Disneyland is a place where you can go and slough off the refuse of everyday life, a kind of detox for the soul. Walt's hope that his park would be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world was fulfilled exceedingly and in abundance. But wouldn't it be wonderful if everyday life were better? I pray the new year will be filled with inspiration to make it so and joy to strengthen us in getting there.

Daily Photo Tour - Hope for the Holidays

It used to be that the rush from one holiday to the next would frustrate me but it seems that there's no avoiding it anymore. And honestly, I'm ready for Christmas. Changes in life are like a snowball rolling down a hill, gathering mass and momentum. There's no use in trying to stop change. You'll only end up cold and soggy.

The holidays always bring about this renewed sense of hopefulness and optimism. Not for things. Sales may abound but we all know deep down that stuff doesn't matter. What matters are the people around us in this vast world. The hope we feel this time of year is that which eagerly anticipates that people will be better, that we will be better, that patience, kindness and compassion would increase. These are the things that have the power to make life brighter.

That's the sort of thing I always think about when I'm at Disneyland during the holidays, especially in this spot. Walt was just a man but I think we can all agree that he made it a little easier to hope for the good in people and to dream the impossible. I'm ready for Christmas this year. I'm ready to make amazing memories with family and friends. I'm ready to see how I can be a blessing to others. I'm ready for change and I'm hopeful.

Daily Photo Tour - Afterglow at the Hub

The mood of twilight is something I always look forward to while in Disneyland. When the sun finally goes down, and the lights come on, a special essence of the park comes to life. It's no surprise that I found myself at the hub one evening while enjoying the afterglow that occurs when the sun has set. There happened to be some pretty awesome clouds surrounding Disneyland that really made the sky light up. I just love grabbing a warm hot coffee and sitting right here at this spot. It never seems to get old.

Daily Photo Tour - A Morning with Walt and Mickey

There just isn't anything that compares to a morning at Disneyland. Being in the park early when the first few rays of sun are glistening over the partners statue really is magical. It's moments like these that really make you stop and just stare. I cannot tell you how amazing the blossoms are in the spring. The center of the hub is definitely my favorite spot in Disneyland. My love for this area is magnified even more during the early morning hours. It is just plain beautiful.

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 - A Morning Welcome

Just a couple days ago Disneyland hosted their "One More Disney Day" event and it was an event we had been looking forward to for some time. When we arrived we headed straight to the Partners Statue to capture it in the glow of sunrise. We were not the only ones with that idea. There were a number of photographers circling the statue getting various shots of the hub as we walked up. It was the first time we had experienced anything quite like that and it was a very cool feeling being around that many people with a similar passion for photography and Disneyland. There are truly no words to describe the feeling of being in Disneyland during sunrise. I was in awe and needed a few moments to soak it all in before I could begin shooting. It was one the most amazing experiences I have ever had.

Daily Photo Tour - The Night Before Christmas

The Mouse is always stirring at Disneyland and this time of year it's Christmas magic that he's worked on for you and me. Disneyland always tends to feel like home but there's nothing quite like the feeling of being home for the holidays. The bright, warm glow of Christmas lights along a street with all sorts of delightful gifts and delicious goodies; a towering tree that proudly proclaims "Christmas is here"... these elements are at the heart of what makes Christmas special and feel so different from other times of the year. I can't imagine a better place to find that feeling than Main Street or a better host to watch over things than the Mouse who started it all.

Daily Photo Tour - Holidays at the Hub

The Disneyland Resort has officially started their holiday season this week. It's amazing how quickly the season has come upon us but I'm greeting it as the old friend that it is with open arms. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and before we know it, Christmas. I feel very fortunate to be able to visit Disneyland during this time because it really does help make the season brighter. Even with all the charm that it has every day, Christmas time at the Park leaves you feeling a little extra warm inside, with idealistic hope that the rest of the year tends to wear on. Browsing through the pictures I've taken to decide on one for this evening, I kept coming back to this one. Walt and Mickey surrounded by Poinsettias in front of an icicle covered castle just said "welcome" to me. So to all who come to this happy place for this happy time of year, welcome.

Daily Photo Tour - Halloween at the Hub

Happy Halloween! Where better to celebrate than at the hub of Disneyland with Walt and Mickey? There the legendary partners stand, lit by the glow of jack-o-lanterns themed to the lands of the Park. There are sweets of all kinds to be had from candy and churros to cupcakes and ice cream. Can't you just taste them? At Disneyland you can be sure that there will always be more treats than tricks and the tricks you do find are just some good ol' Disney magic. Wherever you find yourself this evening, remember that dreams really can come true and there really is such a thing as too much candy.

Daily Photo Tour - The Pathway to Partners

A partner can be many things but the thing that seems most pertinent is that a partner is someone you depend on. You make a commitment to accomplish something together and depend on each other to get there. Partners make each other better, you know, iron sharpens iron. If one is weak or worn thin, the other can come alongside and make up the difference. It's such a comfort and gives one such a quiet confidence. This is just one of many things to reflect on at the Partners statue at Disneyland. The pathway to the center of the hub acts as a primer as you approach, ready for reflection, anticipating inspiration.

Two Hundred Thousand Pageviews & Beyond

We are about to hit 200,000 pageviews here at Tours Departing Daily and we can't begin to say thank you enough. Thank you for visiting our site, sharing your encouraging comments and allowing us to share our creative works with you. It means so much to us and we consider ourselves very blessed. Here's looking forward to sharing in more Disney magic with you.

Daily Photo Tour - Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom

Late night lingering at the Partners statue is one of those really magical experiences at Disneyland. It's wonderful to sit there in the hub anytime, but when the stars can be seen above the radiant glow of a tranquil Sleeping Beauty Castle, it's different. Walt and Mickey stand there, a testament that dreams really can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. And the notion of wishing upon a star greets you like an old friend.

Daily Photo Tour - Awe Inspiring

Who inspires you? Your parents? Your friends? Teachers? Grandma or Grandpa? Someone famous like Walt Disney? For me, the most influential person in my life has been Jesus, for what he's done on the cross, and for what he's done in my life and the lives of everyone else on this planet. Second, is Walt Disney. His dreams live on throughout all the Disney Parks today. His hope and confidence that he had in his dream, Disneyland, is something that continues to inspire me everyday. It is a reminder that we too can watch our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them! I had the awesome experience of visiting Disneyland with my girlfriend a few months ago. It was the first time we had both been in the park together. It was a very special, and memorable experience. Somehow within minutes we made it to The Partner's Statue. I noticed that she began to gaze towards the statue. Interestingly enough, in the same way that I do, with appreciation and wonder. I couldn't help but snap a picture to capture such an awe inspiring moment.

Daily Photo Tour - Partners

The Partners Statue has become for me, a significant part of every trip to Disneyland. It is a reminder of how it all started and an inspiration to the dreams that we hold on to everyday. I have had many realizations sitting in front of the partners statue, just eating some popcorn and drinking a soda. There have been things that have touched my heart, moments that have blown me away, and conversations that I will remember for the rest of my life. I've been told that when something is good, when it's great, it tends to do one thing, and does that one thing very well. For Disneyland, it is the ability to inspire. Once again, Walt had it right from the very start.

"To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past... and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." - Walt Disney

Daily Photo Tour - Partners in Bloom

We had a really great day yesterday. In the morning we had the opportunity to visit Mickey's of Glendale at Walt Disney Imagineering where we met some terrific people. Afterward, we headed to Disneyland where The Disney Gallery was featuring new art, the crowds were small and the weather was lovely. For quite a while we sat in the hub, which was surprisingly quiet. It was there that I took this shot, from the perspective of sitting on the ground. The very best part of yesterday was spending it together, enjoying each other's company, and doing what we love.

Daily Photo Tour - It Was All Started by a Mouse

Disney recently announced their new campaign for next year - "Let the Memories Begin". The idea behind it is that memories are the most important thing we take with us from a vacation. Every night, guests submitted photos and videos will be projected onto It's a Small World at Disneyland and onto Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World, which sounds like a great idea to relive fond memories of the past, while creating new ones.

The Magic Kingdom has been a wonderful place to make memories for over 55 years. Central to that success is the visionary man who dreamt up a place where parents could take their children to have fun making memories together, Walt Disney. Walt once said, "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that is was all started by a mouse." Thanks Mickey.

Daily Photo Tour - Walt & Mickey

This has to be the best spot in Disneyland, period. I don't know how many times I have just sat here on a bench, eating a box of popcorn and drinking a soda. There is just so much inspiration in the park, but for some reason it seems to centralize here at the hub, at this spot. You have a great view down mainstreet, of the castle, and to the entrances to most of the lands in Disneyland. You can't sit here for more then a couple minutes without someone walking up to take a picture, or a family searching for a passerby (or resting onlooker), to help out in taking a portrait of their family. I first took this image with my cell phone on my birthday, the first day I received my annual pass. I knew I had to come back to take it again with a real camera! I just love the composition and relationship between the castle and Walt.

Hope you enjoy!