Daily Photo Tour - The Storm Ends Over the Caribbean

After a stormy day of rain and cold, the last few passengers board Pirates of the Caribbean. I couldn't of asked for a more fitting scene as I scurried by the entrance a few weeks ago. This night had been full of many solo excursions, one of which included a search to find an authentic Toy Story Woody, and several of which involved feeding my stomach. This time, it was the tummy that needed attention!

It was very near to closing, and the line at the churro cart in the hub was over ten people long, so I decided to trek back to New Orleans Square in hopes that the line would be shorter! On the way I came upon the scene you see here. I couldn't help but notice how similar the stormy weather made the outside entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean look like a scene from the inside of the ride. Churro's meant nothing at this point and it was time to take some pictures! I eventually came upon a lonely and empty churro cart. Disappointment quickly ensued, but then evolved into a drive to get back to the other churro cart before closing. Let's just say when I finally got there I bought enough churro's for me and Woody.

Daily Photo Tour - A Night on the Bayou

Whether you're fine dining or sailing through on your way to adventure, the Blue Bayou is one of the most magical, immersive places in Disneyland. You can't help but get lost with wonder, creating fanciful stories of its inhabitants. I took this picture very late at night and there were no people left at the tables behind me in the restaurant. The uncrowded boats intermittently passing through provided the only pauses from near silence, the faint sound of a banjo in the distance. Moments like these at Disneyland are the best. They are the memories that stand out even amongst the rest. Some people say they don't "get" Disneyland. I think maybe they just haven't had a quiet moment like this one.

Daily Photo Tour - Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean is a Disneyland staple. It's difficult to imagine one without the other. Like so many Disney attractions, Pirates has myriad treasures waiting 'round every cove. The adventure is finding them. This fountain in the queue is one of my favorite treasures, in particular the plaque, and if I could own a piece of Disneyland, this may very well be it.

Daily Photo Tour - Pirates of the Caribbean

When Pirates of the Caribbean closed for refurbishments during the Fall, I saw it as a perfect opportunity for this picture. It's one that I had been wanting to get for quite a while. This place is so familiar to so many of us, moving through a few inches at a time in the middle of a summer day and practically running through during Fantasmic! It never loses its elegance, its charm or its adventure. Yo ho!

Daily Photo Tour - Join the Swashbuckling

Pirates of the Caribbean... the words carry so much weight and expectation. I bet you can smell the water right now. It's not often you find the queue to this classic attraction empty. Fantasmic! is a good time. Seasonal renovations the other. It's a bummer when our favorite rides close and there was no shortage of disappointed people learning the news as I took this picture. But if you think about all the swashbuckling and pirate grunting going on it's really a marvel that it's open as often as it is. I really appreciate all the hard work that goes into keeping Disneyland, well... Disneyland. I can't wait to drink up with me hearties again!

Daily Photo Tour - Ye May Not Survive to Pass This Way Again

Ye have seen the cursed treasure. Ye know where it be hidden. Ye may not survive to pass this way again. Mark my words or ye may suffer the same fate as the last crew who set sail for swashbuckling adventure. Looks like them greedy beholders met the fate of a cursed treasure. Not that I mind, we love to snag these empty shots. Not to mention silly pirate talk and snarling. Argghhh!

Daily Photo Tour - Strike Yer Colors & Stow Yer Weapons

Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides is coming out soon. To help hype its release, Disneyland has an amazing 3D sneak peek showing in the evenings back at the Big Thunder Ranch. We had the pleasure of catching it the first night they showed it and it was a lot of fun. They pulled out the stops with theming the area and with talented performing cast members. Captain Jack would be pleased. This Jolly Roger draped barrel with weapons inside is just one small detail found outside the ranch as you wait. So if you have to opportunity to experience the show, do so. Savvy?

Daily Photo Tour - Dangers of a Cursed Treasure

Aye, tales there be a plenty in this cursed place. That of course being the Pieces of Eight shop in New Orleans Square. Beware the plastic treasures of coins and gems that be inside as they pose a choking hazard for children under the age of two and a general hazard to any child who has curiosity for sticking things in their nose. Oh, and they carry a pirate's curse! The only remedy for which is riding Pirates of the Caribbean! If you didn't read that with a pirate voice then I highly suggest you go back and do it again.

Daily Photo Tour - The Lowly Dead Man

This lucky buccaneer found himself dead in his sails when he discovered this booty! Too bad his watch was cut short. For me, this is one of the coolest moments on Pirates of the Caribbean. I remember as a little kid making that slow turn around the corner and catching a glimpse of all that treasure, only to find a lowly dead man at the top. The eerie pace of the boat only adds to the effect of death and defeat amongst the gold and glamor of the golden treasure.

Daily Photo Tour - Atop the Pirate's Queue

Pirates of the Caribbean is a Disneyland staple and certainly one of my favorite rides. I love stopping on the bridge where I took this shot to take in the view, especially when it's empty like this. I really appreciate all the work Disney puts into making the line a fun and interesting place to be. With the exception of encroachment on my personal bubble, I really enjoy waiting in lines at Disneyland. And why not when there are so many fun lines to wait in?