Daily Photo Tour - Fly 'n' Buy Premium

There are some occasions when only the best will do. Not the best "stuff" but the best of ourselves. They are the times worth celebrating and the ones we remember. Sometimes, it's not an occasion at all but a person that brings out the best in us. When we had the opportunity to meet Dave Durham, we spent the day learning that he is one of those people. He's not only ridiculously smart, he's unceasingly curious and passionate about everything he does. One can't help but be inspired to strive for the high standard of doing life well that he sets. He pours the best of himself into everything. It was nearly six months ago and reflecting on that day with Dave has been commonplace for the three of us. It makes you wonder what kind of impact you could be having on others if you constantly put the best of yourself forward in every situation, every opportunity, every day.




Rare proof that we have fun and the cameras are not permanently glued to our faces!

Daily Photo Tour - Bear Left

Condor Flats is famous for its views... from the air, of course. This aviation themed land is a pilot's paradise with a real rocket engine and plane for props. Aerial tours aren't limited to the imagination though; Soarin' offers a taste of the best of California in glorious sight and smell! If you're headed up to Grizzly Peak afterward, make sure to bear left!

Daily Photo Tour - Condor Flats Sunset

This sign used to mark the entrance to Condor Flats but recently made its departure. One late afternoon on passing by, I was struck by the alignment of the streaking clouds with the condor and the plane. It really emphasized the idea of flight and immediately I was transported with the idea of soaring into the sunset.

Daily Photo Tour - Lined Up For a Soarin' Day

Soarin' Over California is one of my favorite Adventures in DCA, especially on a hot day. There are so many neat things in the queue to keep your attention and of course the ride itself is incredible. It's a perfect respite from warm weather with the chilled air and the many refreshing scents blown your way. I'm not sure I could name a favorite scent though. Could you?

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 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 - Sunset Over Condor Flats

The sun dipping behind the Soarin' structure is a really cinematic moment that almost feels like it should included in the ride itself. It's easy to forget that you're at Disneyland and start dreaming of flying into that sunset on your very own adventure. Just watch for passersby. They don't take too kindly to being run into, even if you're humming an epic theme song.

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 - Freedom Like Wings

A lyric to a favorite song of mine is "Freedom like wings and I will use them. Freedom like wings and I will spread them wide." I imagine that's how the legends of flight must have felt soaring into the unknown, breaking new ground in the history of mankind. Their courage and spirit of adventure are virtues to strive for in our lives. It reminds me of something Walt said,

"Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things - because we're curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. We're always exploring and experimenting."

Daily Photo Tour - Soarin' Over a California Night

Soarin' Over California is one of those rides that's as grand outside as it is in. Just looking up at it you know you're in for something amazing. The ride itself is so immersive with all of the sights and smells that transport you all over on a tour of our Golden State of California. One minute it smells like a pine forest, the next an ocean breeze and then my favorite, an orange grove. It's crazy to me to think that orange grove could have been right where we ride Soarin'. Just so you know, Clinique Happy cologne for men smells an awful lot like the orange scent in Soarin'.

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 - She Just Likes Me for My Body

Tow Mater is definitely one of the most charming Disney characters around. His sweetness and loyalty play a big role in that, even if he's pretty sure others only like him for his body. If it is his body you're after, you can find him next to the Fly 'n' Buy and get your picture taken with him. You don't even have to give your left two lug nuts! I can't wait for Cars Land.

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!

Daily Photo Tour - Fly 'n' Buy

The cool, weathered green exterior of the Fly 'n' Buy really caught my attention, against the dreary sky. Condor Flats is usually a somewhat neutral and warm-toned area of California Adventure, but clouds have a way of making everything look and feel different. The shop itself is a lot of fun to look through, with all of the aviation themed souvenirs and of course the real treasure, Disney's theming. My husband is particularly fond of the Mickey ears aviator hat.