Mahalo Disneyland for 60 Magical Years!

[juneaubiscuits]

Not sure if this is an everyday occurrence, but it seems like a family is chosen to represent Disneyland for the day. This event takes place at Sleeping Beauty Castle in the morning. I took a few of the honored guests, but had only processed photos of Aurora, Prince Philip, and the Three Good Fairies (I guess non-Disney characters have a low priority on my list...LOL). What really stuck with me was the facial expressions of Merryweather (the blue fairy). Whoever they cast in this role really knew how to bring the character to life.

Disneyland 2016-Opening Ceremony w: Prince Philip & Princess Aurora by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Sleeping Beauty's Three Good Fairies 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Beyond the castle awaits Fantasyland. After experiencing the new version in Florida, this area feels more like the "Mini-Me" counterpart...LOL! I like taking character pictures so the Fantasy Faire is a no-brainer for me. You're guaranteed to meet at least 3 to 4 princesses in air conditioned comfort for autographs and picture taking. It's always awkward when a grown man stands in line for these things without any children or wife in tow (Sue had still not arrived in LA). So I have to swallow my pride, and pretend in my mind that these pics are for my nieces at home...LOL!

Disneyland 2016-Cinderella @ Fantasy Faire Meet & Greet 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Ariel @ Fantasy Faire Meet & Greet 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Cinderella @ Fantasy Faire Meet & Greet 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Ariel @ Fantasy Faire Meet & Greet 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Snow White @ Fantasy Faire Meet & Greet 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

The cast members who played Ariel, Cinderella, and Snow White were all great (I went on two different times so the actresses changed), but something about it felt a little generic to me. I'm sure a young child goes bonkers over meeting their favorite princesses, so my opinion is irrelevant. I actually liked the costumes of the cast members at the entrances with their medieval style garbs.

Disneyland 2016-Cast Member Stacy @ Royal Hall by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Fantasy Faire Cast Member Greets Guests @ Entrance 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Cast Member Adriana @ Royal Hall by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Outside in the hot sun, DL has an area where more princesses will show up from time to time. I was lucky to run into both Brave's Merida and the combo of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Now, these appearances were more up to my liking. Both Meridas were spunky and playful (again I did this one twice with different actresses), but it was Flynn who really stole the show. With his on the mark expressions, this guy really got into the character! I normally only post one pic of a particular subject, but this guy deserves a few...

Disneyland 2016-Tangled's Rapunzel & Flynn Meet & Greet 04 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Tangled's Rapunzel & Flynn Meet & Greet 03 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Tangled's Rapunzel & Flynn Meet & Greet 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Princess Merida Meet & Greet 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Princess Merida Meet & Greet 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Princess Merida & Fan by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Along with these "Meet and Greets", Fantasy Faire also showcases a "Beauty and the Beast" stage play. The tented stage is rather small so guest accommodation is very tight. I waited in line for 2 hours to get a good seat for picture taking, but still ended up on the side (even though I was the 4th person in line, some of the moms were very quick...LOL)! The play is not bad, but like the Frozen Sing Along at WDW, you have two comedians narrating most of the story, taking up big chunks of stage time (Belle seems an almost secondary character). One of the comedians also plays the Beast, which is hard to overlook (since he's goofy for the majority of the show). I would rate this one a little better than WDW's Frozen, but not by much...

Disneyland 2016-The Beauty and the Beast @ The Royal Theater 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Beauty and the Beast @ The Royal Theater 04 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Beauty and the Beast @ The Royal Theater 06 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Beauty and the Beast @ The Royal Theater 07B by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

One area that I've always ignored, prior to getting into photography, was Snow White's grotto. It always seemed out of context to me...being so close in proximity to Sleeping Beauty Castle. It seemed a weird mishmash of fairy tales, its existence forged out of necessity because the Imagineers just didn't know what to do with the dead space. However, at night, this place really turns magical...a testament to the power of creative lighting and mood.

Disneyland 2016-Snow White's Grotto by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Snow White's Grotto & the Wishing Well by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

The grotto is a nice way to segue into a couple of photos of the Seven Dwarves from Snow White's dark ride. I took a bunch, but these two made the initial processing cut because I remember Eddison mentioning the difficulty of getting all seven into one image without the use of a super wide angle lens. I rarely shoot dark rides with my 14-24mm (this was taken with a 24-70 mm lens), so the fact that I almost caught the whole group made me happy (but again, my ride shots were pretty much lame-o this trip)!

Disneyland 2016-The Seven Dwarves from Snow White's Scary Adventure 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Seven Dwarves from Snow White's Scary Adventure 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

It's no secret that New Orleans Square is one of my favorite places in Disneyland as an adult. As a kid, the place seemed wholly uninteresting to me other than it showcasing the still awesome Pirates of the Caribbean. Older and semi-wiser, I've come to appreciate the architectural beauty and quiet grace that resides here. It's obvious that Walt had a soft spot for NOS with his never to be occupied guest house taking residence here as well as Club 33. I've actually had a chance to visit the French Quarters, so it's clear to me that (like Main Street), this New Orleans is a idyllic version of the real place, a place that Walt imagined how it should be in his mind. What will always make this place extra special is that you probably won't see it in any other Disney park. I can't imaging Disney investing time and money now into a themed area that is somehow not tied into its animated characters and/or merchandising machine.

Disneyland 2016-New Orleans Square Alleyway by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-French Market by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-New Orleans Square Dining Area by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Fountain @ New Orleans Square by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-New Orleans Square Mlle. Antoinette's Parfumerie by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Castmember Brian @ New Orleans Square by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr


Besides POC, New Orleans Square is home to my favorite restaurant in all of Disneyland...the Blue Bayou Restaurant. I wouldn't say the food here is outstanding. I actually don't remember what I ate prior to this trip, but did try out the infamous "Count of Monte Cristo" sandwich and gumbo. I barely ate a quarter of my meal, not because it was bad, on the contrary it was quite good. But I didn't have much of an appetite (after an early breakfast) at 11:00 in the morning. Why book such a reservation knowing I wouldn't be ready for lunch? My main goal was being able to photograph the restaurant while still relatively uncrowded. Because the dining area is so dark, I was hoping to set up my tripod to get some long exposure shots. A cast member was kind enough to sit me close to the outer edge, but I found it difficult photographing the bayou itself. Overall, I was happy with some of the shots I got, but even the earliest slots have guests raring to go. I may try to book the last dinner next time and see if I can hang around as it clears out.

Disneyland 2016-The Blue Bayou Entrance by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Blue Bayou via Club 33 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Blue Bayou Interior 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Blue Bayou Interior 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Blue BayouMonte Cristo Sandwich by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Blue Bayou Cast Member Jennifer by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Blue Bayou Interior 03 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Blue Bayou Interior 04 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Tomorrowland and Adventureland always get the short ends of the stick whenever I'm visiting a Disney park. In another example of role reversal, Tomorrowland (along with Fantasyland) was one of my favorite lands growing up. Now, not so much. I think part of the problem is that Tomorrowland always feels dated and in constant "catch up" mode. I think Space Mountain is a very average "E-Ticket" ride...the novelty of riding in utter darkness has long since vanished. I would love to see a TL based on the retro late 50's idea of sci-fi that was so prominent in the Disney television shows. America was very optimistic in terms of space travel and exploration, and it would fit in with Walt's romanticized versions of the west, Main Street, and the far corners of the earth (jungles, islands, etc).

I did make a conscious effort to take some pictures of TL, and the Matterhorn, which sits on the outskirts, probably belongs in this post. Not one single shot of the darn mountain, but I did get some photos of the Abominable Snowman! After only being able to take a pic of the Yeti's silhouette at Expedition Everest, this was a big win for me (again thanks to Eddison for helping me with my camera settings. My 1st attempt made the Kodak disposable cameras look like art)!

Disneyland 2016-Tomorrowland Entrance by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Moonliner & Pizza Port by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Finding Nemo Submarine Lagoon by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Underbelly of a Rocket Ship by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Mine! Mine! Mine! by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Abominable Snowman of Matterhorn Mountain 04 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Abominable Snowman of Matterhorn Mountain 03 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Abominable Snowman of Matterhorn Mountain 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Abominable Snowman of Matterhorn Mountain 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

My Adventureland photos are nearly non-existant. Not sure why I never shoot this area at night. Living in Hawaii, you would think I'd gravitate towards the Polynesian area, but it's quite the opposite...LOL! If I ever get back to DL, this land will be top on my priority list. One exception is that Aladdin and company frequently hang out here for "Meet & Greets". I'm a huge fan of the movie, so I have a ton of shots. I'm also slipping in a photo of the Indiana Jones pinball machine and a couple of decent images from Pirates (which I forgot to post in the NOS section...sorry!)...

Disneyland 2016-The Genie, Aladdin & Jasmine @ Aladdin's Oasis 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Genie, Aladdin & Jasmine @ Aladdin's Oasis 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Aladdin & Jasmine Enjoy a Slight Breather by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Jasmine Portrait by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Indiana Jones Pinball Machine @ Adventureland by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Pirates of the Caribbean 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Capt Jack Sparrow Atop His Throne by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

This is beginning to sound like a broken record, but Frontierland is the big reversal for me from kid to adult. Whereas I had no interest in the land in my youth, I love it now as a senior citizen. And the big mystery is that this really is the most neglected land in all of the Disney. I think upper management would totally do away with this place if it wasn't so etched into the park's iconography. In my wildest dreams, the Imagineers get the green light to produce Marc Davis' never built Western River Expedition...a major attraction that would put Frontierland back in the forefront. But the reality is....westerns and the old west have little appeal to the younger generations (and I can understand why). I do think Disney has to make a decision about this land sooner rather than later. They need to either recommit themselves to revitalizing the place or go forward in a totally different direction (I'm hoping for the former).

Disneyland 2016-The Golden Horseshow 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Westward Ho Trading Co @ Frontierland by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I love the shooting gallery, although I think I've only played it twice in my entire life!

Disneyland 2016-Shooting Gallery @ Frontierland by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Shooting Gallery @ Frontierland Detail by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Frontierland's Pioneer Mercantile by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Frontierland's Crockett & Russel Hat Co by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Near to Frontierland are Critter Country, Spash Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion. See how everything is much closer and tighter than the Magic Kingdom? I'm able to get the Mansion and Splash Mountain in the same show...something that would be nigh impossible at MK. My two measly HM pics are to prove that I actually rode it and not just stand outside taking exterior pictures...LOL (I could post a ton of blurry, underexposed images to really drive home the point, but then, I would probably lose my 4 faithful followers)!

Disneyland 2016-E-Ticket Neighbors by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Haunted Mansion 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Haunted Mansion Stretching Portraits by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Haunted Mansion Cemetary Busts by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Outer View of the Haunted Mansion by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Fast Pass Entrance to Splash Mountain by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Big Thunder Mountain Vista 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pool Entrance Sign by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-All's Quiet @ the Briar Patch by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

The Rivers of America is a pretty quiet place, especially now since the Mark Twain is dry-docked while Star Wars land is being built. All of the trains are out of commission too, so no Grand Canyon tour for me...sob, sob! I was hoping to have one last meal at Big Thunder Ranch, but by golly, didn't get to do that either. In fact, I'm getting a bit bummed out typing out all the stuff that was either closed temporarily or permanently! It's a good thing that I could still take pictures of the train and boat at night, since riding them was out of the question...LOL!

Disneyland 2016-Mark Twain Docked 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Mark Twain Docked 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Disneyland Railroad Train by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Looking Across Tom Sawyer Island by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Pathway Thru Fowler's Inn by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Harbour Galley Dockside Dining Closed for the Evening by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Frontierland Dock by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Right behind Frontierland, is one of the best restaurants in Disneyland...!Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante! I can never remember the name without googling it, but the dining experience is unforgettable. I've had breakfast there where they offer both American and Mexican cuisine. I opted for the Chorizo and Egg Burrito which was bueno uno! What is even better is that drink refills are FREE! Yes, that word does exist (on a rare summer night when the moon is a ghastly purple shade) at a Disney park...believe it or not! At night, this place looks magical...almost surreal. Visit here if you get a chance!

Disneyland 2016-Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante Entrance by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante Fountain by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante Stain Glass Entrance by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante Dining Area 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante Dining Area 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

The last few photos for this TR include a meet and greet with Pocahontas. I think one of the reasons we still see this character around the park is its natural tie-in to Frontierland and the old west. I do remember seeing her at Animal Kingdom last Christmas, and that does seem to make sense too from a thematic view point. It's too bad other characters as Esmeralda, Mulan, and Lilo havan't fared as well.

Disneyland 2016-Big Thunder Mountain Vista by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Pocahontas Meet and Greet @ Rivers of America 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Pocahontas Meet and Greet @ Rivers of America 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I wasn't able to actually get on the ride, but I have to say, the exterior and quere of "It's A Small World" is far superior to the WDW version. Which is funny, because you'd think it be the opposite with the amount of space afforded MK. The Florida counterpart feels like the "lite" version in comparison.

Disneyland 2016-It's A Small World Attraction Sign by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-It's A Small World Dedication Plaque by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-A Dolphin's View of It's a Small World by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

This back area behind Small World was a nice surprise. I found this little niche while waiting out a parade and ended up spending a good hour there enjoying the quiet solitude. I believe this use to be a docking area for a boat ride, but the details are fuzzy.

Disneyland 2016-Quiet View Beyond A Small World by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

These final pics are some of my favorites as it includes my beautiful wife trying on a few more hats...LOL! I think the one with Goofy is the only one we got with a Disney character!

Disneyland 2016-The Mad SueHatter 19 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Mad SueHatter 21 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-The Mad SueHatter 20 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disneyland 2016-Sue, Goofy, & Len @ Main Street USA 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Okay, that about wraps up my TR for the Disneyland Diamond Celebration this past July. Mahalo to everyone who trudged along with me...having to listen to my ramblings and stream of conscious thoughts...LOL! If your constitution can take it, I'll be back in a couple of months with a report and photos from Disney's Aulani Resort! And if I'm still around, and fingers crossed, I'll have a TR for Tokyo Disneyland, Disneysea, and Universal Studios Japan late next fall. Until then, take care, God bless, and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Aloha,
Len

 

[cptmemo]

Wow I loved reading your review! Gorgeous shots. We arrive on Friday, and seeing all of your pictures really puts a girl in the mood for Disney fun! I can't wait to hear about your review of Aulani!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Wow I loved reading your review! Gorgeous shots. We arrive on Friday, and seeing all of your pictures really puts a girl in the mood for Disney fun! I can't wait to hear about your review of Aulani!

Thanks for following along @cptmemo

Headed to Aulani next weekend so Christmas decorations should be up!

 

[smiley519]

I thouroughly enjoyed reading your TR and your pictures are some of the most gorgeous shots I've ever seen on the DIS! Please be sure to post the link for your Aulani report when you return and have an amazing trip!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

I thouroughly enjoyed reading your TR and your pictures are some of the most gorgeous shots I've ever seen on the DIS! Please be sure to post the link for your Aulani report when you return and have an amazing trip!

Thank you @smiley519 for your kind words! Actually, I live in Hawaii so my trip will consist of a 45 minute drive...LOL! Please keep a look out for my report as I hope to post tons of photos!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Short TR for Disney Aulani is now up:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/hauoli-makahiki-hou-from-disney-aulani-resort.3567718/