Tours Departing Daily - Disney Blog

Hummingbird Charm

2013-05-15T21:12:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Hummingbird Charm

Michaela and I like to spend a lot of time in New Orleans Square and such was the case on our last visit. In particular, I wanted to visit the fountain because I'd read over at Dlandlive that it had been given a short refurb. I always love to see things at the parks when they've just had a facelift. Sometimes it's fresh and sometimes it's completely different. In the case of the fountain, I would say it was definitely plused. The color contrast and detail really stood out. As we stood there enjoying the peaceful day and the steady trickle of the fountain, a hummingbird showed up and decided to take a short bath. We had maybe a few seconds and he was gone as quickly as he'd arrived.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

A Carriage Approaches

2013-05-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - A Carriage Approaches

It may not be a Doom Buggy, but this hearse always finds a way to set the tone for your journey into the mansion... and beyond.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Why Did it Have to be Bats?

2013-05-08T23:47:00.003-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Why Did it Have to be Bats?

I love the Temple of the Forbidden Eye and it always bums me out to have go through it so quickly. The queue is every bit as good as the ride itself. When you make it to this point, the bat cave area, that's when things really get interesting. The path gets crooked. The walls and ceiling close in on you a bit so that there's a level of discomfort. That discomfort is always offset for me by hearing Jim Carey as Ace Ventura shouting "Guano!" Just me? Dangit...

Photo by Matthew Hansen

A Walk in the Park

2013-05-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - A Walk in the Park

This was the best day I have ever had at the Disneyland Resort. It was one of those moments in life you never expect to have the opportunity to have, but somehow it manifests itself. For me, this picture encompasses the essence of that day. We had the amazing opportunity to spend the entire day at the park with Disney Imagineer Dave Durham. It really was one of those moments I had to stop and ask myself if it was really happening.

Dave is one of those people you really look up to, technically, professionally, and especially as a mentor. He really is the full package. You just get a sense that he goes into work every day truly loving what he does. He has such a passion for his work that it just bursts forth from his character. To be able to walk through Disneyland and California Adventure with an Imagineer was a surreal experience, one I will never forget.

Photo by Kevin Crone

Stormy Day at the Emporium

2013-05-06T23:36:00.002-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Stormy Day at the Emporium

The stormy weather today reminded me of the day I took this shot. It had rained heavily most of the morning. The Park was quiet and peaceful. Eventually the rain stopped and the clouds began to shift, revealing patches of sky and rays of light. Moments like these force you into a state of awareness and make you feel alive.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

The Lamp in Walt's Window

2013-05-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Lamp in Walt's Window

This light will never fade while there are dreams and imagination in the world. May we all strive to be a source of joy and inspiration to others.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Room Aboard the Mark Twain

2013-05-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Room Aboard the Mark Twain

The Mark Twain offers a few options for your journey through the Rivers of America. There are the decks which offer a view of the surrounding wilderness and then there are cozy cabins where you can rest a spell. Fortunately the steamer takes her time, leaving the opportunity to enjoy all she has to offer. Go ahead, have a seat and listen to the whistle sing, the stacks puff steam into the sky and the paddle wheel churn the open river.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

A Place to Rest Your Hand in Peace

2013-05-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - A Place to Rest Your Hand in Peace

Look alive. That's what the artist who crafted these bats that adorn the stanchions of the Haunted Mansion must have had in mind. I'll admit that they are still a cause for concern as a place to rest my hand. I love them. Speaking of bats, Bats Day is this weekend and I hear they are celebrating 15 years of spooky trips to Disneyland. Congratulations and run amuck!

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Hidden Beneath the Foliage

2013-05-01T00:17:00.003-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Hidden Beneath the Foliage

Tucked away so concealed within the jungles of Adventureland rests The Temple of the Forbidden Eye. I love Adventureland because it is cozy, and oh so very green. The midway opens and narrows at various points, allowing foot traffic to funnel, and then breathe. That's just the character of Adventureland, and I like it. The walls of lush foliage give a sense of mystery beyond the point of civilization. It makes you wonder, what is out there? Without even knowing it, you're already wanting adventure. Well, that's just perfect now isn't it, considering you are in Adventureland.

If it's excitement you're looking for, you'll find it hidden beneath the foliage in a secluded temple that remains the source of peril and terror for many explorers. There is one experienced and seriously strong archaeologist however, that can get your through it. No, seriously. Think about it. Continuously holding back those gigantic stone doors, hanging from a rope 24/7. Dr. Jones has his work cut out for him. I'm just saying, lay off the roids Indy.

Photo by Kevin Crone

Partnership in Bloom

2013-04-25T21:49:00.001-07:00

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.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Archway to Ornament Valley

2013-04-24T21:13:00.002-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Archway to Ornament Valley

Ornament Valley is one of the best places to dream. In this place, it's difficult to imagine that there's much not possible to people who don't limit themselves or the scope of their dreams. It's a choice that we're all faced with every day - "Will I believe in myself and pursue what I'm passionate about?" For far too many of us the answer to that is "no" and we're unhappy. More than unhappy we're discontent. There's a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self value when we let the desires of our hearts chart the course for our lives. That's not to say that it's easy because it's not. It seems to me that just about any story I've ever heard where anyone accomplished anything worthwhile it took a whole lot of hard work and no small amount of courage or boldness. Sometimes difficulty is what keeps us from pursuing our passions because we fear risking failure. The problem is that life is constant risk. If you don't risk failure, you risk regret; so we really can't let the idea of risk hold us back because we're surrounded by it whether we like it or not. Besides, you can pick yourself up after a failure but you can't turn back time to fix a regret (Not even Cher could do that). Sometimes we get rundown amidst the hard work in pursuit of our dreams. It's important in those times to surround ourselves with people who support us and things that inspire us so that we can be refreshed. Don't give in to despair or disillusionment. Please never, ever give up.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

The Hungry Bear

2013-04-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Hungry Bear

On the outskirts of Critter Country sits the peaceful Hungry Bear Restaurant. This area of Disneyland is just one of those get away places. The noise of the crowds seems to drift away as soon as you enter the wooden structure. What's most pleasant is the great view of the Rivers of America. The river front dining is a very special place to relax and enjoy the passing vessels as they traverse their route through the river. The three of us have had many great meals here, and epic conversations that really seem to flourish in the tranquil environment.

Photo by Kevin Crone

The Beginning of an Adventure

2013-04-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Beginning of an Adventure

Three years ago today the three of us got in a car, headed down to Disneyland with our cameras, and began an adventure that we couldn't of dreamed up. It's weird to think that we started this amazing journey only three years ago. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not our official 3 Year Anniversary today. We started the website in early May, so that's on the horizon. It is though, a special day in the fact that it was the first night we visited the park with the intention of capturing it through a lens, and with the vision of expressing to others just how special Disneyland really is. It was just one of the milestones in life where you know you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be. Everything just feels right.

I decided to post this picture again, because it is one of the photos from that night. In fact, it was the very first HDR photo I took inside Disneyland, so it's pretty special to me. If you dive way back into the first photos we have here, you'll see this photo, but you'll also notice that the processing is a lot different. A LOT different!! When you first start doing HDR it's kind of a spectacle while you edit. And I know I sure felt that way when I started.

Over the years, I've learned many different tricks and tips, and learned a heck of a lot from Matthew and Michaela. Don't mess with them in a color test, they'll demolish you. I will always remember that night, the smell of Tabebuia trees, the crisp chill of the night air, the stillness of Main Street after closing, and most importantly, the feeling of joy and excitement that something very special was in the future.

Photo by Kevin Crone

An Evening at Cafe Orleans

2013-04-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - An Evening at Cafe Orleans

This was taken on one of those rare evenings where we actually had a list of places to take photos. I can't honestly say that I ever noticed this mosaic adorning the entrance to Cafe Orleans before. Perhaps it was the simple act of searching out something new or the light glistening along the golden inlay. Whatever it was, it seemed unavoidable that evening as if it were searching me out in return. Finding new details in such a familiar place is one of the most rewarding aspects of photography; to have been somewhere a thousand times and still discover something new.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Colonel Nedley, at Your Service for a Coin

2013-04-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Colonel Nedley, at Your Service for a Coin

Shrunken Ned is a great source of unexpected entertainment. Whatever your ailment may be, he's got a prescription for you, but it doesn't come cheap. Great minds can't just hang around all day. It'll cost you a coin or two.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Headed for Tomorrow

2013-04-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Headed for Tomorrow

While shooting at Disneyland, I always try to find unusual angles to take pictures. They're usually the ones where you wind up crouching over or, in my case, halfway in some sort of bush or fence. For some reason they end up being the ones I find most interesting, which is very convenient because there is little I love more than wrestling bushes. Unfortunately, this has resulted in creating some sort of a name for myself with Matthew and Kevin who usually find me hovering over bushes creepin' on something. I can't seem to do it without some comment being made, which I don't understand. There is absolutely nothing wrong with someone hiding in a bush with a camera.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

The Sweet Smell of the Blue Bayou

2013-04-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Sweet Smell of the Blue Bayou

You all know exactly what I am talking about. There are many smells in Disneyland. I'm sure most of you could name your favorites. And maybe some not so favorites, but that's an entirely different blog. Let me get back on topic. I'm talking about that sweet savory aroma that seems to surround the Blue Bayou. I find it almost irresistible. It's almost impossible to leave the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean without getting knocked over by the sweet smells. If you've never eaten here you probably have always wanted to. Funny thing is most people believe that you have to make a reservation to eat here. It's definitely recommended, but not required. If you're ever in the mood for some down right amazing cuisine, you gotta check out the Blue Bayou. It will knock your socks off. And then you'll have to go buy new ones, or find your old ones, which could be a rather precarious adventure. Tip: Wear sandals while dining at the Blue Bayou Restaurant. Yeah. Do that.

Photo by Kevin Crone

Walt's Place

2013-04-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Walt's Place

With so many details in Disneyland, this is definitely one worth taking notice of. This iron monogram adorns the balcony of Walt Disney's would-have-been apartment in New Orleans Square alongside a similar one for his brother, Roy Disney. Though Walt didn't live to see it, his dream of the apartment overlooking the Rivers of America was realized in the Dream Suite. I have not had the opportunity to see it in person (it's on my list, ha!), but there is a concept sketch / photo comparison in the Opera House on Main Street which paints the vivid picture of elegance and beauty. Oh to have a seat on that balcony, take a cue from Walt and dream.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Where the Magic Happens

2013-04-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Where the Magic Happens

We all know Disneyland as the happiest place on Earth and it takes no small amount of magic to make that happen. In order for the magic to work, we need faith and trust. At the very least, we need to suspend our disbelief and engage in believing that dreams come true and happily ever afters are possible. If it weren't for this intoxicating idealism, shared with those around us, Disneyland would not be what it is. It may be where the magic happens, but it shouldn't be where it ends.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Headed to the Hundred Acre Wood

2013-04-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Headed to the Hundred Acre Wood

We got to meet an internet friend for the first time, hanging out at Disneyland yesterday. It's awesome to live in a day and age where you can connect with someone that lives hundreds of miles away and kindle a friendship before you've ever seen them face to face. There's something about the ability to express yourself online that makes this whole process easier and faster. Posting pictures, videos or works of art are huge insights into a person and a great way to make a connection. Within a few hours of meeting face to face we were already singing princess songs in the most manly way imaginable. Later in the evening we enjoyed what must have been a three hour conversation over dinner at Cafe Orleans, which brought us to Fantasmic!, which of course we quoted to each other for the bulk of the show. By the end of the evening I was even persuaded to ride the Tower of Terror, which if you have read previous posts on this, I have not been a fan of. You know, the whole dropping thing. Yeah... I got over that and had a blast, thanks in part to a great new friend.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Riding for the First Time

2013-04-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Riding for the First Time

I remember the first time I rode a "real" roller coaster. I was completely scared out of my mind! It wasn't anything like Gadget's Go Coaster that you see here. Oh no. It was Montezooma's Revenge at Knott's Berry Farm. I was around twelve or thirteen if I remember right. As a really young lad, I always viewed riding roller coasters as something I would never have the courage to do. I've learned in my experience that almost everything I've set out to never do, ends up manifesting itself in my life, in some form or another. It's a great lesson I've learned. One I'd like to put to the test here.

I will not meet the woman of my dreams before the year ends.

-Kevin Crone

P.S. Deal with that, destiny.

Photo by Kevin Crone

The Storybook Lighthouse

2013-04-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Storybook Lighthouse

The Storybook Land lighthouse is the beacon which marks perhaps the most romantic attraction in Disneyland. The canal boats take their time cruising through picturesque storybook settings. Their only catch may be that you must start this wonderful journey by being swallowed by a whale.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Sleeping Beauty Sunset From Fantasyland

2013-04-03T22:40:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Sleeping Beauty Sunset From Fantasyland

I'd like to apologize if you've had a hard time with the site loading. We transferred domain name hosts and that caused a hiccup in our site linking through the web correctly. Everything should be back to normal by now. If pictures don't load for you, try refreshing the page a few times and that should do the trick. As for tonight's picture...

I am a firm believer that the backside of Sleeping Beauty Castle doesn't get the credit it deserves. There's so much detail. On the evening I took this, I was really taken by the way the sun just kissed the spires; it was very romantic and delicate, which is sort of how I view Fantasyland. There's a lot of love tucked into a very small, intricate space.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Preparing to Depart on the Monorail

2013-03-31T22:37:00.003-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Preparing to Depart on the Monorail

What better way to start the week than a trip aboard the Monorail? Better get on quick; she's almost ready to depart.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Trader Sam

2013-03-28T22:21:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Trader Sam

With all its corny humor, the Jungle Cruise is not without air of dark mystery looming beneath its lush canopy. It is, after all, a jungle. Case in point, Trader Sam. This head salesman would love nothing better than to make you a bargain - two of his heads for one of yours.

Photo by Michaela Hansen