Tours Departing Daily - Disney Blog

A Storybook Dream

2012-05-17T19:26:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - A Storybook Dream

The Storybook Land Canal Boats are not something we ride often enough. We always seem to find ourselves preoccupied with others things, but on this particular evening it was impossible to ignore. As we were walking by, the sun piercing the trees above Cinderella's castle instantly caught our attention. The warm haze overtaking the castle made it seem as if it were almost a dream.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Room at the Station

2012-05-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Room at the Station

The New Orleans Square station and the greater area really take on new life at night. The air is thick with mystery and romance. The quiet tapping of Walt's speech carries softly from the station. The trickling flow of a brightly lit fountain muffles excited, nervous banter from the queue of the Haunted Mansion. We spent quite a while here one Saturday evening not long ago, near the Haunted Mansion FastPass area, and it remained predominantly vacant. It was strange to watch the train come and go with the transition of but a few souls.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

The Famous Peak

2012-05-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Famous Peak

The Matterhorn peeks it's way through just about anything around the Disneyland Resort. It's usually the first distinct landmark you see before entering Disneyland. I remember as a kid looking towards Disneyland from the freeway. I always got so excited to see the Matterhorn. It meant Disneyland was close! And now, I just can't stop looking at it. There are so many angles around the park that offer great perspectives of the famous peak.

Photo by Kevin Crone

Lunch on the Bayou

2012-05-14T20:24:00.002-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Lunch on the Bayou

This was taken as we were having lunch one afternoon at the Blue Bayou. It was the first meal the three of us had together here. This was for good reason, as we were waiting for a special occasion coming up. Our plan however changed when we were invited to lunch by Dave of Daveland. It was our first time meeting and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable days we've had at the park. I think I can speak for us all when I say that the things we value most with our blogging and photography endeavors are the people that we continually have the opportunity to meet. People that seem to fit seamlessly into our lives as if we've known them for years. It's really what makes life worth while.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Lined Up For a Soarin' Day

2012-05-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

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?

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Enchanted Mornings

2012-05-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Enchanted Mornings

The inspiration for this picture evolved directly from a Disney artist whom I admire greatly. His paintings, for me, evoke that magical feeling you get when visiting Disneyland. George Scribner started his career at Disney as a character animator. He's worked on films such as The Lion King and Fantasia. He directed Oliver and Company, and is currently commissioned by the Republic of Panama to paint the various construction phases of the Panama Canal Expansion. He's painted many scenes of Disneyland that are some of my favorite pieces of art that reside inside the galleries around the Resort. One of those paintings is a scene of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. When I first saw the painting I thought that the actual angle of the attraction didn't exist. But after a few moments of pacing back and forth like a crazed maniac across the Frontierland entrance bridge, I found the angle. Inspiration is funny. It comes and it goes, but it's always reinforced by other artist's creations.

Photo by Kevin Crone

Spirit of Refreshment

2012-05-10T21:26:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Spirit of Refreshment

The Moonliner is one of my favorite things to photograph in Tomorrowland. That may be because of nostalgia or the simple fact that it demands your attention as you enter the heart of Tomorrowland. Whatever it is, I can't help but search for new angles and ways to capture it each time we are there. It's not only an incredible site to behold, it's also a reminder of the era when Walt walked the Park. He was an innovator without fear, always searching out the impossible to conquer; inspiration we should all live by.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

The Monorail Races Through Fantasyland

2012-05-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Monorail Races Through Fantasyland

As I understand it, there used to be motorboats in this pond at Fantasia Gardens in Fantasyland. They were before my time so I never had the opportunity to ride in them. That doesn't stop me from trying to imagine what it would have been like when I'm there. As I stood there taking in this view and all of its tranquility, I knew I wanted to try and capture it. I set up the tripod, set my exposure, set my timer and off my camera went, clicking through three frames. A few seconds into the third shot, I heard the Monorail coming. "Dangit, I'm gonna have to take this again", I said. Fortunately for me, Michaela had the sense to say, "Why don't you just wait and see what you get? It might be really cool." I find that things work out well when I take her advice. Thank goodness for my brilliant wife, who deserves credit for what I consider a happy accident with this picture. It wasn't what I had set out to get but turned into something I love. When you stand here, the Monorail makes its way through with surprising frequency. I always enjoy when it does because it's this beautiful, futuristic vehicle that just shines amidst the natural beauty of Fantasia Gardens and the magic of Fantasyland.

*Update* Apparently the motorboats were around until the early '90s, so... not before my time. However, I don't recall ever having gone on them. Some great information about them can be found over at Daveland - http://davelandweb.com/motorboatcruise/

Photo by Matthew Hansen

West Coast Sunsets

2012-05-09T00:56:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - West Coast Sunsets

Summer is almost here, and I can't wait! The beach is one of those very special places for me. It's a way to de-stress, have some fun, and really embrace the beauty of the ocean. Paradise Pier is such a great foreground to the amazing sunsets that grace the west coast. It blows me away everytime I see a sunset. Yeah, I'm a sucker for them. I always have been, and photographing them never gets old. Long walks on the beach, no thank you. Set up with a tripod in the sand waiting for the sun to go down, now that's my kinda date!

Photo by Kevin Crone

The Grand Lobby

2012-05-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Grand Lobby

This photo has been a long time coming. I had put it on the back burner after learning that one does not simply walk into the Grand Californian and start taking photos. There is a bit of a difference regarding the comfort of guests in a hotel as compared to a theme park. Some of my fondest memories of visiting the Disneyland Resort are staying here with my family. What I really love about the Grand is that you never feel like you leave the magic present in the parks. Staying at other hotels in the area, there is a definitive moment at which you know you've left. Not here. Here you remain immersed. The Grand is saturated with Disney magic and detail. Fortunately for me, our friend Dave was a guest at the Grand this weekend, making it much easier to wander around and take pictures.

What I envisioned in my head for a picture was something that would capture and communicate the enormity and well, grandness of the Grand Californian lobby. At ground level you have to be careful not to hurt your neck from attempting to drink in the view to the ceiling, with the amazing craftsmanship and light fixtures. As we wandered about, this view from a few floors up really seemed right for what I was hoping capture. I was so excited about it, I couldn't wait to post it.

If you've never heard of our friend Dave's site, Daveland, we highly recommend you head over to his blog and check it out. Be prepared to spend some time there. He has incredible vintage photography from Disneyland that he posts regularly as well as incredible photography and art of his own. Thanks Dave!

Photo by Michaela Hansen

To the Frontiers of America

2012-05-06T23:14:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - To the Frontiers of America

I love rounding the corner from Adventureland into Frontierland. When I was a little boy, I had a small log cabin that looked a lot like the siding of the Pioneer Mercantile. Along with that, my grandparents bought me a custom sign that read, "Fort Matthew". That sign was lost somewhere along the way of growing up and I miss it, but this sign that marks the entrance to the frontiers of America reminds me of it and all the time I spent imagining I was like Davy Crockett, king of my wild frontier... or the backyard anyway.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Famous Facades

2012-05-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Famous Facades

I've always enjoyed the many different facades that grace the edges of Main Street. The clock you see here also seems to make its way into many of the pictures I take. I don't know what it is, but the idea of a giant clock on the side of the street is really fascinating to me. I wish there were more towns in America, or California for that matter, that have the poise, and elegance that Main Street offers.

Photo by Kevin Crone

An Evening at the Hub

2012-05-03T20:47:00.001-07:00

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?

Photo by Michaela Hansen

A Noble Steed

2012-05-02T22:22:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - A Noble Steed

I don't know if all the horses of King Arthur's Carrousel have names. I imagine they must with the amazing workmanship present in each one. This horse has a name, Jingles, after the beautiful jingle bells that adorn it. I've read that this was Walt's favorite horse and that really wouldn't surprise me. If I've learned anything about Walt's Park it's that he wouldn't settle for anything that wasn't beautifully detailed. If you look closely you'll notice nods to Mary Poppins. That's because this horse was dedicated to Julie Andrews back in 2008. Disneyland is not a museum, I know that. But I sure love the nostalgia.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

The Bridge to Sleeping Beauty

2012-05-02T00:27:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Bridge to Sleeping Beauty

I've learned over the course of this amazing journey of capturing pictures and posting them for you all to see, that the area surrounding Sleeping Beauty Castle means so much to so many people. If you're an unmarried man and your woman loves Disneyland, then listen carefully. Propose here! This may be one of the most popular spots in Disneyland to do so. I don't know what you guys think, but I think it's pretty breathtaking.

Photo by Kevin Crone

Walt Disney's Railroad Story

2012-04-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Walt Disney's Railroad Story

It's no secret how much we love the Disneyland Railroad. If you don't count the Monorail outside the gates, it's the first ride you see when you enter Disneyland and it will take you all around the Park on a grand circle tour. Many don't realize how much Walt loved trains or how much they inspired the Park that's been a source of joy and inspiration to all the world for over half a century. This piece of track, known as a crossover, is the last known piece of Walt's working model railroad called the Carolwood Pacific, that ran in his backyard in Holmby Hills. Sometime next month, this piece, along with some other amazing DLRR memorabilia, will head back to its home at Walt's Barn. If you've never heard of Walt's Barn, located in Griffith Park, or the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society, you should check them out, especially if you consider yourself a Disney buff. You should also check out the book from which I've borrowed my title tonight, Walt Disney's Railroad Story by Michael Broggie.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Last Dance

2012-04-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Last Dance

This is not a picture of the literal last dance at the Carnation Plaza Gardens Stage, which took place last night. This dance was one of the last from the weekend before, the last weekend for Stompy Jones. Watching Twitter last night, buzzing with twit pics and sentimental journeys down memory lane, I was struck at how deeply we grow attached to things. Jumping and jiving near Sleeping Beauty Castle has been a Disneyland staple since near its start. Big band legends have graced this stage. Walt himself danced on this floor with his wife Lillian. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the transition that the historic Carnation Plaza Gardens will make into the Princess Fantasy Faire. I feel it's important to state that Disney has said that the stage and the dance floor will not be changed, but rather the canopy to fit in with this new fantasy theme. This project, slated to open sometime next year, has displaced what may be the longest running swing dance event in the world to Downtown Disney. I have every confidence that swing dancing will return to this very stage and dance floor once construction has concluded and that it will do so with fervor and style.

The very nature of the Park promises change and at times change asks us to let go of some things we have enjoyed. This change seems to be asking us more to hold on than to let go. Hold on and see what the Imagineers have in store. I'm not a princess fan. I do have skepticism about an area dedicated to them. But I look at Buena Vista Street in awe. I marvel at Cars Land from a distance. Trader Sam's is the most enchanted bar I've ever seen. I'm thrilled with the progress and improvements that seem to be taking place all the time around the Disneyland Resort. All these developments tell me that Disney is making progress and moving in the right direction. Walt loved nostalgia and hoped we never lost some of the things of the past. He was also one of the most progressive men in history. Finding a balance between those two ideals of preserving the past and pressing firmly into the future has never been an easy task.

What stands out most for me about getting to observe some of the final dances here is the unity. The mutual appreciation between band and dancers, skilled and novice, experienced and young. I'm grateful to have witnessed such an event. I'm grateful that so many made it here for one last dance.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Saturday Photo Excursions II

2012-04-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday Photo Excursions II

Here we are with another non-Disney photo excursion. Shots tonight brought to you from meanderings through Fisherman's Wharf, an ill-fated attempt to hike Mount Baden-Powell and a short drive from home for a beautiful desert sunset. We hope you enjoy these images and thank you again for joining us!

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Photo by Kevin Crone

Rollin' Thunder

2012-04-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Rollin' Thunder

It's always exciting to see the faces and reactions of those coming around the corners of Big Thunder Mountain. Everyone always seems to be having a great time. It reminds me of my first ride on Big Thunder Mountain when I balled my eyes out around every corner. I screamed and whined pretty much the whole ride. I do admit, at five years old, I may have been a little too young to ride Big Thunder Mountain. I mean, what kind of parents allow there kid to board a run away mine train?

Photo by Kevin Crone

Headed for Adventure

2012-04-26T21:24:00.002-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Headed for Adventure

There's nothing like getting on a boat and heading off into the jungle for an adventure, where danger waits around every turn, with the possibility of angry, angry hippos, headhunters and a few bad jokes along the way. Adventureland finds its magic in the depth of its immersive jungle environment. It offers, perhaps, the greatest contrast from the nearby, outside world. There's rarely a time that we're not up for a ride down the exotic rivers of The World Famous Jungle Cruise. We even bring scissors with us just to cut in line!

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Afternoon at Autopia

2012-04-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - Afternoon at Autopia

Autopia. It's one of those rides at Disneyland, not unlike Peter Pan, that always seems to have a line. Hot or cold. Rain or shine. People are always in the queue for their opportunity to get into a go-kart that features possibly the stiffest gas/brake pedal in existence. What makes us love this classic attraction so much? Well, it helps those of us who drive remember that driving is fun. For kids, it presents that exciting prospect of something they're not yet old enough to do. Of course, it doesn't hurt that it's in Disneyland.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

It's Not My Fault

2012-04-23T21:30:00.001-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - It's Not My Fault

It's hard to imagine a character who displaces more blame than C3PO. Whatever it may be, he didn't do it... and it's probably R2D2's fault. Yet, there's something about this fragile, golden robot you can't help but love. I'm not a huge fan of Star Tours, being one of the seemingly many made nauseous by the motion simulation. Even I can't help but laugh and smile when C3PO gets behind the throttle.

Photo by Michaela Hansen

A Quiet Evening in Wine Country

2012-04-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Departing for Excursions

2012-04-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

Departing for Excursions

Happy Saturday! It's a beautiful day and we're very excited to share some of our non-Disney photography for the first time. We thought these photos would be a good way to get started. You are free to enjoy these images at no cost with the same rules as our Disneyland pictures - non-commercial use, no derivatives, give us credit and link back to the blog! But since these are non-Disney images, we are able to offer them for sale, another reason we're excited. If that interests you, we've set up some great options for purchase that you can find by clicking on a picture to enter the gallery. There will be a "Buy" button above each image. We hope you enjoy these excursions and thank you for joining us!

Photo by Kevin Crone

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Photo by Matthew Hansen

Photo by Kevin Crone

Photo by Michaela Hansen

Photo by Matthew Hansen

The Essence of Terror

2012-04-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

Daily Photo Tour - The Essence of Terror

I would normally go on about this attraction and how scary it is. It would be very commonplace for me to write about the complexity of the inner workings, and the visionary minds that have created such a monster. No, this time I am going to really dig deep.

What is the essence of terror? Well, I will tell you it is not a dramatically themed ride. Nor is it the feeling of your stomach in your throat as you plummet towards the earth faster then the acceleration of gravity. And it definitely isn't the screams of Jr. Higher's hopped up on Starbucks that can be heard all the way from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure. No, no. The essence of terror is something much more illusive. It's that feeling you get right before you take a test. It's the first day on the new job. It's the second you hear those three life changing words... "I love you", or even scarier... "I am pregnant." It's the moments before a big interview, it's the seconds before a kiss. It's the day before the wedding. It's the day of the wedding!

Most of these things aren't terrifying at all. In fact, some of them are wonderful amazing moments in life. The terrorizing part is the what if? It's that gap between the known and the unknown. Failure is not an option! Follow your dreams! Find that passion that drives you. You have to step out and look over the cliff, imagine what it will be like to jump head first into it all. Soon, you'll realize following your dreams is nothing like falling off a cliff at all. In fact, it's much more like rappelling down the side of the mountain with your best friends. The only real terrorizing part is actually never following your dreams at all.

Photo by Kevin Crone