Trip Report Mahalo Disneyland for 60 Magical Years!

Disneyland 2016-Castle Down Main Street 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Aloha!

My name is Len and some of you might remember me from my trip report to Walt Disney World this past Christmas! If you haven't seen it, and are curious, here is the link:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/mele-kalikimaka-wdw-adventure-2015-completed.909533/

Having visited a Disney park in 2015, I didn't think I would be back to one for a couple of years. However, my wife Sue had a workshop in Las Vegas about a month and a half ago. She asked if I would come along, but not being a big Vegas fan, I initially declined. Sue asked me again as she really wanted company and I jokingly asked if I could stop at Disneyland first. To my surprise, she said YES! Faster than you can say "Bob's your Uncle", I immediately began making plans to visit the park during the tail end of its 60th Diamond Celebration.

As with my WDW trip, I took hundreds of photos and am roughly half done with post processing. It will be a few more weeks before I get the majority done that I want to use for this report, but I thought I'd do a quick intro so that folks here don't think I've gone AWOL!

Some quick thoughts before I get back to Lightroom and Photoshop. I think my pictures, at least composition wise, are much better this go around. One of the reasons is that Disneyland is so much smaller than WDW! Attractions are closer to each other which works for wide angle shots (I like seeing two different icons or attractions in one image). The less commute time between lands allowed me to take just a bit more time composing and studying my subjects.

Whereas I'm happy with a good number of my night shots, I totally failed at shooting dark rides. Not sure why, but you won't see many ride shots for this report. I did manage to get a pretty decent shot of the Abominable Snowman from the Matterhorn, which you'll see later down the road.

Because I was at DL for roughly 3 and a half days, I don't have as much to report as my WDW trip. I'm going to break this report down by the parks and resort rather than a day by day accounting. I think it will keeps things less confusing and much more focused.

Okay, I think that's it for now! The image I'm leaving you with is similar to the first one I posted for my last report. For WDW, it was a picture of Cinderella's Castle looking down Main Street after park closing. This one is very similar except you can sub in Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Unfortunately, you'll immediately notice the security guard on the right side of the street. I waited a good half hour for him to leave, but he wasn't budging...LOL! I think a lot of my "after hour" shots have one or two stragglers in them (it became a running joke with me), but it didn't bother me too much for some strange reason.

As Arnold always says, "I'll be back!"

 

[PacNWTigger]

I love all of the princess pics. I'm not a meet and greet kind of person at the parks, so it's fun too see the interactions they have with you.

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

I love all of the princess pics. I'm not a meet and greet kind of person at the parks, so it's fun too see the interactions they have with you.

There probably thinking who is this old man taking our pics! That being said, all of them are courteous and super nice!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

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

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

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

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

@Juneau Biscuits I am constantly blown away by your photos! They truly capture the beauty of these moments in time. They're quiet, serene, and meaningful. You're making Disneyland look like it needs some Vitamin Me!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

@Juneau Biscuits I am constantly blown away by your photos! They truly capture the beauty of these moments in time. They're quiet, serene, and meaningful. You're making Disneyland look like it needs some Vitamin Me!

@DisneyPrincess5 WOW! In four sentences, you've eloquently out written anything that I've posted in this entire TR...LOL! Love that Vitamin Me...you must have majored in some form of creative writing!

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

@DisneyPrincess5 WOW! In four sentences, you've eloquently out written anything that I've posted in this entire TR...LOL! Love that Vitamin Me...you must have majored in some form of creative writing!

Are you a professional photographer? There's o way you're not. Images say so much without words at all and yours evoke something really unique.
Hah well I'm a Marriage and Family Therapy grad student, but that requires a ton more creativity than most may think!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Are you a professional photographer? There's o way you're not. Images say so much without words at all and yours evoke something really unique.
Hah well I'm a Marriage and Family Therapy grad student, but that requires a ton more creativity than most may think!

Just a bit of an obsessed amateur photographer here! I blame Disney parks for starting me down this dark and expensive road...LOL! Have no doubt you'll be a fantastic therapist...helping a lot of people along the way (and if you ever want to change professions, writer is right up your alley)!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

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

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

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

 

[fractal]

Beautiful Photos! Abominable Snowman is not easy to get! Love the Adventureland night shots and Jasmine & Alladin.

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Beautiful Photos! Abominable Snowman is not easy to get! Love the Adventureland night shots and Jasmine & Alladin.

Mahalo Chris! Agreed, the Snowman was a tough shoot...especially as that ride seems bumpier as I get older...LOL!

 

[TP2000]

A side note to our hotel agenda. While the last two nights at DL were spent at the Grand Californian, I stayed the first three days at the Carousel Inn & Suites. Right across Disneyland, this hotel was clean and priced right. I would have recommended it to anyone planning to stay at a Good Neighbor hotel, but their last day of operation was earlier this month! Not too sure if it was purchased by another hotel chain, but my guess is that Disney bought them out.

Disney Downtown 2016-Carousel Inn & Suites by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Disney did buy out the Carousel Inn, and it's now closed and will soon be bulldozed. It will be the new walkway and skybridge over Harbor Blvd. leading from Disneyland's under-construction Eastern Gateway transportation complex and new 8,000 space parking structure to the main entrance of Disneyland and DCA. Here's a sketch of the Eastern Gateway security complex and pathway leading to the skybridge over Harbor as it will look in 2019, part of which is where the Carousel Inn used to exist.

Wonderful TR and absolutely stunning photography! I love that you include so many photos of uniformed CM's, who are truly the folks who bring the Disneyland experience to life.

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Disney did buy out the Carousel Inn, and it's now closed and will soon be bulldozed. It will be the new walkway and skybridge over Harbor Blvd. leading from Disneyland's under-construction Eastern Gateway transportation complex and new 8,000 space parking structure to the main entrance of Disneyland and DCA. Here's a sketch of the Eastern Gateway security complex and pathway leading to the skybridge over Harbor as it will look in 2019, part of which is where the Carousel Inn used to exist.

Wonderful TR and absolutely stunning photography! I love that you include so many photos of uniformed CM's, who are truly the folks who bring the Disneyland experience to life.

Mahalo @TP2000 for the information! I thought it might have been Disney who purchased the property, so glad to have confirmation. While it's too bad Carousel Inn is history, I think it's better for the Disney parks. I imagine Disney's long term goals include buying out as much of the adjacent properties as possible.

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

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

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

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

 

[Tuvalu]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful ARTWORK with us!

 

[blreinsel]

And then hopefully soon after those TR's, you'll be back with a TR from WDW that includes taking engagement pictures for a certain WDW Magic member.

Another great report and of course BEAUTIFUL pictures! Looking forward to future ones!

 

[MinnieM123]

You're done??!! But, but . . . I love your pictures and stories. More, please?

(O.k., o.k. . . . all good things must come to an end. Thank you for your exquisite TR!!)

And Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you, Len, and your lovely wife, Sue.

 

[fractal]

Great Report Len, and amazing photos! Looking forward to you take on Aulani.