While standing in line, attempting to renew my pass before the new increase gouged my wallet, I figured I might as well shoot some photos, right?
Almost an hour later, I finally made it into the park. Town Square often gets the shaft, as most guests are dashing off to Fantasyland or Tomorrowland to hit some of the more popular attractions. Before meeting 2/3 of the Tours Departing Daily Gang, I wandered into the Fire Department:
And then up the street inside of The Main Street Emporium:
Ever since I was a kid, these little tableaus have fascinated me. Even with the limited movement of the figures, I still find myself stopping in the middle of the hoards of people pawing over the cheap souvenirs, who probably can't understand what I am gawking at.
No photographic journey of Disneyland would be complete without a few light fixture photos:
The toy section of the Emporium has also been a point of fascination for me, with all the Disney animation history crammed above on the shelves. So much to see and notice!
The newly refurbished Matterhorn looks spectacular. I particularly like the bridge solution that was devised for the hazardous walkway of the attraction.
Naturally, The Matterhorn looks even better at night:
You can find this beauty in Frontierland:
Without cell reception and not sure where to meet Matt and Michaela, I decided to take a detour over to The Mansion:
This copy of Michelangelo's David statue (sans body) was the topic of conversation of some of the guests standing near me in line. They had no idea of its Italian origins, thinking it was something that had been created for the Mansion.
Just before I entered the sanctum, cell reception was restored and I was off to Cafe Orleans for dinner.
Not only was dinner delicious (gumbo and a spicy chicken salad), but the beautiful interior (which I had not visited for years) gave me an opportunity to shoot like a mad man.
Apparently, this coppery beauty was purchased by Walt:
From The Disneyland Traveler Blog:
Love the peacock detail:
As you can see, I wasn't the only one going a bit nutty with the camera:
And that, dear readers, is where I am going to unceremoniously leave you until next time.
See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web page.
6 comments:
I'm one of those people who dashes off to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. I save Town Square for later in the day when the rest of the park is crowded. In the late afternoon Town Square is my favorite place to sit, relax and watch people coming and going. I wish I was there now!
I remember that copper urn from youth. I had no idea that Walt picked that out himself.
I will make an effort next trip to find that again. We always try to fit in a coffee and beignet stop one of the days.
Thank you Dave.
JG
I LOVE Café Orléans. I need to get my chicken sandwich again soon, y'here!
Those figures in the Emporium are one of many details in the park which probably are absorbed into the guests' subconscience experience, but rarely fully soaked in and appreciated. Things like this deserve all the love and appreciation in the world.
That night shot of the Matterhorn is breathtaking! It looks so icy cold. The refurbishments are looking great.
Cool, a color photo of Walt that I've never seen before!
Great post, Dave!!! Always fun to see Disneyland through your eyes.
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