San Diego Santa Fe Train Station

I rarely drive to Disneyland anymore; taking the train is a lot less wear and tear on my car and my nerves. The older I get, the less I want to deal with traffic, and the train is a perfect way to see the scenery, take a nap, and help be a little more environmentally friendly. Besides, it also gives me time to shoot the beautiful Santa Fe Train Station in downtown San Diego!

This beauty has been restored, but still has enough grit and grime to make it still look authentic!





As a huge fan of vintage tile, the building is a dream come true for me!



A few interior tile detail views:





The interior is very impressive, with its expansive arched ceiling, light fixtures, and vintage signage.







Next time you travel, give the train a try!

See more San Diego Santa Fe Train Station photos on my SD Santa Fe web page.

Trip Report Pt. 5: More Buena Vista Street

Besides the cool architecture, there are quite a few fun characters to meet on Buena Vista Street, such as this messenger girl. She was quite astounded when she saw my newfangled camera, as you can tell by the look on her face. Still, she and Officer Blue graciously agreed to pose for a picture. I sure hope they keep the characters on Buena Vista Street, as well as continue to add to them. Main Street over at Disneyland could use a few more while they're at it; how about bringing back the Keystone Kops?



Mickey and the News Boys performed near the Carthay Circle. It's a rollicking fun show, and you'll get to see Mickey actually blink! Seems Anaheim finally got the advanced Mickey that debuted in Orlando about 2.5 years ago.





If they really want to stick to the 1920s/30s theme of Buena Vista Street, then having a Mickey that represents the one from that period would be a huge plus to this show.





On this visit, I was able to enjoy The Five and Dime musical group for the first time. Definitely a large thumbs up on this one!



The lead singer is quite a talent.





I am digging this peacock tie on the drummer; sure wish Elias & Co. sold clothing like this!



The bass player was appropriately playing it cool.



As a bonus for today, here are a few photos of the Hollywood Land area, completely free of guests.





See more DCA Buena Vista Street photos on my Buena Vista Street web page.

Trip Report Pt. 4: Buena Vista Street

Like a crazy man, I skipped Cars Land at opening and opted to photograph Buena Vista Street instead. I had a hunch this area would be empty while the stampeding herds literally ran to Radiator Springs Racers. It was difficult to figure out which was longer; the line to the attraction or the one for the fast pass machine. Either way, my hunch was correct and I got my photos. There were lots of last minute polishing details to be done before the gates swung open.

The Red Car Trolley made a few test laps.



Before I knew it, I was in. Other than a lonely cast member, nobody at Oswald's.





This is as close as I care to get to the schlocky merchandise inside.



Hellooooooo...





Same story across the street. These cast members were probably saying, "What if we built a land and nobody came?!?"



All kidding aside, other than the merchandise sold in the shops, I really do want BV Street to succeed. I love the design, the concept, the restaurants, the Trolley, the characters, the entertainment, and the overall vibe. From the buzz that I hear, BV Street is a ghost town in the morning (other than the Starbucks sales inside of Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe which should offer a fast pass!), but quite busy as it gets later in the day. I am happy about that.

A nice little spot outside of Elias & Co. to relax:



The Trolley Depot (more on the Trolleys later!):



Interior of Clarabelle's Ice Cream Shop:



I had a late lunch the previous day at Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe. I would definitely eat here again. The choices looked good, and the turkey salad I ordered was quite tasty. It's a slight bummer to have the food served on plastic, as it detracts a bit from the retro vibe. If Rancho del Zocalo can do food on dishes vs. plastic, FFP should be able to do it, too.



Great light fixtures!



Themed stained glass:



Props/art that look appropriately period:





Stay tuned for more Buena Vista fun!

See more DCA Buena Vista Street photos on my Buena Vista Street web page.

Trip Report Pt. 3: The Blue Bayou and POTC

Nothing like a late-night supper at the Blue Bayou; the crowds weren't too bad; there were quite a few empty tables, which amazed me considering it was the weekend before the July 4th holiday.



The beauty of the interior gets me every time. Sure, I know the trees, leaves, and wisteria are plastic, but with the lighting, I am able to push that fact out of my mind and gaze in wonder at the magic of it all.





Besides dinner being tasty, the service was excellent as well. Typically, the staff here is very friendly and attentive.







The view on the water is pretty spectacular too. Not so much the broken-down junky boats, but the blue lighting with the silhouetted trees and fireflies. The only thing to interrupt it was the occasional hooting of guests on Pirates of the Caribbean.



After dinner, I had to ride Pirates; it just wouldn't be a complete experience without doing so. Empty. No guests. Walked right on. Front of the boat. Was it the call of DCA, or the ridiculous increase in ticket prices? You be the judge!



Either way, this attraction is still a favorite of mine.







Within each scene, there are an abundance of mini-stories to enjoy.



I noted that the thief straddling the boat and land was still missing; hopefully this animatronic will be back soon.



Tis time for me to make an exit—until the next installment!



See more vintage and current Disneyland Blue Bayou Restaurant photos on my Blue Bayou web page.