Here is a very large scale photo I took one early morning in 2009 as I was patiently waiting to enter Disneyland. (Make sure you click on it to see it full size.) Having my ticket in hand from purchasing it the night before and arriving at the resort at about 7am, it seemed like the Esplanade was deserted. That is, until about 15 minutes later when both day guests, hotel guests and cast members filled the area. But until that time, Southern California's early morning fog seemed thick for the middle of Anaheim.Looking back two years later and the removal of the small replica of the Golden Gate Bridge and the giant C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A letters, and the replacement with the new Pan Pacific themed entrance, this photo now has a slightly nostalgic feel. Goodbye, Disney's California Adventure and your empty pathways, mostly mediocre attractions, distracting layout, and tongue in cheek tributes to the trendy world of Los Angeles. Hello, Disney California Adventure, where even more Pixar characters mingle with even more classic Disney characters, and Walt Disney's history collides with John Lasseter's world. Mater meet Ariel.
(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)
There's nothing like having a Disney park all to yourself, even for a few fleeting moments. I went to a Magic Morning once at Disneyland back in the early nineties. When you entered the park, they had you board at the train station for your trip to Tomorrowland...around a completely empty Disneyland. A very surreal sight. Looking forward to the new CA Adventure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! I envious but good for you.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, I was given an unlimited Fastpass at Disneyland. Used it at Christmastime. 22 attractions in one day. Incredible. How did I get one? I'll never tell!