My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Disneyland Paris

In the series of "My Favorite Disney Park Photos", this particular one could seem to be a very odd selection. Yet, it tells quite the story of the excellence of Disney Imagineering and attention to detail. (I could have even saved this one for a "Design Detail" post.) When the Disney Imagineers created Disneyland Paris under the clear direction and leadership of Tony Baxter, nothing was left to chance. This meant digging deep into the French culture and giving the park an air of elegance that has never been matched since.

Eddie Sotto may not have gotten his 1920's America that he desired, but that doesn't mean he didn't knock Main Street U.S.A. out of the park. Take a look at this beautiful stained glass ceiling art! Stunning, right? It's a tribute to the Parisian stores like Galeries Lafayette that stun locals and tourists alike with its beautiful displays and absolutely gorgeous windows and ceilings. Was this necessary at Disneyland Paris? Of course not, but the park is made all the richer because of these decisions. 

The main park itself has not been given a major upgrade since its opening. But it is every bit as eye popping as it has ever been because of the original excellence of its design.

(Photo copyright Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: A Peaceful Morning at the Grand Floridian

Years ago, a visit to Walt Disney World could mean a relaxing time with tranquil evenings and leisurely paced days. No longer. Not even planning for a trip is simple and easy! But there's still peace to be found if you are willing to get up before the sun breaks. That's exactly what we did and when this photo was taken. Why were we up at the literal crack of dawn? To make absolutely sure we got to ride the Magic Kingdom's newest and hard to book attraction, Tron Lightcycle Run in Tomorrowland. Yes, we snagged seats on the ride, and the bonus was seeing this resort quiet and calm. Following the rush for a reservation was a wonderful sit down breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe. Not a bad way to start the day!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: An Enchanted Evening at the Magic Kingdom

After using the Disney Dining Plan for a terrific meal at Cinderella's Royal Table, we gathered for a photograph in front of the Magic Kingdom's icon. It was one of those perfect Florida nights: balmy, breezy, and absolutely perfect. 

Having timed it perfectly, our reservations brought us to the table about 10 minutes before the nightly fireworks show. Just a spectacular viewing spot to go with a sweet, fun-filled, family time. Our oldest grandson was pretty non-plussed by the princess parade in the dining room... until Jasmine showed up, and he turned a nice shade of pink. These are bits of great vacations we'll remember for years. God is so good to have allowed this trip to come together!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad makes for one really nice photo or desktop image! I left this one big enough that you can use it that way if you wish. In the midst of memorial events for the passing of my mother in law, we did the most joyous thing she'd want: We all went to the Happiest Place on Earth for the day. Disneyland doesn't disappoint.  Neither does Imagineer Tony Baxter's first epic blockbuster attraction. I can't take credit for this photo as my youngest daughter snapped it. But she did a great job, don't you think?

There will be a full trip report at a later time from our whole group of seventeen people. Eight of us had never been to Walt's park before- and what stories I'll have to share.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Getting Goofy at the Magic Kingdom

Sometimes the most memorable Disney park photos are the ones that aren't perfect, the ones that aren't well-composed or even very good at all! You're looking at one from 1992. The Magic Kingdom is a family favorite for everyone, and even though we're getting a little goofy, it's Pluto we meet unexpectedly in Tomorrowland. His friend happily agreed to take this photo, and I'm so glad he did. It's a snapshot in time from 30 years ago. There's no Tron yet, but Space Mountain was sure a hit for those tall enough to ride. Amazing, really amazing.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure

The Indiana Jones Adventure. What can be said that hasn't been already told? It's an incredible "E Ticket" attraction that packs them in 25 plus years after its debut. I was there opening weekend as part of a performance reward during my years with AT&T, the attraction's sponsor.

This photograph was taken just a few years ago. I'd say its pretty stunning- and it captures all the mystery and thrill of what happens when something goes wrong inside a temple full of surprises. Who would have thought an angry deity, rats, bugs, and snakes- why does it have to be snakes?- would form the basis for this world class ride.

As with the Jungle Cruise, imitators have come and gone, but none, not even Universal Orlando's Mummy attraction, comes close. 

Want more Indiana Jones and its impact in the Disney parks, check out this concept art filled article.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

 

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Disney's Hollywood Studios Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind

Step back into Hollywood during its glory days- or Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World. That's what Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind shop does each time I see it. More than any other Disney park in Florida, Disney's Hollywood Studios has seen the most changes, good and bad. But this small shop brings me back to the old days when the park was fresh and new, and its future seemed bright. I snapped this shot during our last trip when the crowds were light and the noise levels low. I could almost close my eyes and think back to 1989 when I first saw the park that May.

Love Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway? So do I. But I sorely miss The Great Movie Ride. Do I miss the Studio Tram Tour and any of those other opening day attractions? Yes, but I also enjoy Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. 

Regardless of how you feel about the park and all its changes, it has a fascinating history. If you want to read a mega-post that covers it all including rare concept art, a historical perspective, and tons of retro photos from the opening, take a look at this.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Downtown Disney's Catal

For this post, I'm leaving the parks for a night at Downtown Disney. When you're just relaxing, sitting on the sidelines people watching just before the big crowds leave Disneyland and California Adventure, you can't help but notice how pretty the place is! Sure, the California version of Disney Springs can seem a bit dated in places, but for something that opened in 2001, she still looks great. Especially after dark. (This photograph was from my 2008 visit.) 

The round Catal bar has always caught my eye. Sitting in the middle of the busy walkway, it is a beautiful little spot where the design details of the place complement the more hard edged elements of what surrounds it. Very nicely done- and the drinks are good, too!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: Disneyland's Jungle Cruise

The mystery! The intrigue! The back side of water! Disneyland's Jungle Cruise is one of the original 17 attractions that appeared with the opening of "Walt's park" in 1955. Up until the opening of the Indiana Jones Adventure in the 1990's, the cruise was the centerpiece, the first attraction there and the heart and soul of Adventureland. Some could say the lovely Enchanted Tiki Room took that spot in 1963, but for all its charms, the lure of a river journey to exotic regions of the world remained a Disneyland rite of passage for generations. 

Walking through a mostly empty park late at night in the Summer of 2018 (see my one day two park, 26 attraction trip report. See how I did it here), the journey through a quiet Adventureland brought out this beautiful marquee shot. The artists behind the lighting of the park have consistently done a terrific job at bringing out all the detail of the designs of the Imagineers. The entrance to the Jungle Cruise is no exception- and soon enough, we'll be able to explore the jungle again!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: A Stunning Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris may just be the most beautiful castle park in Disney's kingdoms! I submit to you this photograph from our first visit to the Parisian theme park. You are looking at Discoveryland, the French park's version of Tomorrowland. Themed to Jules Verne and the great  visionaries of the past, it has the best vision of Space Mountain you'll find among an eclectic array of attractions. But I've written on that many times...

Do you see shades of Imagineer Tony Baxter's sadly aborted Disneyland project, Discovery Bay here? I sure do! Many of the concepts for that expansion made their way into this park. This place really is The Theme Park as Art! Frontierland is best realized here, Fantasyland seems even more magical, and Adventureland boasts the most unique themes ever. The opening act of Main Street U.S.A. stuns with the most elaborate version ever, making Florida's Magic Kingdom's already lovely street seem somewhat lacking in charm by comparison. Have to see it for yourself.

Let me say this photo is 100% unretouched! It was a gorgeous summer day in France, flowers blooming and a sky as blue as could be. Having seen this park in three different seasons over a couple of decades, from a photographer's eye, this trip was hard to beat. (I know there's a trip report or two somewhere on the blog!)

Just as Disneyland Paris has a connection to Discovery Bay, did you know Discovery Bay also has a connection to EPCOT Center's original and amazing Journey Into Imagination? Check this out!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)