Photography Tips

A few friendly tips (and slightly humorous pictorial reminders) before you start your safari trek...

Zanzibar Trading Co.

In Adventureland the Zanzibar Trading Company has a great sign. At first you might think it is just another sign but look in the lower left corner. There are sailing ships that can actually "sail" around the ocean. A very nice interactive touch...

Welcome to Palua

If you look up when in the Samoa Snacks at the Polynesian Resort you'll see the coolers are ready to be hoisted up and away at the Palua inspection area...

A living roof

Spring is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than to go work in the yard? Maybe fix up some landscaping, plant some flowers, or in the case at the Norway pavilion - plant the roof. This green roof is over the outdoor eating area for the Kringla Cafe in Norway, it is an old idea that fits very well with today's "green" awareness... Just think - more shade, cleaner air, some flowers, and some tasty food from the cafe. What's not to like?

Let the good times roll...

It's Fat Tuesday and you know what that means, it is time to party it up! And no place parties quite like New Orleans - so it figures that New Orleans Square is also quite the place to get your fill of the festive feel... And yes, this was during the Christmas season - but they decorate it enough to be either holiday!

Desktop: Laid back in the Big Easy

Mardi Gras is in full swing, Fat Tuesday is tomorrow, and this week we're going to relax in the Big Easy. Well, actually we're in closest place to being there with out actually being there and that means only one thing - Port Orleans! With its extremely authentic details from narrow roads and sidewalks to the fountains and flowering trees and all around laid back yet festive atmosphere there is little reason to wonder why this is such a popular resort...

Frozen Pretzels and Warm Lemonade

Wait, that can't be right... Ahh - Frozen Lemonade and Warm Pretzels - much better. This sign is on a cart in Asia for all those hungry, weary travelers...

A sweet sign

This sign for the Main Street Confectionery hangs right on Main Street (of course) and looks sharp after dark as we wait for the night's performance of Wishes. And of course the sweet smells are wafting out making all of us on the street have a hankering for a bite to eat...

House of the Future

The House of the Future is a Disneyland classic that, while the concept has been recreated in Innoventions, has never been repeated. The all-plastic, all-synthetic house was all the rage back in the day but now is simply remembered by a banner on Innoventions...

Impressions de France

If you look to the left as you are about to entire the Palais de Cinema you'll find a film poster for the very movie you are about to watch. It is in plain sight but not really in the obvious line of sight and is easy to walk right by...

Ped Xing

The Chinatown section of the Streets of America has, as we've seen before, authentic signage. This one should be easy to translate, and even has the curvy road warning sign for the road ahead.

Where's the fire?

Hop a ride on the Fire Engines! Ride in style down Main Street with the fire department, sponsored by National Car...

Trash Can Tuesday: Adventurous Trash

Another trash can for your review - this one is in Adventureland. The three-tone brown is quite earthy to help blend into the surroundings...

Desktop: Avenida Esplendida

Avenida Esplendida, or Splendid Avenue, can be found alongside the Cantina de San Angel. And judging by the food and views I can hardly argue with the name!

Gateway to Big Thunder

Part ranch, part mine, part railroad, and 100% fun. The entry to Big Thunder looks a bit like the ranches of the old west with the mine and railroad logo above the entry, the timber construction, etc. They even have old kerosene lanterns hanging out front...

America's love of cars

Even with all of the oil turmoil it seems like America still loves their cars - this old Chevy billboard in MGM shows off the latest truck model...

Take your best shot!

This colorful sign is near Hester and Chester's and I'm just taking their advice... Thanks for following along for the last 400 posts, it has been a crazy adventure around the parks. Oh yes, and happy Friday the 13th!

Goof Chem Corp.

I'm not so sure I want Goofy handling chemicals, entertaining as that might be... But in this case it is just the flavorized sugar so it can't be that bad. This fauz-chemical drum is located in MouseWorks (check out the gears in the carpet!) as a part of the Goofy Candy Co. area of the store.

Fill up at Oscar's

Time to fill up the - stroller? Well, ok, so the strollers don't need fuel but the service station does rent them. The classic station sits right at the entrance but it is amazing how many people blast past it on the way in and then drag past it on the way out but don't stop to check out their surroundings. Look at those cool old pumps and other details!

Trash Can Tuesday: Dophins and flowers

It's Tuesday, do you know where your trash can is? Ok, so this is an easy one. The Swan and Dolphin have almost identical trash cans with a bit more ornate style and their respective hotel logos - this one of the Dolphin was found near the boat docks. They are also quite a bit like the Grand Floridian ones with the planters on top...

Desktop: Waterfront Dining

Ariel's Grotto in Paradise Pier is an architectural treat on the water. Both during the day and at night the restaurant looks sharp with its turn-of-the-century boardwalk charm. I'm not one for the character dining but it must be nice to sit down on the water in the evening and watch the lights come on around the park. I can't wait for the new Paradise Pier theme to take shape around this area, the classic boardwalk feel should really make it feel like you are stepping back a century from the sketches and drawings...

Enchanted Grove

The Enchanted Grove has a fun sign; on the edge of Tomorrowland and Fantasyland this fruit drink stand is tucked away and often rushed past. The sign has all sorts of fruit and even a couple furry friends helping advertise the fruitful refreshments...

Maybe next season

For year's the Yeti Palace Hotel has been about ready to open up. Alas, it is always pushed back to next season... At least they got an ad up on the main drag along the waterfront to help drum up interest!

Hola!

Panchito, Donald, and Jose Carioca all welcome you to the Gran Fiesta! While it seemed a bit strange to imagine this trio joining El Rio del Tiempo the Imagineers did a terrific job of blending them into the ride and replacing some of the obviously dated video. A bit cheesey? Sure, but they still put on a good show.

Yeung Wo Ginseng Co.

For all your ginseng and herbal needs Yeung Wo Ginseng is there for you. Located conviently on the Streets of America in the heart of San Francisco you are never too far away. So stop by today and check out the latest specials!

Entrance to your Laughing Place

This great signs sits outside the entrance to Splash Mountain. Check out the details, from Brer Rabbit to the latern. It even lends a bit to the story - Brer Rabbit has his sack and is ready to hit the road...

Trash Can Tuesday: A trip to Asia

This trash/recycling duo is typical of ones found around Asia in Animal Kingdom. Usually the logos are the same around Asia but the colors tend to vary a bit...

Desktop: Lilly Belle

This week's desktop is of a familiar scene and a very fancy railcar. The recently restored Lilly Belle was formerly known as the Grand Canyon (#106) many years ago. Ironically it was the Grand Canyon diarama that put these cars out of service - it was too hard to see the displays. This car was turned into a private car in the 70's and was used to entertain dignitaries, etc. By the 90's it was starting to show its age and was taken out of service for restoration. It was returned to service at the end of 2005 and once again is making the rounds on the Disneyland Railroad.

Frontierland construction

Frontierland recently saw the opening of the Golden Oak Outpost. While it was being constructed these signs were found outside. While the message is the same for most construction signs the style certainly fits for the wild west...