The Backside of Water

Get your fried food!

2011-05-06T22:17:00.001-05:00

The Friar's Nook in Fantasyland has changed its menu recently to serving fresh potato chips - still a fried treat of course, as approved by Friar Tuck.

Yum!

2011-05-05T21:36:00.001-05:00

The tiki gods have been pleased with Pizza and Coca-Cola! Sadly they are no more but for a few years Pizza Oom Mow Mow was a humorous place to grab a slice...

Crystal Arts

2011-05-03T22:17:00.001-05:00

Crystal Arts offers a neat look at glass art, the kiln in the shop lets artists create their work right in front of you...

Catch a wave

2011-05-02T21:32:00.000-05:00

This view is from the now-historic entry plaza tile murals at the California Adventure. Whether you catch a wave or float through the sky in hot air balloons there is a lot to do on the sunny west coast.

Sausalito Surplus

2011-05-01T22:15:00.002-05:00

I'm back! After a few weeks hiatus we're back in action and today we're exploring the alleys of the Streets of America. On the San Francisco side there is a sign for Sausalito Surplus - all things surplus from the Navy. Just look for them by the shipyards.

Rescue Time

2011-03-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

When you leave Monsters Inc. be sure to look at the rear of the fascade/set wall...

Laundry Time

2011-03-21T10:16:00.002-05:00

Time

2011-03-20T22:22:00.001-05:00

Time never really affects Main Street - even the watch shop has a truely timeless feel to it...

Customer Parking Only

2011-03-16T22:14:00.001-05:00

Yeung Wo Ginseng Co. is one popular place and in a crowded neighborhood so you better watch that signage for your parking or your car might not be around when you come back to the Streets of America.

Jewelry

2011-03-15T22:23:00.003-05:00

Note how the Jewelry store sign looks like it is a piece of Tiffany glass work - just one more subliminal touch of elegance...

Catapult of Doom

2011-03-14T20:50:00.001-05:00

Gonzo knows how to entertain and there is no way you'll want to miss his next stunt - the Catapult of Doom!

Dream Builders

2011-03-11T10:04:00.001-06:00

"Get a good idea, and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it's done, and done right"
For a while there were some really great quotes around the construction walls at the Magic Kingdom, like this one about how to tackle your dreams and make them reality...

Music time

2011-03-10T21:43:00.001-06:00

Back to Pizza Oom Mow Mow - this classic woody is stocked with surf boards and jams while on it's way to the beach. If you look it is actually a faux garage door this is painted on...

In Crust We Trust

2011-03-08T21:43:00.005-06:00

I couldn't say it better myself! This used to be in Pizza Oom Mow Mow - soon to be reopening in the re-imagined Paradise Pier...

The Castle

2011-03-07T22:09:00.001-06:00

These little banners can sometimes be found hanging from the chains and ropes around the Magic Kingdom. Every home needs one, let's see, if they are just attached by Velcro or something like that then...

Right this way

2011-03-04T05:09:00.000-06:00

Once again the Muppets find all sorts of ways to get your attention. This sign across from the ABC Commissary was one of my favorites. Sadly it was replaced by billboard style ads for ABC shows. The new signs come no where near the creative level of this one, hopefully it is in storage somewhere and will make a return appearance some day...

As a side note - somehow I've made it to 1,000 posts. Thanks for joining the journey so far!

Survey Marker

2011-03-03T20:49:00.000-06:00

Most likely you've seen these around the parks in sidewalks, curbs, and other permanent structures. They are permanent markers for survey crews - this way they know that their location is accurate when they are doing surveys or staking construction sites for, say, improvements to the next big attraction.

Want to learn more? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survey_marker

Pisces 7

2011-03-02T09:41:00.001-06:00

Go and explore the Coral Moons of Pisces 7! This travel ad is just part of the exit queue in Space Mountain...

Standard Transgalatic Delivery

2011-02-25T19:59:00.002-06:00

Exported from Earth and containing high levels of taste! These shipping crates are ready to travel the universe with deliveries of Coca-Cola. But you can find them in Tomorrowland while they wait for their next flight...

Tropical waste disposal

2011-02-24T21:25:00.002-06:00

The trash and recycling cans around Adventureland are all decorated to fit that tropical theme, they fit in perfect with the local artwork!

Gotta have a map

2011-02-22T21:47:00.000-06:00

Lost? Here's your guide to Tom Sawyer Island - now hope on that raft and get started on exploring!

Pizza Port Space Debris

2011-02-21T21:40:00.001-06:00

Put your debris in the can before it turns into space junk!

The fanciest fast food...

2011-02-20T20:41:00.000-06:00

The Plaza Inn at Disneyland is hands down the fanciest place to eat a meal that isn't table service... We've taken looks at it from time to time, today it is their old fashioned sign out front...

Expired

2011-02-19T21:21:00.000-06:00

Better plug that meter!

Fire!

2011-02-15T21:23:00.001-06:00

If you have an emergency just pull the alarm at the corner fire box in the Streets of America... After all, cell phones are still a few decades into the future...

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

2011-02-14T21:48:00.001-06:00

This huge eatery in Tomorrowland is home to Cosmic Ray, the misplaced lounge lizard, er, alien who spends most of his day crooning to the dining public.

Blockbuster Weekend!

2011-02-13T21:23:00.001-06:00

Extra! Extra! Yes, it looks like Hollywood had another great weekend according to The Examiner. It would appear UP was debuting at the time... If you look close at the San Fransisco flat in the Streets of America you'll find this newspaper bin, usually with the latest animated release in the headlines.

Pasta or Chicken?

2011-02-12T21:41:00.000-06:00

The Plaza Inn at Disneyland is the gold standard for fast food, just look at the ornate serving areas for some of the dishes!

Now approaching...

2011-02-11T21:43:00.001-06:00

...Mickey's Star Traders, where they'll be glad to Rocket Ship to anywhere in the galaxy...

Dino Country

2011-02-10T21:27:00.001-06:00

If you go back past Chester and Hester's you'll find an overgrown billboard. While it is sort of fitting for the whole Rt. 66 thing to have a forgotten billboad I find it a pretty interesting artifact into the early days of Animal Kingdom...

Fun times

2011-02-09T22:03:00.002-06:00

Flik's Fun Fair has all sorts of reused materials, including these leaves that are now part of the welcoming banner...

California Zephyr

2011-02-06T21:27:00.001-06:00

Western Pacific 804-A is ready to haul the Cal Zephyr out of the station. Actually an identical locomotive from Canada, it represents the locomotives that hauled one of California's iconic passenger trains into the 70's...

Yep, it's soft

2011-02-05T21:50:00.001-06:00

A creative ad placement in Dinoland - rough and scaley this tissue is not...

Outbound Departure

2011-01-26T06:40:00.000-06:00

Waiting for the bus? How about waiting for your Red Line Rocket to take off instead? The TTA Red Line is just another of the fine TTA services to keep you moving around Tomorrowland...

Paper Lanterns

2011-01-25T22:02:00.000-06:00

Paper Lanterns adorn the queue area for the Lucky Fortune Cookery, one more reason not to forget to look up around the parks!

When in Florida

2011-01-24T21:51:00.001-06:00

Sound advice if you ask me - you came all this way, no need to skip such a landmark! Look for these signs overhead at Chester and Hester's shop...

Recycling in the recreation area

2011-01-23T22:01:00.001-06:00

While we are in the Grizzly Peak area let's take a quick look at other things. Like themed trash cans. The Jiminy Cricket Environmentality logo still was in use recently and the recreation area logo's subtle pine cone logo adorns the other can...

GRR

2011-01-21T20:59:00.000-06:00

After a few days on the road we're back in action again and tonight we're getting ready to get soaked on the Grizzly River Run! This big bruin is waiting for you to join him on a rafting adventure...

Golf-o-saurus

2011-01-15T21:56:00.002-06:00

Meet the Golf-o-saurus, a strange multi-headed dinosaur that lived in sand traps and rough, scrub-brush like terrain...

Souvenirs for the Road

2011-01-14T19:59:00.000-06:00

Back when Paradise Pier had a partial Route 66 theme the Souvenir 66 stand was the place to go for all sorts of small items to remind you of your trip down the ill-fated lanes of California Adventure. The new theming is well underway and the stand was in the way, and so, much like the rest of Route 66, the stand quietly faded into history.

Oil and Tobacco

2011-01-13T20:46:00.000-06:00

There is a good amount of streetside clutter in Frontierland, including this cart with various barrels, propped up by a crate of Davis Tobacco and some Oil barrels.

You may get...soaked

2011-01-09T20:08:00.001-06:00

These elephants greet you at the end of your journey on the Kali River Rapids. They also squirt water - so if you weren't wet enough after the adventure you'll be sure to have one last chance at cooling off before you get back to land.

Tropical Imports

2011-01-08T19:57:00.001-06:00

Serving all your import needs in Adventureland! True to any good operation dealing with various loads of goods, the lighting is made up of mismatched lamps, there are various crates laying around, frieght left behind or damaged in transit, etc.

Prizes, prizes, prizes!

2011-01-06T20:03:00.001-06:00

The Games of the Boardwalk are a much need improvement to the old games on Paradise Pier. They are now Disney/Pixar themed and the remodeling done a year or two ago certainly did wonders to the formerly cheesy games - if you are going to have games in a theme park this the way to do it!

Expedition Time

2011-01-05T22:14:00.001-06:00

Over the past few years the prayer flags have faded into the landscape - just like they do in real life. On an overcast day it almost makes the mountain and surrounding area feel more ominous...

Golden Age of travel

2011-01-04T20:03:00.000-06:00

The is the marker from the California Zephyr - one of the classic streamlined passenger trains that ran to California on the Western Pacific Railroad. The neon works great and at night the warm glow makes on the stainless steel rail cars makes you want to skip the airport and head to the train station.

Geckos spying

2011-01-03T20:11:00.000-06:00

Spying your food that is - at the Flame Tree Barbecue no less. So hold on to that rack of ribs and you pass these hungry monsters...

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:48:00.001-06:00

So it is 2011 now, did you have a robot butler at your New Year's Eve party last night? It can't be that much farther into the future can it? Till then, enjoy seeing this one in the Space Mountain tribute to the Horizons robot butler...

Kusafiri Coffee Shop

2010-12-31T20:09:00.000-06:00

The Kusafari Coffee Shop and Bakery beckons weary travelers on their morning sprint to Kilimanjaro Safaris with Kahawa (coffee), Chai (tea), and Maandazi (sweet fried dough). The weary New Year's Eve revelers might need to that to stay awake tonight or recover tomorrow.

Pluto!

2010-12-30T20:03:00.001-06:00

Straight from the intro sequences in the old movie shorts comes Pluto on Mickey's Fun Wheel.

Starport loading bays

2010-12-29T20:47:00.001-06:00

The two loading bays at Space Mountain are now Alpha and Omega - a new (relatively) feature from the recent refurbishment. And I certainly can dig the new Starport logo!

Creature Comforts

2010-12-27T20:10:00.001-06:00

This colorful sign marks the entrance to the Creature Comforts store on Discovery Island, whose interior is every bit as whimsical as the sign out front...

Peace on Earth

2010-12-25T14:00:00.001-06:00

A merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates and Peace on Earth to everyone, everywhere...

National Parks Christmas

2010-12-25T11:20:00.000-06:00

Christmas at Yellowstone might be cold but spending it at the Wilderness Lodge sure isn't!

Mickey Wreaths

2010-12-22T21:48:00.001-06:00

Who doesn't want to have one of these hanging from their front door? They look fantastic as they line Main Street...

Santa Police?

2010-12-22T18:49:00.002-06:00

Santa is everywhere - even the parking police it seems! A big light-up Santa has been spotted in recent years in the parking cops' little cruiser in the alley behind the Streets of America, hopefully you plugged that meter or you're getting coal this year...

Train around the tree

2010-12-20T21:00:00.003-06:00

Every good Christmas tree needs a train and the Magic Kingdom is no different - so a Carolwood and Pacific train does the honors this year.

Calling Santa...

2010-12-19T21:19:00.001-06:00

Frosty seems to be calling Santa from the Chinatown payphone in the Streets of America!

Elephants fly...

2010-12-17T21:27:00.002-06:00

A couple years ago banners such as this one decorated the Disneyland Resort - with a team of flying elephants Santa could really make good time!

A big easy Christmas

2010-12-16T21:33:00.001-06:00

Holiday season at the resorts is just as much fun as at the parks, esp. if you are at one that really decks the halls. The Port Orleans French Quarter brings you a jazzy little Christmas with all sorts of decorations with a New Orleans theme...

David E Davies Funeral Director

2010-12-15T21:31:00.001-06:00

It is only fitting that Jack decorates the funeral directors front yard on the Streets of America...

Stitch decorates...

2010-12-14T21:44:00.002-06:00

This year Stitch is stringing the lights at Innoventions West - both on the tree and himself it appears. The 2010 topiary displays in Epcot were a little more subdued than past years but what displays they had were up to the usual standards...

...Two shiny aluminum trees and one red gas can...

2010-12-13T21:44:00.001-06:00

Only in a place like Chester and Hester's in Animal Kingdom will you find a gas can in with the tacky Christmas trees...

Critter Country Christmas

2010-12-12T21:30:00.002-06:00

After a week hiatus and a blizzard we're back with Christmas photos! Today - Critter Country. These guys know how to throw a great country holiday event and have garland and wreaths all over their land, all with a natural and homey touch.

Sales are final

2010-12-04T08:04:00.001-06:00

Point Mugu Tattoo on Paradise Pier can serve you and all of your (temporary) ink needs on the boardwalk...

Mme. Leota's

2010-12-03T08:49:00.000-06:00

Need anything to assist your contact with the other side? Madame Leota can help and her cart sits right outside the exit to the Haunted Mansion...

Aloha

2010-12-01T07:58:00.000-06:00

And welcome to Walt Disney's Enchanged Tiki Room. This sign still hangs over the entrance to the classic attraction - it is interesting that it specifically calls it Walt Disney's, in part because (for a while) he personally owned the attraction through WED vs. the Walt Disney Company. Just one of those interesting tidbits of the past...

Corn dogs, surfing, and fish

2010-11-27T08:02:00.000-06:00

The Corn Dog Castle menu was relocated for a time to the Farmer's Market and the construction walls outside of the new Little Mermaid attraction helped point the way with the help of a few fish.

Coral Moons of Pisces 7

2010-11-26T08:47:00.000-06:00

You need a vacation, in fact, you need to dive the coral moons of Pisces 7! Talk about a crazy adventure - start planning today by visiting the exit queue in Space Mountain to learn more!

Welcome to Adventureland

2010-11-24T07:59:00.000-06:00

Flaming torches, masks, tropical flowers, thatched roofs, you are certainly in Adventureland now!

Vikings

2010-11-23T19:55:00.001-06:00

There is a viking located outside the Stave Church in Norway. I've not been able to identify if it is a certain viking or if it is a more generic statue...

Better days...

2010-11-21T21:39:00.001-06:00

Behind one of the counters at the Hollywood Hotel is this fresco of it in better days, when it had all of its elevator shafts...

Sideshow Shirts

2010-11-20T08:05:00.000-06:00

Found in Paradise Pier along the boardwalk, this sign outside Sideshow Shirts makes people stop and think for a second...and then they get it.

This way to the Caribbean Plaza

2010-11-19T08:46:00.000-06:00

This sign in the Hub points the way to Adventureland and the Caribbean Plaza, a location that seems to be relatively unknown by that name (yet everyone knows where Pirates of the Caribbean is located!).

Tourist information

2010-11-18T08:09:00.000-06:00

The Harambe Vistor Directory stand is the place to go for the latest ride wait times...

Canoe Rides

2010-11-17T07:58:00.001-06:00

You've never really experienced the Rivers of America till you have ridden them in one of the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. Hop on board for some excessive and a different look at the river...

Paint the scene

2010-11-16T07:54:00.000-06:00

If you look at the artist's painting down on the waterfront you'll see he really is painting the scene in front of him - the International Gateway...

Starspeeder 3000

2010-11-14T09:47:00.001-06:00

Please familiarize yourself with your Starspeeder - the exits and seats are clearly marked on this diagram as you wait to go to your loading gate...

Contains Rabbits

2010-11-13T08:04:00.001-06:00

Paradise Pier is home to Man Hat'n'Beach, and this clever sign...

Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

2010-11-12T08:46:00.001-06:00

The Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, near Splash Mountain in Frontierland, has the classic old west feel inside and out and even has an evening courtyard during the day courtesy of the Disney magic. Now if only you could stay at the Inn...

Meet your party here

2010-11-11T08:07:00.001-06:00

For those of you waiting for your party to return from their ride on the Kali River Rapids here is the sign marking the location of their return.

Parrots and Pineapples...

2010-11-10T07:57:00.000-06:00

Need a refreshment? Have some Dole Hawaiian Pineapple Juice!

Das Kaufhaus

2010-11-09T07:53:00.000-06:00

This is the location to get your German sportswear!

Boom

2010-11-06T08:05:00.002-05:00

The Maliboomer is no more and while it was an interesting addition to the park (the idea of making it into a mock amuseument park ring-the-bell attraction was a nice touch) it didn't fit. It was an out-of-the-box ride, nothing like the unique Disney attractions everyone is used to - so this fall it closed to make way for some much needed green space in that corner of DCA.

Hose closet

2010-11-05T08:42:00.001-05:00

There is a firehose closet on Main Street with this cool little plaque, the old time horse drawn fire engine certainly fits the era nicely.

Whitewater Adventures

2010-11-04T08:06:00.002-05:00

Ride the Kali River Rapids with Kali Rapids Expeditions! You'll go on a whitewater adventure of a lifetime, and get soaked to the bone as a side benifit...

Koro

2010-11-03T07:59:00.001-05:00

The Midnight Dancer greets you to The Enchanted Tiki Room...

Lunch break

2010-11-02T07:53:00.001-05:00

The Yakitori House in Japan serves tasty meals, you can eat inside or in the gardens ajacent to the eatery...

Keep Out

2010-11-01T09:44:00.000-05:00

As a result of last nights accident management has closed the Hollywood Tower Hotel until further notice. You are advised to keep out...

Tonight's Menu

2010-10-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

It is Halloween and there is a fantastic menu tonight at the Sunset Room at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Don't forget to drop in for dinner.

Not so spooky decor

2010-10-30T09:41:00.001-05:00

Still need decorating ideas for Halloween? How about an old time feel for your festivities? Classic touch, fun but not really spooky, and if you are really good you can find white pumpkins to make ghost jack-o-lanterns.

Now approaching...

2010-10-29T08:48:00.000-05:00

...Mickey's Star Traders, where they can Rocket-ship to anywhere in the galaxy. In reality they do have one of the largest selections of merch outside of Main Street and some fun theming inside.

Kataka Tiger Camp

2010-10-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

They have a great location Chakpandi River and have the best mountain views of wildlife...

Piled on a cart...

2010-10-27T09:40:00.002-05:00

...and ready to spook someone! These pumpkins are ready to hit the streets of Frontierland in their decked out hay wagon...

Greetings to a land of orange

2010-10-26T21:40:00.001-05:00

This jumbo Mickey pumpkin greeted visitors to Disneyland last year...

You may get wet!

2010-10-26T07:55:00.001-05:00

This neat umbrella toting troll greets you before your Norwegian high seas adventure begins...

Wicked fun for everyone

2010-10-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

Last year these banners were everyone around the Disneyland Resort - I would avoid eating any apples for a while if I were you...

Bunchable Munchables

2010-10-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

Plant seedlings together and your garden will soon be "de-vine"...

Luna Port & Mesa Verde

2010-10-22T08:47:00.000-05:00

The baggage claim area in the Space Mountain exit queue feature a suitcase with all sorts of galactic travel stickers, including one for Mesa Verde (Horizons, anyone?)

Shower Time

2010-10-21T08:08:00.001-05:00

Bystanders at Kali River Rapids can get in on the fun by helping soak riders. And this stone elephant also gets in on the fun as well!