Harper's Mill

One of the many treats for an amateur photographer is the ability to take a snapshot that brings into play a range of items: composition; light; focus; and depth of field. Many of the images tourists bring home from the Disney Parks are of fireworks, family members, Disney characters, family members with Disney characters, etc. (You get the picture, right?) Out in plain sight, though, are many images like the one below.

While WDW has done quite a bit to help out with basic snapshots (picture spots and red sidewalks come to mind) they've also provided us with a much more dramatic range of subjects such as Harper's Mill. True to form, the vivid combination of red barn, green grass, and blue skies so prevalent in Orlando all come into play in an image like this. Even the simplest point and shoot digital cameras provide focus settings to draw the eye to the intended subject and with a bit of attention to composition, anyone can bring a wide range of elements into the picture. Harper's Mill is one of my favorite spots for this and this location, looking from Frontierland over towards Tom Sawyer Island always provides a nice shot.

This photograph was taken by the author in January, 2008.

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Magic Kingdom West Hub Signs

These two wonderful examples of Disney signage are located in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, on the western edge of the hub. This is one of my favorite locations within the Magic Kingdom; the signs are located on the edge of the hub directing traffic to Adventureland, Caribbean Plaza, Liberty Square, and Frontierland.


What I find unique is the fact these two serve as bookends of sorts although there is a third in front of the Crystal Palace. In terms of physical proximity, I'm not aware of any other sign combinations like this in the Magic Kingdom. Additionally, the fonts for each of the destinations (it's hard to think of Caribbean Plaza as a destination) appear to be unique. Each have a unique font which work well in tandem and I think they are unique to these signs. Can you recall the use of these fonts elsewhere? And, for finger pointing fans, the directional suggestion is nice.


While I've no evidence to back up the following assertion, I'd argue these are 'vintage' WDW signs and date back to the park's opening. I wonder if FoxxFur would concur.

These photographs were taken by the author in November, 2008.

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Chip 'n Dale Treehouse

Tucked into the far western edge of Toontown in Disneyland is the Chip 'n Dale Treehouse. The second such attraction in Disneyland, Chip 'n Dale's is geared towards the smaller visitor and offers a great view of Toontown from its upper branches. This self-paced attraction is also sized for the little ones so watch your head (and shins).


Toontown is full of similar, exploratory attractions and offers new guests an opportunity to match up an attraction with a classic pair of characters from the Donald Duck series of cartoons. As generations go, I associate them with Donald but many others (younger, that is) remember them fondly from their own Rescue Ranger series. There is one more Chip 'n Dale attraction in Toontown? Do you know what it is?


These photographs were taken by the author in February, 2009.

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Disneyland Tiki Restroom

Quite a few of our posting compatriots have a fond place in their hearts (perhaps their bladders?) for the various restroom signs in the Disney Parks. George, Ryan, and others have had a go at it (pun intended); Mouse Planet has a complete rating system and award listing site.

This particular restroom sits at the edge of Adventureland and offers patrons just what they'd expect from a facility next to the macaws; no fancy, special, or gee whiz features here. (Couldn't resist!) The tiki does look a bit perturbed, so please be sure to clean up after yourself.

This photograph was taken by the author in February, 2009.

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California Adventure Entrance Vista

While I've yet to step foot inside DCA I've long admired what many say is the park's best feature: the entrance gates. This particular area is always a good spot for nighttime photos due to the color palette, lighting, and sightlines.

The tile on the large letters is also nice for the amateur photographer (shame that trashcan couldn't find another home) and it's a natural place to take photos of friends and family.

The railing in the image at the top seems a bit peculiar to me. Does anyone know why the rails mimic the ebb and flow of the mural behind it? I don't think I've seen an iron railing like this anywhere else in the parks.

These photographs were taken by the author in February, 2009.

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