Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Disneyland - More Nooks and Crannies

Park-going regulars have their spots within Disneyland.
Places to head for when the crowd closes in.
The porch of the Plaza Pavilion.
A table along the railing in the French Market shade.
Perhaps a bench in a corner of Fantasyland.
Or along the wooden bridge in the midst of Thunder Trail.
Places within the Happiest Place where they can catch their breath.
Where they can recall a memory from childhood, young adulthood, or maybe last week.
Sometimes it's simply wandering the twisting streets of New Orleans Square, or sitting near Dumbo, watching the people fly as the carousel music floods the background.
There along the railing of the Rivers of America, you can lean and watch the Mark Twain steam by, her decks full of people, hear bell clanging, paddlewheel churning.
A curb on Main Street, with no parade in sight or even close to starting, can be a people-watching perch like no other.
The fine wooden seats of the cars of the Disneyland Railroad welcome guests to sit back, take it all in, as the edges of the Park click by before you.
The smooth lava rock benches of the Tiki Room lanai are perfect seating for the Tiki gods garden show.
Browsing knick-knacks in a corner of the Bazaar.
Watching Jungle boats float by along the walkway just past the exit to Indy.
A table inside the Plaza Inn, surrounded by leaded glass and turn-of-the-century decor.
Stopping along the bridge leading to Plaza Gardens and watching the stream flow beneath.
Clomping over the wooden walkway in front of the Golden Horsehoe.
Inhaling heady aromas near a popcorn cart cooking up a fresh batch.
Sunshine sparkling off the crystal waters of the Submarine Lagoon, while you stand at the rail.
Waiting for a skewer at the Bengal Barbeque.
Peering down through the leaves of the Treehouse at the throng marching through Adventureland below.
Wandering a dusty foot path along the reedy shores of Tom Sawyer's Island.
Taking in a few log drops at the foot of Splash Mountain - vicariously enjoying the laughter and dampness of the guests as they splashdown.
Looking up Main Street from the top of the Disneyland Railroad station's main entrance.
Saluting the flag during its ceremonial lowering from the pole in Town Square.
The beauty of the place is rooted in its immersive environments, its fine details.
Perhaps a nook or cranny of the Park is among your favorites.
Where do you go to experience Disneyland when you're "inside the berm?"

Have a fine Wednesday, my friends!

---Mike

5 comments:

Crissa Pollmann Robertson said...

I love sitting on porch on main street and people watching. Nothing beats sitting there with an ice cream, the main street smells and sounds, and super interesting Disneyland visitors.

If I need a little shut eye I enjoy the breeze of the Disneyland train, Lincoln's theater a/c, or Finding Nemo...no one knows you have your eyes shut if you face is close to port hole. :)

I could really go for a mickey bar and big thunder mountain ride today!

Doug Reed said...

It's good to have you back and posting regularly. Believe it or not, all of your loyal readers miss you when you're gone.

I'm heading to Disneyland next week. First time in three years. I'm looking forward to a quiet bench by the river in Frontierland where I can watch the Mark Twain roll by. (One of my favorite sites in the park.)

Unknown said...

I agree with Doug's post. I love what you're doing with your blog, Mike. This post is PERFECT. You are a great writer and I've always loved all you have to say. Keep up the good work. I tweeted about your blog a couple of times today. :)

Connie Moreno said...

Ah, favorite ways to enjoy the Park - you've covered them all, LOL! THAT is why I love the Park so much. So much atmosphere to soak up and enjoy if only you take a moment to let it in.

Jonathan said...

I could visit all those places, not take in a single ride and still have a great day at the park.

One of my oasis used to be the north side of Fort Wilderness. We used to get pickles from the Canteen and Trading Post and sit on the wooden benches just outside the north Fort Wilderness gate. This of course was before Splash Mountain, so there was no "Ahhhhhhh . . . . ", every few seconds to disrupt the peaceful tranquility.