A Number of Number Plates

In the UK, we call them Number Plates, in the US they call them Licence Plates. I think that Radiator Springs would call them licence plates, too. Whatever you call them, you can see there is a fair collection in Cars Quatre Roues Rallye!

And good to know how we can tell if they are open or not! Although, that could get quite confusing.

Visit A New Frontier

If you visit Parc Disneyland in Paris during one of their Early Mornings, especially for hotel guests, you will be greeted with Discoveryland and Fantasyland to explore. Frontierland, however, remains a thing of mystery...

Closed to all until the very last minute - Thunder Mesa cheekily sneaking up behind the closed gates!

Hola Detailing

I love the Hollywood area of Walt Disney Studios, especially the buildings surrounding the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Once you understand that I have a soft-spot for anything Art Deco, you can see why this is one of my favourite parts of the Park!

In front of the Tower of Terror, there is a fantastic seating area, which we have looked at before, and is quite secluded. Just in front of that, between the area and the Information Board, is another smaller seating area.

You can purchase a cool drink from nearby, or a hot chocolate, or simply just sit and watch the guests go by at this spot. But be sure to take a look at some of the surrounding details - all of which are a nod to the Californian/West Coast Art Deco era.

Look at this Spanish tiling - I wouldn't mind having a patio like this at the Royal Palace!

Enjoying a Moment...Of Discovery

After our recent posts at Discoveryland, I felt the need for us to head back over there and enjoy a moment, taking in the hightened colours of the land.

Have a great Sunday!

Need a Tow?

Following on from yesterday's post in Radiator Springs, today we head over to have a look at a familiar sign in the Springs.

Yes, this is Tow Maters' workshop. As you can see, we're welcome for all Towing and Salvage!

But wait, what's this? Let's take a closer look at those multicoloured barrels.

Looks like Fillmore has been leaving some Fermented Oat Bran, and some other Steroid Free Prickly Gear for us to feast on while we stay.

Welcome Travellers!

It's time to head back over to Radiator Springs in Walt Disney Studios. I think we are all in need of a little vacation, so let's take some time to rest just off of the infamous Route 66.

I just never tire of seeing that postcard-ready sign!

Here we can see the beautiful, and welcoming, building of the Quatre Roues Rallye sign, which I bet looks even more impressive at night. Just another way the Imagineers have helped to make the whole area really fit in with the Route 66 era!

And what's this?

Radiator Springs

Chamber of Commerce

Welcome Travelers

Route 66

Of course, we're definitely welcome in this tourist friendly town.

Travel in Style

Discoveryland, at Parc Disneyland in Paris, is full of many hidden treasures and fantastic Disney details. If I am lucky enough to have some quiet time in the parks, I love to just walk around and Discover what I can find in the 'land.

For example, there are many forms of transport in plain sight around Discoveryland. It would be easy to overlook this, but considering the area has been built with such futuristic stylings in mind, it's fascinating to have a look at all the different modes of transport there is!

We have the cars of Autopia.

The Nautilus submarine.

An airship at Cafe Hyperion.

Rockets ready to shoot you to the moon!

Hollywood 1939...Valet Anyone?

If you visit Hollywood back in the late 1930s, you might be lucky enough to have a car, and you might be lucky enough to stay at the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

Currently situated in Walt Disney Studios, it may be hard to find a parking spot in the area. But no need to worry - we can just take our automobile to the Valet Parking!

It's A Small Japanese World

It's been a while since we visited Tokyo Disneyland, so today DF'82 heads over to have a look at It's A Small World, Japanese style.

The Small World attraction in Tokyo is also situated in Fantasyland, towards the back of the park. Like its Anaheim counterpart, the attraction is based outside, complete with the beautiful Mary Blair-style decorations.

And wouldn't you know, we're lucky enough to arrive at a point where the clock is chiming and some of the gorgeous Small World family are appearing to say hello to us!


Let's take a closer look and see what nationalities we can spot.

Brothers In Business

When visiting Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris, you'll see many kinds of businesses. If you're a regular visitor to DF'82, you will know how much we love to explore the windows advertising these businesses!

Today, we pay a small visit to a shop which is on our level - literally: Bixby Brothers.

Selling all kinds of items for guests, the shop is not limited to only items beginning with 'B'!

As you can see, they also provide

Fine Accessories
for Ladies and Gentlemen

Spiffing!

Enjoying a Moment...Looking Back

We all need a break from things for a while... and in order to look forward, sometimes we must look back.

And sometimes looking back isn't as bad as we think it might be! Let's enjoy a moment looking back along Main Street U.S.A. in Paris. I have highly altered this image, but I think it's a fun way of thinking how a child might see all the bright colours of the Disney Parks.

Thanks for being a loyal reader.

Enjoying a Moment...With Snow White

Following on from our look at the Snow White Grotto in Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, today's moment for us to enjoy is back at the Grotto in Tokyo. Just standing in this tranquil spot really makes you forget you're in a hustling, bustling Disney Theme Park.

Have a lovely Sunday everyone!

Shot of the Chute

Today we have a quick look at the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, which we looked at originally several weeks ago here on DF'82.

This shot of the parachutes show us what the attraction is like just before the Toy Soldiers decide to descend to the ground of the Walt Disney Studios.

Are you brave enough?

Pointing in Tokyo

We travel all the way to Tokyo Disneyland for a different kind of Point Photo...one of Adventure...from Adventureland.

This one is spotting the best photo for us! Thank you, Tokyo Disneyland!

A Quick Bite...At The Mill

Following on from yesterday's Yesterland look at the Old Mill in Fantasyland, Paris, today we will have a look at the Old Mill as being a small counter-service "restaurant".

Situated close to Storybook-land in Fantasyland, the Old Mill has very infrequent opening hours, but is open most days during the high season, but only open at the weekends during quieter times of the year.

It mainly hosts a variety of snacks, and cold and hot drinks all year round. A peaceful place to stop for a light sandwich, or a nice cold drink on a hot day!

Details of the Old Mill

I adore the Old Mill Yesterland attraction at Disneyland Paris. I can understand why it is no longer in use, but it is such a lovely and quiet piece of Fantasyland, that I like to go around it and imagine what it was and what it could be.

Perhaps part of the reason this Princess has such a soft-spot for it is the fact that it has stayed as it is - it hasn't been demolished and changed to a picnic or smoking area. It is just how it was - except it is no longer accessible to the public.

As you can see from the remaining Mill Buckets, they were designed to look like giant grape and fruit barrels. I wonder how many grapes could have been crushed in those! As long as they cleaned them out before the guests had a ride in them.

And you can still see the detailing on the Mill itself, which is now a small restaurant/counter service point (which we will look at tomorrow here at DF'82). Right down to the shackles on the roof and the wind vane on the top.

The Captain Has Landed

After the untimely death of Michael Jackson just over 2 years ago, the Disney Theme Parks reintroduced the classic Captain E.O. 3D film and attraction back into their parks (almost) world wide.

Disneyland Paris was no exception, especially as the guests who visit that park really have a soft spot for retro and classic Disney attractions. The film returned to Discoveryland on June 12th 2010, taking over the old Honey I Shrunk the Audience attraction (which, in my opinion, was starting to become more outdated and less 'retro').

You can read more about Captain E.O. at this Wikipedia page.

Keen for Investment

During these difficult economic times throughout most of the world, I thought it was appropriate to have a look at this specific window on Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland Paris.

Net, Gross,

Forsgren & Green

Counselors of Investment

John Forsgren   Judson Green

"Put Your Money Where The Mouse Is"

What a fantastic window - that last line is probably overlooked by the majority of Parc Disneyland guests, but it is truly Imagineering having a good laugh!

John Forsgren was the Vice President and Treasurer of Euro Disney from 1986 to 1990. He was then promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Office of Euro Disney until 1994.

Judson Green, similarly involved in the financial side of the organisation, was the Chief Financial Officer of Disney Theme Parks from 1989 to 1991. He then became the President of Disney Theme Parks and Resort Division, holding that post until 1999. Part of Forsgren's work included expanding the Disney Company through the Disney Cruise Line, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris (then, Euro Disney).


Two truly financially minded men who helped shape the Walt Disney Company's Theme Park Divisions in the early 1990s.

Enjoying A Moment...in the Early Epcot Morning

One of the best times to visit a Disney Park is first thing in the morning. And if you are lucky enough to be in the parks before 'regular' park guests, you can really enjoy them at their fullest!

Let's enjoy a moment in Epcot, on an early Spring morning.

Join the Circus

When exploring the more 'hidden' parts of Fantasyland in Paris, and the area around Casey Jr and the Storybook Boats, you may notice some interesting hidden treasures.

Treasures and details, such as this beautiful story-tellers' cart, parked near the underpass to Casey Jr.

Beautiful detailing and treasures from the Imagineers.

Fire Lights

Can you think where, in Disneyland Paris, these lights could be?

With fire-breathing dragons, there can only be one place the fire-lights are situated - around le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant and le Tanière du Dragon!

White As A Fountain

A familiar and commonly visited area of Disneyland, in Anaheim, is the beautiful Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs fountain, near Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

More widely known as Snow White's Grotto, this fountain sings to the guests every day. Gifted from Italy, you'll notice that Snow White is actually the same size as the rest of the dwarfs, which is why she is positioned further back (to give the illusion that she is in the distance).

Now we head over to Tokyo Disneyland, where they have a very similar grotto to Disneyland. For the majority of the year, the fountain/waterfall area has the same models as Disneyland, but during their Easter celebrations, there are some...subtle changes. Can you see what they are?

Hungry As A Horse

If you're visiting Hotel Cheyenne in Disneyland Paris, and have already tied your horse  up for the night, there are plenty of benches and areas to sit down and enjoy those pieces of barbequed steak that you are ready to enjoy!

Just another reason why the Disney Resorts are some of the best around, due to their large areas for relaxing and eating!

Be On The Lookout

As the title suggests, you need to be on the lookout when touring Fantasyland in Disneyland Paris. According to Snow White, and her favourite dwarfs, a certain huntsman could be walking around the area.

It looks like he has at least, for now, left his axe behind. But be very wary!

Touring the Agency

Today let's take a tour between four of the Disney parks throughout the world - and look at something they each have in common: their cast.

It takes people to make the dream a reality.

It was Walt Disney who said this memorable quote - a quote that is prominent in most past and present Disney Cast Members' minds. And in honour of this, there is a very special tribute to these Cast Members in each of the 'Magic Kingdoms' in the Disney Parks.

In the original park, Disneyland (on Main Street U.S.A).

In Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

In Tokyo Disneyland, in World Bazaar.

And last, but not least, on Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris.