A Portal to Wondrous, Dark Adventures

Sleeping Beauty Castle is more than a fanciful park icon; It beckons you into a land containing the best collection of classic-style dark rides on the planet. And, once upon a time (before the mid-eighties), those rides were darker and more mysterious. Today's guests experience the adventures of Snow White, Pinocchio, Peter Pan and Alice as journeys into film worlds they're well acquainted with. Mr. Toad's movie remains relatively obscure, but at least the film's available.

But the dark rides weren't always visits to familiar film worlds. Two factors originally combined to make each ride a stranger, more thrilling experience, particularly for children. Sure, there was the massive Fantasyland makeover in 1983, but most of it revolves around the fact that Disney animation was not always something you could view anytime you wanted.

Anyone who grew up in the 1950's, 60's or 70's might remember the particularly strong sense of otherworldliness Fantasyland held. Because...

In the pre-home-video days, more park guests knew the Disney versions of Alice, Snow White, Peter Pan, and Mr. Toad from their Fantasyland dark rides than from the films themselves.

Gone to Disneyland!

Today's post is very brief, because Mouse Troop is in Disneyland Resort for some fun, food and photos! Even though a few attractions are currently closed for refurbishment, we're looking forward to the lighter-than-average pre-Spring Break crowds. Can not wait to hop aboard Radiator Springs Racers and the Indiana Jones Adventure!

The Walrus has tagged along, so the Fish Heads & Crumbs comic, which would normally appear today, will return next week. Normal posting resumes tomorrow, even if I'm stuffed to the gills with Apple Freeze and Chili Cone Queso!

Our Amazing, Tiny Castle

Sleeping Beauty Castle appears to be struggling to make itself seen over Disneyland's Plaza treetops -- and those aren't exactly giant sequoias.

It's time we embrace the nearly-huggable modest height of SBC. Not only is it charming, but there's not an inch of wasted space; that structure houses five dark rides and a walk-through attraction. It's the workhorse of make-believe palaces.

Florida's castle is grand. California's is flat-out adorable. Both are awesome.

The Castle's Flip-Side

The courtyard side of Sleeping Beauty Castle doesn't get photographed nearly as much as its famous front. This view's "cozy and protective" vibe doesn't inspire as many shutter clicks as the grand entry across the drawbridge, but I think it looks fantastic.

How can any one spot stay so busy and yet feel so relaxed? Even with that huge line for Peter Pan's Flight seen here on the left and the parked strollers nearby (why do so many people take their babies on Snow White's SCARY Adventures?), the inner court itself maintains a calm, relaxed atmosphere.

I can't forget the unsung heroes of this shot: the trees. Most guests seem to take them for granted, but Disneyland's trees are the living, breathing soul of the park. They're part of Disneyland's unique style, and make the place feel like home to its many, many fans.

The Owl Guard Never Sleeps

This wonderful little statue guards the equally wonderful Sleeping Beauty Castle. Overlooked by most guests, he's a fan favorite and a must-visit character for those who know he's there.

Some folks understandably believe him to be Archimedes, Merilin's grumpy sidekick from the Sword in the Stone...but he's not. He's the playful and nameless owl from Sleeping Beauty. Stop by the next time you're in Disneyland; he loves to pose.

Maleficent on the Castle

As you pass through Sleeping Beauty Castle into the main Fantasyland courtyard, it's natural to immediately focus your attention on the great rides ahead. If, however, you slow down a moment and look to the left, you'll spot this wonderful painting on the castle wall depicting one of the best moments in Disney animation: Prince Phillip's confrontation with the dragon Maleficent. Look at that great use of color, pulling your eyes to the flame's impact on the shield.

No doubt about it, that dragon is one of the best film monsters of all time. When I finally took the time to really get a good look at this painting, however, one element made me smile most. Let's zoom in on the real star of Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

Yes, Samson the horse is one of Disney's great unsung heroes. Sleeping Beauty's happy ending couldn't happen without this stalwart, long-suffering trooper -- and all he gets is a carrot. I think the artist in charge of this great painting felt the same way; he took the time to capture the humor and determination in the character. I mean, compare the horse's face to Prince Phillip's; who got the most flattering portrait?

Disneyland contains a bazillion great little details. This painting, quietly tucked to the side, is just one of them.