Classic Mickey in Both Parks

Mickey's been drawn, sculpted and digitized in many different styles over the decades, but my favorite versions of Walt's superstar graced the studio's early years. Here's a shot of the terrific old-fashioned promo art beckoning guests into the Main Street Cinema at Disneyland.

Meanwhile, across the Esplanade...

This cheerful poster enlivens the base of  DCA's Silly Symphony Swings. This may be my favorite bit of Mouse art ever. I know Mickey's not the tallest character on Earth, but--man, those are big seals.

Omnibus and Company

The World's Best Bus cruises by the Cinema as a Horse-Drawn Street Car clops past...in a shot taken aboard the Fire Engine. It's rush hour, Disneyland style, which is about as laid back and charming as any rush hour could possibly be.

Disneyland just wouldn't be Disneyland without this leisurely, ongoing transportation ballet (using beeps, honks and horse hoof clops in place of Tchaikovsky). It's every bit as important to the park's character as Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Matterhorn, and the Steam Trains pulling into the station.

I love all of the park's "lands," but I think Main Street makes me smile the most. It may not contain a spectacular blockbuster ride, but the whole area itself forms one big E Ticket experience.