Armor and Swords at the Heraldry Shoppe

This terrific suit of armor guards the entry to Fantasyland's Castle Heraldry Shoppe at Disneyland -- your one-stop destination for family crests and really expensive Middle Earth swords. Although I miss the Disney Villains Shop that once occuppied this space, I do love the blend of history and fantasy found within the newer store.

With one foot in the real past (your own past!) and one foot in the domain of legends, it's one of the park's most interesting shops, and a perfect, classy fit for the castle courtyard.

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.

Where Lightning Got Sentenced

Near the courthouse, right where it should be, stands the famous "Happy Place" spot where Doc Hudson sentenced a horrified Lightning McQueen to hard labor community service while Mater requested $32,000 in legal fees. The courtyard has been "prettified" since Radiator Springs regained its rightful place on the map at the film's finale, and now boasts tail light flowers (love the tire planters) and a bench for human guests.

Here's a side shot to show the spot's placement in the town. It's 7:20 A.M. during Extra Magic Hour, and it seems 95% of the early visitors to Disney California Adventure are in line for Radiator Springs Racers, which leaves the rest of the town open to relaxed, crowd-free touring...until 8:00, when the general public enters en masse. The place is completely believable as a historic, once-forgotten stop along Route 66; it's hard to believe those telephone poles were just installed a few months ago.