Donald in Bronze

The impressive Partners statue of Walt and Mickey draws folks to the middle of Disneyland's Central Plaza, but alert guests soon realize they're surrounded by a charming circle of smaller character tributes.

We've looked at Pluto and the White Rabbit, but today we're focusing on Mickey's friend and rival, Donald Fauntleroy Duck. Positioned and posed to take full advantage of his castle-tastic backdrop, the temperamental fowl admirably conceals his boiling rage at the fact that--just a few yards away--Mickey gets to pose with the boss.

Pluto in the Park

Pluto is perhaps the most joyful little statue in all of Disneyland. He's certainly claimed a prime location in Central Plaza, a spot many DL fans love as a place to relax while still being surrounded by park activity -- not to mention the wonderful sounds of the Horse-Drawn Streetcars and other Main Street Vehicles.

Pluto's just one of many, many great little details most guests only notice once they've slowed down after rushing from ride to ride for half the day. When folks finally start relaxing and looking around at Disneyland, that's when the park's charms truly come into focus.

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 Bronze White Rabbit

While relaxing on this summer Sunday, let's look at one Disney character who never, ever relaxes: the harried and perpetually stressed-out White Rabbit. For this statue in Disneyland's Central Plaza hub, the sculptor really captured W.R.'s spirit perfectly; he looks like he could bolt away at any second -- if he weren't already bolted down.

There are four other White Rabbit figures in Disneyland: a life-size statue at the Alice dark ride's loading zone, and three inside the ride itself, including the one who gets an exploding Unbirthday cake in the face.

What a great and under-appreciated character!