There’s a lot to see in Disneyland, but have you ever stopped to really look at the details? Have you noticed the incredible light fixtures? Not only are they exquisitely designed, they’re also “themed” to each section or land of the parks in which they light the way. They’re all part of the architecture, landscaping, fauna/flora, music, cast member costumes, and even aromas in the air that – together – transport you to another time and place. And that magical place is far, far away from the hustle and bustle of the 3 million+ citizens of Orange County, CA. (Note: I update these galleries, so check back here for more pictures of Disney light fixtures.)
Light fixtures of Main Street USA
You might have heard that Main Street USA was inspired by Walt’s boyhood home of Marceline, Missouri. Agreed. But did you know that it was also influenced by Harper Goff’s hometown of Ft. Collins, Colorado? Main Street is designed to have the look and feel of a typical American small town around the turn of the century (circa 1900).
New Orleans Square opened on July 24, 1966 or about 11 years after the official opening of Disneyland in 1955. Its opening ceremony would be Walt’s last major public appearance. This three-acre “land” can only be found in Disneyland, California.
Rivers of AmericaPieces of EightPieces of EightPieces of EightPieces of EightPieces of EightLe Bat en RougeLe Bat en RougeLe Bat en RougeLe Bat en RougeMlle. Antoinette’s ParfumerieCommon AreaLe Bat en RougeLa Mascarade d’OrleansLa Mascarade d’OrleansJack the Monkey in Pieces of EightHaunted Mansion FoyerHaunted Mansion ExitCristal d’OrleansCristal d’OrleansCafe OrleansCafe OrleansBlue BayouBlue Bayou21 RoyalFrench MarketFrench MarketBlue BayouCurios and Curiosities
Light fixtures of The Grand Californian Hotel
The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa opened in 2001 and was inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early Twentieth Century. Pictured above is the cavernous and gorgeous central lobby, which soars six stories high. If interested in one form of art in this hotel, see my post on the “Grotesque Birds.”
Light Fixtures of Disney California Adventure Park
Flickr: Anna Fox
Disney California Adventure is a 14 acre theme park that opened in 2001 and built on the site of the old parking lot for Disneyland.
Elias & Co.Oil Bottle HouseGuardians of the GalaxyGrizzly Peak RefreshmentsJulius Katz & SonsJulius Katz & SonsHumphrey’s Service And SuppliesCarthay Circle RestaurantHumphrey’s Service And SuppliesFive and Dime StoreElias & Co.Elias & Co.Elias & Co.Elias & Co.Elias and Co.Elias & Co.Carthay Circle LoungeCarthay Circle LoungeCarthay Circle
Light Fixtures of Fantasyland
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Fantasyland – the most magical of all the lands. The attractions here have a deep connection with Walt’s movies, like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan; Pinocchio, Dumbo, Casey Jr. Circus Train and, of course, Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Alice in WonderlandAlice in WonderlandMad HatterSleeping Beauty CastleSleeping Beauty CastleSleeping Beauty CastlePeter PanPeter PanPeter PanPeter PanMr. ToadMad Tea PartyMad Tea PartyKing Arthur CarouselBibbidi Bobbidi BoutiqueBibbidi Bobbidi BoutiquePeter PanPeter PanCommon AreaMatterhorn BobsledsMad HatterMad HatterIt’s a Small WorldIt’s a Small WorldCommon AreaCommon AreaMatterhorn BobsledsAlice in WonderlandAlice in WonderlandSleeping Beauty Castle
Light Fixtures of Adventureland
This approximate 4 acre land is one of the least changed since opening day in 1955. It’s also one of the most densely landscaped areas in all of Disneyland with thousands of trees and shrubs, especially along the route of the Jungle Cruise.
When Tomorrowland first opened in 1955, it targeted 1986 as the “future.” That was the year Halley’s comet was set to return. The challenge is that 1986 and other future dates keep coming to pass. Walt Disney himself once said, “tomorrow is a heck of a thing to keep up with.”
Club 33 is a private dining facility located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, and I have been extremely fortunate to visit it upon occasion through the kindness of a friend.
Club 33Club 33Court of AngelsClub 33Club 33Court of AngelsCourt of AngelsClub 33Court of AngelsEntranceClub 33Club 33Club 33Club 33Club 33Club 33Club 33Club 33Club 33Court of AngelsClub 33Club 33Club 33Club 33Elevator
Light Fixtures of Frontierland
When Disneyland opened in 1955, Frontierland was the largest of all the lands taking up a full one-third of the entire park. Later, New Orleans Square and Bear Country (now Critter Country) reduced its footprint to the West. Early in the planning for Disneyland, Walt insisted that one of the lands be dedicated to “America’s frontiers.”
Rancho del ZocaloWestward Ho Trading CompanyWestward Ho Trading CompanyThe Golden HorseshoeThe Golden HorseshoeShootin’ ExpositionShootin’ ExpositionRivers of AmericaRiver Belle TerraceRancho del ZocaloRancho del ZocaloRancho del ZocaloPioneer MercantileRancho del ZocaloRancho del ZocaloRancho del ZocaloRancho del ZocaloRancho del ZocaloRancho del ZocaloPioneer MercantilePioneer MercantileCommon AreaCommon AreaBonanza OutfittersBonanza OutfittersCrockett & Russel Hat Co.Crockett and Russel Hat Co.Common AreaCommon AreaCommon AreaCommon AreaRiver Belle TerraceRiver Belle TerraceThunder Mountain RR
2 replies on “Light Fixtures of the Disneyland Parks”
Hello! Do you happen to know who makes the pier lights (the column top lights) outside the entrance of the California Adventure Grand Hotel?
I know that Disney *designs* the light fixtures in house, but I’m not sure if they fabricate internally or sub it out.