The Details of Disneyland Art Behind the Magic

Over the past eight years, I have been a frequent Disneyland attendee, seeing the park evolve and perfect itself with every changing season.  We all notice the big things: new shows, new rides, new characters.  But I want to go beyond that, and focus not on the huge grand displays of Disney prowess but take a slower pace and show you the details of Disneyland. In our first installment I would like to focus on the hanging art all around the parks and tell you where you can find the best stuff just hanging around.  For instance:

This is an original concept drawing of the Haunted Mansion, look at how similar it is to the real thing.  Do you know where this is hanging?  The Art Gallery on Main Street, Club 33, or somewhere in New Orleans Square?  No, it’s above Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel between some conference rooms. How about this piece?

This is a beautiful interpretation of Pebble Beach on 17 mile Drive located in Northern California. This painting is hanging in a walkway at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

This painting by John Rowe is an artful depiction of a famous scene in the Jungle Cruise. It can be found in the Disneyana store on Main Street. 

Disney does have an official Art Gallery on Main Street located in the Bank Building next to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.  This is a two room gallery, and the first room is mainly art from commissioned artists given a specific topic.  The second room is an collection of  concept art and renderings of modern and classic Disney attractions  from Disney-employed artists.

Like a hidden Mickey, however, the things I’m about to show you are a little harder to find. Such as:

Lady and the Tramp (located in the World of Disney store mural)

A Field of Poppies (located in the halls of The Grand California)

Two original paintings by Trevor Carlton(Located in the Disneyana Store on Main Street USA)

Early concept rendering of Space Mountain(Located above Goofy’s Kitchen at The Disneyland Hotel) 

These are just a few examples of exceptional art work exhibiting both beauty and historical significance scattered around the resort. We will cover more in the following weeks.  But until then, next time you’re at Disneyland, try to stop and notice the details!