My 10 Favorite Disney Photos of 2014

Continuing the tradition of my year-end top 10 photos post, I wanted to share 10 of my favorite* Disney Parks photos from 2014. Normally, I share some thoughts about my growth and failings as a photographer in this year-end recap, but I already shared my thoughts at length on My 10 Favorite Non-Disney Photos of 2014 post.

Rather than re-write a variation of that, you can head over to that post and read my rambling, if you really care. Since most of you are probably here just for the photos, not my words, and because I need to wrap this post up quickly and get some things done before tonight, I’ll cut to the chase here.

Click any photo to view it large via SmugMug…



Disneyland Paris looks and feels like a fairytale, but it’s one that’s usually set in an overcast environment. I was lucky to have some really nice weather during my visit, and the soft light during this sunset really conveyed the true mood of the park.

I stopped in my tracks when I saw this scene. Years ago, one of the first (in my mind) really cool photos I saw of Disney was the circle of the sun shining through the Imagination pavilion. Being a huge Figment fan, I thought this was about the greatest thing ever, and representative of the EPCOT Center that once was, as it reminded me of this pre-opening guide to EPCOT Center. Spending way too much time critiquing all things Disney, I can be a bit pessimistic at times. While I don’t think it’s truly the dawn of a new Disney era for Epcot, standing there as the sun shined through pyramid and the monorail glided by gave me a trip down memory lane, and made me oddly optimistic for the future. “Little moments” like this remind of my why I love the Disney Parks so much.

Following a Mark Twain night cruise the stars aligned. Or, rather, the Matterhorn, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and full moon aligned as I just stumbled upon this stunning scene. No prior planning was involved, so I scrambled to attach my telephoto lens and capture a few shots before having to get off the boat. I didn’t have time to set up a tripod and bracket, so I had of balance my lens on the ship railing and crank the ISO a tad, but I’m fairly pleased with the result of this single exposure. It’s not technically perfect, but I think it’s pretty.

The Thunder Mesa version of Frontierland is one of my favorite lands anywhere. Not only do I love the beauty of the land, but also the storyline tying it all together (which unlike so many other things is not at all contrived). Here I was able to capture a fairly unique angle on Phantom Manor at sunset that also shows the Molly Brown Riverboat and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the distance.

I took over 100 shots this year that I think are better than this one, but I’m including it here because it represents progress towards my goal of becoming a better “lifestyle” photographer and seeing candid moments better. Since I don’t have kids nor do I do structured photo shoots, this requires creepin’ on others, which is a challenge both in terms of not being creepy about it, and also quickly getting a good shot without being awkward or noticed.

I am a huge fan of vintage Disney souvenir books and the photos contained in those books. While I really appreciate those photos, my style typically isn’t the same. I feel like this shot is in the spirit of those classic photos, and I really like it.

This is a shot that’s here not so much on its merits, but because of the memory it evokes. This was shot on the night Typhoon Vongfong hit Japan, and it was the deadest I’ve ever seen a Disney theme park during operating hours, which is really saying something considering the crowds Tokyo Disney Resort draws. We left Osaka with Jenn and Guy Selga early that morning to avoid being stranded and when we arrived in Tokyo, called a last-minute audible and were “those crazy Americans” who went to the parks during the storm. The wind and rain were pretty crazy, and it was sort of surreal being in an empty park as we heard periodic announcements that the JR line was down (good thing we left Osaka early!), but it was well worth it. One of my best nights in a theme park, ever.

This is an example of making lemonade out of lemons. For the debut weekend of Disney Paint the Night Parade in Hong Kong Disneyland, I camped out for my favorite parade spot at the end of Main Street. Ten minutes before the parade started, Cast Members roped off a spot for a vlogger (or celebrity? I really have no clue; someone more important than me, in any case) and her posse. I cursed my bad luck as the group waved at every float and ruined 90% of my shots, but it was all worth it for this one. Take that, Hong Kong YouTube Internet Sensation Lady! 😉

I don’t know if it’s the pollution, the right amount of particulate matter in the air, or what, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen the sun as such a distinct ball in such a deep shade of red as I did during this sunset. I only had a couple minutes to race from Mystic Point to the end of Main Street before the sun disappeared, but I’m glad I got this shot. From Sleeping Beauty Castle to the mountains to the red sun, this shot embodies Hong Kong Disneyland for me.

This might just be one of the most patriotic photos of all time. Think about everything it has. Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney. Sam the Eagle. American Flag. Fireworks. Ice Cream. Main Street USA. I should have just quit photography as soon as I took this shot and gone out on a high note.

I hope you enjoyed these photos, and the year of posts on Disney Tourist Blog. I’m exciting about the coming year both in terms of photography and the blog, and hope you’ll be following along.

I hope 2014 was a great year for you in photography or in whatever hobby you practice! Here’s to a great 2015 to you and your families!

Happy New Year!
-Tom

Your Thoughts…

Which of these photos do you like? Which do you not like? Any comments of your own to add about my photos over the course of the last year, your own goals as a photographer, Disney goals, or anything else? Please share in the comments!

22 Responses to “My 10 Favorite Disney Photos of 2014”
  1. Dave January 13, 2015
  2. Tom Bricker January 5, 2015
  3. Leanne January 2, 2015
    • Tom Bricker January 6, 2015
  4. Sherry January 1, 2015
  5. George Dibble January 1, 2015
  6. Nicole December 31, 2014
  7. Michelle December 31, 2014
  8. jenny December 31, 2014
    • Tom Bricker January 6, 2015
  9. Mitch December 31, 2014
    • Tom Bricker January 6, 2015
    • Mitch January 7, 2015
  10. Sara December 31, 2014
    • Tom Bricker January 6, 2015
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    • Tom Bricker January 6, 2015
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  13. Steve December 31, 2014
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