Extra Credit Blog- Natalie Makel - Disneyland

I chose this photo for the overall feel of Disneyland for a couple key reasons. First, the Christmas tree is clearly whimsical. It has funny angles, is overly large, and looks like a cartoon. All of those describing phrases are what Disneyland is though. Disneyland is an escape for reality, so it makes sense that nothing would be realistic or normal. Next, the tree was a seasonal ornament- no pun intended. Disneyland was in transition from Halloween to Christmas; so, I liked that the tree was a spooky, scary, Christmas tree. The lighting is also mainly in the tree. The branches are almost too dark to see, but the beautiful purple and warm amber ornaments cast gorgeous shadows along the curving, spiral tree. The designer was successful in trying the capture a dark, fantastic, festive item.

The next area depicted is the inside of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The chandelier’s lights were functional, but also dramatic. I really imagined that this chandelier was on board The Black Pearl. I could see and hear the clinking of the crystal as the ship would hit rough water. Pirates of the Caribbean is set in the early 16^th century and this chandelier very much envelops that time period. The designer was so smart to incorporate function lighting with a realistic period piece.

This next photo was taken inside The Haunted Mansion. The overall theme of the area was old and a little spooky. I think the stained glass is awesome because the lighting designer had to create the “sunlight” behind it – it was not positioned in a way where the stained glass had access to natural light. The purpose of this light was to add to the older feel of the mansion because stained glass is not an everyday occurrence. I think the designer’s intentions were successful in regards to this lighting element.