It's like Disneyland for Designers

Actually, it's like Disneyland for anyone. Because, well, it is Disneyland!

Being new to Southern California, Mike and I got annual passes to the happiest place on earth, and we are having so much fun. In addition to being a total kid about all the rides, shows, and treats, I feel like I am in a candy store of fantastic design. Absolutely everything is done to the nines, from the signage, to the to the uniforms of all the "cast-members" (as they call all park employees) uniforms, to the freakin' trash cans.

At the end of our second trip, we finally made it to the "it's a small world" ride, and I must share the fun retro typography and environmental design. I was so busy taking it all in (it's a bit of a visual – and audio – onslaught!) that I didn't take any photos, so I google-imaged a bunch that show my favorite bits.

The crazy sun-clock-character sets up an awesome illustration style that is carried on throughout the wacky mid-century silver and gold façade:

Those numbers are just so fabulous. That typography is carried on during the ride. I particularly like these banners – though they predate it by decades, they're quite in keeping with the banners/flags/scrolls trend that's been going on for the last couple years!

And the little characters, especially the animals, are just so cute!

I could go on and on, but for now, I'll leave you with a final...