Famous Addictions: Absinthe, Opium, and Disney Signage

Like Oscar Wilde his absinthe, Charles Dickens his opium, I'm addicted to signage. I need it. Without signs, I travel in circles, squinting at trees and staring at buildings, uncertain whether to turn left or right, and eventually winding up at such unsavory spots as Camp Crystal Lake - where I was tempted to ask some guy in a hockey mask for directions but then remembered that I'm a dude and dudes don't ask for directions.

Disney understands dudes like me. The theme parks and resorts are salted with signs, each one uniquely designed to match its locale.

Cory Disbrow of WDWPhotography has taken it upon himself to study these signs and chronicle them with his camera. In Part 1 of his on-going series, The Amazing Signage of Walt Disney World, Cory shares his first few shots which include a woodsy quartet of signs in Frontierland (one points helpfully to the restrooms) and the shield-shaped sign outside Sir Mickey's.

What makes these photos memorable is Cory's photographic skill. He doesn't just shoot these signs; he frames them and transforms them into something more than just a chunk of wood or plastic that you glance at for a moment and then forget.

Disney has so many signs you could create an encyclopedia of them. Earlier today I gave hullabaloo to Patrick Malone's encyclopedia of Disney shorts so why not a companion tome of Disney signs. I don't think Cory plans such an undertaking, but it's amazing how many things about Disney lend themselves to compilation.

PS. Jason (in the picture to your left) was apparently a big Julia Child fan. See for yourself in this past hullabaloo of September 3. And be afraid.