Valentine’s Day often brings to mind images of roses, candlelit dinners, and heart-shaped chocolates. But for me, one of the most memorable Valentine’s Days I’ve experienced was a very different kind of day—one filled with relentless rain, a long drive, and an unexpected photographic opportunity at Disneyland.

It was a pin release day, and as any Disney pin collector knows, that means braving whatever conditions necessary to snag a limited-edition pin before it sells out. On this particular Valentine’s Day, a Muppets-themed pin was hitting the shelves, and as a long-time fan, I wasn’t going to miss it. The only problem? The rain was coming down hard. So hard, in fact, that on my drive up from San Diego to Anaheim, I passed two cars that had spun out on the highway. Cautiously, I slowed my speed and gave myself plenty of extra time to get there safely.

When I finally arrived and secured my pin first thing in the morning, the rain had lightened just enough to make venturing into Disney California Adventure seem like a good idea. As I walked through the park, I started noticing something unusual—large, undisturbed puddles reflecting the attractions around them. Disneyland, and especially Disney California Adventure, doesn’t often see prolonged rainstorms, meaning these reflections are a rare sight. The gray, overcast skies created a mood rarely experienced in the normally vibrant and sunny park.

As I made my way to the Paradise Pier area (now Pixar Pier), the reflections in the wooden planks near the World of Color viewing area stopped me in my tracks. The puddles were perfectly mirroring Mickey’s Fun Wheel (now known as Pixar Pal-A-Round), creating a symmetrical reflection that I don’t often get to see. Normally, this area is dry during the day, making this a fleeting opportunity. The break in the rain allowed the puddles to settle just long enough for the reflection to appear crisp and undisturbed.

I took my shot, capturing a unique black-and-white image of the wheel and its reflection—a rare, quiet moment in a park that’s usually filled with color and motion. Stripping away the usual bright hues gave the photo a timeless feel, emphasizing the symmetry and texture of the scene.

At that moment, the rain didn’t matter. The long drive, the cautious journey, and even the questionable decision to prioritize a pin release all faded away. The photo was worth it.

Unfortunately, my day didn’t last as long as I had hoped. The rain returned, and before long, my socks were completely soaked. Any Disneyland regular knows there’s a difference between embracing the elements and suffering through wet socks for hours. That was my cue to call it a day. On my drive home, I passed yet another spun-out car on the highway—a reminder that sometimes slowing down, both in life and in photography, can make all the difference.

Looking at this photo today, I don’t just see Mickey’s Fun Wheel and its reflection—I remember the drive, the rain, the anticipation of getting that Muppets pin, and the brief window of calm before the downpour resumed. That’s the true magic of photography: a single image can trigger memories far beyond what’s actually captured in the frame.

If you’d like to start capturing your own unforgettable theme park memories, download my free eBook, “Top 3 Magic Moments: Tips to Shoot Epic Theme Park Photos with a Cell Phone,” at FairyTalePhotoAcademy.com. Let’s turn your vacation snapshots into storytelling masterpieces!