Visits to the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure are always a special thing. Throughout the building, there is incredible artwork and photos that showcase some of the highlights of Disney Hollywood history. Many of these photos are from premieres, others from awards shows, and still others show Walt Disney during Hollywood’s golden age.

In the main lounge on the ground floor, there is an alcove that often has an exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives. This is found to the right when walking into the lounge. A new exhibit has arrived in this location. Called Walt Disney Archives Presents Capturing Life, Creating Character – The Art of Live-Action Reference, this looks at the study of live-action dogs that Disney animators did while working on Lady and the Tramp. There is a sign on the display that explains what it is about. It says:

When drawing animal characters, there is an added layer of complexity in understanding how an animal behaves and moves compared to a human. As with man aspects of animation, the process begins with research. Animators begin by studying animals in nature, the zoo, or even at the studio. For Lady and the Tramp (1955), however, that research and inspiration started much closer to home: with the animators’ own pets. The production reserach files you see here document the extensive study of dogs conducted by animators and filmmakers for the feature.

Daps Magic team member Steven stopped by the Carthay Circle Restaurant on Wednesday evening and took the following photos of this display. Check out his photos here:

Nearby, a Halloween tree has been decorated in the lounge. This brings the spirit of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort into the lounge. The tree is appropriately lit with an orange string of lights and spirited ornaments. A nearby light on the wall is also getting into the spirits of the season.

The Carthay Circle Restaurant is found at the end of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure and opened on June 15, 2012. This building was inspired by the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937. It is an example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and is the home to both a restaurant (upstairs) and a lounge (downstairs) for those visiting the park to enjoy. It also is the home of 1901, a lounge for Club 33 members.

What do you think of these new arrivals at the Carthay Circle Restaurant? What do you like best? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!