Oh Mickey, Where Art Thou

Taking guests around the world (or other worlds) is what Disney does best. Whether it's Italy, Japan, Africa, or Happily Ever After; you can't help but to get immersed in an experience.

To do this, the details have to be perfect.... and yes, they usually are. The fact that this viewfinder looks like it might've been owned by a New World explorer, makes its use a little more authentic.

.... and no, I did not know this girl.

Looking Across To The Italy Pavilion
Epcot World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL

Mesmerized

If you ever want to take a few minutes out of your visit, to be totally mesmerized by an artist at work.... be sure to check out these guys!!!!!

La Princesa de Cristal by Arribas Brothers
Mexico Pavilion
Epcot World Showcase

The Navigator

.... and we're going on this .... and we're going on that .... and we're gonna eat there .... and getting souvenirs here .... and meeting Mickey at this place .... and meeting Winnie at that place .... and watching the parade from here ..... and not moving, so we can see the fireworks from the same spot ... no no no, no bathroom break, you'll lose your spot, and I'm not holding it for you .... bathrooms are here, btw...............

Disney's Ticket & Transportation Center
Magic Kingdom

Kayla, Earning Her Ears / Pin Trading

I cheated on this one.

When I first set out to do this “Disney’s Human Element” project, getting a shot of Pin Trading was one of the musts. I also wanted every single shot to be totally candid (we’ll see what happens with the Streetmosphere performers though).

For starters, this wasn’t the composition I was going for. I saw the perfect opportunity when a woman approached this Cast Member to try to do a pin trade. When I tried to move into position, my sleeve got caught up on a hanger. After finally raising the camera, the pin trade was already under execution; and the woman’s hand was too much a part of the shot. I was pretty disappointed, because I really like the colors of the CM’s uniform; and her co-worker was standing next to her, giving even more color to the shot. So I stood around the area, like a creepy weirdo, to see if anyone else would walk up. After spending 2 or 3 minutes looking at kiddie toys (WAAAAAYY too long if you really have no interest in buying them), I finally decided to just ask her to do a pin trading pose. If it wasn’t for her complete enthusiasm, and definite willingness to help me get a good shot; I probably wouldn’t have used this. But because of her graciousness, I couldn’t NOT use this shot. Then again, I was quite please how this turned out. The nice smile really helped this out too. :)

Kayla definitely Earned Her Ears. ;)

Pixar Place
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Lord of the Rings

♫ Lord of the Rings Intro ♪
The world is changed
I feel it in the water
I feel it in the earth
I smell it in the air
Much that once was, is lost
For none now live who remember it
-The Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring

….. Don’t let this happen to our “World”.

Ever stop to admire the work and talent displayed at this stand??? I admit that I never have, until I took this picture. Other artisans around the parks, might be more of the superstars (glass blowers…. Caricature artists); but Claudio (from Guanajuato, Mexico) is one of the many unsung heroes that also help make Disney what it is.

Customized Ring Stand
Near Pirates of the Caribbean
Adventureland - Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

A Thousand Ways To Catch A Nap

”Let’s begin by taking a smallish nap or two.”
-Winnie the Pooh

For the frequent visitor, this is definitely a part of the Disney lifestyle. And everyone has their own idea on what makes a great nap location. But with all of the hustle and bustle going on, you take ‘em where you can get ‘em.

You can use a wall, or a bench. Or visit rides and attractions, such as; the Haunted Mansion, the Hall of Presidents (or any of the indoor shows), Spaceship Earth (I’m partial to this one, myself), and the back of Town Square Exposition Hall (I think this would be the ultimate nap location, due to the fact there’s no time limit). You can even make a splash in The Seas With Nemo & Friends; where you’ll be forced into a nap, even if you didn’t plan on taking one.

Town Square
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL