Welcome to Utopia

These 2 youngsters escape the boredom of lobby sitting, by finding their own little bit of Utopia.

Disney's Winderness Lodge
Walt Disney World, FL

End of the Shift

When most people end their shift, 'Destination: Home' is the only thing on their mind. But when you work at one of Disney's premiere restaurants, a little sticking around is in order.

In actuality, she's probably in good company. I have a another shot through this window (yes, I was being a little creepy this night) where she was congregating with fellow workers for a little while. And I'm sure the late night snacking isn't too shabby. ;)

Via Napoli
Italy Pavilion
EPCOT World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL

DisBoards Trip Report

"Get Down On It!!!"

Beat the boredom of parade waiting, by dancing to the beat!!!!!

So far, I've heard them play "Get Down On It", by Kool & the Gang, and "Canned Heat", by Jamiroquai. I must admit, I kinda waiting to join in when Jamiroquai was playing. ;)

And that girl behind the dance leader actually treated everyone to some encore dancing by doing the worm in the street!!!! Gotta love the spontaneity of kids.

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Strolling Along the Sassagoula

One of the great aspects of Port Orleans French Quarter, is the peaceful and serene atmosphere. And sometimes it's nice to just take some time out, and go for a stroll.

Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter
Walt Disney World, FL

Disney's Human Element - Brazilian Tour Groups.... "Here We Come...."

"... Walkin' down the street
We get the funniest looks from
Everyone we meet..."

Unfortunately, I think that Monkees Theme Song speaks to what a lot of people think about the Brazilian tour groups. Some people think "Oh, well, that type of behavior is probably tolerated in their country. But it's totally not appropriate here in America." But recently, I've seen a couple of posts on forums, from a couple of Brazilians; one of which has been a part of a Disney Tour Group. Well... any rude or line cutting behavior you may see, is definitely not acceptable in Brasil. And since these are teenagers, with chaperones they might not know all that well; they may tend to act-up once in a while. So in the end, it's just kids being kids. And not all of them display bad behavior. But since there seem to be many groups at Disney during the same timeframe, a lot of visitors probably just get overwhelmed with all of them. And it's just too bad that they all get grouped together in the realm of public opinion.

Main Street Bras....err, U.S.A.
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Holdin' Down The Fort

"Well I'll be!!! These yayhoos done nabbed them a train. And now they fixin' to ram that sucka into this here Fort. Well I reckon they's about to be on the wrong side of Betsey Lou."

Definitely the least amount of "human" in a Human Element shot. But there was some kid holding the gun.

Fort Langhorn
Tom Sawyer's Island
Frontierland
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Backstage Entrance

Wanna get the goodies, without riding the ride?!?! (Why you'd want souvenirs from a ride you don't wanna go on... I don't know.) The post-show is better than ride itself?!?! (Are you listening, Journey Into Imagination???). Or the Florida rains have you running for cover?!?!

Not to worry; a lot of attractions feature a 'Backstage Entrance'.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

The Following

Star Wars Weekends 2011 is fast approaching. And one thing newcomers wonder, is how crowded the park gets. Well, this is just a quick example of how crazy it can be. This is during the celebrity motorcade, which some people stake out their spots an hour beforehand. But it's mainly just the Star Wars area that gets really crowded. The rest of the park isn't too bad. But with the opening of Star Tours 2, expect this area to be even more hectic.

Jeremy Bulloch (THE Boba Fett)
Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade
Star Wars Weekends 2010
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Monorail Monday - The Human Element

Piloting an F-16 or piloting a Monorail, you're still in control one bad mother *Shut Your Mouth* piece of machinery.

Here, the Pilot is pulling the Monorail Green into the station at the Magic Kingdom; dropping off the Fireworks hunters, and picking up the tired souls. On this trip, I was one of those tired/cold souls. ;)

Monorail Green
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Check out more 'Monorail Monday' shots on Flickr and Doug's (DugJax) Photostream. Doug started this Monorail Monday Craze!!!!

Caught!!!! ... The Disney Banksy

Occasinally, people like to document the Disney visits of smaller (much much smaller) inanimate guests. These visits can range from the subtle (Bunnyrel showing Danbo's Adventures) to the extreme (The actual Banksy at Disneyland).

Gotta love the diversity of guests, real and non-real, at Disney parks. ;)

Tatooine Traders
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

.... P.S. To check out more of Banksy's work, watch the Documentary "Exit Through The Gift Shop".

There Goes My Hero II

Every year, during ESPN the Weekend, fans get a chance to interact with some of their favorite athletes. There are various Q&A sessions, sports trivia contests, as well as an ESPN Sports Zone where kids get a chance to step on the field/court to compete alongside their heroes.

Inside The Herd with Colin Cowherd
...with guests Tim Tebow & Urban Meyer (not in frame)
ESPN The Weekend - 2011
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

The Movie Journey

Movie Lovers Unite!!!! Guests embark on a journey through the 'sets' of some of Hollywood's greatest movies. And along the way, your tour guide gets thrust into a starring role themselves.

The Great Movie Ride
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Tour de France

EPCOT's World Showcase. Whether strolling along "The Seine", or dining at the best that "Paris" has to offer, this is Disney's way of submersing its guests in various cultures. Here, a Cast Member tells the tales of her glorious home country; from its influence on the culinary scene, to its pure sophistication. From the various “Oooo’s” and “Ahhh’s” of her audience, you could’ve stood here for hours. Not often does a young person embrace their cultural past, and display it with such true passion. This, my friends, was 'Très Magnifique'!!!

For some reason, while I was writing that, I was picturing Anthony Bourdain speaking. I guess I could hear that coming out of his mouth. I really have no idea what the CM was talking about though. I kinda just took the shot and left. But lately, I’ve realized that I should kinda slow down and really take in certain scenes. Instead of just getting the shot, I need to just ‘enjoy’. And if anything, at least I’ll have key information, and maybe even a unique story to add.

France Pavilion
Epcot’s World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL

Check out the Give Kids The World One Million Dollar Challenge.

"Discovery Island"

… “Tom, have you got on the track of that money again?”
“Huck, it’s in the cave!”
Huck’s eyes blazed.
“Say it again, Tom!”
“The money’s in the cave!”
“Tom,-- honest injun, now—is it fun, or earnest?”
“Earnest, Huck – just as earnest as ever I was in my life…….
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain

Nestled away from the main hustle-and-bustle of Frontierland is Tom Sawyer's Island. Here, guests of all ages can experience what it was like to join in the exploits of Tom Sawyer and his pal, Huckleberry Finn. Whether exploring caves and hideouts, or just holding down the Fort; kids from 8 to 80 will have a good ol' time discovering all this island has to offer.

This is also the ultimate hideout area for kids... So, a possible heart attack spot for parents. ;)

Tom Sawyer's Island
Frontierland
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

The Dapper Dans

For the finest in Main Street U.S.A. entertainment, look no further than the Dapper Dans of Main Street. This barber shop quartet performs numerous times a day; setting up the good spirit for guests to carry for the rest of the day.

"If you liked us, we're the Dappper Dans. If you didn't, we're the Vienna Boys Choir." .... Gotta love 'em.

The Dapper Dans
Main Street U.S.A.
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

'Give Kids The World' with 'The Power of 10'

The folks over at The Dis have launched an initiative called 'The Power of 10', to raise $1 Million for the Give Kids The World Village.

For those that don't know, the Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a magical destination for children with life-threatening conditions. This organization also works with other charities to give those families the trip of a lifetime to Walt Disney World.

For more information on The Power of 10 & Give Kids The World, visit:


Or, to go directly to the donations page, visit:
The First Giving website (for Power of 10)

So unless you hate kids, you'll definitely make a donation. Just playin'. But seriously; donate if you can. If not, just spread the word on this cause.

Thanks for your support!!!

The Kids Appreciate It. ;)

The Learning Curve

Photowalks. The meeting of great people. The sharing of ideas. The ultimate chance to see if you can resist buying new gear, after giving it a test run.

Here, Doug (DugJax) gives Don Sullivan's fisheye lens a go. After a couple of hands-on demonstrations, a fisheye lens moved near the top of his 'Must Have' List. So note: all compulsive buyers should stay away from any kind of photowalk. ;)

Spaceship Earth Post-Show
EPCOT
Walt Disney World, FL

The Unsung

This crew does an amazing job in trying to keep the ship spotless. Everyday, they start at the top deck, and working their way down; restarting the same pattern the next day. Although guests are enjoying paradise, you know that this is no paradise for them. And I'm sure that they get constantly overlooked. But here is my thank you to them. Thank You For All That You Do!!!!

Deck 4
Disney Magic Cruise Ship