Joyful

If you want to have a good time and get into the Christmas spirit, make sure to check out this Gospel Celebration at EPCOT.  It's hard to pass by this and NOT wanna move a little bit, or sing some of the familiar songs.

Joyful
A Gospel Celebration of the Season
EPCOT
Walt Disney World, FL

The Welcome Committee

Officer Peabody waiting for someone to help him complete his sign.

Officer Peabody
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Admiration II

One of the best things about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is that you get the chance to see some amazing costumes.  To me, the coolest sight this night was a group of people who went as Mario Kart characters; and each one had a cardboard car around them.  I guess I should also mention the couple that went as Brazilian tourists.  They had green and yellow tie-dye shirts; and even had the trusty flag.  Pretty tounge-in-cheek; yet very clever.

But this group of Ghostbusters was probably the most dedicated.  They even decked out their cars to look very much like the Ecto-1.  We parked around the same time as them; and you could see that all eyes were in their direction.

This shot here shows a chance meeting of them being approached by the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.  I initially thought they were together.... because... why not?!?!  And the Ghostbusters were just there waiting.  But no, they weren't.  I'm glad that he and I captured this moment though.  ;)

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Admiration

When your co-workers at DISNEY are taking time to admire your work, you know you're doing something special.

Last year, I posted a pic of just the artist and Donald.  Thought it'd be cool to show a little something different to this scene.

Star Wars Weekends 2012
Cast Member Joseph
Darth Maul Donald Duck
Studio Catering Co.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Marsh-mellowed Out

 

  Excerpt from trip report:

"One of the things we planned to do today was the Yacht/Beach Club campfire. I had seen this scheduled on other days, but we were unable to attend for whatever reasons. So tonight, it was a definite must do. One thing I'd really recommend is to take advantage of the various activities your particular resort might do. I don't think you'd totally kick yourself for not doing them. But they give you an opportunity to add another little element to your trip. It's nice to say, "we roasted marshmallows on the beach".... or "we watched a movie under the stars".... etc.... Anyway, we head down at 6:30, and roasting marshmallows is exactly what we did. And I'm kinda embarrased to say it, but this was the first time I properly roasted them. Even though I've been camping before, I don't recall being shown the proper technique. All other times, I would just put the marshmallow on the stick..... put it in the flames..... let it get totally lit.... blow out the little flame... and chow down!!! I never realized I should be picking the perfect little nook in the campfire, and slowly turning the stick until the marshmallow is nicely/evenly roasted. It took a little longer than expected, but I gotta admit that I really enjoyed that method."

DisBoards Trip Report

Disney's Beach Club Resort
Walt Disney World, FL

The Nerve of Her

 

Can you believe that she gave me and my camera 3 or 4 nasty looks, as I was standing there minding my own business?!?!  The nerve of her making me take her picture.

Evie Starlight
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL 

"You Want A Piece of Me?!?!"

This intimidating Cast Member "greets" guests as they enter the park.   ;)

Star Wars Weekends 2013
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Pleasure Inland

Want a place to stop and get your dance on, while walking around Magic Kingdom?!?!?  Well check out Stitch's Club 626 in Tomorrowland!!!!  This family oriented spot is great for some different, yet common, fun.  And it's also a chance for kids to dance with some of the characters.

Believe it or not, I actually didn't realize what I was capturing as far as the couple on the right, and those girls and mom on the left.  I was mainly just going for a crowd shot of the area.  So I was happy to see I had those nice elements in this scene.

Stitch's Club 626
Tomorrowland
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

"You Better Think (Think!!!)"

Went to check out IBM's THINK exhibit a while back.  I'd definitely recommend it if you want to further you park experience.  Also, it takes no real time commitment.  So you can just stop by for a few minutes if you want to.  And if anything, it displays what EPCOT is all about.... learning and innovation.

There are big touch-screens that show the history of technology and science.  And also ones that explain currently emerging ideas (i.e. Developing a novel treatment for leukemia; and Fighting crime with data).

But the pleasantly time-consuming aspect of this exhibit is the 100 Icons of Progress.  The icons grace the walls of the area, and demonstrate, quote; "...IBMers' faith in science, our restless pursuit of knowledge, and our belief that together we can make the world work better."

THINK
Presented by IBM
Innoventions
EPCOT
Walt Disney World, FL

In A Bibbidi Bobbidi Bind

 

This little Princess is a little too late, and yet a year too early, for a Bibbidi Bobbidi Beautification.

One of my favorite candid shots of her from our cruise.  It's never wise to put the camera away with unpredictable 2 year olds in your presence.  ;)

Samantha
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Disney Fantasy
Eastern Caribbean - 2012

Chase the Oasis

The end of a 7-day Disney Cruise is capped off with a trip to Disney's Castaway Cay.  Whether you're looking for family fun, or a getaway from kids, this little island in the Bahamas has something for you.

Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Disney Fantasy Cruise
Eastern Caribbean - 2012

Target Practice

 

 I can just imagine all the great shots the PhotoPass photographers can get when setting up early in the morning.

In Episode 57 of the iso5571 Podcast it was mentioned that when people are in a shot, they shouldn't be distracting/out of place in a scene.  To a certain extent, I had to deal with that in this shot.  I had one other take from this moment (though VERY similar).  But because of the placement of some of the people walking down the street, it would've been a tad confusing to what was really happening here.  I wanted to capture her as she took pics of the Tower of Terror.  But in that alternate take, there were people toward the middle of the street, and directly in her line of sight.  Although they were as far as that red cart, and walking towards ToT, it might've taken more than a quick glance to realize she was not taking their photo.  Heck, even a few people that were on the side were a little too oddly placed for my liking.  So that's just one of the ways that people can throw off a shot.

Sunset Blvd.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Crème de la Crêpe

I've never had anything from here, but I heard the chocolate ice cream is REALLY good.

This shot was inspired by a Fave of mine by Kiki FL.

P.S. "Crème de la Crêpe" is the name of some cafe in CA.  So be sure to visit if you're ever in Culver City, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Pasadena, Long Beach, or Redondo Beach.  ;)

France Pavilion
EPCOT World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL

Where The Wild Things Are

I wonder if we appear as "atttractions" to some of the animals?!?!?  I guess as far as they know; they are in an "expansive" area, and we are in small spaces just peering through the glass.

Maharajah Jungle Trek
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Who Invited The Young Whipper-Snapper???

Faithful fans, and one unlucky young soul, line up to see Paul Revere & the Raiders.

For those that are wondering; lines this long are typical for the various concerts during the Flower & Garden Fest, as well as during the Food & Wine Fest.

Flower & Garden Festival
Italy/American Pavilion
EPCOT World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL

P.S. I was actually there with that young "whipper-snapper"

Sailing Into San Juan

A passenger takes advantage of the beautiful morning, as the Disney Cruise Line enters for the first time into Puerto Rican waters.

San Juan, Puerto Rico
Disney Fantasy
Eastern Caribbean Cruise - 2012