Colbie "mmm Mmm MMM!!!" Caillat

Every year, during early December, Disney tapes its Christmas Parade that will air on Christmas Day.  The taping usually lasts for 2 or 3 days; and besides a parade, various musical guests perform.  This year, that list includes the lovely and talented Colbie Caillat, singing "Christmas In The Sand".

It was an absolute treat to see this gorgeous wom.... uuhhh, song being performed.  ;)

Colbie Caillat
"Christmas In The Sand"
Disney Parks Christmas Parade Taping - 2012
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

The Divine Miss DiVine

Walking along the pathway that connects Africa and Asia, one often stops to take in the beautiful scenery of this area.  While gazing upon a unique looking tree, there may be a WTF? ("what the fiffer-foofin?"... gotta Disney it up) kind of moment.  But no need to worry, it is only DiVine!!!!!

The Lady of the Forest can be seen various times throughout the day.  Sometimes, she'll pose with families for pictures.  But as many can attest to, she mainly just does slow poses, and you PRAY you'll get a good shot.  ;)

DiVine
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

DO Feed the Birds

 

...... Then again, maybe don't.

The one downside to feeding the birds????  They become ruthless!!!!!

I've seen (a few mintues before taking this) and heard of (my wife's testimonial) birds swooping down in an attempt to grab your eats.

I guess they figure, since a lot of people give food away, they might as well just TAKE the "offerings" themselves.

America Pavilion
EPCOT World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL 

Decisions, Decisions

When those new-fangled phone apps aren't quite cuttin' it, you gotta rely on ol' trusty!!!

This was taken right at rope drop.  So it was kinda odd to see someone standing here.  Most people start sprinting towards the main attractions.

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

How to Photobomb

This woman obviously thought I was taking her picture.  Sure, that's what I do... take pictures of strangers.  But she doesn't know that.  Or does she?!?!?!  Hmmm.....

Star Wars Weekends 2012
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Cool As SITH!!!!!

While on the quest for some minor snackage, I was able to witness the birth of this AWESOME piece of artwork.  I'm not sure if this is done every weekend (of Star Wars Weekends); but some of Joseph's co-workers stopped for a bit to admire his work.  And since this eating spot had just opened, I was able to grab an unoccupied chair (an occupied one "might've" been creepy) to stand on, to get a better angle.

This was done over at the Studio Catering Co; which is in the Backlot area of Hollywood Studios.  And being that this particular surface was a few steps higher than the main walkway, most people probably had no idea that this was there.

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

Stage Presence

Think you have the singing chops to comfortably perform in front of a Live audience, and 3 brutally honest judges?!?!? Well, hit an audition spot and give it your all.

 It's just you and the stage....
"THIS is American Idol!!!!"

The American Idol Experience
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

 And for all of you podcast lovers out there, check out the best Disney Photograhy podcast around..... ISO 5571!!!! Downloadable for Free on iTunes. And you can check out their site as well... ISO 5571 You might even get a little bit of insight on shooting Disney's Human Element. ;)

Don't Try This At Home

This beautiful display of fire dancing can be seen during the Festival of the Lion King show. But to me, the most emotionally moving fire dancing scene on Disney property is at the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (a.k.a Polynesian Luau). I don't know what it was about it, but I could've sat there for HOURS just taking it in.

 I was actually at the Luau about a week before taking this. So I was able to easily compare the two. Sorry for the cheese fest. ;)

Fire Dancer
Festival of the Lion King
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Celebrate With Minnie Mouse

What better way to celebrate your birthday, than a trip to Disney World!?!?! huh? Huh?! HUH?!?!?!?

For those that don't know; you can get a free "Happy Birthday" button, where Cast Members (some) will write your name on it. And throughout the day, other Cast Members (and friendly strangers) will wish you Happy Birthday!!!!

Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

The Kir Royal Earnings

At the end of the night, a manager goes through the daily take from this French dining establishment.

....... I guess. ;)

Les Chefs de France
France Pavilion
EPCOT World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL

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

"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

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

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

"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 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

Warning: 1st Visit May Cause Sleepiness

... And yet, it will bring a lifetime of memories
... It will be a dream fulfilled
... It will be the fabulous end-result of continuous planning
... It will be the joy of meeting all of your favorite characters
... It will be fun and adventure around every corner
... It will be the discovery of real-life magic
... It will be.... A thousand ways to catch a nap ;)

"Endless" Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL


It has been such a great year, photography-wise and life-wise. Personally, I feel like I've had some active progression when it comes to shooting and post-processing. It's been great getting to know (and eventually meet) some of the amazing people here on Flickr. And as far as my home life, well..... most of you know the main part of that story. ;)

Have A Wonderful New Year Everyone!!!!