Displaying The Wonderment

I'm not sure how most guest view Flights of Wonder.  But I find it to be a highly enjoyable show.  Of all the years I've been visiting Animal Kingdom; I never had any initial interest in attending this attraction.  But late last year, I decided to give it a shot.  Not only is it education; but it's quite humorous as well!!!!  And with the chance to go on stage and get some cool shots; it was also the only time I've ever raised my hand to be a participant from the audience.  ;)

Flights of Wonder
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Cast Member Ashley helps direct guests that want a chance at stardom!!!!!!  But according to reports, all of you future idols out there will only have until next January to get there through the DHS route.

Cast Member Ashley
Disney's Hollywood Studios
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

"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

"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

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

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

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.

Taking A Ride On The Roy O.

"I just want it to look like nothing else in the world. And it should be surrounded by a train."
- Walt Disney

Taking a ride on the Walt Disney Railroad is one of the most peaceful experiences at the park. And not only is it a mode of transportation to give from one area to another; but you'll also get the chance to see views of the Magic Kingdom that would otherwise be totally hidden.

The Roy O. Disney
Walt Disney World Railroad
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Game Face

"Terrified... mortified... petrified... stupefied... by you."
- Russell Crowe as John Nash in "A Beautiful Mind"

As happy-go-lucky as most Cast Members are, they definitely know when to bring out their game face. When it comes to crowd control, safety, or other serious situations; the job is no laughing matter. >:-[

Josh here, is blocking off traffic before the Flag Retreat ceremony starts.

Josh
Flag Retreat
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL