A Conversation With Frank Oz

Sure, this was during Star Wars Weekends.  But it was great hearing different stories from his impressive non-Star Wars resume as well.  Although this was the only day I saw this show, it was kind of cool to know that it wasn't exactly like the other days.  Some friends were telling us that the day they were here, he talked much more about The Muppets.  This time around he touched on different things fairly equally; such as The Muppets, Sesame Street, Star Wars, and Little Shop of Horrors.  I could've listened to him all day!!!

A Conversation With Frank Oz
Theater of the Stars
Star Wars Weekends 2015
Disney's Hollywood Studios
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

So This Guy Was at Star Wars Weekends...

I lucked-out, and was able to grab a Fastpass for this show, an hour before it began.  I was in some secondary standby line at the time; not knowing if I'd even get in here.  But I kept checking the Fastpass+ system, and saw that something opened up.  I even got a good seat.... 4th row in the right-side section.  Such a cool experience!!!!

A Conversation With Mark Hamill
Star Wars Weekends 2014
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Happy Birthday Peter Mayhew!!!

A Millennium Falcon cake was brought out, and everyone sang Happy Birthday to Peter Mayhew; whose b-day was the next day.  Great times!!!

Vanessa Marshall/Ahmed Best/Peter Mayhew/Chewbacca/James Arnold Taylor
Stars of the Saga
Star Wars Weekends 2014
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Because Fashion

Gotta "love" the "style" that tends to trend places.  No better place to witness it than in the parks.

Star Wars Weekends 2014
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Public [Works] Enemy #1

Hollywood Public Works employee totally gets into the spirit of Star Wars Weekends.

Streets of America
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Ashley Eckstein: Creating Her Own Universe

Talk about making the most of good fortune....

Become a part of the Star Wars Universe.... start your own women's clothing line of said Universe (called 'Her Universe')... and show off the cool wears during Star Wars Weekends!!!!

Bravo Ashley... Bravo!!!

Ashley Eckstein
Star Wars Weekends - 2010
Disney's Hollywood Studios
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

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

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

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

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. ;)

"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

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

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".