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

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

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

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

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!!!!

"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

Bringing In The 4th

Every year at the Magic Kingdom, Disney puts on a SPECTACULAR fireworks display; with 360 degrees of pure goodiness!!!!!! And if you don't want to brave the crowds on the 4th, you can even check out the same show on the 3rd (as I did here). ;)

As this was my first visit to the Magic Kingdom for this event, I'll admit that I was being a little pouty as we were moving further and further from the castle as the fireworks were about to begin. As you can see, we didn't end up in the greatest of spots, but the show took an amazing turn; and fireworks were going off all around us. So we were still able to really enjoy this magnificent display.

4th of July Fireworks, on July 3rd ;)
Main Street, U.S.A.
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

The Art of Disney

Imagine Bud Light's "Real Men of Genius" Commercials:

****************************************************
Disney Presents... Real Men of Genius
"Real Men of Genius"
Today we salute you, Mr. Water Artist

When Disney needs save a few bucks
You're the one for the job
Animatronics???? .... No Way
Fancy Lights??? ... Don't Even Think About It
Just water and a bag; and you're the Picaso of the Parks
"Artsy Fartsy!!!!!"

Who cares if you're blocking sidewalks
Hey kid!!! Move that foot. You wouldn't step on a painting would you?
"This Ain't A Twister Board!!!!!"
You're supplying smiles with your cool style
So keep working on that Ground Gallery Mr. Water Artist
You show that low tech, is simply cool as heck

"Mr. Disney World Water Artist!!!!!!"
************************************************************


P.S. I am in NO WAY trying to mock what they do. I think it is absolutely amazing. And I was totally surprised the first time I saw this. I actually felt bad that most people weren't stopping to admire the kid's work. It was at Downtown Disney during a crowded night though. So you could barely see what was going on.

Water Art
Liberty Square
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

Flag Retreat

The Flag Retreat is performed daily at 5:00 PM, at the Magic Kingdom. This ceremony includes members of Disney Security, The Main Street Philharmonic marching band, The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet.... and of course, a park guest!!!!!! Anyone can sign-up to participate, but Veterans are definitely preferred.

This was the first time I've ever witnessed this ceremony. And I must say, Disney does a spectacular job; and they take this very seriously. So if you're anywhere near Main Street at 5:00, I'd suggest you check it out. :)

Flag Retreat
Town Square
Main Street, U.S.A.
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

The Man Behind The Magic

Where else on Earth can a garbage can be so much fun!?!?!?!?! Nowhere else.... that's where. ;)

And yes, please still walk by and throw their trash in there. Even though it's moving around and saying 'Thanks'.

'Push'
Tomorrowland
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

Last Visit With Mr. Sanders

Memories.

Memories of your first visit.

Memories of seeing the castle for the first time.

Memories of meeting your favorite character.

Memories of the thrill and the magic.

Memories of what Disney used to be.

Memories of your last visit with Mr. Sanders.


Pooh's Playful Spot
Fantasyland
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

P.S. And I know that Pooh isn't Mr. Sanders. ;)

The Navigator

.... and we're going on this .... and we're going on that .... and we're gonna eat there .... and getting souvenirs here .... and meeting Mickey at this place .... and meeting Winnie at that place .... and watching the parade from here ..... and not moving, so we can see the fireworks from the same spot ... no no no, no bathroom break, you'll lose your spot, and I'm not holding it for you .... bathrooms are here, btw...............

Disney's Ticket & Transportation Center
Magic Kingdom

Lord of the Rings

♫ Lord of the Rings Intro ♪
The world is changed
I feel it in the water
I feel it in the earth
I smell it in the air
Much that once was, is lost
For none now live who remember it
-The Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring

….. Don’t let this happen to our “World”.

Ever stop to admire the work and talent displayed at this stand??? I admit that I never have, until I took this picture. Other artisans around the parks, might be more of the superstars (glass blowers…. Caricature artists); but Claudio (from Guanajuato, Mexico) is one of the many unsung heroes that also help make Disney what it is.

Customized Ring Stand
Near Pirates of the Caribbean
Adventureland - Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

A Thousand Ways To Catch A Nap

”Let’s begin by taking a smallish nap or two.”
-Winnie the Pooh

For the frequent visitor, this is definitely a part of the Disney lifestyle. And everyone has their own idea on what makes a great nap location. But with all of the hustle and bustle going on, you take ‘em where you can get ‘em.

You can use a wall, or a bench. Or visit rides and attractions, such as; the Haunted Mansion, the Hall of Presidents (or any of the indoor shows), Spaceship Earth (I’m partial to this one, myself), and the back of Town Square Exposition Hall (I think this would be the ultimate nap location, due to the fact there’s no time limit). You can even make a splash in The Seas With Nemo & Friends; where you’ll be forced into a nap, even if you didn’t plan on taking one.

Town Square
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

♫ Oh, How I Want To Be In That Number ♪

These impromptu musical performances are a treat that shouldn't be missed. Whether it's this Fantasyland Band, the Dapper Dans of Main Street, The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob, or Jim; I highly advise taking a few minutes out of your day to enjoy these wonderful performers. They will be a small highlight to your unforgettable trip.

This kid and his brother were just great!!! It was nice to see them having such a great time. You could tell, for them, that this truly was the 'Happiest Place On Earth'.

Fantasyland Band
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

The Chosen Few

Although there are many rides and attractions at Disney, it seems that a lot of guests include these street performance/participation scenes into their itinerary. Besides this Pirates of the Caribbean theme, the Jedi Training Academy has become quite the hit. I kinda wish they'd do one for adults. It'd be pretty cool to get in a lightsaber fight with Darth Maul.

Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL

The Best Seat In The House

Sometimes, this can be a nuisance to people in the immediate vicinity. But to the child, it is literally the Best Seat In The House. It's like you're the only one in the theater of a thousand people.

Dream Along With Mickey Show
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World, FL