Traditional Magic

Animation drawings were once hand-inked or photocopied onto clear pieces of celluloid - or cels - and then hand-painted. Today, using computer technology, character and effects drawings are inked and painted digitially. Here in our Ink and Paint department, Disney artists carry on the tradition by creating hand-painted limited editions.
- The Signage Above This Area ;)

Theodora DeLaney
Ink and Paint Department
The Magic of Disney Animation
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Geeked For Geekdom

I can't help but to be reminded of the hilarious meeting of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog & Star Wars Nerds ;)

For almost every year since 1997, the Star Wars faithful have traveled to Disney's Hollywood/MGM Studios to celebrate their love for that glorious franchise. Only the craziest of craziest (and me) get there before the break of day, for the chance to acquire exclusive merchandise, or those highly sought after autographs.

You are looking at the early arrivals for the merchandise line. This was taken at 5:24 AM, from my 4:00 AM arriving spot in the Temuera Morrison autograph line. Hey... I gotta get it all out before the baby comes. ;) .... excuses, excuses

Star Wars Weekends 2010
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World, FL

Familiar Strangers

Disney is the new Center of the Universe!!!! HA HA!!!!

Where else in the World do familiar strangers actually plan trips to meet in person!?!?! .... Or just plan to meet after already booking their vacation!?!?! It's Florida... It's Fun... It's Sun... It's Fun IN the Sun... It's finally meeting others who share the same passion as you. Whether at a Disney park, or on a Disney Cruise (Go B.O.B.'ers!!!), strangers from all over will congregate for the Love of Disney!!!!

Flickrite Photowalk ....... with the coolest people EVER!!!!
Sunset Blvd.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
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

Safety First... Lifeguard On Duty

As much emphasis as Disney places on giving its guests a great experience, they also never take shortcuts when it comes to guests' safety.

Everywhere you go on Disney property, the wardrobe/'costumes' of its Cast Members varies; depending on the theme. One thing that is completely traditional, is the dress of its lifeguards. The red and white (not seen here ;) ) is like the International color scheme of safety. You have no question as to who is "On Duty".

Blizzard Beach Water Park
Walt Disney World Resort, 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. ;)

Hiding In Plain Sight

Everyday, somewhere in "The World"; guests get so drawn into the atmosphere, that many Cast Members probably get overlooked.

In some cases, I guess it's not actually that bad; considering that Disney goes all out to immerse its guests in that experience.

Mexico Pavilion
Epcot World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL

Desperate Times.... Desperate Measures

... A little more stretch, and she could've gotten the whole wall in there. Oh well, maybe next time. ;)

We've all been in this scenario; we want a picture of us "being there", but no one's around to take the pic. I know it doesn't seem right for me to say that... seeing as how I'm taking a picture of her taking her own picture; but I'm really not that mean (there were quite a few people near her, and I even started to walk over before she eventually moved). Although most of these shots don't turn out the best (is that an iPhone??? Maybe she has a specially designed UUUUWA on there), but when they're well executed, the perspective can add a beautiful element to the shot.

But when you're at Disney, and you feel like you have to rely on taking your own picture... just ask somebody!!!! Most people are very willing to help. And if you see someone trying to take these self-portraits, don't stop and take a picture of them struggling. Stop whatever you're doing, and help them out. ;)

Morocco Pavilion
Epcot World Showcase
Walt Disney World, FL