My experience photographing the evolution of the Skyliner transportation system at Walt Disney World is coming to an end. On May 17, 2019, when we arrived for a weekend visit, we saw that gondolas are now installed (some shrouded with protective plastic like these and others not). I have photos from the first stages of construction of the transportation system. The Skyliner will link several resorts with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT and should be fully operational for this summer’s massive debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Here’s another photo I took of the Skyliner transportation system at Walt Disney World during our recent long weekend visit. I got the shot May 19, 2019, when we arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the last day. I previously posted one showing gondolas wrapped in protective plastic, but this one, facing into the park, shows the colors of some. The Skyliner will link several resorts with Studios and EPCOT and should be fully operational for this summer’s massive debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Here’s an Amphicar that’s about to set out for a cruise! Plus, another is coming up for the next round of passengers. The Amphicars launch from a ramp next to The Boathouse restaurant at Disney Springs. I can’t wait to take my first ride. I got this shot after a special dinner at The Boathouse on March 30, 2019, during our weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
I previously posted a photo of this red crane with an angle looking as if it was rising out of Space Mountain. However, it’s part of the construction work at the Magic Kingdom on the TRON attraction that is adjacent to the ride and the Tomorrowland Speedway (which was closed when I took this photo, but re-opened the day after). We were on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Walt Disney World on May 16, 2019, when I got this shot. What I call “crane games” at WDW continue (and will for a long time).
There are plenty of Hidden Mickey markers and items spread across Walt Disney World. However, there are some, well, let me call them “almost” Hidden Mickeys. Here’s one I saw at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on March 31, 2019, after our breakfast. The lemons in the lemon water off the lobby had been placed as … an almost Hidden Mickey.
I’m posting another photo I took at the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. We were just arriving in the afternoon for our first park visit of the weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got photos of the parade.
The dragon in the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom obviously has fiery breath! I got this shot on May 17, 2019, of the parade at the beginning of a long weekend visit to at Walt Disney World.
You’ll have to look close to see that this is a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom. It’s the ship attacking the town and then the pirates sack the settlement. I got this shot on May 4, 2019, during a day trip to Walt Disney World.
We parked for the first time on March 30, 2019, at the Orange parking garage at Disney Springs. We are usually in the Lime garage, but not that day. Here’s a shot of the Characters in Flight balloon ride. We were on a weekend visit to Walt Disney World when I got this shot with my iPhone.
Hands up! That’s an appropriate expression on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World! I got this tight shot of guests’ hands while they were having fun on the coaster. I was aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat during a day trip on May 4, 2019. The riverboat gives you different views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion than you get anywhere else.
I already posted one photo of an empty train on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but I like this one, too, so I’m posting it today. I got the shot while aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat on May 4, 2019, during a day trip to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
You get a wonderful, different view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from the Liberty Square Riverboat. Here’s a shot I got May 4, 2019, during a day trip to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Big Thunder was running an empty train – an obvious test run.
We like both sides of the brother-sister resorts of Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club, however, I will write that the architecture of the Yacht Club surpasses that of the Beach Club. Here’s a shot of the Yacht Club that I got on March 31, 2019, during a weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
The morning sun was at a perfect angle to create this rainbow in a pond’s spray of water near the front entrance of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. We were headed in for a late breakfast at about 9:30 a.m. on March 31, 2019, when I got this shot with my iPhone. We were on a weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
Allison got this shot as she and her fiancée took their first cruise in an Amphicar. The Amphicar launch from a ramp next to The Boathouse restaurant at Disney Springs. She took this photo March 30, 2019, during our visit to Walt Disney World.
Well, the Skyliner transportation system at Walt Disney World should open ahead of the deluge of guests that will be at for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The Skyliner will link several resorts with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Here is a view of the Skyliner station being built at the EPCOT walking entrance between the United Kingdom Pavilion and the France Pavilion. A cast member told me there’s no official date for the Skyliner to begin carrying guests, but he was sure it would be before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens. I got this shot during our visit on March 31, 2019.
Well, the Skyliner transportation system at Walt Disney World should open ahead of the deluge of guests that will be at for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The Skyliner will link several resorts with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Here is a view of the Skyliner tower being built at the EPCOT walking entrance between the United Kingdom Pavilion and the France Pavilion. A cast member told me there’s no official date for the Skyliner to begin carrying guests, but he was sure it would be before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens. I got this shot during our visit on March 31, 2019.
The blazing sun made for a good photographic effect while we were at Disney Springs on March 30, 2019. We were walking over a bridge when I took the photo at the beginning of our weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
We’ve enjoyed several meals at The Boathouse at Disney Springs. However, we had an extra-special one on March 30, 2019. Here’s the front of the restaurant. We were on a weekend visit to Walt Disney World when I got this shot with my iPhone.
The other day I posted a photo I took of the sun’s interesting effect at Disney Springs. I’ll reprise that type of photo today with a shot I got as we arrived at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for breakfast on March 31, 2019. We were on a weekend visit to Walt Disney World when I got this shot with my iPhone.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s This (at WDW)?” continues today with the second installment. So, take a gander at this decorative post and ask yourself, “Where’s This?” The answer is posted below the copyright notice at the bottom of the is page. Also, here’s today’s one clue: The post is not at a park. I took the photo on March 30, 2019, at the start of a weekend trip to Walt Disney World.
ANSWER: It’s a decorative post in the area of tables
near the Disney store at Disney Springs.
I’ve posted photos of trees at Walt Disney World that are awaiting a new spring’s growth and here’s one of a tree at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort that’s already getting its growth on! I got this shot on March 31, 2019, when we were at the resort for breakfast during a weekend visit.
Even the umbrellas at Walt Disney World can make a nice photograph. Here are some that gave me shade at Disney Springs on March 30, 2019, at the beginning of a weekend visit.
Every once in blue moon, I find a word that intrigues me and it becomes my “word of the day” for a few weeks. Recently, that word was “poutine.” You know, the classic (traditional, legendary) food of Quebec and French Canadians – it is large-cut fries with gravy and cheese curds. Well, when I sat down at Disney Springs on March 30, 2019, I noticed … MY WORD OF THE DAY! Here’s The Daily Poutine shop and it offers both the classical and untraditional poutine dishes. Yum! Oh, I haven’t tasted poutine, but I’ll try some the next time we’re at Disney Springs. We were at Walt Disney World for a weekend visit when I got this shot with my iPhone.
Our family had a celebration dinner at The Boathouse at Disney Springs on March 30, 2019, and the cast member serving our table brought out this nice dessert! It is a touch like this that makes Walt Disney World special for us. Thanks to everyone at The Boathouse and everywhere else across WDW. I got this shot on March 30, 2019, at the start of a weekend visit.
I’ve already posted a view from March 30, 2019, at the Orange parking garage at Disney Springs. However, I like the interesting effect of the architecture to post this one as well. We were on a weekend visit to Walt Disney World when I got this shot with my iPhone.
I guess the tourist helicopters make their way over Disney Springs more than other areas of Walt Disney World. I’ve posted many photos of helicopters, but I saw quite a few at the start of weekend visit on March 30, 2019. Here is just one of one helicopter’s flight.
I guess the tourist helicopters make their way over Disney Springs more than other areas of Walt Disney World. I’ve posted many photos of helicopters, but I saw quite a few at the start of weekend visit on March 30, 2019. Here is just one of one helicopter’s flight.
One Amphicar is launching and another is getting ready for guests next to The Boathouse restaurant at Disney Springs. I got this shot after a special dinner at The Boathouse on March 30, 2019, during our weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
You can see the Characters in Flight balloon from just about anywhere at Disney Springs. Here’s one view of it from the Amphicar launch area adjacent to the The Boathouse restaurant. I got this shot after a special dinner at The Boathouse on March 30, 2019. We were on a weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s This (at WDW)?” continues today with the third installment. So, take a gander at this cannon emplacement and ask yourself, “Where’s This?” The answer is posted below the copyright notice at the bottom of the is page. Also, here’s today’s one clue: The post is not at a resort or at or near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I took the photo on Jan. 12, 2019, at Walt Disney World.
Answer: It’s at Africa at Animal Kingdom.
OK, you’ll have to look close, but there IS a contrail high in the sky over Walt Disney World in this photo. I enjoy photographing contrails at WDW almost as much as I do photographing helicopters. We were at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort after breakfast when I got this shot on March 31, 2019.
Acrobats from China were performing at – no surprise here – the China Pavilion at EPCOT on the evening of May 18, 2019, when I got this shot. We were at Walt Disney World for a three-day weekend and, of course, hit all the major parks.
See the sign at the construction site of the Skyliner transportation system station at the EPCOT walking entrance between the United Kingdom Pavilion and the France Pavilion? It has a quote from Walt and is titled “Dream Builders” … “We work hard to do the best possible job.” I don’t do PR for Walt Disney World, but I’ll say it’s an accurate statement today (just over 52 years since his passing). We were on a weekend visit when I took this shot on March 31, 2019.
OK, so even few of the most enthusiastic guests at Walt Disney World will say that a bus stop looks good … but I will! I enjoy that even pedestrian or functional buildings enjoy an attention to detail in each’s design. I got this shot of the bus stop at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort as we headed to breakfast on March 31, 2019.
The other day I posted a photo where you had to look close to see a contrail and now I’m doing one with the same warning for a helicopter. I enjoy taking photos of helicopters during our many visits to Walt Disney World. We were at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort after breakfast when I got this shot on March 31, 2019.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s This (at WDW)?” continues today with the fourth installment. Here’s the roof design of a building that’s changed names several times. Your clue for this one (real winners won’t need to read the words at the top to get a big clue) is that it is not at a resort. We were at Walt Disney World on March 2, 2019, when I got this shot. ANSWER: It’s the roof of the Sunshine Day Bar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It was originally
the Toluca Legs Turkey Co., then became the Sunshine Day Café and most recently,
in December 2018, came to be named a “bar.”
The contrast of dark to light is always enjoyable during the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We were at Walt Disney World on a day trip on March 2, 2019, when I got this shot.
The Imagineers of Walt Disney Imagineering are responsible for the design of the company’s parks and attractions. It’s detailed down to the tiniest angle. Here’s a beautiful view out the door of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to the resort’s signature lighthouse. We were ending a weekend visit with breakfast at the resort at Walt Disney World when I took this photo on March 31, 2019.
Until June 3, 2019, the annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is only a short walk away from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. However, the resort itself has some wonderful flowering plants to enjoy. Here’s one that I photographed March 31, 2019, during our weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
Here’s another example of a beautiful view you can get just about everywhere at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. We were ending a weekend visit with breakfast at the resort at Walt Disney World when I took this photo on March 31, 2019.
You won’t find this in a “Star Wars” movie – folks enjoying the attention of stormtroopers! The stormtroopers, under the command of Captain Phasma, stop during their daily March of the First Order at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to “inspect” guests. It popular with guests taking a few moments of a break along Hollywood Boulevard each time of the march. I took this photo on March 2, 2019, during our day trip to Walt Disney World.
Captain Phasma is pretty impressed with himself! Here he’s about to give orders to the stormtroopers under his command during the March of the First Order along Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I took this photo on March 2, 2019, as Phasma led his stormtroopers on one of their several treks along the boulevard that happen each day. We were at Walt Disney World on a day trip when I got this shot.
A stormtrooper never offers any expression except for what his helmet reveals. In this shot, here’s one serious stormtrooper as he checked me out along Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 2, 2019. The stormtrooper was under the command of Captain Phasma and the brace of stormtoopers stop along the boulevard to “confront” guests. What fun! It’s part of the March of the First Order.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror dominates the far end of Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so, it’s always easy to photograph the tower portion of the ride. I got this closely-framed shot on March 2, 2019, while we were on a day trip.
I know the folks at Walt Disney World like hosting as many guests as possible at all times, but, jeeze Louise! Here’s the line on the early afternoon of May 4, 2019, for the … Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover! That’s right, the PeopleMover, which should be a walk-on attraction. I understand the weekend was hosting some cheerleading competition, but, still! The line for the PeopleMover shouldn’t be longer than for the adjacent Astro Orbiter, but it was that day. I was at the Magic Kingdom on a day trip when I got the shot with my iPhone.
We don’t usually park at the lot for the Magic Kingdom. However, on a day trip on May 4, 2019, I did and went through the Transportation and Ticket Center and caught a ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom. I got this shot of another ferryboat as both vessels navigated the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World. In the distance, that’s obviously the iconic architecture of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Everything leads to Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom! Including the horse-drawn trolley that plies its trade along Main Street, U.S.A.. Not only do guests photograph the horse and trolley, but a cast member is behind with a big trash can in case … well, you can guess! I got this shot during a day trip on May 4, 2019, to Walt Disney World.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s This (at WDW)?” continues today with the fifth installment. Your clue for this one is that the object moves. It’s obviously part of something at a park. I was on a day trip to Walt Disney World on May 4, 2019, when I got this shot. ANSWER: It’s a grill on the top deck of the Liberty Square Riverboat the
Magic Kingdom. Go up one level and all the way forward and you’ll find this grill.
I always take photos of a monorail train at Walt Disney World and we’re back at WDW today! I’m sure I’ll get more this coming weekend. Here’s one of a monorail train stopped near the entrance to the . I got the shot during a day trip on May 4, 2019.
Apparently, Walt Disney World drains the pond in front of Cinderella Castle just about every five years. Here is a photo of the drained pond from my visit to the Magic Kingdom on May 4, 2019. Previously, I posted a couple of photos in 2014 from their draining it for improvements to the “hub” area for viewing shows in front of the castle and the nightly fireworks and daily parade. Today? I’m not sure what’s up. UPDATE from May 17, 2019: The pond had been refilled.
Apparently, Walt Disney World drains the pond in front of Cinderella Castle just about every five years. Here is a photo of the drained pond from my visit to the Magic Kingdom on May 4, 2019. Previously, I posted a couple of photos in 2014 from their draining it for improvements to the “hub” area for viewing shows in front of the castle and the nightly fireworks and daily parade. Today? I’m not sure what’s up. UPDATE from May 17, 2019: The pond had been refilled.
Apparently, Walt Disney World drains the pond in front of Cinderella Castle just about every five years. Here is a photo of the drained pond from my visit to the Magic Kingdom on May 4, 2019. Previously, I posted a couple of photos in 2014 from their draining it for improvements to the “hub” area for viewing shows in front of the castle and the nightly fireworks and daily parade. Today? I’m not sure what’s up. UPDATE from May 17, 2019: The pond had been refilled.
My experience photographing the evolution of the Skyliner transportation system at Walt Disney World is coming to an end. On May 17, 2019, when we arrived for a weekend visit, we saw that gondolas are now installed (some shrouded with protective plastic like these and others not). I have photos from the first stages of construction of the transportation system. The Skyliner will link several resorts with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT and should be fully operational for this summer’s massive debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
There’s just no other way to write it: at EPCOT is just beautiful during the day and gets better at night. I got this shot on May 18, 2019, as we were leaving EPCOT. We spent the early evening eating specialties from around the world during the annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival during our weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
I previously posted a photo of this red crane with an angle looking as if it was rising out of Space Mountain. However, it’s part of the construction work at the Magic Kingdom on the TRON attraction that is adjacent to the ride and the Tomorrowland Speedway (which was closed when I took this photo, but re-opened the day after). We were on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Walt Disney World on May 16, 2019, when I got this shot. What I call “crane games” at WDW continue (and will for a long time).
It doesn’t have to be a major attraction at Walt Disney World that draws a crowd. Here is a mother duck and three ducklings that drew a crowd on May 19, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We were waiting for the day’s first performance of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration when the ducks approached our table at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner. Then, more and more guests stopped to check them out and tried to encourage (but never touched!) them to get back to the nearby lake. One duckling usually stayed sprawled out on the sun-warmed concrete, but still managed to run a bit and stay up his with two siblings.
It doesn’t have to be a major attraction at Walt Disney World that draws a crowd. Here is a mother duck and three ducklings that drew a crowd on May 19, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We were waiting for the day’s first performance of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration when the ducks approached our table at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner. Then, more and more guests stopped to check them out and tried to encourage (but never touched!) them to get back to the nearby lake. One duckling usually stayed sprawled out on the sun-warmed concrete, but still managed to run a bit and stay up his with two siblings.
Here’s a view of the daily Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The cast member was into her role. We were just arriving in the afternoon for our first park visit of the weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got photos of the parade.
No visit to Walt Disney World is complete until you see Mickey Mouse! Here’s our sighting of him on May 17, 2019. I took this photo at the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom during our first afternoon at WDW on a long weekend visit.
Here’s a tranquil scene on Discovery River near Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. I got the shot May 18, 2019, during our long weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
Today is Memorial Day 2019. In honor of the fallen, here’s a photograph I took of the U.S. flag at the entrance to EPCOT at Walt Disney World on May 18, 2019, in the late afternoon. Although WDW and in particular have international themes, WDW is the All-American experience! So, remember the sacrifices made by so many for freedoms you continue to enjoy today!
Here’s a scene you won’t be seeing for a few months at Walt Disney World: A nearly empty entrance to the Magic Kingdom. We were arriving at the park in the late afternoon of May 17, 2019, when I got this shot. With the summer season about to begin (our Silver annual passes begin the summer blackout after this coming weekend), this area is going to be packed every day and every hour.
As the opening of the Skyliner transportation system at Walt Disney World nears, I got this shot on May 18, 2019, of one of the pylons leading to EPCOT during our weekend visit. One of the terminals of the Skyliner will be at the soon-to-be formerly quiet walking entrance to the park near . It obviously will be fully operational for this summer’s massive debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in August.
Here comes a train full of excited guests as they head into a turn on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom. We were at Walt Disney World for a long weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got this shot.
Water plays a big role across the whole of Walt Disney World and it’s no surprise that it is part of Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid … duh! Well, here’s a shot I got May 17, 2019, on the first day of our long weekend at WDW. We started our trip off at Disney Springs in the morning and went to the Magic Kingdom that evening for rides and dinner.
We were in the “Nemo” part of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort when we visiting beginning May 17, 2019. I got this shot that evening as we returned from the Magic Kingdom. We were there for a long weekend at Walt Disney World.
When we looked out one window of our family suite at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort on May 17, 2019, we saw this character appearing to “peek” at us! We had just arrived at Walt Disney World for a long weekend when I got this shot.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s This (at WDW)?” continues today with the sixth installment. Your clue for this one is that you look up to find it … and you’ll find it while in line at a ride at a park (no it’s not part of the annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival that just concluded yesterday). We were on a long weekend trip to Walt Disney World on May 18, 2019, when I got this shot. ANSWER: It’s a seed pod in wilderness depicted in the world of Avatar you find in line for Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Well, the Tomorrowland Speedway was closed for some refurbishment recently, but it is now open for the bustling summer season to-come at the Magic Kingdom. However, on May 17, 2019, it was all quiet … no cars puttering around the track and no guests lining up for the next ride. We were at Walt Disney World for a long weekend when I got this shot from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
Today is June 6, 2019, and it is the 75th anniversary of the landings at Normandy during World War II. So, toss a salute at the U.S. flag today (here’s the one on Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom). I got this shot on May 4, 2019, during a day trip to Walt Disney World.
Star Wars stormtroopers “patrol” the grounds of Disney’s Hollywood Studios throughout each day. Here, one gestures to a guest to step aside as the stormtrooper goes to “question” another guest. Such interactivity between characters and guests are really, really big at at Walt Disney World. I got this shot May 19, 2019, near the Hyperion Theater as we waited for the start of the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
Yesterday, I posted a photo of Star Wars stormtroopers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios motioning a guest to step aside as the stormtrooper went to “question” another guest. Well, that guest who got “questioned” obviously wasn’t too scared! The young lady obviously enjoyed the encounter and I would have liked this photo better if she wasn’t in the shade. I got this shot May 19, 2019, at the end of our long weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s This (at WDW)?” continues today with the seventh installment. Your clue for this one is that you may be too busy to look up and notice it. Your only clue with this one is that it is not at a park. We were at the end of a long weekend trip to Walt Disney World on May 19, 2019, when I got this shot. The answer is posted below the copyright notice at the bottom of this page. ANSWER: It’s a ceiling light mural at the food court
at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
All across Walt Disney World, you’ll find bubbles. I have to admit, though, that this photo I took May 19, 2019, doesn’t do justice to the experience of a great cloud of bubbles. However, I got the shot with the sun illuminating the stream … and it looks pretty neat, anyway. We were at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when I got this shot.
I just had to laugh when I saw this promotion for the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The humor comes from the blurb saying it is an “authentic Hollywood replica.” An authentic replica? Ha! Sorry, WDW. I understand marketing, but … really! We were at Walt Disney World on the last day of a long weekend when I got the shot on May 19, 2019.
Not all great photos taken at Walt Disney World have to show Mickey Mouse or iconic structures such as Cinderella Castle or the Spaceship Earth sphere at EPCOT. Here was a nice view as the sun gave backlighting to the leaves on this tree at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I got this shot May 19, 2019, on the morning of our final day of a long weekend visit.
It never snows at Walt Disney World – except at the end of every performance of the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here’s the cast at the end of the show as the “snowfall” begins. We were at the end of a long weekend trip to WDW on May 19, 2019, when I got this shot.
The “snowfall” can be pretty heavy at the end of the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can see how these guests at my right got covered. We were at the end of a long weekend trip to Walt Disney World on May 19, 2019, when I got this shot.
I enjoy photographing the ever-present helicopters that fly over Walt Disney World – and here’s one from May 19, 2019. We were on the last day of a long weekend when I got this shot as we departed from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Along with cranes (construction; not avian) and sparrows (avian; not the missile weapons system that Disney might have, but you don’t see), helicopters are ubiquitous at WDW.
I gotta say that even traffic cones look a little bit better at Walt Disney World. While this photo isn’t anywhere near great (or even good), it’s a nice shot. I grabbed this image as we walked from the parking lot into Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 19, 2019, on the morning of the last day of our long weekend visit to WDW.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s This (at WDW)?” continues today with the eighth installment. It’s no clue that it is outside and the only hints I’ll give is that it is in a park and just about everyone sees it during their visit. We were at the end of a long weekend trip to Walt Disney World on May 19, 2019, when I got this shot.
Here’s a winner for Walt Disney World! In a day and age when marketing and media don’t appear to give a rat’s patootie about accuracy in writing, you get this: The CORRECT way to use quote marks! For the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, the person doing this graphic did it right! Thank you. Thank you! We were at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 19, 2019, on the morning of the last day of our long weekend visit to WDW when I got this shot of the big monitor outside the Hyperion Theater.
Here’s another view of gondolas of the Skyliner transportation system that will go active this summer at Walt Disney World. We were on our way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 19, 2019, when I got this shot. The Skyliner will link several resorts with Studios and EPCOT.
OK, I just have to take photos every time I see Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. Here’s just one of the latest images I took during a recent long weekend visit to Walt Disney World. I got the shot on May 18, 2019, as we entered the park.
There’s a “hub” in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, but there’s also what I call a “hub” at EPCOT. Here’s a shot of the decorative cover over the hub at EPCOT. I got this shot May 18, 2019, during a long weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
Here’s yet another photo I took of the Torii gate at the Japan Pavilion at the World Showcase at EPCOT at Walt Disney World. The Torii gate is beautiful and here’s what it looks like in the glow of the coming sunset. I got the shot on May 18, 2019, while we were on a weekend visit.
I’m sure you do enjoy them, but here is a photo to show how you can enjoy really nice sunsets at Walt Disney World. I got this shot while walking at sunset around the World Showcase at EPCOT. We were on a long weekend visit to WDW on May 18, 2019, when we saw this wonderful sunset.
I’m sure you do enjoy them, but here is a photo to show how you can enjoy really nice sunsets at Walt Disney World. I got this shot while walking at sunset around the World Showcase at EPCOT. We were on a long weekend visit to WDW on May 18, 2019, when we saw this wonderful sunset.
I probably should have posted this photo of a sunset as viewed from the World Showcase at EPCOT, instead of the other two. Oh, well, that’s why there are multiple postings to blogs. We were on a long weekend visit to Walt Disney World on May 18, 2019, when we saw this wonderful sunset.
Here’s a photo I took May 18, 2019, of the replica of the Temple of Heaven at the China Pavilion at EPCOT. We were on a long weekend visit to Walt Disney World when I got the shot.
I’ve already posted one photo of a colorful evening shot of Spaceship Earth and here’s another. I took this photo on May 18, 2019, as we were leaving EPCOT. We spent the early evening eating specialties from around the world during the annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival during our weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
Here’s another view of the daily Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The cast member was really into her role. We were just arriving in the afternoon for our first park visit of the weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got photos of the parade.
After doing Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on May 18, 2019 (only an hour wait with getting in early), we headed over to the Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain ride. Here’s a neat morning sun shot as I headed to the mountain! offers a bunch of great views. We were at Walt Disney World in the middle of a long weekend visit when I got this shot.
Look close and you’ll see the line for Avatar Flight of Passage in the early opening hour of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The keep our wait time on the popular ride to under an hour, we hustler over to it as soon as the park opens. WDW has done a great job of making the line snake through the world of Pandora – The World of Avatar so that you don’t feel like you’re waiting in a corral. By the time we get off the ride, there’s a three-hour wait! I got this shot on May 18, 2019, during a long weekend visit.
For whatever reason, the first time I saw a sign for a service dog walk area at Walt Disney World was while we were in line for Avatar Flight of Passage on May 18, 2019. We get in that line first thing at the earliest opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and this keeps our wait time on the popular ride to under an hour. We were on a long weekend visit when I got this shot.
Here’s a view from the line for Avatar Flight of Passage at Pandora – The World of Avatar. I got this shot right after the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on May 18, 2019. We were at WDW on a long weekend visit.
It’s not a very good photo, but here’s what it looks like to be in the early stage of Avatar Flight of Passage at Pandora – The World of Avatar. I got this shot as we were ready to move onto the ride. We were at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on May 18, 2019, on a long weekend visit.
“Selfies” have evolved into the No. 1 photograph at Walt Disney World. Look close at this one. The guest second from right on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is in full selfie mode during the ride at the Magic Kingdom. We were at WDW for a long weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got this shot.
I’ve posted photos from the front of this dragon at the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Today? I’m obviously posting a shot taken from behind. Literally. We were just arriving in the afternoon for our first park visit of the weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got photos of the parade.
I have to say this cast member performing in the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is expressive and therefore photogenic. So, here’s another one of her as the float she’s riding makes the turn near the flagpole on Main Street, U.S.A. during the parade. We were visiting WDW on a long weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got photos of the parade.
There’s a lot of fun along this walkway that winds through Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. From Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress to Space Mountain, you’ll score a lot of fun here! Ah, don’t forget the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover! We were visiting WDW on a long weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got photos of the parade.
Even a basic photo such as this from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is always neat to see! There’s nothing going on, but I like the composition that the track of the ride. You’ll find the PeopleMover in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. We were visiting WDW on a long weekend on May 17, 2019, when I got photos of the parade.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s This (at WDW)?” continues today with the ninth installment. Obviously, this outside. The only clue I’ll give is that it is NOT at a resort or a park. We were on a long weekend trip to Walt Disney World on May 17, 2019, when I got this shot. The answer is: Plants on the outside of the Lime garage at Disney Springs.
Here’s another view of the construction of the TRON attraction that is adjacent to Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Speedway (which was closed when I took this photo, but re-opened the day after). We were on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Walt Disney World on May 17, 2019, when I got this shot. What I call “crane games” at WDW continue (and will for a long time).
I never tire of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at the Magic Kingdom. I also never fail to take photographs while on the ride. Here’s a view of one of the bridges to Tomorrowland. I got the shot on May 17, 2019, during our long weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
It’s simple: The most iconic symbol of Walt Disney World is Mickey Mouse … along with Minnie Mouse! Here’s a photo of them during the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom on May 17, 2019, during our first afternoon at WDW on a long weekend visit.
Always check the angle of the sun when you take photos at Walt Disney World. Here’s a shot of the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom on May 17, 2019. Note that I’m shooting into the sun. That’s the worst angle. Also, check the background. I’ll give you an example of that with another post.
I’m 95 percent sure that these are security cameras at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, but you never know. They might be lights! Ah, well, I got this shot on May 17, 2019, after we had just arrived at Walt Disney World for a long weekend.
You can photograph many angles of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, but always remember that the sun, too, can help you capture a nice image. Here’s a shot I got May 17, 2019, at Walt Disney World. We were headed to an early dinner when I snapped this shot with the sun making a nice shadow image of the castle. We were on the first day of a long weekend when I got the shot.
Check out the laser dots! We were on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom and the ride slowed several times. Once was in this dark area. So, of course, everyone kept “shooting” and I got the shot – these are the laser aiming beams from the ride’s “cannons.” The photo was taken the evening of May 17, 2019, on our first day of a long weekend at Walt Disney World.
Well, the day has been announced as Sept. 29, 2019, for the opening of the Disney Skyliner transportation system. It is an aerial way to get to and from several resorts and Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. I’ve been photographing the progress of the construction of the system, but that’s about to end. I got this shot on May 19, 2019, of still-covered gondolas on the last day of a long weekend at Walt Disney World.
If you’re a parent of a student who does dance, sings, plays in a marching band or is a cheerleader … then they’ve probably had a performance at Walt Disney World. Our daughter was in her high school marching band and it performed at the Magic Kingdom (she was on the dance line) and here you’ll find a more recent photo of a youth chorus performing at Disney Springs. We were at the start of a long weekend visit on May 17, 2019, when I took this shot. As expected, the audience was primarily parents.
Here’s another in my ongoing series of photos that today I’m starting to call “Choppers Over Disney!” Helicopters, along with cranes, have become as ubiquitous as wildlife at Walt Disney World. Today’s chopper was flying over The Daily Poutine food shop at Disney Springs when I got this photo on May 17, 2019. We were at the start of a long weekend visit.
Here’s another in my ongoing series of photos that today I’m starting to call “Choppers Over Disney!” Helicopters, along with cranes, have become as ubiquitous as wildlife at Walt Disney World. Today’s chopper was flying over The Daily Poutine food shop at Disney Springs when I got this photo on May 17, 2019. We were at the start of a long weekend visit.
My sometimes feature of “Where’s this (at WDW)?” continues today with the tenth installment. Obviously, this outside. Most visitors see this at a park, but most probably don’t take much notice. We were on a long weekend trip to Walt Disney World on May 17, 2019, when I got this shot. The answer is posted below the copyright notice at the bottom of this page.
The setting sun’s rays illuminate Spaceship Earth at EPCOT in this photo I took May 18, 2019. We were at Walt Disney World on a long weekend visit and were walking around World Showcase when I got the shot. You can see Spaceship Earth from just about every nook and cranny of EPCOT.
Even the pedestrian overpass from parking at Disney Springs is nice to see at Walt Disney World. We were starting a long weekend visit on May 17, 2019, when I got this shot while seated on a bench. Although Disney Springs has only a few “rides” such as Characters in Flight and the Amphicars, its attractions are retail shopping and dining – buty you’ll have a visual treat each time you visit.
Although you’d probably equate dragons more with Universal Orlando and its Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’ll find a bunch of them at Walt Disney World. Here’s one above the entrance to The Lego Store at Disney Springs.
Star Wars stormtroopers have their own bodyguards at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – and those bodyguards are cast members! We saw this pair of stormtroopeers “question” guests at the end of a long weekend at Walt Disney World on May 19, 2019. It’s just about month to go before the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Studios!
Just walking along at any of the parks and resorts at Walt Disney World is easy on your eyes. However, don’t ever underestimate the kind of views you have “just walking along anywhere.” I always enjoy seeing the namesake Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction at Echo Lake across from Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. I got this shot May 19, 2019, while we were on a long weekend visit.
Between the monorail and the covered walkway, this view at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a little cluttered. However, the shade in the walkways is nice just about anytime with the blazing Florida sun and the monorail is simply iconic at Walt Disney World. I got this shot as we headed to lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe on May 19, 2019, at the end of our long weekend visit that was the last before our annual pass summer blackout in June.
Here’s a photo that combines three of my favorite elements: Walt Disney World, a sunset and … a helicopter! We were at the World Showcase at EPCOT when we saw this beautiful sunset and I was lucky enough to have this helicopter fly overhead. We were on a long weekend visit to Walt Disney World on May 18, 2019, when I got this shot.
Here’s a photo that combines three of my favorite elements: Walt Disney World, a sunset and … a helicopter! We were at the World Showcase at EPCOT when we saw this beautiful sunset and I was lucky enough to have this helicopter fly overhead. We were on a long weekend visit to Walt Disney World on May 18, 2019, when I got this shot.
I’ve seen the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom quite a number of times, so I like to beat the crowd out to the bus depot whenever I can. I was lucky that there was a wonderful full moon as I headed out on May 17, 2019, at Walt Disney World. Plus, it’s wonderful and refreshing that WDW designers know how to spell the plural of “bus.” A lot of idiots spell it “busses” – and a “buss” is a light kiss.
The lighting in the theater for the production of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios allows you to take photos such as this one that contrasts color and light and dark. I got this shot on May 19, 2019, during long weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
Here comes a view of Cinderella Castle while riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at the Magic Kingdom. I got the shot on May 17, 2019, during our long weekend visit to Walt Disney World.
I got this shot May 4, 2019, of a ferryboat leaving the dock on the Magic Kingdom side of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World. It was headed back to the Transportation and Ticket Center and I had to catch the next one. I was on a day trip to WDW when I took the photo.
Here’s the view looking back at the dock as the Liberty Square Riverboat began a journey on May 4, 2019. The riverboat cruise offers a nice respite from your cruising the Magic Kingdom, so check it out if you haven’t in some time at Walt Disney World.
Ah, the vision of my beloved Swamp at my alma mater the University of Florida. When I see “Alligator” and “Swamp,” that’s what I enjoy. Here’s the view looking from the deck of the Liberty Square Riverboat during a morning journey on May 4, 2019. The riverboat cruise offers a nice respite from your cruising the Magic Kingdom, so check it out if you haven’t in some time at Walt Disney World.
I got this shot of the neat topiaries that you’ll find in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom near the. The topiaries are near the Tomorrowland Speedway and are shaped, obviously, like flying saucers to match the theme of the “land.” I was on a a day trip to Walt Disney World on May 4, 2019, when I took this photo.
I was headed by to the parking lot when I got this shot on May 4, 2019, while riding a ferryboat away from the Magic Kingdom side of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World. It was headed back to the Transportation and Ticket Center and you can see the Contemporary Resort in the distance. I was on a day trip to WDW when I took the photo.
For your voyage on the Liberty Square Riverboat, you travel around Tom Sawyer Island and the sights you see are themed that way. Here’s a shot I got on May 4, 2019, of Harper’s Mill. The riverboat cruise is a nice break from what be a hectic time at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
If you don’t take a cruise on the Liberty Square Riverboat, then you won’t see this view of the back side of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I got the shot while aboard the riverboat on May 4, 2019, during a day trip to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
