Armed with a multi-day, multi-park pass we headed for the place where we could find out how the magic is created. 
The designers did a great job of making the waiting areas fun, taking your mind off the time it takes to actually get to the ride... 
There was even an animated Mr. Potato Head that, through the magic of Disney, could see and interact with guests waiting in line. 
Everywhere you turned there was something whimsical to look at. 
An actual scale model used in the filming of a special about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 
The streets are designed to be used as movie sets. It amazes me how they can take something new and make it so realistically look old and weathered. 
The streets of San Francisco. Building fronts line the street, complete with potholes, while a painting (at the end of the street) of the hills and Golden Gate Bridge finish the scene. When viewed through the two-dimensional camera lens, you can't distinguish where "reality" ends and the painted picture begins. 
Many of the attractions feature 3-D effects, taken to the limit. Also be prepared to get sprayed and wind-blown, even when sitting in a movie theatre. Consider yourself warned.
A great stunt show explained how Hollywood chase scenes are filmed and the effect used to make them look real. Lightning McQueen even joined in the fun. 
The cars are specially designed to allow them to accelerate to high speed and maneuver within the confines of the small movie lot. The interiors of the vehicles are gutted and equipped with roll bars and other safety devices for the protection of the stunt drivers. The engines are even moved from their stock location to mid-vehicle to allow better and safer handling. AKA, don't try this at home... 
Another parade highlighting the magic of Disney Studios. 
with monsters from Monsters, Inc., 
Russel and Doug, the dog, from Up 
as well as the 78-year-old Mr. Fredericksen, 
and the google-eyed Mr. Potato Head,
and from Toy Story 2, Jessie and Bullseye, the horse, 
and Woody, and many, many, more. 
But don't worry, there are also lots of places to buy souvenirs. 
When you think of Disney World, the Magic Kingdom immediately comes to mind. It's like it's older sibling, Disneyland in California, without the space constraints. Big, spread out and a world unto itself. We should all be grateful for Walt's vision and dedication to create a safe, clean place where "adults and children can have fun together". 
When you wish upon a star...
The daily parades are a special time, full of music, energy, dance and song that brings the animated characters to life.
It's a small world regardless which side of the continent you are on.
All good days must come to an end.
This is just a teaser --there is so much to see and do that, if you haven't already, you'll just have to experience it for yourself.
Following a short drive out to the coast, we arrived at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Since the last launch of the Space Shuttle, the center has become more of a museum than a working launch facility. The shuttles are currently being decommissioned, and will then be transported to various locations for permanent display.
This is the construction building, large enough to hold 4 Saturn rockets simultaneously. FYI, the Saturn rockets are taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Another view of the same building, showing the huge doors that allow the rockets to be transported in a vertical position to the launch sites.
One of the launch sites and tower.
This is the actual control room that was used during shuttle flights.
The business end of a Saturn Rocket.
This is an actual Saturn rocket with the various stages separated to show how the rocket works. The bottom stages are nothing but large fuel canisters and the rocket motor to propel the last stage and astronauts into space.
At the very tip of the rocket is where the astronauts ride. The cut-away section you see here contains the lunar lander, the vehicle that will allow them to blast off the moon and re-connect with the mother ship and the re-entry capsule for the return to earth. The pointy thing at the very top with the red base is a small rocket that can be used to allow the astronauts to eject from the main rocket if a problem should occur during initial liftoff. It is jettisoned once liftoff is complete and it is no longer useful.
This is the rocket that powers the third stage of the Saturn Rocket
A view inside the area where the astronauts live during their ride to the moon.
The is the other side of the module seen above.
One of the actual re-entry vehicles that astronauts rode back to earth.
One of the space suits that was worn on the moon.
A control module on one of the lunar vehicles.
Home, sweet home, for the journey.
Betty sat inside on the of cockpits on one of the smaller rockets -- you would actually sit with your back on the floor, facing up.
An early soviet orbiter.
This is the actual control room that was used for the first U.S. manned space flight. It is pretty primitive by today's standards.
A look inside the cockpit of the space shuttle.
This display puts the size of these rockets in perspective.
A prototype of the Mars rover.
Another specialty device used to go out from the rover, gather samples and perform various tests.
There are a couple very good movies about the space program and astronaut training.
A pair of roseate spoonbills nest no more than a dozen feet from the trail.
Animal carvings throughout the park add a nice touch.
We were lucky enough to even spot a dinosaur,
and a non-nocturnal bat with a 6-foot wingspan,
and the Tree of Life.
Walking through the park we noticed a group of people looking at a rustling tree. Thinking there was an exotic animal inside, we also stopped and then realized the tree was actually a dancer, highly camouflaged and performing a beautiful swaying dance in the trees.
The park features a jeep-like ride through the jungle. Unlike Jungle Cruise, this attraction takes you through one of the open game areas of the park. You ride on a large vehicle carrying about 16 passengers along dirt trails looking for game. This ride alone is worth the price of admission.
You can even view the underwater antics of the hippos.
Meerkats keep a watchful eye for predators,
while this big guy idly watches.
