We're off on our latest adventure - to Alaska! Our first stop was Yellowstone National Park to say hi to all our good friends we've made while working in the park over the last 3 years.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Alaska Road Trip - 2014
Friday, February 10, 2012
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is surprisingly good for such a commercial attraction. The animals are free to roam in large areas that give you a true feeling of being out in the wild.
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 kimono dragon,
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.
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 kimono dragon,
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.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Disney's Hollywood Studios - Orlando, Florida
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.
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. 
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Disney's Magic Kingdom - Orlando, Florida
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.
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.
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