Archive for November, 2009

We believe that photographs are the best way to share the magic of Disney Destinations and we are fortunate to have access to the work of some of the world’s best “Disney” photographers.  We hope they serve as inspiration for your own efforts during your next Disney vacation.

Whether you’re hoping to return home with a few pictures of your family in front of Cinderella Castle, or plan to try your hand at some creative compositions, we’re sharing our fav 5 tips for fabulous photographs:

• Take a photo at the same location each time you visit.  Choose something you love. Yes, it can be the Castle, but consider a feature that’s a bit more personal – a sculpture onboard Disney Wonder; one of the many wonderful seats found all around the parks and resorts; the sign in front of your family’s favorite attraction; the restaurant where you always have dinner on the night of your arrival; a pose with a special character.  If you have children, selecting a smaller element rather than a landscape or building will showcase their growth over the years.

• Although pictures of happy people waving at the camera put a smile on everyone’s face, candid shots are often the most memorable.  The profile of a little child gazing up at a parade; the delighted laugh of an adult being hugged by Mickey Mouse; these can be the most special moments of all.  Keep an eye out for such opportunities.

• Choosing a theme can make any vacation album unique.  The decision to focus on the doorways of Dublin, the streets of Singapore, the mailboxes of Massachusetts, allows us to tell a travel story in a cohesive and unique way.  The most thematic places on earth, Disney Destinations give new meaning to the concept of themed photography.  Characters, clocks, colors; flowers, fences, fish; hats or hidden Mickeys; vehicles and villains; the possibilities are endless.  Weave your own tale by choosing an element that will play a role in a number of your photos.

• While most people are aware of the difficulties with night photography, few realize that full daylight carries its own challenges.  Great photographers understand that the very best photo opportunities are found at the beginning and end of each day – sunrise and sunset.  The light is unsurpassed, lending a gentle glow or soft shadow, making the everyday subject exceptional.

• Whatever your focus may be, take the time to consider your subject.  Look for an unusual perspective; a new way of capturing a familiar sight.  Get down low or step up on something higher; shoot from a different side, try a shallow depth of field, pay attention to reflections and shadows.  Move in close – remember that a nose, eyelashes, and polka dots are more than enough for a recognizable image of Minnie Mouse!

The holiday decorations are up for 2009; none more beautiful than the Castle Dream Lights in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.  A breathtaking display of shimmering beauty that photographer Joe Penniston has captured in perfect reflection.

Staying at a Walt Disney World resort has its rewards, not the least of which are the many fanciful touches in the guest rooms.  In keeping with the slightly more formal tone of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the desk lamp features Mickey in his top hat.

On Christmas Eve, he and Minnie are often on hand to greet guests in the beautiful lobby where they arrive elegantly attired in dove grey; Mickey sporting the same handsome hat.

The Library…even its name is welcoming.  Cushy sofas with high, carved backs invite conversation or quiet repose.  There’s a warm terra cotta hearth with sculpted niches showcasing native artworks in a flickering light, and joyful figures dance before the flames.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is a world apart, beyond the bustle of Jambo House, and this quiet location infuses the property with a sense of seclusion and peace.  The calm atmosphere permeates the lobby and lingers in the corridors, settling comfortably in the warm tones and cozy corners of The Library.

Walls of glass look out over an expansive verandah and the savannah beyond.  The Kidani butterfly, found throughout the property, flutters across the walls here too, leaving its trace – words of wisdom and kindness.

It’s the perfect location for Story Time, nightly at 7:30 p.m., and offers a variety of other activities throughout the day, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the many beautiful examples of African art that grace this serene room.

This spectacular vintage fire engine is just one of the wonderful Main Street vehicles that offer guests a one-way trip to nostalgia. Choose to cruise from Town Square to Cinderella Castle, or climb on board at the Castle for the slow-paced journey back down Main Street U.S.A. Thanks to photographer Jeff Bergman for this amazing photo of the fire truck parked right in front of the most famous address in town!

Something unexplainable happened many years ago at the Hollywood Tower Hotel.  Lightning struck and a wing of the hotel, including the passengers on the elevator,  crossed over into the Twilight Zone.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror boasts one of the most detailed and evocative queues on property, with dusty relics of a crumbling hotel that has been lost to time since the 1930’s.

Guests move through the atmospheric lobby and down to the boiler room before boarding a freight elevator that appears to be in a frightening state of disrepair; an elevator that “travels directly to…the Twilight Zone.”  The car rises to the thirteenth floor, then glides through spooky corridors allowing tantalizing glimpses of “lost” hotel guests.  Suddenly, the car enters a shaft and the terror begins – a computerized program randomly generates a series of hair-raising (literally) plummets and ascents.  Periodically, doors will open to a view of the park below before the car drops yet again.  For those not on the ride, the screams can be heard across the park before the doors slam shut.

Take the time to enjoy the extraordinary theming of this attraction.  Those who would like to take a peek but avoid the ride can take advantage of a special exit just before boarding the elevator car.  The “elevator attendants” do a wonderful job in their roles and are very popular with guests.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Approximately 4 minutes

Guests must transfer from wheelchair to ride seat

40″ minimum height requirement

Park admission required

Long shadows portray the end of another happy day.  The exit gate extends its  invitation to return soon.  A hidden farewell, beautifully realized by S. E. Smith.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is filled with lush green growth, leafy trees that dapple the sunlight on the walkways below, frilly fronds, and twining vines.  You may be surprised when ten feet of that fine foliage starts to move – meet DiVine!

It is performance art at its most captivating, as she wraps herself around living plants to become one with the landscape, then slowly stretches her long “limbs” and moves gracefully to embrace a different tree.  Once concealed, she is almost impossible to see, even when you’re looking for her.

Enjoy her verdant wanderings between Asia and Africa each day at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.

It’s the place for princess paraphernalia and a great source for toys and trinkets.  Choose a soft stuffed Disney character to delight a baby, or a Tinker Bell charm for your favorite fairy.

Just inside the second-floor entrance from the monorail station at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, M. Mouse Mercantile is a convenient stop for some of the best souvenir shopping outside the parks.

On Monday evenings at 8:00 p.m. guests are invited to attend Story Time, or stop in for Mousecraft arts and crafts at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.  M. Mouse Mercantile is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Photo by Joe Penniston