Archive for the ‘Disney Details’ Category

Another tantalizing image, courtesy of our friend Peter Lee who recently returned from a visit to Tokyo with an extraordinary collection of photographs.  Here’s a delightful detail from Aunt Peg’s Village Store in Tokyo Disneyland where you’re sure to fall in love with Old Cape Cod!

Statuary – it’s everywherey!  Disney is in love with statues and guests will find them all over the parks, resorts, shops, and ships.

From a tiny finial to a larger-than-life likeness, Walt, Roy, and the cast of characters are recreated for the delight of visitors.  They hide in flowers, sit on benches, look up, peer down, wave, and welcome.

Among the most charming are the small bronzes surrounding the hub in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.

Here, we find the classic characters, Dumbo, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Br’er Rabbit; their personalities perfectly captured – an iconic pose, a special smile, a famous friendship.  They surround what is unquestionably the most well-loved bronze of all, Partners.

From traditional and timeless to the trees of tomorrow, Walt Disney World has a Christmas tree to suit every taste.

For cutting edge, we’ve chosen the monorail tree at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights offers the lights and only the lights, with trees fashioned entirely of brilliantly-colored bulbs.

At the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the tree in the rotunda references one of the vintage black and white photographs that grace the lobby – “Wildflower Excursion.”  The branches are festooned with ornaments, lights, and bunches of wildflowers – a wonderfully woodland tree!

Ears, the symbol of all things Mickey, are found throughout the Disney properties.  Over the years, they’ve been adapted for every conceivable function.  In the Grand Canyon Concourse at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, they become minimalist sculpture.  Sleek and metallic, they form the entrances to the Fantasia gift shop.

The shop is colorful and fun with a red and blue sorcerer theme.  The roofless construction and large mouse ear portals help maintain a light and “eary” feel in keeping with this soaring space. The shelves are filled with lots of Disney vacation essentials like pins, autograph books, and photo frames.  There is a selection of clothing and household items, as well as toys, games, and seasonal merchandise.  Fantasia is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is located on the 4^th floor, at the opposite end of the concourse from Chef Mickey’s.

Art is one of the recurring themes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidana Village.  From the moment guests enter, they are surrounded by the beauty of African handwork.  The lobby, restaurant, and public rooms all serve as showcases for art pieces. There are lighted niches displaying sculpture, statuary, and jewelry; paintings glow from the walls.

African cultures elevated the items of daily living to art forms and the resort’s collections of pottery and currencies reflect the people’s pleasure and pride in everyday objects.   A water vessel was part of a family’s wealth; a well-crafted tool might be bartered for a bride.  These pieces, lovingly made and cherished as valued possessions, become part of the special ambiance of Kidana Village.

Photographs, videos, postcards, souvenirs; there are many ways to commemorate a wonderful vacation.  Few are as special as a portrait; a keepsake which not only speaks of happy memories, but can be enjoyed for years by generations of family and friends.

Tucked into a pleasant alcove in the lobby of the main building at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Portrait Artist is available daily from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.  Guests are invited to walk up for a sitting; no appointment is necessary.

Capture a little girl dressed like a princess; a father and son in Mickey ears; a mother and daughter on their way to afternoon tea.  It’s the perfect way to take home the magic!

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.

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!

It’s a snapshot of the flora and fauna of Florida.  A spoonbill perches on the framework, watching bunnies bound through the magnolias.  The graceful arched windows of the Garden View Lounge are reflected in this unique mirror;  one of the design details that sets the scene for afternoon tea,  served here daily from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Reindeer are another recurring theme at Walt Disney World, and are found in some unexpected places.  At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there’s a twinkling deer family grazing on a ledge over the main entrance.  They add to the beauty of the lobby in the evening, when it glows with light and good cheer.

For the holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom, Santa’s reindeer have left their post to join the dancing on Main Street U.S.A.  Wearing their “hollyday” bows and sleigh bells, they’re a favorite year after year.

Nestled in fields of flowers, the beautiful twig deer at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa draw visitors outside to enjoy the perfectly manicured grounds of this splendid resort.

Look for a reindeer motif featured on everything from antenna toppers to chocolate.   Take the time to visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness and enjoy the fantastic holiday displays at the campsites.  You’ll see lots of reindeer prancing through the woods.

But, do they really know how to fly?  Oh, yes!