DDW Pic 1064. Kilimanjaro Exit

Kilimanjaro Exit

There is a "hidden" gem at Animal Kingdom that is overlooked by so many guests. It is located near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris. Most guests just leave that attraction and head toward the next ride or show. However, there is a little walkway that leads to the backside of the Pangani gorilla habitat. There is usually at least one male silverback in that area. Sometimes you have to look down over the fence to see him resting in a rock cut-out or staying cool at the base of this beautiful waterfall. Last week, I liked the way the morning sun was hitting the waterfall so I snapped this shot.

DDW Pic 1063. Frozen Parade

Frozen Parade

As part of the Frozen Summer Fun event at Hollywood Studios, there is a daily parade featuring Disney's two most famous animated characters of all time. The official name of this procession is Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome. It also includes Kristoff, the ice cutters, and citizens of Arendelle. These skaters are at the front of the parade, which makes its way up Hollywood Boulevard, around Echo Lake, and finally out past Star Tours. I can only imagine how hot those hats must be in the Central Florida sun!

DDW Pic1062. Mike Wazowski

Mike Wazowski 

The original Monster's Inc. movie came out 13 years ago, but Mike and Sully are still beloved characters. They made their return in last year's Monsters University, and they still have a presence at Walt Disney World. They can be seen greeting guests near the exit of the Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios. That is where I got this shot of Mike Wazowski a few days ago. 

DDW Pic 1061. Muppet Wars

Muppet Wars

I was waiting for my tour guests at Star Tours the other day when I noticed this view. I couldn't help but realize that it showed two of Disney's top "properties" in one shot. The Muppets have made a recent resurgence and Star Wars will be popular forever. So, when I was able to combine Tatooine Traders with MuppetVision 3D, I had to label it "Muppet Wars."

DDW Pic 1060. Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom

This is one of those shots I would classify as a "unique view." I was in a little alcove on the path between Asia and Aftica in Animal Kingdom. The bridge in the photo connects Discovery Island and Africa. If you look under the bridge you can see a boat docked in the new section of the Harambe Village, where the Festival of the Lion King takes place. Also, I used palm branches in the foreground to frame this shot.

DDW Pic 1059. Wandering Oaken's - Panorama

Wandering Oaken's - Panorama

Today, I had the chance to spend some time at Wandering Oaken's Frozen Funland. This is part of the Hollywood Studios "Frozen Summer Fun" event taking place through the end of August. Disney turned an entire building into a temporary ice skating rink with a Frozen theme. This was the same spot that was Darth's Mall, the giant gift shop used for Star Wars Weekends last month. It is fun to see this environment created in a Central Florida theme park.

DDW Pic 1058. Thunder Mountain

Thunder Mountain

I took this Thunder Mountain sunset photo last week. It was the same early evening that we saw the most amazing rainbow we could remember. It was quite the night for photography buffs in Central Florida!