DDW Pic 627. Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King

While giving a tour of Animal Kingdom this week, I had the chance to enjoy the Festival of the Lion King show from a very good seat. This is definitely one of the best productions in all of Walt Disney World. The energy of these performers is amazing, and they do it 8 to 10 times per day. Even if your family hasn't seen the Lion King movie, this show should not be missed.

DDW Pic 626. Center Street

Center Street

One of my favorite "out of the way" spots in the Magic Kingdom is Center Street. It can be found about half way up Main Street, USA, on the right. If you walk to the end, there are a few benches and tables set up. Even on busy days, there are rarely any guests sitting in this area. It is so close to the excitement and energy of Main Street, yet it is also somewhat secluded. I took this picture a few days ago. Right above where I was sitting is writing on a window that says "Singing Lessons" and "School of Dance." If you listen closely, you can hear musical instruction coming from that second floor studio. It is obviously a recording, but it certainly adds to the ambiance of the area.

DDW Pic 625. Blizzard Beach - Panorama

Blizzard Beach - Panorama

Disney World held a special event this afternoon that allowed all annual pass holders to enjoy Blizzard Beach for free. I hadn't been to this water park in a while, so I decided to spend a little time there today.  This is one of the most unique and impressive water parks anywhere. Along with Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach is one of the top two visited water parks in the world, drawing close to 2 million guests per year. This panoramic shot is of Melt-Away Bay, which is a 1-acre sized wave pool.

DDW Pic 624. Pecos Bill

Pecos Bill

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe is one of the most popular quick service locations in all of Walt Disney World. It has a great theme which fits in perfectly in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. There are many "props" around the restaurant that tell the story of Pecos Bill, but this sign is probably my favorite.  I shot this picture today, while waiting for my guests to come out of the Country Bear Jamboree.

DDW Pic 623. All-Star Music

All-Star Music

I spent some time over at the All-Star Music Resort tonight. Just like the other value resorts at Walt Disney World, All-Star Music features larger-than-life icons that decorate each of the motel style buildings. This giant drum set sits in front of the "Jazz Inn" section of the resort. In addition to the great visual theming, you can also hear Jazz music playing in the background.

DDW Pic 622. Cloudberry Horn

Cloudberry Horn

Ok, so it isn't often that I post a picture of food on the site, but this pastry is worth a mention. I have enjoyed many different "sweets" from the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, but the Cloudberry Horn is my new favorite. This delicious snack contains cloudberry jam with whipped cream in a crispy, sugar-coated pastry shell. It is also known as a "Troll Horn." I certainly recommend trying one the next time you find yourself walking past the Norway pavilion!

DDW Pic 621. Fort Wilderness Beach

Fort Wilderness Beach

I had a little time to walk around the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground a few weeks ago. This is a great place for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are walking trails, pools, and playgrounds. This picture shows the large beach that is on the shore of Bay Lake. It is adjacent to the dock where you can catch a boat to several resorts as well as the Magic Kingdom.