DDW Pic 828. Happy Birthday Walt

Happy Birthday Walt

Today is Walt Disney's 112th birthday. Of course this great man passed away back in 1966 at the age of 65. However, it is still important to honor this pioneer in family entertainment. It is because of Walt that I am able to make a living doing something that I truly love. As I was walking through Epcot today trying to think of a good photo to post tonight, I literally stumbled upon a cast member putting the finishing touches on this "chalk art" on the street in front of the U.K. I couldn't think of a more appropriate picture to post on this important date in Disney history!

DDW Pic 827. Port Orleans Riverside Pool - Panorama

Port Orleans Riverside Pool - Panorama

I spent a little time at Port Orleans Riverside today with my wife. This is a special place for us, as it was the first resort we stayed at as a couple.....on our honeymoon. There are so many great amenities at this location, including this great pool. Today was an unusually warm December day for Central Florida, with temperatures in the 80s. I'm sure there were many guests enjoying the pools around Walt Disney World today!

DDW Pic 826. Contemporary Resort - Panorama

Contemporary Resort - Panorama

After finishing a Magic Kingdom tour yesterday, I walked back to the Contemporary with my guests who were staying there. As I was walking to my car, I noticed an opportunity for a panoramic shot of the whole property. You can see Bay Lake Tower on the left and the main Contemporary tower on the right. This has always been one of my favorite resorts, for many reasons.

DDW Pic 825. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

In sticking with yesterday's theme of "very old attractions" I decided to post this picture of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. Built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1917, this opening day attraction was originally known as Cinderella's Golden Carrousel. Disney changed the name to go along with the opening of New Fantasyland. Since most of the original attractions in the new area were themed around princesses, they wanted to give the carrousel more of a boy theme. Whatever you want to call it, this classic ride has the distinction of being the oldest complete attraction in all of Walt Disney World. Although the Roy O. Disney steam train is older, the other three engines that make up the Walt Disney World Railroad are all younger than the carrousel. I took this shot while giving a Magic Kingdom tour today.

DDW Pic 824. Roy O. Disney Steam Train

Roy O. Disney Steam Train

Today marks the 42nd anniversary of the Roy O. Disney steam train making its debut at the Magic Kingdom. On December 1st, 1971, it became the fourth and final locomotive to be added to the line. The first three engines were in operation two months earlier, on October 1st. Built in 1916, the Roy also holds the distinction of being the oldest "attraction" at Walt Disney World. I took this shot today in black and white to simulate what it looked like when it was built almost 100 years ago.

DDW Pic 823. Holidays Around the World

Holidays Around the World

It seems like the Food and Wine Festival just ended, but Epcot has already started its next special event. Holidays Around the World includes live entertainment, a special finale for Illuminations, and unique food and drink offerings. We had the chance to enjoy this event tonight. While waiting for Illuminations, we strolled over to Prominade Refreshments. This photo shows some of the holiday treats. I got the peanut butter flavored hot cocoa and it was delicious!

DDW Pic 822. New Magic Kingdom Bus Stop

New Magic Kingdom Bus Stop

After several months of construction, the new Magic Kingdom bus stop loop finally opened. This will provide for increased capacity and new routes. I took this shot this morning, prior to giving a Magic Kingdom tour. The building in the background is Bay Lake Tower.