DDW Pic 2142. Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness is home to one of the best dinner shows on property. Right outside of the restaurant is this stack of barrels and crates. I like the MTBOX label, letting people know that it is an “empty box.”

DDW Pic 2141. Buzz Lightyear

Buzz Lightyear 

Buzz Lightyear is a favorite attraction in Tomorrowland, especially among those who like a little healthy competition while visiting Magic Kingdom. I always enjoy trying to max out the score at 999,999 whenever I ride. I took this shot in the spot where the “on-ride” photo is taken.

DDW Pic 2140. The Fishin’ Hole

The Fishin’ Hole

In addition to the great theme parks, Walt Disney World is home to many different types of recreational activities. These include boating, golf, parasailing, and even fishing. I took this shot of “The Fishin’ Hole” while visiting Port Orleans - Riverside.

DDW Pic 2136. Tomorrowland Speedway

Tomorrowland Speedway

The Tomorrowland Speedway is the only attraction in Tomorrowland that was there on opening day of the Magic Kingdom. It is one of the only rides where guests can get a glimpse “behind the scenes” while waiting in line. I took this shot of pit row while preparing to go for a drive last week.

DDW Pic 2139. Pecos Bill

Pecos Bill

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café is a large quick service restaurant in Frontierland. This sign can actually be found hanging in the queue of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. There are many fun advertisements and comical references to be seen thoughout this queue.

DDW Pic 2138. Jungle Cruise

Jungle Cruise

Here is another shot from my voyage aboard Jungle Cruise a few weeks back. This photo includes some fun Disney park trivia. The manaquin face seen here can also be found on the animatronic man with the dog in the graveyard scene of the Haunted Mansion.

DDW Pic 2137. Pandora

Pandora

There are many spots in the Disney parks with excellent landscape design. However, the new Pandora area of Animal Kingdom has to be the best and most detailed. I took this shot while in the outdoor queue at Flight of Passage a few days ago.

DDW Pic 2131. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

I took this shot while riding the PeopleMover a few days ago. It is one of the few spots with a view from “above” the Magic Kingdom. You can see the very large crowd on the bridge from Tomorrowland.

DDW Pic 2132. Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is my favorite attraction for many reasons. The details in the outside queue are right at the top of the list. I took this shot of Fred’s gravestone while waiting in line a few days ago,

DDW Pic 2135. Metal Mickey

Metal Mickey

Finding hidden Mickeys is a fun activity at Walt Disney World. While riding the monorail, guests can see this metallic Mickey figure sitting on a building just outside of the Contemporary, on the Transportation and Ticket Center side. Thousands of people ride past Mickey everyday, without realizing he is sitting there.

DDW Pic 2134. Yeti

Yeti

The Expedition Everest queue at Animal Kingdom has some of the best details to be found in any attraction at Walt Disney World. Disney picked up most of the items at roadside stands in the Himalayas. This Yeti footprint can be seen just before reaching the load area of the coaster.

DDW Pic 2133. Polynesian

Polynesian 

The Polynesian Village Resort has some of the best landscaping of any hotel on Disney property. You really have the feeling of being somewhere in the South Pacific when walking around the resort. This waterfall is located just to the right of the main entrance.

DDW Pic 2130. Under the Sea

Under the Sea

The Under the Sea attraction at Magic Kingdom can still be considered a relatively new ride. Although it is under five years old, it has the look of a classic "dark ride" such as Peter Pan. I took this shot of Ariel toward the beginning of the ride.

DDW Pic 2129. Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain

While riding Splash Mountain yesterday, I was trying to find a unique photo opportunity. It wasn't until near the end of this 12 minute ride that I realized I had a fun shot riding along with me throughout the attraction. I was sitting in the front row and stretched my arm out to get this selfie style picture of the Brer Rabbit "hood ornament" perched on the front of my log.

DDW Pic 2128. Jungle Cruise

Jungle Cruise

Today, I rode Jungle Cruise and took a ton of photos. As we passed by Schweitzer Falls, I saw a good opportunity for a unique picture. Since I was in the back of the boat, I was able to get this clear shot of the famous "backside of water."

DDW Pic 2127. Pirates

Pirates

One of the best queues in the history of Disney attractions has to be at Pirates of the Caribbean. There are so many little details throughout. If you look closely just beyond the square box on the left of this photo, you will see what appears to be a lone jug of rum. After enjoying the boat ride, you will understand that rum is a staple in the diet of a pirate.

DDW Pic 2126. Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness

I've been to Fort Wilderness dozens of times, but today my son and I tried something we hadn't done in the past. We rented a Kayak, and spent an hour paddling along several different waterways. It was a fun and inexpensive activity that I'm sure we will enjoy again in the future. I took this shot while paddling up the widest river on our excursion.

DDW Pic 2125. Port Orleans

Port Orleans

Today, we spent some time at Port Orleans - Riverside, which is a moderate class resort. I took this shot while standing near the main pool. The building with the paddle wheel is the Riverside Mill Food Court.

DDW Pic 2124. Thunder Mountain

Thunder Mountain

There are many hidden gems to be found in the queue and while riding on the train, when visiting Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This explosives shed, near the end of the ride, is one of my favorites. If you zoom in you can see the name of the explosives company is "Lytum & Hyde." I took this shot while riding last week.

DDW Pic 2123. Pandora

Pandora

The new Pandora area at Animal Kingdom has some amazing photo opportunities. There are lush landscapes, waterfalls, unique buildings, and even Na'vi totems. I took this shot while in the FastPass queue of Flight of Passage yesterday.

DDW Pic 2122. Macaws

Macaws

Scarlet macaws are found in The Oasis, which is toward the front of Animal Kingdom. These South American birds can live up to 75 years in captivity, and can mimic human speech. In addition to the ones found in The Oasis, another group of macaws can be seen flying in and out of Discovery Island throughout the day.

DDW Pic 2121. Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle

I've taken hundreds of Cinderella Castle photos over the years. However, this was a "first." I took this shot right after the new Happy Ever After fireworks show ended. The details in the projected images and patterns is incredible.

DDW Pic 2120. Lion

Lion

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom is an attraction that should be experienced both during the day and at night. Certain animals are more active at night, including the lions. I took this shot of a female lion a few weeks ago. A male lion was also awake and active that night, but there wasn't enough light on him for a good photo.

DDW Pic 2119. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train continues to be the most popular attraction at Magic Kingdom, in terms of "wait times." The best way to keep your wait under an hour is to use FastPasses or get there very early. If you do walk thru the standby queue, you will come across this sign as you are entering the building.

DDW Pic 2118. Pirates

Pirates

Although Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World, it is a tough one for photography. Whenever you mix darkness and motion, getting a clear picture is a difficult proposition. However, I was able to get this shot of the classic "jail cell" scene a few days ago.

DDW Pic 2117. Goofy

Goofy 

Most Disney characters have specific locations where they meet guests. However, often times you can see them walking through the parks on the way to their meet-and-greet spots. I took this shot of Goofy near the ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios.

DDW Pic 2116. Confectionery

Confectionery

The Confectionery is one of the first "shops" that guests encounter after entering Magic Kingdom. If they don't see the sign over the door, they are certainly drawn in by the sweet smells. I took this shot yesterday morning, before the official opening of the park.

DDW Pic 2115. Liberty Square

Liberty Square

It was a beautiful morning as I walked thru Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom. The water was calm and reflecting, and the sky was blue. It made for a nice landscape photo.

DDW Pic 2114. Restaurant Marrakesh

Restaurant Marrakesh

Morocco has always been one of my favorite World Showcase countries at Epcot. When you walk to the back of that pavilion, you truly feel like you've been transported to a different part of the world. This is the exterior of Restaurant Marrakesh, a unique table-service dining location.

DDW Pic 2113. Gorilla Falls

Gorilla Falls

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Animal Kingdom is home to some of the most interesting animals at this park. You can find hippos, zebras, monkeys, meerkats, and the amazing gorillas in this area. I noticed this display while visiting today. It compares the human skull to male and female gorilla skulls.

DDW Pic 2112. Polynesian

Polynesian 

The Polynesian Village Resort was one of the two original hotels at Walt Disney World. There have been some major upgrades and refurbishments done at this resort over the last 45 years. However, the theming is still very much the same as it was in 1971. This tiki god statue can be found in the main lobby, which is also known as the Great Ceremonial House.

DDW Pic 2111. Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean

Disney likes to promote its current movies in the theme parks whenever possible. This can be seen in merchandise, special character greetings, and even movie posters. This banner in the Pirates gift shop gives a subtle nod the current movie, "Dead Men Tell No Tales."

DDW Pic 2110. Jawa

Jawa

Star Wars Launch Bay is a great place for fans of this franchise to meet characters, see memorabilia, and shop for souvenirs. Jawas can be found in the Cantina section of the pavilion, interacting with guests and posing for pictures. As scavengers, they have also been known to trade "goods" with earthlings in the area.

DDW Pic 2109. Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest restaurant has been open for more than 4 years, and it is still one of the most popular spots at Walt Disney World. There are three well themed seating areas in this restaurant. This rose can be found in the West Wing.

DDW Pic 2108. Ostrich

Ostrich

Kilimanjaro Safaris is such an incredible attraction for so many reasons. For me, I like the fact that you see such a variety of animals, and they can be in different spots each time you ride. This was the case last week when this Ostrich was sitting so close to our path.

DDW Pic 2107. Flight of Passage

Flight of Passage

The new Flight of Passage attraction at Animal Kingdom has one of the best "signatures" of any theme park ride found at Walt Disney World. If you exit through the lower corridor, you will spot these three handprints on the right hand wall. They were put there by James Cameron, Jon Landau, and Joe Rhode. James and Jon are the men behind the movie Avatar, and Joe is the Disney imagineer behind the design of Animal Kingdom and the new Pandora area.

DDW Pic 2106. Oscar's

Oscar's

After entering Hollywood Studios, you will find Oscar's Super Service. It looks like a gas station and service center that you'd find in the 1930s. In actuality, it's the area where you can rent personal vehicles like  strollers and scooters. Oscar's is the perfect name for a spot located in a park dedicated to movies.

DDW Pic 2105. Italy

Italy

The Italy area at Epcot is known for great food and wine, as well as some nice gift shops. There are also some fun outdoor displays and statues to be found. I took this shot of a mule pulling a cart a few weeks ago.

DDW Pic 2104. Maharajah Jungle Trek

Maharajah Jungle Trek

One of the main reasons I love Animal Kingdom so much is because I always see something different whenever I visit. This was certainly the case when I visited the Maharajah Jungle Trek a few days ago. This was the first time I saw a tiger come this close to onlooking guests. I snapped many shots of Milosi, the male Sumatran, that morning.

DDW Pic 2103. Pongu Pongu

Pongu Pongu

Pongu Pongu is the new "Tiki" bar found on the moon of Pandora in Animal Kingdom. Located next to the Windtraders gift shop, this spot serves some unique beverages and snacks. The Na'vi name Pongu Pongu translates to "party party" in English.

DDW Pic 2102. Carousel of Progress

Carousel of Progress 

There are very few attractions in Walt Disney World that are as "classic" as Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. This is the only attraction in Florida that Walt physically worked on. It debuted at the 1964 World's Fair and was at Disneyland from 1967 to 1973, before being moved to the Magic Kingdom in 1975. I took this shot of the grandma from the Christmas scene last week.

DDW Pic 2101. Trident of Poseidon

Trident of Poseidon

Walt Disney - One Man's Dream is a walk-thru exhibit at Hollywood Studios that honors the man behind the magic. Of recent times, Disney has displayed props and/or costumes from current Disney movies in this area. A few weeks ago, I took this shot of the Trident of Poseidon from the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film.

DDW Pic 2100. Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest

A few days ago, I visited Animal Kingdom and rode Expedition Everest with my son. I was able to carefully take a few on-ride photos. I snapped this one right near the top of the big drop, looking out toward Asia.

DDW Pic 2099. Awakenings

Awakenings

Awakenings is the nightly "projection" show that takes place on the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. It is a 5 minute production, set to music, that repeats every 10-15 minutes. I had the chance to catch the latest version of the show tonight. There was a short tribute to the new Pandora area, and I was able to snap this shot of a Banshee flying by.

DDW Pic 2098. Port Orleans

Port Orleans

Port Orleans - French Quarter is a moderate class resort with a New Orleans theme. We visited last night to see a friend perform at the Scat Cats club, located right near the main lobby. I took this shot in the adjacent food court area.

DDW Pic 2097. Dinosaur

Dinosaur

The Dinosaur attraction at Animal Kingdom is one of the more "thrilling" rides at this park, and my son and I ride it often. However, I noticed this detail for the first time today. There is writing on the right hand wall, near the beginning of the ride, with an interesting hidden tribute. The sector numbers and letters have meaning. CTX refers to the original name of the attraction, Countdown to Extinction. The WDI is Walt Disney Imagineering. Finally, the AK98 refers to Animal Kingdom and the year that it opened......1998.

DDW Pic 2096. Disney Springs

Disney Springs

Today, we caught a movie at Disney Springs, and then did some window shopping at a handful of stores. We went into Uniqlo for the first time, and found it to be very impressive. This 25,000 square foot building is located in the Town Center area. I took this shot from a second floor window.

DDW Pic 2095. Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion

Although Haunted Mansion is my favorite attraction, it is very difficult to get clear photos on such a dark ride, especially due to the motion of the "doom buggy." However, while riding today with my son, we stopped in the staircase scene for about a minute. Of course I had to take this shot, which would normally be impossible.

DDW Pic 2094. The Seas

The Seas

The Seas with Nemo & Friends is located in the second largest aquarium in the United States. It is also home to one of my favorite hidden Mickeys. I took this shot while giving a tour last week.

DDW Pic 2093. Tiger

Tiger

Animal Kingdom is home to two Sumatran tigers, which can be found on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. They aren't always easy to spot, since they sleep for most of the day. However, the 8 year old male (named Milosi) was in a great spot for a photo today.