DDW Pic 2387. Swiss Family Treehouse

Swiss Family Treehouse

The Swiss Family Treehouse is an often overlooked attraction at Magic Kingdom. It is a very accurate representation of the structure found in the Swiss Family Robinson movie from 1960. This sign can be found near the top of the tree.

DDW Pic 2386. Seven Seas Lagoon

Seven Seas Lagoon

The man made Seven Seas Lagoon is home to  some beautiful sunrises. One of the best spots to see them is from the lobby balcony at the Grand Floridian resort. I took this shot a few weeks ago.

DDW Pic 2385. Santa’s Favorite Resort

Santa’s Favorite Resort

During the chilly month of December, Santa likes to escape to Florida, and meet with girls and boys at his “favorite resort.” He sets up on the walkway right between the Swan and Dolphin. I took this shot about a week ago, just prior to when Santa returned to the North Pole for his final Christmas preparations.

DDW Pic 2384. Boardwalk

Boardwalk

The Boardwalk Resort is home to some great Christmas decorations. This huge gingerbread structure is right in the lobby of the hotel. It features the eateries that can be found when heading from the Boardwalk toward Epcot.

DDW Pic 2383. Santa Claus

Santa Claus

Santa Claus is coming to town tonight. Earlier, he was spotted over at Hollywood Studios. This fire escape is on the outside of the Mama Melrose restaurant, not far from Muppet*Vision 3D.

DDW Pic 2382. Yacht Club

Yacht Club

The Disney resorts have some of the best Christmas decorations and displays to be found anywhere during the holiday season. Last week, we walked around the Boardwalk resorts, and I was able to get some festive photos. This is the Christmas village and model train display at the Yacht Club Resort.

DDW Pic 2381. House of Blues

House of Blues

Disney Springs has nearly finished its massive expansion, and there have been many changes. However, House of Blues still remains the anchor at the west end of the complex. I took this shot of the Blues Brothers in the gift shop tonight.

DDW Pic 2380. Star Tours

Star Tours

Star Tours was recently updated. It currently features characters and scenery from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. The “flight” ends with a landing on a new planet, which will be part of the Star Wars expansion at Hollywood Studios, opening in 2019.

DDW Pic 2379. Dolphin

Dolphin

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels are part of the Boardwalk area between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Although they are on Disney property, they aren’t owned by the Disney company. However, they are impressive resorts with great photo opportunities. I took this shot of the giant Dolphin waterfall a few nights ago.

DDW Pic 2378. Tree of Life

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life has several waterfalls built into its landscaping. This one is not far from the exit to It’s Tough to be a Bug. I took this shot today, and added the long exposure effect on the iPhone.

DDW Pic 2377. Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle

Although I have taken thousands of pictures of Cinderella Castle over the years, this one is relatively unique. Each night during the Christmas season, the castle is lit up in icicles, formed by 200,000 lights. However, I actually took this shot yesterday morning. Since the park opened so early, it was still a bit dark out, and the lights were still on.

DDW Pic 2376. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios

The Christmas decorations around Walt Disney World seem better than ever this year. They moved the Hollywood Studios Christmas tree inside of the park, and it can now be seen at Echo Lake. Around the lake, you can see these Santa and reindeer decorations, which are hanging on light poles.

DDW Pic 2375. Disney Movie Magic

Disney Movie Magic

Disney Movie Magic is a projection show that debuted earlier this year at Hollywood Studios. It features many different Disney movie clips displayed on the Chinese theater, as well as on large “screens” on both sides. I took this shot of the Tron segment over this past weekend.

DDW Pic 2374. Mission Space

Mission Space

Mission Space is a pretty thrilling attraction at Epcot, and the only Disney ride with a vomit bag right in the “ride compartment.” It occupies the spot formerly held by Horizons, which was one of my favorite attractions in all of Walt Disney World. Mission Space has one the more unique exteriors to be found on property, and there are some fun photo opportunities. I took this shot today, while my tour guests were enjoying the attraction.

DDW Pic 2373. Timon

Timon

Timon is a popular character who can be seen in the Festival of the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom. He is rarely out meeting with guests. However, a few days ago, I spotted him in the area where Flik is normally stationed, not far from Pizzafari.

DDW Pic 2372. Sunset Seasons Greetings

Sunset Seasons Greetings

Hollywood Studios has added some additional Christmas fun this year. Sunset Seasons Greetings takes place throughout each evening on Sunset Boulevard. There are giant video screens, snow falling, music playing, and amazing projections on Tower of Terror. I took this shot tonight, as the tower was transformed into a giant gingerbread house.

DDW Pic 2371. Dinoland

Dinoland

This is one of my favorite times of year at Walt Disney World. It is fun to discover all of the Christmas decorations around the property. This giant snowman can be seen in Dinoland, next to the Goofy and Pluto meet-and-greet area.

DDW Pic 2370. Gorilla

Gorilla

My favorite animals at Animal Kingdom have always been the gorillas. Because of this, I have taken many pictures of them over the years. Here is a shot that I took today, while this guy was eating some vegetation. It almost looks like he is laughing.

DDW Pic 2369. Fantasyland

Fantasyland

There are so many details to be found while walking around Magic Kingdom. Many guests miss out on some of these by not looking up. This porch is one of several decorated spots that can be found above Fantasyland. It is right next to Princess Fairytale Hall.

DDW Pic 2368. Everest

Everest

Expedition Everest is an impressive structure to photograph, from many different spots in Animal Kingdom. One of my favorite areas to eat lunch in this park is at Flame Tree BBQ. I took this shot from my table along side the river.

DDW Pic 2367. The Emporium

The Emporium

Normally, the window displays on the outside of the Emporium at the Magic Kingdom feature classic animated movies. However, during the Christmas season, the windows have scenes from Mickey’s Christmas Carol. This window can be seen on the southern side of the store, facing the park entrance.

DDW Pic 2366. Rapunzel

Rapunzel

The Festival of Fantasy parade features a majority of the Disney princesses, as well as many of the classic characters. One of the best floats is the one based on the movie Tangled, which features Rapunzel. I took this shot while giving a Magic Kingdom tour today.

DDW Pic 2365. Gaston’s Tavern

Gaston’s Tavern 

Gaston’s Tavern sits at the center of Belle’s village in Fantasyland. It is a very popular spot in the morning, as they serve delicious cinnamon rolls. I was able to snap this shot of the tavern (decorated for Christmas) yesterday, in a brief moment without a crowd of people in the frame.

DDW Pic 2364. Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe

The Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom has some great landscaping and theming, as you enter from inside the park. There are large animal sculptures as well as several waterfalls. I took this shot while giving an Animal Kingdom tour last week.

DDW Pic 2363. Dinosaur Gertie

Dinosaur Gertie

While there are huge Christmas decorations all over the Walt Disney World resort, other holiday touches are more subtle. Dinosaur Gertie at Hollywood Studios received a hat and one ornament. I took this shot while enjoying the park with my son a few days ago.

DDW Pic 2362. Gingerbread House

Gingerbread House

It is that time of year again! The amazing Disney artists, chefs, and craftsmen have created the annual gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian. This annual tradition can be seen in the back left corner of the lobby, and is a “must do” for anyone who visits this resort during the Christmas season.

DDW Pic 2361. Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire is the current castle stage show at Magic Kingdom. It features Mickey and his gang, as well as characters from Princess and the Frog, Tangled, and Frozen. As we are now fully into the Christmas season, the stars of the show are wearing festive holiday attire. I took this shot while giving a tour a few days ago.

DDW Pic 2360. Mickey’s Philharmagic

Mickey’s Philharmagic

Mickey’s Philharmagic is an often overlooked gem at the Magic Kingdom. It is one of the best 3-D shows on the planet. This Mickey is in the adjacent gift shop, standing on a merchandise display. I used the new iPhone “stage light“ portrait effect in this shot.

DDW Pic 2359. Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain just reopened in Frontierland, after a lengthy refurbishment. They put on a fresh coat of paint, and the colors really stand out. I took this shot while giving a tour today.

DDW Pic 2358. Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse

Today we say “Happy 89th Birthday” to Mickey Mouse. They handed out special birthday buttons as you entered Magic Kingdom today. I decided to get a little creative as I was walking to the parking lot after giving a tour.

DDW Pic 2357. Christmas Tree - AK

Animal Kingdom - AK

All of the Walt Disney World Christmas trees are now up for the season. The Animal Kingdom one is right outside of the park entrance, and it features animal ornaments. I took this shot while visiting the park yesterday.

DDW Pic 2356. Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion has always been one of my favorite attractions. Yesterday, I found myself on Tom Sawyer Island, where I had this straight on view of the building. I transformed this picture into a spookier, black and white format using some iPhone effects.

DDW Pic 2355. It’s a Wonderful Shop

It’s a Wonderful Shop

It’s a Wonderful Shop is a Christmas store in Hollywood Studios. Located between Pizzarizzo and Mama Meltose, this spot sells Christmas related gifts all throughout the year. I took this shot while giving a tour last week.

DDW Pic 2354. 50’s Prime Time Cafe

50’s Prime Time Cafe

The 50’s Prime Time Cafe is one of the best themed restaurants in Walt Disney World. When you walk into the lobby area, it feels like you stepped back in time about 60 years. I took this shot last week, while giving a Hollywood Studios tour.

DDW Pic 2353. Muppet*Vision 3D

Muppet*Vision 3D

Muppet*Vision 3D is a classic attraction at Hollywood Studios. It was the last project that Jim Henson worked on, and the last time he voiced Kermit the Frog. A few days ago I took this shot in the “pre-show” area. This room is filled with jokes and gags, and it is fun to walk around reading the boxes and other displays.

DDW Pic 2352. Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle

The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot is home to the second largest aquarium in the country. It contains some of the most interesting fish, aquatic mammals, and other sea creatures to be found in Central Florida. I took this shot of a sea turtle while giving a tour yesterday morning.

DDW Pic 2351. House of Magic

House of Magic

The House of Magic was a shop that was located on Main Street, USA in the early years of the Magic Kingdom. It featured magic tricks and gags of all sorts. Now, that entire side of Main Street is one large gift shop. However, Disney just put up the name again, and even a window display, as a tribute to the original shop.

DDW Pic 2350. Zanzibar Trading Company

Zanzibar Trading Company

The Zanzibar Trading Company is a shop that sits in the heart of Adventureland. It has an African theme, and sells interesting artifacts and apparel. I took this shot from the exit gate of The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, using the foliage as a natural frame.

DDW Pic 2349. Christmas Tree - MK

Christmas Tree - MK

The tree is up at Magic Kingdom, and the Christmas season is upon us. As you walk into this park, it is completely decorated and the holiday music is playing. Disney does an amazing job with all of the holidays, but especially Christmas!

DDW Pic 2348. Enchanted Tiki Room

Enchanted Tiki Room

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is a classic show that has been entertaining guests in Adventureland since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. The Disneyland version of the attraction featured the very first audio-animatronic figure. I took this shot in the pre-show area yesterday, and added the long-exposure effect.

DDW Pic 2347. Weinkeller

Weinkeller

The Weinkeller is part of the Germany pavilion in Epcot. It is is the group of shops on the left, on the way to the Biergarten restaurant. I took this photo last week, in the bar area where guests can sample wine along with cheese.

DDW Pic 2346. Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

The Voyage of the Little Mermaid show at Hollywood Studios has been entertaining guests for more than 25 years. It features a great combination of live singing and puppetry. I took this shot of Ursula, while enjoying the show last week.

DDW Pic 2345. Grumpy

Grumpy

Grumpy is a very popular dwarf, who can be seen in the Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom. I took this closeup shot today, while giving a tour. In most pictures that you find online, Grumpy can be seen wearing a brown hat. I wonder why he decided on purple for the parade!

DDW Pic 2344. Jungle Cruise

Jungle Cruise

I had one of the best Jungle Cruise experiences I can remember, while enjoying the attraction with my siblings last week. The skipper was fantastic, and he seemed to improvise quite a bit. I got this shot of Schweitzer Falls, and then added the long exposure effect afterward.

DDW Pic 2343. Everest

Everest 

There are many excellent angles to photograph Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. Also, different times of day provide for a variety of lighting. A few mornings ago, I took this shot from the bridge leading to Africa, from Discovery Island.

DDW Pic 2342. Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge is one of my favorite Disney resorts, based on its theming. It takes you out of Central Florida and puts you into America’s Great Northwest. I noticed this bison topiary the other day, which is in the area of the new Geyser Point restaurant.

DDW Pic 2341. Rivers of Light

Rivers of Light

The Rivers of Light show has quickly become one of the favorite nighttime shows at Walt Disney World. Most performances fill up quickly, and there is rarely an empty seat available at showtime. I took this shot at the later show, a few nights ago.

DDW Pic 2340. Thunder Mountain

Thunder Mountain

I have taken hundreds of exterior photos of Thunder Mountain over the years. However, I don’t have many from “inside” the attraction. This canary fits with the mining theme, and can be found in the area where riders exit the trains from the right hand track.

DDW Pic 2339. Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest is nearly five years old, and is still one of the most popular restaurants on Disney property. This spot offers French inspired cuisine, with surroundings that make you feeel like you stepped inside the Beauty and the Beast movie. I took this shot in the ballroom, after enjoying breakfast there yesterday morning.

DDS Pic 2338. Zebras

Zebras

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom has always been a favorite of mine. One of the best things about this attraction is how close you get to some of the animals. I took this shot of the zebras yesterday, while enjoying the attraction with my siblings.