DDW Pic 2154. Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness is home to some of the best recreational opportunities on Disney property. There is fishing, kayaking, boating, horseback riding, etc. Even though there is a nice beach on Bay Lake, it is not used for swimming. So, guests of this resort come to the pool to take a dip.

DDW Pic 2152. Pandora

Pandora

I know I have posted many photos from Pandora over the last few months, but this new area of Animal Kingdom has so much to offer. At first glance, this simply looks like a tree surrounded by lush, green foliage. However, if you look closely, you will see a downed helicopter (from decades ago) with overgrown moss, plants and tree branches creating a camouflage around it.

DDW Pic 2153. Adventureland

Adventureland

Each land of the Magic Kingdom has transition areas that signify to guests that they are entering a different part of the park. Some areas have large signs and others have more subtle transitions. This exotic looking skull with spears is just above the large Adventureland sign that faces the hub of the park.

DDW Pic 2151. Rivers of Light

Rivers of Light

There are many great GPS guided floats in the new Rivers of Light show at Animal Kingdom. Four of them are “stained glass” animals. I took this shot of the tiger the last time I saw the show.

DDW Pic 2150. Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain is one of the longest Magic Kingdom attractions, at just about 12 minutes. It is not an easy ride to take photos on, due to the darkness and the possibility of getting your camera wet. However, I took this shot in the queue using the iPhone “portrait” setting a few weeks ago. Brer Rabbit is not quite being truthful.....you WILL get wet.

DDW Pic 2149. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Even after being open more than three years, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Continues to be the most popular attraction at Magic Kingdom. More guests head to that spot, right after park opening each morning, than anywhere else. I took this shot of the dwarfs’ house from the exit area, right after my last visit to this ride.

DDW Pic 2148. Ostriches

Ostriches

There are so many interesting animals to be found on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom. Ostriches certainly fall into this category. I took this shot of a “flock” of three that were approaching our vehicle on a recent safari.

DDW Pic 2147. Japan

Japan

Japan is one of my favorite Epcot pavilions. Along with three excellent restaurants, it features one of the largest shops in World Showcase. I took this shot from inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store.

DDW Pic 2146. Boardwalk

Boardwalk

The Boardwalk Resort is located in one of the best spots on Disney property, right between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I was walking to Hollywood Studios when I took this shot. This is one of the “quiet” leisure pools that can be found at this resort.

DDW Pic 2145. Tree of Life

Tree of Life 

The Tree of Life has over 325 animals carved into the trunk, branches, and limbs. Many of them can easily be seen from around Discovery Island, but some are more hidden. This ape can be found in the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” queue, just outside of the entrance.

DDW Pic 2144. Kangaroo

Kangaroo 

One of my favorite spots at Animal Kingdom is the kangaroo viewing area near the Tree of Life. This area was closed for a while, but I was glad to see it reopen. It is on a lightly traveled path, and relatively few guests know that it exists.

DDW Pic 2143. Port Orleans

Port Orleans 

This is the boat dock at Port Orleans - Riverside Resort. This boat takes guests between both Port Orleans resorts and Disney Springs. It is a fun and scenic mode of transportation.

DDW Pic 2142. Fort Wilderness

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 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.