Discovering A Whole New World of Disney-An October 2013 Photo Safari **Updated 2/20

[DaveinFallsChurch]

"Crickets " re Norway film I presume it was NOT Jiminy Looks like you missed going in the church museum set up There are 3 Vikings in there ( one is a king sorry don't remember the history) but one that always sticks in my mind is the one with an axe held up in a menacing way and wearing some kind of leather hood....if you ever go in there the eyes are so real looking do NOT take the children in there Maybe Norway will become more children and chicken adult friendly with the release of the movie " Frozen " I heard they were going to have a new film update for Norway we'll see Landscape shots are beautiful so that saves Norway for me I always admire the wood carvings in that area

I tried attempting to go inside the church but the door was locked with a sign hanging out that it was closed. Was hoping to see it. Something to look for next time. I think they are starting meet and greets with the two main characters from Frozen.

I'm FINALLY going to F & W tomorrow...yes the LAST day and always enjoyed Africa I will take your recommendation along with making a beeline for Italy...where the CMs will call me Bella because they ARE from Italy.... and OH that ravioli !

Hope you have a great time at F+W!

I swear that poor CM at the end has to have the lonliest job in Disney. "Welcome Back" over and over and over...

Definitely. That whole unloading area is so desolate and he's got no other CM in sight to talk to. I think I'll be a little more prepared as far as taking picture is concerned the next time I go on Maelstrom. I just wasn't expecting it to be so dark lighting wise that I didn't have my low light lens on.

The African spinach paneer pocket was a family favorite for us. Even my pickiest kid who eats nothing green grabbed it from daddy's hand for more! I know it's probably blasphemy but we liked that much more than the filet from Canada (we we had late in the evening so maybe that mattered?) It was well done and dry. Like super dry. Nowhere close to the best filet I've had and certainly not even the best F&W tasting.
Love your photos. We hasn't done world showcase before either and I can't say my kids (age 4) enjoyed it much. Maybe in a few years.

Although I didn't try the F+W kiosk at Canada, I can totally agree with you that a lot of the food items were better than the filet. I don't know what to think about Le Cellier anymore. The first time I ate there a couple of years ago for lunch I had their house burger which was totally awesome. Then they got rid of it from the menu and last time I was there I had the filet. I was a bit disappointed which is why we're not making an attempt to eat there this time. Plus it was sooooo expensive I want to try other steakhouses in WDW before going back to LC. The cheese soups is pretty good though.

Glad you enjoyed the private event - gotta love being a Disney veteran and hearing non-veterans utter phrases like "So what is Toy Story Mania?" That is really cool that they ran things like Jedi Training Academy and Fantasmic!

I've noticed that if I keep my ears open I hear those kind of comments and questions all the time at Disney. I don't like to interject on other folks conversations but sometimes I just have to so that I can stop them from doing something completely unnecessary or wrong. Like this trip when I was waiting for the Mexico Pavilion to open up at 11am with a handful of people, this family came up asking the woman standing next to me "Is this where we can go on the boat ride?". The woman's answer "No, you want to go over there to the docks at the lake to catch the boat." She clearly were directing to the Friendship Boats and the family was about to head over there so I HAD to stop them. "Are you talking about the boat ride with Donald and the Gran Fiesta?" which they said yes to. I told them to stay put and head inside when the door opens.

 

[smile4stamps]

Hi there! I'm new to your reports.. I believe we were in the same October 2013 FB group but that is not why or how I ended up here! Several of the TR's I've been following are coming or came to an end so I needed more to read. I asked Brenda (emmysmommy) for her recommendations and yours was one of them! I'm really happy I found it as your pictures are absolutely beautiful and bring a whole new light to seeing WDW!

Can't wait to see more of your awesome pictures!

Your Minnie one with the Partners statue is just perfection! I also tell those chipmunks apart by the nose!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Hi there! I'm new to your reports.. I believe we were in the same October 2013 FB group but that is not why or how I ended up here! Several of the TR's I've been following are coming or came to an end so I needed more to read. I asked Brenda (emmysmommy) for her recommendations and yours was one of them! I'm really happy I found it as your pictures are absolutely beautiful and bring a whole new light to seeing WDW!

Can't wait to see more of your awesome pictures!

Your Minnie one with the Partners statue is just perfection! I also tell those chipmunks apart by the nose!

Welcome and thank you!! It's great to have you on board!

Telling apart Chip and Dale by the nose color was a recent find for me. Before that I was completely clueless as to which one was which.

I've been very grateful for Brenda and her shout outs for my trip report. Love her trip reports and her adventures with Em.

Great update!

Thank you!

 

[emmysmommy]

Dave your photo safari through WS has not disappointed! Loved the Viking statue in relief against the sky.

You captured the light from the eye on Malestrom perfectly. I'm usually so blinded by it that I can't see the face. I like this ride but my hubby says that it's like a bad troll dream. I do agree that when you think about the creatures it is not too endearing to children. Except for the giant troll in the dump shop where 91.8% of all the kids and adults stick their finger in the trolls nose. I speak from experience.

Those giraffes stood so still for their photo... they didn't even blink. Practice for January I'm sure. Great job!

Perhaps the South Korean food booth was piloting the exchange CM program with another non-Asian country? Just to mix it up a little you know since Rob had a hard time finding an authentic German CM for his CM around the world (insert trademark) tour. It could happen.

 

[emilyindisney]

Glad you got to see a little more of Norway than just DD's princess pals! Not that they aren't great, though

Love, love, love that first shot you posted from China! That pavilion is so colorful and I love those umbrellas. I always want to buy one but I've got no clue what to do with it at home

What is the picture with the light up flowers? Is that something in a gift shop? Or just the store lighting? Either way I really like it! Makes a very warm, sort of welcoming shot.

If I'm remembering right, you've been so South Korea, yes? If I don't have my geography mixed up, how did the booth compare to the real deal?

Great shot of the sidewalk art! I'd love to catch that in person one trip!

 

[SunDial]

Awesome pictures Dave. I have been busy with life priorities for the past week so I am finally getting time to catch up on your trip.

Do you use a fixed or variable ND filter for the long exposure shots. Not long ago I picked up a variable ND filter but have not had the time to really take pics around the parks with it. Once time becomes available I will be taking quite a few photo trips.

 

[khertz]

Just got caught up on your post from the DHS event. It looks like they really went all out. It's nice that you were able to get in some short waits for attractions and some beautiful nighttime shots that probably wouldn't have been doable on a regular park closing night. I had to laugh at the CM sneaking up on you to see what camera settings you were using. It would have been funnier only if it was a ToT CM intentionally trying to scare the crap out of you.

More great shots in Norway! Toting kids along makes it difficult to really enjoy the WS pavilions. I have definitely felt that! And it doesn't help than Epcot is not one of our favorite parks, so even when we were on adults-only trips, we didn't plan enough time there to really explore. So for that reason, I look forward to more of your WS posts & photos!

I totally have to agree on Maelstrom. I love that ride, but I don't know that it makes me want to run out and book a trip to Norway anytime soon. Apparently, not only could a troll push me over a waterfall, I could also encounter polar bears on attack or be locked in a theater and forced to watch a movie about their country.

 

[chattadisser]

Awesome pictures as always!

I love the ones from China, those lights are so pretty. We've never spent too much time in there.

The thing about Maelstrom that is always odd to me, you're enjoying the ride and then BOOM! Done, over and get out of the boat! Oh and by the way...you can watch our movie.. It all seems so disjointed.

 

[afwdwfan]

Well, turned out I ran out of steam, time, and stomach space

Speaking of neglect, I went on Maelstrom for the first time ever. My impression at the end of the ride can be described as utter confusion and puzzlement.

As a fan of said attraction, I have to say...


you make a very good point...

Was the purpose of the boat ride to attract or repel more tourists to Norway? I actually really do want to visit this beautiful Scandinavian country but after that ride I had a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. If I was a child, I would be staying the heck away from the lands of ghostly Vikings and hungover trolls.

And another good point.

Seriously, look how blood shot that eye is!

Cool picture!

Taking these pictures I could almost pretend that I was strolling through a quaint little rural Norwegian village. Of course suddenly running into a Chinese umbrella can bring that daydream to an abrupt halt!

Talk about a culture shock...

These giraffe pictures came out a whole lot better than the one from my safari at AK! It helps that these don’t really move.

I bet you could get better lion pictures there too...

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

You captured the light from the eye on Malestrom perfectly. I'm usually so blinded by it that I can't see the face. I like this ride but my hubby says that it's like a bad troll dream. I do agree that when you think about the creatures it is not too endearing to children. Except for the giant troll in the dump shop where 91.8% of all the kids and adults stick their finger in the trolls nose. I speak from experience.

Perhaps the South Korean food booth was piloting the exchange CM program with another non-Asian country? Just to mix it up a little you know since Rob had a hard time finding an authentic German CM for his CM around the world (insert trademark) tour. It could happen.

Hmmm. An exchange program within World Showcase. I think you're on to something Brenda!

I like that description of Maelstrom. A Bad Troll Dream. And that troll in the gift shop is just asking to get his nose picked.

Love, love, love that first shot you posted from China! That pavilion is so colorful and I love those umbrellas. I always want to buy one but I've got no clue what to do with it at home

What is the picture with the light up flowers? Is that something in a gift shop? Or just the store lighting? Either way I really like it! Makes a very warm, sort of welcoming shot.

If I'm remembering right, you've been so South Korea, yes? If I don't have my geography mixed up, how did the booth compare to the real deal?

Great shot of the sidewalk art! I'd love to catch that in person one trip!

I had the same thought about the umbrellas. What everyday use would they have once I brought it home?

The lit up flowers were for sale and they were part of the collection of lighting decorations.

I have to say that the overall look of the South Korea kiosk itself was pretty spot on even if the food wasn't. Yep, you memory is correct. We visited Korea over the summer.

Do you use a fixed or variable ND filter for the long exposure shots. Not long ago I picked up a variable ND filter but have not had the time to really take pics around the parks with it. Once time becomes available I will be taking quite a few photo trips.

I actually haven't gotten around to investing in a ND filter mostly out of laziness. The long exposure shots were done without a ND filter. I really need one though for my daytime long exposures. I tried it a couple of times without it and nearly blinded myself when I pulled up the image on my laptop from the overexposed whiteout images!

Just got caught up on your post from the DHS event. It looks like they really went all out. It's nice that you were able to get in some short waits for attractions and some beautiful nighttime shots that probably wouldn't have been doable on a regular park closing night. I had to laugh at the CM sneaking up on you to see what camera settings you were using. It would have been funnier only if it was a ToT CM intentionally trying to scare the crap out of you.

More great shots in Norway! Toting kids along makes it difficult to really enjoy the WS pavilions. I have definitely felt that! And it doesn't help than Epcot is not one of our favorite parks, so even when we were on adults-only trips, we didn't plan enough time there to really explore. So for that reason, I look forward to more of your WS posts & photos!

I totally have to agree on Maelstrom. I love that ride, but I don't know that it makes me want to run out and book a trip to Norway anytime soon. Apparently, not only could a troll push me over a waterfall, I could also encounter polar bears on attack or be locked in a theater and forced to watch a movie about their country.

Yeah, that CM snuck up on me as well as a ToT CM!

Ooooh. I forgot about the polar bear. I don't know why I don't have a picture of that. Maybe I was so disoriented by the ride that I missed a lot of photo opportunities?

Awesome pictures as always!

I love the ones from China, those lights are so pretty. We've never spent too much time in there.

The thing about Maelstrom that is always odd to me, you're enjoying the ride and then BOOM! Done, over and get out of the boat! Oh and by the way...you can watch our movie.. It all seems so disjointed.

Thanks! That was my first time in the China gift shop as well. I did notice how the ride seem to come to an end without much warning. I was a little surprised it was over already.

As a fan of said attraction, I have to say...


you make a very good point...


And another good point.


Cool picture!


Talk about a culture shock...


I bet you could get better lion pictures there too...

Thanks Andy!

Hmmmm. Now that you mention it I probably could have gotten all of my safari pictures there at the outpost and called it a day!

 

[SAT887]

I originally had an ambitious plan of touring the World Showcase and spending a considerable amount at each country while sampling each of the Food+Wine kiosks. Well, turned out I ran out of steam, time, and stomach space near the end of my trip to do so. So big apologies to Japan, Morocco, UK, France, and Canada. Nothing personal. I just happened to start on the other side of the Showcase and worked my way clockwise and your countries just happen to be on the wrong side of the clock.

This is why when I finally get to F&W I will need a buddy (or two...three....) to share everything with! We ate around the world once and by Italy we were done by Italy... There was 4 of us.... All very hungry adults...

First stop was Norway! Nope didn’t forget about Mexico and that’s coming up on another post. I’m just going to put this out there right now that I have shamefully neglected the World Showcase in general during past trips. For some reason I have found it difficult to do with two young children in the past. I’m pretty sure now though that DD7 will get a lot more out of it. Anyway, my past experiences in Norway started and ended with the princess meals at Akershus. This was the first time I actually looked around.

How was it that I had never before seen this cool looking wooden carving of…..ummm…..bird?.......no maybe a dragon? The answer: because it was tucked all the way in the back by the restroom entrances!

I get how things get neglected, I think often when you travel with munchkins you spend so much time tending to them that it is hard to take in everything around you. The details in all the countries is absolutely amazing, and I honestly have skimmed over so many, just because I am taking care of someone.

Speaking of neglect, I went on Maelstrom for the first time ever. My impression at the end of the ride can be described as utter confusion and puzzlement. Was the purpose of the boat ride to attract or repel more tourists to Norway? I actually really do want to visit this beautiful Scandinavian country but after that ride I had a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. If I was a child, I would be staying the heck away from the lands of ghostly Vikings and hungover trolls.


Seriously, look how blood shot that eye is!

I think they miss out on a lot here... They could do some serious marketing with the Viking end of it.... Little kids - awesome helmets... wooden swords and shields.... I kinda like the trolls, but also think it would be a little much for my kiddos. They would not be fans.... And that troll needs some Rohto Eyedrops for his eyes! Doesn't he know you can pick them up at Walgreens?

My favorite part of Norway turned out to be its exteriors and landscaping. I’ve seen this Viking warrior from pictures many times. It was still interesting to see it in person.


Then I found myself obsessed with the flowers that were lining the Norway landscape.

I love that Viking! I think he was who inspired us to try on the Viking hats last December!

I have heard Norway is done up very well for Flower and Garden as well... One of these days I will get there! Im actually anxiously awaiting 2015 and the point chart with DVC to see if my kids spring break will line up well with it... We have spring break in mid april up here which seems to be later than the rest of the country. I love flowers, one of the many things I miss living so far north is the lack of gardens....

Taking these pictures I could almost pretend that I was strolling through a quaint little rural Norwegian village. Of course suddenly running into a Chinese umbrella can bring that daydream to an abrupt halt!

I have to laugh at this... You just went from one day dream to another! You were in Disney!!

I walked around the store and found some interesting lighting products.



Not sure where this door leads to. I should have tried pulling it open.


Then I came across the South Korean Food and Wine Kiosk!

I was really looking forward to trying their pork lettuce wrap. It was good and I liked it. Hit the spot quite well as lunch time was approaching. I probably wouldn’t call it authentic though but still delicious. I also chuckled to myself that there were three CMs working the kiosk and none of them Korean. In fact, none of them were even Asian!

I liked the patterns in your lighting pictures - especially the ones that where like cherry trees (maybe?) I also think you should have opened the door - if you did it innocently enough what would they do?

I actually "LOL'd" at your comment about the CMs not even being Asian! I imagine a lot of food at the festival has been Americanized to meet the taste buds of many pallets...

The African F+W kiosk served me a Spinach Paneer pocket which was reeeeeally good. I found a nice shady spot by the curve of the walkway when a CM came up and began performing some sidewalk art. Not bad!

I love the sidewalk art! I think the first time I saw it I was so surprised. Its just a really great detail that adds to the whole Disney magic.... I can't wait to see and read more!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

This is why when I finally get to F&W I will need a buddy (or two...three....) to share everything with! We ate around the world once and by Italy we were done by Italy... There was 4 of us.... All very hungry adults...

I get how things get neglected, I think often when you travel with munchkins you spend so much time tending to them that it is hard to take in everything around you. The details in all the countries is absolutely amazing, and I honestly have skimmed over so many, just because I am taking care of someone.

I have heard Norway is done up very well for Flower and Garden as well... One of these days I will get there! Im actually anxiously awaiting 2015 and the point chart with DVC to see if my kids spring break will line up well with it... We have spring break in mid april up here which seems to be later than the rest of the country. I love flowers, one of the many things I miss living so far north is the lack of gardens....

Since our kids are beginning to get older I'm going to try to make an effort to look for some of these details in the parks with them in January. I think they'll get a kick out of these. DD is now starting get a lot of the inside jokes so I bet she would really appreciate some of the little things.

Hmmm. We did visit WDW during Flower/Garden Festival a couple of years ago and I can't remember at all what Norway looked like! All I remember are the character topiaries in each country.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Along with Lion King and Nemo, Flights of Wonder forms the trifecta for our family when it comes to Animal Kingdom Attractions. It’s a very well put together show. I also like to think when they wrote the script and part for Guano Joe that Disney had the foresight and a sense of satire to poke fun at the culture of tour groups. I know that’s a stretch but it makes the show extra enjoyable if I imagine that Joe is providing a tongue-in-cheek commentary when he obsesses over his tour guide flag.

Of course the stars of the show are the birds themselves and they do a great job integrating some humor into the exhibition of natural behaviors of these avian friends. If you haven’t seen this yet and I’m pretty sure a good number of folks have skipped it in the past, you should at least give it a try once.

I found a seat near the center aisle once again to find a spot most optimal for my photography. The money shot I was looking for was when one of the birds swoops into a volunteer in the audience holding out a dollar bill and snatches it out of his/her hand. Not knowing who that eventual lucky person would be was making me a little anxious since I had my telezoom lens on. If the person turns out to be someone sitting right next to me there’s no way I can capture that moment.

The first part of the show was this bird flying vertically up to catch a thrown grape in midair with its beak.


IMG_9592 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I don’t know where the grape is in this particular picture but the bird surely does. You'll have to take my word - the bird nailed it.


IMG_9595 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

They asked for a child volunteer from the audience to toss the second grape up and I could just picture DD’s hand shooting up. Here’s the bird taking five while they figure out who the volunteer is going to be.


IMG_9602 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

My favorite bird of the show. He steals Guano Joe's tour guide flag and pole in two separate swoops. The flag is returned near the end of the show to Joe all shredded. My hero.


IMG_9605 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Here’s the parrot who shows off some its vocal skills.


IMG_9608 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Near the end they picked another kid from the audience to challenge the bird in a math competition. This boy was a very good sport about this. The bird answered the questions correctly and much faster than him. Of course it helps that the answers to all of the math questions were “Four!”. The host did fess up later what the trick was. I would have been great at math too if all the answers were four.


IMG_9610 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Ah now comes the time for the dollar bird. Yeah, I still don’t have an idea what the bird species name actually is. All I know is that this bird can snatch a dollar from your hand with stealth and speed rivaling the birds camped out at Flame Tree BBQ waiting for the rogue French fry to hit the ground. The host picked a volunteer from the center section and sufficiently distanced from me. Whew, disaster avoided. Funny thing was this particular volunteer was not prepared for the bit because she had to search quite a bit to locate a dollar bill. I was not as successful getting a clear and well-focused photo of the bird taking the bill but I was able to get one when the bird returned the money.


IMG_9627 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_9632 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

They demonstrate a few more birds swooping and buzzing by the audience’s head. For this owl’s portion of the show the host asked for a volunteer with a camera. Yeah, no way am I going up on the stage with my comically gigantic camera lens and risking a collision with an owl. I was perfectly happy trying to capture the image from the audience.

Look out! He's coming straight for me!

IMG_9642 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Seriously, if I were a mouse in a field I don't stand a chance against this guy.

IMG_9643 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

This picture gives you an idea just how low these birds fly by.


IMG_9675 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Vulture!!


IMG_9659 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

This one demonstrated a much more graceful landing.

IMG_9703 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

The show ends with an uplifting story about the success of conservation and making a difference using the case of the Bald Eagle as an example.


IMG_9706 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

As I said before we really enjoy this show.When we go back in January I think I will put down the camera and actually raise my hand to volunteer. Oh who am I kidding. Of course I’ll still have my camera clicking away.

 

[SAT887]

Amazing shots!!! I love the one of the owl head on - I am hoping to do this show with my oldest in January, with such a long trip I'm going to make it happen.

Birds are so amazing - we have tons of different types up here. We occasionally have the opportunity to see Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and other birds that we probably would have lost if not due to conservation- and what a sight they are!! One thing I really enjoy about AK is the focus on conservation. I sat and had a wonderful chat with a CM about how the animals are treated there. I love that they can touch so many people with what they do - in a healthy and entertaining manner.

 

[SAT887]

And I want to add--- no way would I be sticking my arm out for a bird to grab a dollar bill from!

 

[DDuck4Life]

Flights of wonder is a great show DW is not a huge fan so we tend to skip this and not sure DS would be entertained for the whole show. Don't want him causing a comotion during the show and upsetting the birds. It's so hard to sit through shows when DS only has the attention span of 30seconds.

You were able to capture some very nice shots of the birds in action. The dollar bill shot and the Owl look fantastic. Looks like your seat choice was a good one.

Also liking the new water mark for a nice clean professional look and one that doesn't distract from the photo.

 

[afwdwfan]

I know that’s a stretch but it makes the show extra enjoyable if I imagine that Joe is providing a tongue-in-cheek commentary when he obsesses over his tour guide flag.

You know it has to be...

My favorite bird of the show. He steals Guano Joe's tour guide flag and pole in two separate swoops. The flag is returned near the end of the show to Joe all shredded. My hero.

So, tell me how you feel about tour groups?

All I know is that this bird can snatch a dollar from your hand with stealth and speed rivaling the birds camped out at Flame Tree BBQ waiting for the rogue French fry to hit the ground.

That's fast!

Yeah, no way am I going up on the stage with my comically gigantic camera lens and risking a collision with an owl. I was perfectly happy trying to capture the image from the audience.

Chicken.

Pun intended.

Look out! He's coming straight for me!

Those are some great shots!

I especially loved the pictures of the owl, but all of them were great. You did a great job catching the birds in motion.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow, I haven't seen this show in ages, but I do remember really enjoying it. It's very well put together.

Oh God I LOVE those owl shots. Just WOW!!!

 

[RatherBeInAK]

I loved your pictures of the Flights of Wonder show. We didn't make it to that show while we were there, we'll have to add it to our to-do list for the next trip. Your pictures were wonderful. I really liked your shots of the bird returning the dollar and the ones of the owl. They were fantastic. Wow, that owl looks intense!