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

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Hi Dave! I loved your photos from the welcome show. I agree, there seemed to be something going on with Peter and Alice. They should be more covert since people do tend to talk. The dancers and performers really start the day strong with their enthusiastic performances.

Barb!!! We adore her. She was our driver for the parade so we have also kept in touch with her through the years. She's worked for Disney for over 30 years and absolutely embodies the Disney enthusiasm.

I've heard so many good reports about Frozen. I look forward to seeing it. I would love to see it while in Disney this week.

Hi Brenda! I hope you have another great trip to Disney! You should definitely see Frozen! And if you can find the time you can meet the two leading characters, Anna and Elsa in Norway at Epcot! No Olaf the snowman yet at WDW though.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Last I left off from my walking tour of World Showcase I had just finished devouring a spinach paneer pocket while admiring some sidewalk artwork. Before I could go any further with my tour of the world I felt a strong need to cleanse my palate. As I entered Germany I saw their F+W kiosk beckoning me to try their apple strudel. How could I resist. So I grabbed a slice and found a quiet bench tucked to the back and side of the Germany pavilion right next to one of the Perry adventure kiosks. As I tried my best to look respectable while shoveling in the strudel in my mouth, one of the very friendly CMs at the Perry kiosk saw my camera with the telephoto zoom lens attached and started up a conversation about it. With all of my camera gear I drew a lot of attention from other guests and CMs alike during the trip.

After finishing my dessert and deciding that I could eat no more (at least for another 30 minutes), I got up to explore Germany which basically meant checking out their large gift shop.


IMG_0891 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

And I thought Norway’s gift shop was filled with stereotypes! Germany went all out with a splash of humor. First I found myself in their Christmas shop.

I first spotted a tree decorated by Disney character ornaments and there was Donald. Good for him! That mouse friend of his usually hogs the spotlight so much!


IMG_0882 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Then I turned my head to the left and saw this glorious sight. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is a Christmas tree decorated entirely by PICKLES! They had light green ones. Dark green ones. Medium green ones. Ones with sparkles. All kinds!


IMG_0883 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I walked in the next store still chuckling when I saw this and I had to try very hard not to burst out laughing. Now that’s a cap! I bet it keeps your head very warm too! I wonder what kind of reaction I would get at work if I walked in wearing one of those on a non-Halloween day.


IMG_0889 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Maybe there’s another head gear in the store that’s a little more subtle and doesn’t scream Germany. Hmmmm, let’s take a looksee. Oh. Boy.


IMG_0890 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I would have had no idea that this was a German Mickey Ear cap if they hadn’t added the pretzel.

There was a case of glass items but I’m pretty sure I saw the same ones at MK in Crystal Arts. Still very cool. But you know if I ever bought something like that it would NEVER get used and sit behind a glass protective case for eternity.


IMG_0885 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Pascal! And his clones!


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I was ready to move on to the miniature train section. This is such a fun and quiet section of the World Showcase. Last trip our DS and DD were glued to this area.


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Next up was Italy. I don’t think I had planned on staying too long but I ended up spending the most amount of time here. Once again I started in the stores because what better way to learn about a country’s culture by going through the gift shop!


IMG_0899 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

This detail on one of the columns caught my eye right outside one of the shops.


IMG_0898 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

As I was exiting the shop I heard a commotion in the plaza that could only mean one thing. The Ziti Sisters! These gals are such a hoot and their show is so interactive with lots of volunteers from the audiences being called up. Their facial expressions just says it all. The kids watching the show were having a grand ol time especially when they danced with them. I think at one point they were putting together an impromptu Italian wedding!


IMG_0901 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Of all of the performers in Epcot, they decidedly have the best head gear!

IMG_0912 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0914 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


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IMG_0918 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Continued in Next Post

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Continued from Previous Post

Once the Sisters retired I walked around a little more. I have to say that as far as theming goes Italy has become my new favorite. I don’t think I ever took the time to explore this particular pavilion before. I just love the details.


IMG_0905 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Yet another extremely detailed theming for a drink stand.


IMG_0909 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

When I came back out towards the entry plaza area Sergio had made his appearance.


IMG_0941 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0974 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

He’s a juggling clown just in case you were wondering. Ok, he’s very good but there’s something about him that I find a bit freaky. Can’t figure it out. Oh well, moving on.

I finally made it to the American Adventure pavilion. This was supposed to be the highlight of my World Showcase Tour. I wanted to catch both the Fife and Drums and Voices of Liberty so I had made plans to plant myself here for a good amount of time. I couldn’t wait to capture the beautiful singing faces of the a cappella group that I had somehow neglected after all these trips.
When I arrived at the pavilion I asked one of the CMs manning the gift kiosks where the Fife and Drums would be taking place. She said it’s usually out here in the front but they don’t have a showing this particular day. WHAT? I was pretty sure that I saw their listing on the Times Guide and it should be happening right about now…..oh wait…..it says here that there are no showings on Monday. DOH!

Ok, no biggie. I still have Voices of Liberty to ignite the flame of patriotism in……I’m sorry what did the CM just say after she told me about the Fife and Drums? She said that Voices of Liberty were on a rehearsal break all week long this week. Son of a…….! Well it looked like my stay at the American pavilion just got shortened by about 30 minutes. She did tell me that a Jazz quartet would be performing inside the pavilion instead of the Voices of Liberty. So I went in to watch them for a few minutes. They were pretty good but I’m preeeeeety sure that VoL would have been better


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IMG_0984 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

By this point I decided to exit the park and save the remaining half of the World Showcase for another evening. And if you remember from my previous update that never happened. On my way out though I did catch the act of Serveur Amusant I believe? Apparently “Love” isn’t the universal language in Epcot World Showcase. Juggling is!


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IMG_1005 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I had a great time exploring the pavilions that I had previously neglected. Wish I had been able to complete the rest of the countries but will have to put that off for another trip!

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh yes the pickle tree!!! An absolute must see. (I'm feeling a bit like Dr. Seuss here).

That's exactly the thing about those glasses. I'd be too scared to use them not to mention the anxiety of getting them home in one piece. They sure are pretty though.

I've never heard of the Ziti Sisters. I tend not to watch much of the performers in WS. I think because we have an International Busker festival here every year that I tend to get my fill of street performers. I do tend to stop in Morocco though for some reason.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Great pics!

Thanks!

Oh yes the pickle tree!!! An absolute must see. (I'm feeling a bit like Dr. Seuss here).

That's exactly the thing about those glasses. I'd be too scared to use them not to mention the anxiety of getting them home in one piece. They sure are pretty though.

I've never heard of the Ziti Sisters. I tend not to watch much of the performers in WS. I think because we have an International Busker festival here every year that I tend to get my fill of street performers. I do tend to stop in Morocco though for some reason.

I'm curious how the rest of your pickle tree story goes!

The other thing about those glasses - you can't just get one because it'll just look out of place. You need at least two and I can't afford that!

And I know why you stop in Morocco. It's the hats they sell in the gift shop. Yes. The hats. That's it and nothing else

 

[SAT887]

I really like the Donald Duck ornament shot... The lights in the background are very pretty I love the pickle tree - I saw someone posted a link about it on FB - need to go read that and find out why it should be in the American pavilion!

The Pascals look a bit nutty in that picture! I have a very distinct feeling Olive will be picking one of those out on our next trip. Also, Olive and I enjoyed a moment at those train and mini village one night in the WS - its one of those great details that they put in!

Ahhh Italy - one of my favorite Pavilions! I think it is absolutely beautiful inside. It is just as gorgeous at night - we had a great evening there on one of our trips with SIL & BIL sitting around talking (watching tipsy adults!) and drinking some espresso.... Amazingly this next trip will be the first time we try Via Napoli... I'm a weirdo - but the Ziti Sisters? Hehehe just makes me laugh - sounds like a spinoff restaurant to the Olive Garden....

Juggling the universal language of the WS!

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad you had a nice Thanksgiving and enjoyed Frozen. I've kind of been on the fence about that one. The concept behind it didn't seem all that intriguing to me, but it certainly has been getting a lot of critical praise.

I walked in the next store still chuckling when I saw this and I had to try very hard not to burst out laughing. Now that’s a cap! I bet it keeps your head very warm too! I wonder what kind of reaction I would get at work if I walked in wearing one of those on a non-Halloween day.

I don't know. Maybe you should try it and find out?

I would have had no idea that this was a German Mickey Ear cap if they hadn’t added the pretzel.

Disney always knows how to add that extra, subtle touch to just make it work.

Once the Sisters retired I walked around a little more. I have to say that as far as theming goes Italy has become my new favorite. I don’t think I ever took the time to explore this particular pavilion before. I just love the details.

It certainly is beautiful. Ever since they added Via Napoli to the back of it, I've spent more time wandering around that pavilion and exploring there.

He’s a juggling clown just in case you were wondering. Ok, he’s very good but there’s something about him that I find a bit freaky. Can’t figure it out. Oh well, moving on.

Might be the fact that he's Waldo in what appears to be a skirt?

Ok, no biggie. I still have Voices of Liberty to ignite the flame of patriotism in……I’m sorry what did the CM just say after she told me about the Fife and Drums? She said that Voices of Liberty were on a rehearsal break all week long this week. Son of a…….!

Just not your day...

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I really like the Donald Duck ornament shot... The lights in the background are very pretty I love the pickle tree - I saw someone posted a link about it on FB - need to go read that and find out why it should be in the American pavilion!

The Pascals look a bit nutty in that picture! I have a very distinct feeling Olive will be picking one of those out on our next trip. Also, Olive and I enjoyed a moment at those train and mini village one night in the WS - its one of those great details that they put in!

Ahhh Italy - one of my favorite Pavilions! I think it is absolutely beautiful inside. It is just as gorgeous at night - we had a great evening there on one of our trips with SIL & BIL sitting around talking (watching tipsy adults!) and drinking some espresso.... Amazingly this next trip will be the first time we try Via Napoli... I'm a weirdo - but the Ziti Sisters? Hehehe just makes me laugh - sounds like a spinoff restaurant to the Olive Garden....

Juggling the universal language of the WS!

Pascal always looks a bit wacky. I think its his wandering eyes.

Speaking of Via Napoli, we will be trying that restaurant for the first time too in January! Other than Le Cellier we haven't had a chance to eat at a TS place in World Showcase. I'm really looking forward to it!

It certainly is beautiful. Ever since they added Via Napoli to the back of it, I've spent more time wandering around that pavilion and exploring there.

It's very well done. I think we may have neglected it because we were under the impression that all there was to the pavilion were the restaurants.

Might be the fact that he's Waldo in what appears to be a skirt?

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Over the Thanksgiving weekend I took the family over to our local Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to stroll through their annual holiday lightings called Winter Walk of Lights. It was our first time and everyone really enjoyed it. The kids were mesmerized by the lights and some of the creative decorations. I decided to go back tonight by myself after tucking the kids in bed with my camera and tripod in tow to get more pictures. Thought I would share some of them with you as we take a short photo intermission from my Disney report. They really did a wonderful job and of all the holiday lightings I've seen this is definitely one of the best. Hope you enjoy!


IMG_3887 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


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IMG_3977 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

 

[SAT887]

Wow! This place looks amazing!! I showed my husband these from FB at the wee hours of this morning and told him this is why we need to move.... So awesome....

 

[teekathepony]

Wow, wow, wow! I wish we had something even an eighth as awesome around here. What a great place!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[chattadisser]

Hey Dave finally getting caught up! Glad you had a good Thanksgiving and got some January planning done. I missed out on seeing Frozen over the long weekend. We had planned on using that as one of our "get everyone out of the house activities". Well, I got the flu so my husband took the girls and I stayed home. I think I was more upset about missing the movie than being sick (even though that was bad enough!).

The welcome show pictures are beautiful. The color combinations of all the characters are just beautiful. Isn't it something when you can photograph the show instead of making sure that someone can see the entire time?

I've asked Santa to bring me some new photography toys for Christmas, we'll see how he does. No equipment, just some gear, a new camera would be fun but that will have to wait a while.

The winter lights photographs are much better on the computer than my phone, the small screen does not do them justice. One of my goals for the upcoming year is to shoot night and dark light better. I'm getting there, I've moved off the presets!

Christine

 

[afwdwfan]

Wow. That looks awesome. I mean, it's no Osborne Lights, but that really does look cool how they have the trees and branches all outlined in lights. Somewhere, Clark Griswold is jealous right now.

 

[khertz]

I love your WS pics! I can't believe I forgot to go into the Germany shop on our trip. I was hoping to look through all of the Rapunzel merchandise, and it totally slipped my mind while we were there!

The Italy pavilion is my favorite too. Even though it's really just restaurants and architecture, I think I just love it because I love all things Italian, pretty much. Great pics of the Ziti sisters, those ladies are a hoot!

Those pics of the winter lights are just stunning. We are trying to decide between taking Paxton to the local winter lights or making a weekend out of it and heading to New Orleans for Celebration in the Oaks. That's the one I always went to as a kid, so I kind of have my heart set on that one! Whichever one we choose, I'm sure the tripod will be in tow.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Wow! This place looks amazing!! I showed my husband these from FB at the wee hours of this morning and told him this is why we need to move.... So awesome....

I was debating whether to try this botanical garden or drive all the way over to the other side of the beltway in Maryland to the botanical garden I did one of my practice family photo shoots. This one turned out to be perfect and I didn't have to deal with the traffic

They even had some sound effects coming through hidden speakers that included the sounds of water and wild birds and animals in the woods! Very New Fantasyland-esque!

Wow, wow, wow! I wish we had something even an eighth as awesome around here. What a great place!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

And I'm also feeling a bit sheepish that I JUST discovered this place - this being our 6th year living in this area!

Hey Dave finally getting caught up! Glad you had a good Thanksgiving and got some January planning done. I missed out on seeing Frozen over the long weekend. We had planned on using that as one of our "get everyone out of the house activities". Well, I got the flu so my husband took the girls and I stayed home. I think I was more upset about missing the movie than being sick (even though that was bad enough!).

The welcome show pictures are beautiful. The color combinations of all the characters are just beautiful. Isn't it something when you can photograph the show instead of making sure that someone can see the entire time?

I've asked Santa to bring me some new photography toys for Christmas, we'll see how he does. No equipment, just some gear, a new camera would be fun but that will have to wait a while.

The winter lights photographs are much better on the computer than my phone, the small screen does not do them justice. One of my goals for the upcoming year is to shoot night and dark light better. I'm getting there, I've moved off the presets!

Christine

Hi Christine! Hope you're feeling a little better and you get a chance to see Frozen. I bet the kids won't mind seeing it again.

I also hope you get some goodies from the North Pole for your photography. Family have been asking what I want for Christmas this year and all I can think of are photography things that cost an arm and a leg. I don't suppose I could get a Canon 5D Mark III? Or how about that awesome Mac Pro with Retina Display that I could use to process my photos? I can dream.

Wow. That looks awesome. I mean, it's no Osborne Lights, but that really does look cool how they have the trees and branches all outlined in lights. Somewhere, Clark Griswold is jealous right now.

And let's hope that the good folks at the garden didn't go through the same troubles as Clark did when his masterpiece didn't light at first by checking the bulbs before hanging them up AND making sure that the power source is reliable and not easily turned off by a flip switch.

I love your WS pics! I can't believe I forgot to go into the Germany shop on our trip. I was hoping to look through all of the Rapunzel merchandise, and it totally slipped my mind while we were there!

The Italy pavilion is my favorite too. Even though it's really just restaurants and architecture, I think I just love it because I love all things Italian, pretty much. Great pics of the Ziti sisters, those ladies are a hoot!

Those pics of the winter lights are just stunning. We are trying to decide between taking Paxton to the local winter lights or making a weekend out of it and heading to New Orleans for Celebration in the Oaks. That's the one I always went to as a kid, so I kind of have my heart set on that one! Whichever one we choose, I'm sure the tripod will be in tow.

This was the first time I actually took time to watch the Ziti Sisters. Sort of surprised how I much I enjoyed it.

I just looked up some pictures of Celebration in the Oaks and it looks awesome! You totally should make a weekend out of it in New Orleans! And yes, tripod should definitely be in tow. I'm starting to get used to my tripod to the point that hauling around is not as bothersome as it used to be.

 

[MEK]

Wow - those light pictures are amazing. We have a display similar to that at Longwood Gardens but my pics never look like that. Do you always use a tripod. Maybe I need to try one this year.

And your world showcase pictures - great depth of field. They are so beautiful. What a great afternoon in the showcase. I have to go back and read now. I just get so excited and have to scroll to the next picture.

I seriously do not get the pickles in Germany. Are they good luck or something? I'll have to ask my neighbor who was actually born there.

That hat. OMG. HYSTERICAL!!!!!!!

I was so bummed the VOL were on vacation. I mean, really? They are allowed to take vacation?

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Wow - those light pictures are amazing. We have a display similar to that at Longwood Gardens but my pics never look like that. Do you always use a tripod. Maybe I need to try one this year.

Thanks! Lately I've been taking my tripod for night time photos all the time. Allows me more freedom in the settings I use. I have some tripod pictures of night time scenes of MK coming up in an update.

And your world showcase pictures - great depth of field. They are so beautiful. What a great afternoon in the showcase. I have to go back and read now. I just get so excited and have to scroll to the next picture.

I had a great time! Wish I was able to finish the rest of the countries but I was so wiped out by the end of my trip.

I seriously do not get the pickles in Germany. Are they good luck or something? I'll have to ask my neighbor who was actually born there.

So those are apparently called Christmas Pickles which were hidden in Christmas trees and the finders were suppose to receive a gift or good fortune. There's been some debate lately exactly where this tradition started. Awhile back it was thought it had originated from Germany but more recently this has been disputed especially since a lot of Germans are unaware of the Christmas pickle.

That hat. OMG. HYSTERICAL!!!!!!!

I just can't think of a social situation where wearing this hat would be acceptable!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Oooohh, the apple strudel from the Germany booth at F&W is the PERFECT way to cleanse your palate!

I would totally wear that hat.

Wow, you jus struck out in the American Adventure Pavilion, didn't you?

Those pictures of the lights are just amazing! I love this time of year mostly for that. We have a drive through area around my house that you can just drive through and enjoy.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Oooohh, the apple strudel from the Germany booth at F&W is the PERFECT way to cleanse your palate!

I would totally wear that hat.

Wow, you jus struck out in the American Adventure Pavilion, didn't you?

Those pictures of the lights are just amazing! I love this time of year mostly for that. We have a drive through area around my house that you can just drive through and enjoy.

I miss the apple strudel. Could use one tonight.

Hmmm. I wonder if they have one of those drive-thru holiday lights here in our area. The idea of not having to step out of the car is very enticing!