Pictures #1--Arrive at WDW and an evening at Epcot

[Dan Murphy]

<embed src=http://www.disneydreams.net/Sounds/beautyintro.mid hidden=true autostart=TRUE height=0 width=0>
<p><b>Well, here we are again, hope you enjoy some of the pictures I took on my
recent trip to WDW.  While I was there, DIS-Con II was held, and I was able
to meet many DIS'ers, always a treat.  The Christmas/Holiday decorations
were all up and the place was beautiful.</b></p>
<p><b>I played with a number of the manual camera settings this trip, trying to get
better, low-light shots, tough as they are.  Hope some turned out. 
Again, hope you enjoy as much as I enjoyed taking them.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5006.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>My bluebird from the cold, snowy Midwest to sunny, warm (or warmer) Florida.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5007.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>A final look at the chilly Illinois countryside, just before heading out over
Lake Michigan, and south.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5018.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>About two hours later, the many dotted lakes of Florida are in view, telling
me we are getting close.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5019.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>The MCO monorail whisks me to my baggage and I am on my way.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5020.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>The pretty Christmas tree at MCO was just a portent of things to come.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5022.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Mickey promises me again, Magic ahead.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5024.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>I will soon find out if the Magic still lies beyond this Magic archway.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5026.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>I seem to always make a quick stop at Downtown Disney as my first on my way
in.  Pete's Dragon, at the Lego area, looks neat in the foreground of
Fulton's.  Off in the distance you might see a crane, dismantling the
Disney Institute.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5028.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>It was sad to see it being torn down, but that is 'progress' I guess.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5029.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Mickey, with a great smile here, knowing I, along with many DIS'ers, were
going to be in his World for a few days.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5030.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>The Disney topiaries are all works of art.  Love them.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5032.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Another short drive and I am at my 'home' for the next twelve days, the Swan.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5033.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>After a quick check-in, I headed out toward the boat dock to head over to
Epcot.  While out on the walkway connecting the Swan to the Dolphin, I saw
this just married couple hustling along with their bridal party.  As I
snapped their picture they gave me a look that they were either unhappy with my
picture taking, or were already mad at each other, LOL.  Not a happy moment
like so many other couples I have taken likewise.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5034.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>A look back at the Swan Christmas tree, very pretty it is.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5035.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>I was headed over to Epcot for an evening with DIS'er Ray Sharpton, here seen
with <i>part owner of the Dolphin Resort</i>, PandyPaws (Donna).  Donna was
out for a stroll, inspecting her resort home and was able to spend a few minutes
with us.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5036.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>And here Ray is clarifying which floor is Donna's over at the Dolphin.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5039.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Ray and I took the Friendship over to Epcot where we were going to have a
nice dinner at Rose & Crown.  This was part of the Candlelight
Processional package.  We each had prime rib, and it was great.  We
were able to sit outside, a nice evening it was.  Our table was right next
to the stone wall overlooking World Showcase Lagoon.  A beautiful spot for
a nice dinner.  Ray is holding a little Eeyore, who represented his DIS-Con
buddy, Fishbone†.  I enjoyed  the meal, Ray and a great camera
location, LOL.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5046.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Our view looking across the lagoon towards the American and Moroccan pavilions.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5051.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>And our view as we looked back to Showcase Plaza and the beautifully huge
Christmas tree.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5047.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>After the meal, Ray made a few calls to DIS'ers.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5060.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>After our meal, we strolled over to the area of the American Adventure and
the American Gardens Theatre where the Candlelight Processional would perform a
bit later.  We had time to take in a Tapestry of Dreams parade while we
waited.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5062.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>As the ToD was about to start, purple lights were turned on, making it
very difficult to take pictures.  Here are a few that turned out, though
poorly.  Good nighttime pictures of Tapestry have eluded me every trip to
the World.  Someday I will have to bring my strobe with to the park and get
some good ones.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5065.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5069.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5072.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5074.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>One of the puppets was extremely animated and decided to go behind the
ropes of the popcorn stand.  This CM was GREAT!!!  Really loved his
'job'.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5075.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Here he is in another picture. (Sorry for the terrible quality)</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5081.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5082.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5085.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>As Tapestry comes to an end, Elfin whimsically strolls by.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/Picture1.jpg" width="328" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Before we headed into the American Theatre, a look back at the magnificent
American Adventure.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5090.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>We picked out some good seats and Ray took a picture of me.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5098.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>Tonight's Candlelight Processional was narrated by Edward James Olmos, and
as always, a most beautiful rendering of the Christmas Story, with singing that
makes you think of angels in harmony.  <a href="http://wdwig.com/h_cpfaq.htm">A
link if you want more information.</a></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5100.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5117.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>A picture of Ray (and Fishbone†) enjoying the evening of music and song.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5122.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5125.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5131.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>For <em>The Hallelujah Chorus </em>we all stood and sang. 
Magnificent!!!!!</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5134.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5136.jpg" width="337" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5140.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>It is a most beautiful program.  I highly recommend it to anyone
visiting the World during the holiday season.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5145.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>After the program, I asked the guest behind us to take our picture. 
I forgot to change the ASA setting from 800 speed I was using on the camera for
the show, thus it is washed out.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5148.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>As we waited for Illuminations, I took a picture of Spaceship Earth and
the Epcot Christmas tree from across the lagoon.  It was so pretty, aglow
in the clear, night darkness.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5158.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>We had a great spot in front of Italy, and rather than take pictures of
Illuminations (I knew there would be other nights), I just watched.  But I
did take pictures of how the Doges Palace changed throughout
Illuminations.  Very pretty.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5159.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Nov30/DSCN5160.jpg" width="600" height="450"></b></p>
<p><b>And with that, Ray and I headed back to the Swan and Dolphin for a good
rest.  Next up will be the Magic Kingdom.</b></p>
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<td width="20%"><font face="verdana,arial,helvetica" size="1"><a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=302927"><b>#1--Arrive
at WDW and an evening at Epcot</b></a></font></td>
<td width="20%"><font face="verdana,arial,helvetica" size="1"><a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=307459"><b>#2--A
Day at Magic Kingdom with some Dis'ers</b></a></font></td>
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[TinkerPixie]

Thanks for sharing these photos, Dan. Very nice!

 

[Rajah]

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=#006400>Thanks, Dan. Great start to your pics!

 

[Beanie]

Wonderful photos, Dan!! Thanks for sharing them!

 

[catsrule]

Ahhhh, the memories! Thanks for the great pics, Dan.

 

[Mickey's sunshine]

Dan, what can I say?? Great Pics!!! I love your commentary too, as usual. I love the changes of Doges Palace during Illuminations - great pics of that.

 

[tiggerlover]

Thanks, Dan. I always enjoy looking at your pictures.

 

[lilboo]

I am absolutely loving it. Thank you so much for all this hard work.

Eagerly awaiting the next installment!

 

[EROS]

Very nice . Thanks.....

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

Its 2AM and I am almost done with my Hamlet theory...I have to be up in 3 1/2 hours to do a cover sheet for my Hamlet paper and to get ready to go to classes for 6 hours where after that I will come home and spend about 8-10 hours studying history and starting to memorize To be or not to be....
Despite all this....I looked at this thread....lol

Nice pics Dan

 

[KimRaye]

Dan, if you think some of these are 'poor', you should see mine!!! These are great, as always!! Thanks so much, I'm needing a DISCon 'fix' about now! Looking forward to more pictures and more memories, re-lived!

 

[JulesMom]

Thanks for sharing.

That bride & groom looked miserable

 

[Amzey]

Thanks Dan! Wonderful pictures, as always. Can't wait for the next ones!

 

[Muffy]

Wonderful pictures Dan! Thanks for sharing!

 

[helenabear]

Wonderful pictures Dan! I love these! So many beautiful shots! Thank you so much

 

[Kteacher]

thanks Dan! Someday I'd like to make it down to see all the holiday decorations at WDW -they look beautiful!

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Thanks Dan - felt like I was back there. First time seeing Tapestry of Dreams parade and the Christmas decorations. Tonight I pickup my 6rolls of film (2 more still in cameras)

 

[Boots]

Dan thank you once more for your truly beautiful pictures! I appreciate you bring WDW to me!

 

[dianeschlicht]

What great pictures, Dan! Makes me anxious to get going on our January trip!