Pictures #4--A day in the sunshine for a holiday resort tour

[Dan Murphy]

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<p><b>Up and at it, (as Mickey says) bright and early, for a short tour, on a
brilliantly sunny day, of the
Magic Kingdom resorts, and one of my favorites, Port Orleans, Riverside (I still
refer to it as Dixie Landings, DxL).  Drove over to the Poly to start out,
Monorail to Grand Floridian, boat over to Wilderness Lodge, and then a drive
over to DxL.  After that, back to the Swan and a boat ride over to Epcot
for the evening (next thread).  Hope you enjoy, there's a lot here, hope
the dialups get it to work.  If not, try refreshing a few times.</b></p>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5413.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>Well, from the looks of it we are over at the Poly.  Lush!!!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5414.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>The theming at the Poly is just great, you are immersed in the islands it
depicts.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5416.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5417.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>Ever notice the Hidden Mickey in the lobby??</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5419.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5420.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5422.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>Flowers are everywhere, always so pretty.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5424.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Behind one of the sales counters in one of the clothing shops (I think <font class="TimesRoman10"><i>Maui
Mickey's</i>), I spotted an 'unofficial' Hidden Mickey.  Well, it is
Mickey, and it was sort of hidden, LOL.</font>
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5425.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>A shot from the marina where the water mice are docked, looking over to the
Tuvalu longhouse, and out across Seven Seas Lagoon to the Grand Floridian.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5426.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>A look the other way, across the Poly beach, shows the Contemporary in the
distance.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5427.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>The volcano pool at the Poly is so very inviting looking, isn't it??</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5428.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>And now looking at the GF from the same beach.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5429.jpg" </p width="362" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>And across the lagoon to the Magic Kingdom and the Castle.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5430.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Several more of the volcano pool.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5439.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5441.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5446.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>The Castle, its spires towering high.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5447.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>I used this as a 'Where in the World' the other day.  It is in a little
shack located just outside Trader Jacks gift store on the second floor of the
Poly.  Great theming again.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5453.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>A hop on the Monorail and we are over at the Grand Floridian.  Elegant!!!! 
What a magnificently stunning tree, five stories tall!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5454.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Viewing it straight on from the second floor walk area.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5456.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>And down to the huge gingerbread house and birdcage on the first floor.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5457.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>And up to a skylight.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5459.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Out on one of the balconies, one can look over to the Poly......</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5462.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Or watch the Monorail approaching the GF.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5461.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5463.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b>Everything at the GF is elegant.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5464.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Okay everyone.........Awwwwwwww.........</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5465.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5466.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5467.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
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<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5468.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
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<p><b>Another shot of the gingerbread house.  You can get an idea of its size
with all the guests around the area.  It is BIG!!!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5471.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Another view across Seven Seas Lagoon from the second floor, over to the
Poly.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5472.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>And back to the tree.  The earlier shots were taken at the far end shown
here, where that one person is standing near the smaller Christmas tree.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5473.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>As I walked over to the side the gingerbread house was on, I was able to
shoot down on it.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5476.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5478.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Here, in one of the lounges, looking across the grounds out back and one of
the several pools.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5479.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Time to move on to the next destination, we await the Monorail.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5480.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>And who but Mary Poppins should be in the courtyard below.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5481.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Along with a few Christmas deer and </b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5482.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Some classic cars and carriages.  Elegant indeed.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5483.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Whoops, got to go, it's here......</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5484.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Now over at the boat dock, waiting for the boat to the Wilderness Lodge, a
look across to where we were just a few minutes ago.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5485.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>While waiting for the boat, I saw something that intrigued me, more on this
later.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5487.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Always time for a shot of the Train Station while waiting.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5488.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Here it comes.......</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5489.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>And we're off to the Wilderness Lodge.  Here, a front on shot of the
Contemporary as we cruise by.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5491.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>The Monorail, always a great sight, just by itself.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5493.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>GF again, from out on Seven Seas Lagoon.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5495.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>A Monorail entering the Contemporary.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5497.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5498.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Another of the WL boats cruises past us.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5499.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Pretty, so classically WDW.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5501.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5506.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Approaching the Wilderness Lodge, a real must see if you are do Christmas
decoration tour.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5507.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Ever present Disney birds, LOL.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5508.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5510.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Majestic!!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5512.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Him also.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5514.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5517.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>You do have the feel of a mountain lodge when there.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5518.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5520.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>The attention to detail, here on a Christmas tree, is amazing.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5521.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5525.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>The BIG one, in the main lobby of the WL.  It is a new one this year,
and beautiful.  ( I use that word a lot, don't I??)</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5527.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b> A uniquely Disney totem pole.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5530.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>We enjoyed lunch at the Whispering Canyon Cafe, and it was great. 
When it came time for the bill, our server, Cantina Tina (she did have a loud
mouth, LOL) asked this young guest to give us the bill, as she said she was
scared to, LOL.  Another neat moment.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5532.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Now, back on the boat, heading for the MK dock again.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5533.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5535.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>For the life of me, I honestly can not recall where this picture is
from.  We took the Monorail back to the Poly to get the car and head over
to Dixie Landings.  But where was this picture from????</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5536.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>DxL, all decked out for the Holidays.  Southern Hospitality!!!!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5537.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5538.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b><p><b>And the grounds, well, I have posted many very similar pictures over
the past couple years, but I never tire of the simple elegance of this resort. 
Hopefully, the pictures will speak for themselves as to the beauty of DxL.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5539.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5540.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5541.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5542.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5543.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5544.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5546.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>What is that white object way up there on that tree???</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5547.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Wow, that is a big bird balanced on that branch!!!!!</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5548.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5549.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Pretty???  I think it is so nice there.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5550.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5551.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5554.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Hi guy.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5555.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5558.jpg" </p width="337" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Inside Fulton's General Store, we see a few familiar faces.  With
that, we are on our way back to the Swan.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5560.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>After a quick stop at the Swan to freshen up and put on warmer clothes for
an evening at Epcot, we head out on a Friendship Boat and a short cruise across
Crescent Lake.  We are cruising here from the Yacht and Beach Club dock
over to the Boardwalk dock.  Evening shadows are upon us.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5561.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>The sun, so glorious bright and clear all day long, now finds its way to
the west.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5562.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">
</b>
<p><b>Thanks for a great day.</b>
<p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5563.jpg" </p width="600" height="450">

</b><p><b>And here, our group for an evening at Restaurant Marrakesh at Morocco,
followed by Candlelight Processional and Illuminations.  On the left,
mnbrowns (Leslie), helenabear (Elaine) and kneeling, CarolA (Carol).  Also
in this picture is ILUVDXL (Kathy) and her hubby, Joe.  They were off to
eat and spend the evening elsewhere, but Kathy was determined to meet and
tonight was the closest we would be during the time she and I were there so we
picked tonight as the night.  So nice to finally meet you guys, Kathy, a friend from Boston.</b><p><b>Next up is Marrakesh, Candlelight Processional and Illuminations.</b>


<p><img src="http://www.dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/Picture1.jpg" width="600" height="340"><p><b><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/WDWDec2002/Dec2/DSCN5485.jpg" </p width="94" height="71">
</b>
<p><b>Oh, and that one from earlier, that one is for Zurg (Bennett).</b>
<div align="left">
<table border="1" width="60%">
<tr>
<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>
<td width="20%"><b> <a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=308343"><font face="Verdana" size="1">#3--An
evening at Epcot with more DIS'ers</font></a></b></td>
<td width="20%"><font face="Verdana" size="1"><a href="http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=310322"><b>#4--A
day in the sunshine for a holiday resort tour</b></a></font></td>
<td width="20%"><b><font face="Verdana" size="1"><a href="http://disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=311333">#5--Marrakesh,
Candlelight Processional, Illuminations</a></font></b></td>
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<p> 

 

[snoopy]

Those pics of DxL are just stunning, Dan. My most favorite resort!

 

[oldkicker]

Awesome, Dan......

 

[Ranatra]

Dan, that pic of the two childrens faces looks like a Hallmark Card! It's a beautiful photo! And the lighting looks perfect! Did you really take that??? I'm impressed!!
I Love the expressions!

 

[dizneenut]

Beautiful pics, Dan.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Great pics, Dan, but you missed my favorite "home", OKW! I'll be there in 24 hours!

 

[KayleeUK]

What lovely pictures............Thank you

Kaylee

 

[Big V]

Great photo's Dan! Thanks!

 

[Lorix2]

wonderful pictures Dan - thanks for taking the time to post them all. I've only been to the Yacht & Beach club properties poking around so it's great to see the others - I think we'll make it a priority to "tour" like you did, it looks fun.

 

[helenabear]

Thanks Dan for the beautiful pictures! If I remember correctly, that picture of the two kids is hanging in the lobby area of DxL. If you are walking into the check-in area I do believe you would find it hanging on the left. That is an adorable picture, isn't it? Thanks again Dan

 

[Princess Michelle]

Very nice!

 

[CRB#33]

Yippee!!! I got them all to load! In just a few seconds!

They're gorgeous pics, Dan! That GF gingerbread house is amazing! Thanks for the tour. I'm dying to go to WDW at Christmas, your pics are the next best thing!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Very nice Dan - thanks

 

[Serena]

Wow, so many beautiful pictures.

 

[Tony-NJ]

Dan - these were great! Thanks!

 

[Kitty 34]

Nice pics, Dan!

 

[skuttle]

I can't think of a better way to start my morning than with a picture post from you, Dan! Okay...maybe a wake-up call from Mickey would be better because that would mean I'm at WDW!

Beautiful pictures, as always.

 

[tiggerlover]

Fabulous pictures, Dan. Thanks for sharing them. Loved the music too!

I am curious, do you make prints from all of the pictures you take?

 

[Colleen A.]

You can almost feel the warmth of the Florida sunshine!! On a cold snowy morning like this, I only have one thing to say....I WANNA GO BACK!!

Colleen

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks for your thoughts. I enjoy taking and posting them.

Sandi, no, I wish I could take a picture like that. As Elaine pointed out, (and it would be in the correct sequence) that picture is in the lobby of DxL. I just thought it was a great looking picture, and took a picture of it. Thanks, Elaine.

Glad to hear your high speed is working well, CRB.

Debbie, no, I rarely make any prints from any of the pictures, I just enjoy taking them, looking at them and sharing them. Maybe I should print some out or order prints.