Pictures; Epcot tour, Eric Burdon, Illuminations (pictures/sound link)

[Dan Murphy]

Today started off with an AM tour at Epcot, Undiscovered Future World. I had been on this tour before, several years ago, but since I have been on all the tours I have wanted to experience, nine of them, I thought I would start repeats, LOL. UFW sounded like a good place to start. And it was different from the first time I did it, and just as much fun. And with the annual Flower & Garden Festival going on, what a great time to visit Epcot.​

A bit of sound--(click here, no html working, minimize media player).
Picture yourself standing by Fountain of Nations, watching a water show.

The tour started just outside Guest Relations next to SE.

And here come the morning folks at the rope drop, as seen from within the park.

Our tour guide CM going over a few introductory pictures to set the tone of the almost four hour tour.

And here is the character bus heading back after an opening performance over at World Showcase Plaza.

On over to the Living Seas

And the beautifully remodeled Land. Picked up a FastPass here, while we took about a 20 minute break, for after the tour.

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[Dan Murphy]

After the tour, I had a couple hours 'free-time' till I had to head back to Epcot for an afternoon Flower Power concert of Eric Burdon, and meeting up with a DIS'er. I had my car from the early AM drive over to Epcot for the tour, so thought maybe a few hours over at Downtown Disney. These two are among my favorites.

Hmmm, looks like Stitch was on the loose here. Aren't those Imagineers the best?

Now heading back to Epcot (left the car back at the Swan). The lighthouse was getting a paint job. Seems there is always something getting worked on at WDW, they do keep it in good shape.

Japan. Always intriguing.

When I got over by the American Theater/Adventure, I noticed how much they had redone the entrance way to the Theater. Gone are the columns, narrow roof, hanging planters. In its place is a new, wider, 'deck-like' area, with a nice open feeling. It looked nice. There is also a nice looking building up there, to house the sound/lighting controls and engineers.

On down to Italy for a look see.

The acting folks, getting the guests involved...

LOL. This was too funny, reminded me of the Streetmosphere people at MGM. These two guests were great.

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[Dan Murphy]

Always moving.

There is that building I mentioned above. The whole area looks nice, though less formal than it did before.

Just about now I met up with Virgo10 (Roberta), who lives nearby and gives us her many picture reports of her frequent visits over to the World. It was great meeting up with Roberta to enjoy listening to one of rock's great acts of the past, Eric Burdon.

Though no longer having the original Animals backing him, Burdon was as good as he was back in the mid 60's and the original British invasion. He plays hard blues, my favorite.

He has a few miles on himself (me too), but he was great to listen to.

The CM's are always great!

Had someone take Roberta's and my picture by France, just before she had to leave for home. It sure was nice meeting up with her, having 'known' her for so long here on the boards. BTW, that yellow thing around my neck is one of those Aqua Cool neckbands to help cool you in the blazing heat there. I learned about it just a few days before I left for the World on a post Leota made on the Themepark board on a thread about staying cool in Florida heat. And, it works, GREAT!!!! I recommend.

As part of the morning tour, Undiscovered Future World, you can watch the evening Illuminations from a 'VIP' viewing area by Italy. I have watched from that area several times and it is great. So I hung around for a time, taking pictures, and relaxing.

Flowers, everywhere.

And hello to you too.

A hidden Mickey? Not so well hidden, LOL.

One of the many 50th mentions all over the place.

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[Dan Murphy]

As always, every night, Illuminations, starting with a HUGE, flaming explosion!!!

A look behind me as the countries illuminate about 1/3 the way through Illuminations. Beautiful.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Always amazing!! As many times as I have seen it, always inspired.

Spectacular!!!!!

And then a slow walk back to the boat at International Gateway, too tired to hoof it back to the Swan.

Then a quiet, relaxing boat ride home.

Good night.
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[Mimi Q]

Thanks Dan. I always love your pictures.

 

[cindercopper]

Wow - your pictures move me - always!

 

[Tiziminchac]

I never get sick of looking at pics from WDW. You have some great shots, thanks for posting 'em.

 

[Disney Daniel]

Excellent photos, Dan. Thanks for posting them!

 

[Sparx]

wonderful, as always! thanks dan!

 

[PooohBear]

Thanks for always sharing your beautiful pictures Dan !!

 

[Kirk]

Thanks Dan!!!

 

[Mysteria]

You're the best Dan! Thanks.

Myst

 

[crazee4mickey]

Wow, gorgeous pics--thank you for sharing!

 

[TLinden16]

I see Jellyrolls

Karen

 

[Pooh67_68]

Thanks Dan

 

[Virgo10]

What fabulous photos Dan! You're like the Energizer bunny... you just keep going and going! I was exhausted by the time we said goodbye and you spent another couple of hours roaming around. Not too shabby.

 

[Allan]

We saw Eric Burdon too and thought he was great!! Great pictures--hope you had as good a time as we did!!

 

[kaylajr]

 

[Credit Man]

Fantastic, Dan! Or should I say, Illuminating!!!