Some pictures from The World (pictures/sound link)

[Dan Murphy]

Hoping to share some pictures again, from my recent trip to WDW earlier this month (Dec). The weather was great, mostly 70's in the day, upper 50's, low 60's at night. Low crowds, as always at this time of the year. And only one day of rain that I recall. WDW, as always, was great, the Christmas decorations stunning, to say the least. It was nice to be 'home' again, if only for a short time. Did a lot, met up with lots of folks from here on the DIS, and, got to try out my new camera. Hope you enjoy.

Sound link, if you would like to listen, click here---

Home For the Holidays --minimize media player after clicking

So I am off and on my way from Chicago (well, actually Milwaukee, I prefer that to O'Hare).

Almost there now, not much longer.

And at MCO, in the spirit as always.

"HOME again!!!"

A stop by Downtown Disney, to get a bit in the mindset, pickup my AP renewal and couple MVMCP tickets. Always so pretty there at DtD, especially this time of the year, very ecclesiastic in many ways.

Lumiere, always smiling.

Hello

Santa, getting all the Christmas wishes from the kids.

Nice to see the Lego family again.

Saratoga Springs, from DtD.

As many times as I had been by the Lego store, I had never been inside. This time I decided to take a look.

And World of Disney, what can one say.....​

 

[Dan Murphy]

No on over to The Swan, my 'home' for a few days, and a few looks out the windows.

Trying my zoom out on the new camera.

Some nice shadow looks in the quickly setting, late Fall sun.

Thought I would take in the Osborne Lights over at MGM, just a quick boat trip over. And, as I leave the Swan.....the swans.

The gingerbread village and train set on the way out to the boat dock. Kids really enjoy this one here at the Swan, and so many other ones throughout many of the resorts at WDW.

Several viewpoints of the area, while I was waiting for the boat to MGM.

Now, over at MGM. The fountain at the intersection of Sunset and Hollywood, and a few others from Hollywood Blvd as I walk on up to the Great Movie Ride. Thought I would take that in before I stopped by the Osbornes.

It IS a spectacular journey INTO the movies.....

 

[Dan Murphy]

The ending movies scenes have been updated a bit, with Narnia, Finding Nemo, Forest Gump, Pearl Harbor, Chicago and Pirates of the Caribbean. I don't think I have any here, shooting any here is tough, LOL.

I'll be back.

Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore.

Good morning, VietNam!!!!!

Punch it, Chewie!!!!

And the requisite smiles from the cast, crew and director!!

And now, finally, worked my way over to the Osbornes. They are really beautiful. I do think, however, that I, and most who had seen the Osbornes on the Residential Street in years past, do think that this display on the Streets of America (the old New York Street area), spectacular as it is, does not quite live up to its previous home. It is pretty darn impressive though.

The Reason for the Season

Now on over to the Christmas Store, Al's Toy Barn and Muppet area, so quiet and peaceful this evening.

Now on out of the Osborne area, one last look as I leave.​

 

[Dan Murphy]

Nothing like a late night spin on Star Tours.

Time to head on out, closing time is coming soon. A look back at The Hat from the Echo Lake area.

And a very quiet and deserted Hollywood & Vine.

After leaving MGM, I thought maybe a good finish to my first half day there at The World would be to take in Illuminations. So I stayed on the boat, to the Swan/Dolphin, Y&BC, Boardwalk and on over to Epcot.

As always, Illuminations, spectacular, moving, inspiring...........

And, as always, a most spectacular finale, though for the Christmas Season, a very, very moving Let There Be Peace On Earth add on ending.

A few video links from Illuminations, this night and a few others (I think these may be difficult for dialups, though easy for high speed). Also, these videos are on a Google Beta, and when I posted a few links earlier, they were quirky at times, not being found, etc. Lastly, if the videos stop playing, let them completely download (they are VERY large, the last one almost a half gig file) and fully buffer........

We Go On

Regular finale
--some of the clicking and blank seconds you hear/see is my taking still photos while it was doing video

Let There Be Peace On Earth add on
--this one is stunning to witness, the video does it NO justice

​

 

[Blueeyes101817]

YEAH!!! pictures

 

[ntburns22]

I love it!!!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

forgot to add great pictures ive been waiting for these

 

[Pooh67_68]

Thanks Dan, great pictures as always.

 

[Stitchfans]

Those where awesome Dan thanks so much!!

 

[Nite0wl71]

Thanks for the great pictures.

 

[experiment626mom]

Dan - Thanks as all ways for the pics!! They got me even more excited about this week's trip (If that's possible)

 

[always quiet]

I love looking at your photos Dan!! I have to say that when I saw you on the 4th and you told me of the ending to Illuminations, I knew it would be special, but I don't think any words can describe how truly spectacular it is! One night on the bus ride back to Fort Wilderness, we had a very chatty bus driver. We were leaving Epcot and he told us that this new version of Illuminations contains 1100 shells and comes in at $35,000 per night!!

 

[mrsmom]

Thanks Dan , The pictures made me feel as if i was there.
Kim

 

[tubachick]

I Love Your Pics!!!

 

[katypop]

Wonderful pics
Sure do wish I was back in the world
katypop

 

[Amy]

Great pix as always, Dan! Gee, the night you were at MGM the Osborne Lights look practically deserted - it was awfully crowded the night we were there.

Loved the photos of Illuminations - usually we're so awed that I forget to take any pictures at all.

 

[Patio]

Dan, these are incredible as always. I'm so happy that your trip was so magical!

 

[Blondie]

Great photos Dan, and it's about time!

 

[Hermosa11]

Great photos!
Thank you so much for sharing!
(wow! - that zoom lens is something else!-- soooooo close!)

 

[Lars624]

Great pics Dan! Thanks for sharing