helenabear
<font color=deeppink>There is hope for the helples
- Joined
- Oct 23, 1999
- Messages
- 40,739
<html>
<embed src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/secondstar.mid loop=1 hidden=true>
<p><b>After a wonderful, but long, first day I was ready to do something a bit
more relaxing. It was a beautiful day out with warm weather and the sun
shining brightly. So we headed off and did a nice tour of a few resorts.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0197.jpg>
</p>
<p>First stop was my all time favorite resort, the Polynesian. The
entrance is beautiful full of lush vegetation and beautiful water falls.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0198.jpg>
</p>
<p>
This guy points the way to the entrance
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0200.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Through the glass front, you are able to see the beautiful Christmas tree.
Quite a contrast with the tropical plants on the outside and the Christmas tree
on the inside.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0201.jpg>
</p>
<p>The lobby inside never ceases to amaze me with how beautiful it is.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0202.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Again, the Christmas tree. This time from the inside.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0210.jpg>
</p>
<p>Outside by the newly remolded pool, you can see the top of the Great
Ceremonial House in the distance.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0211.jpg>
</p>
<p>
One of the many great artifacts at the Polynesian... this one is a faucet
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0216.jpg>
</p>
<p>
A front view of the new pool.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0231.jpg>
</p>
<p>As a part of the new pool, this stream was created...
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0238.jpg>
</p>
<p>
..and very beautiful it was.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0241.jpg>
</p>
<p>
This is a picture of one of my all time favorite Hidden Mickeys. It can be
found heading up the stairs to the second floor in the Great Ceremonial House.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0247.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Next stop was the Grand Floridian. The tree there is truly amazing!
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0255.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The ornaments are amazing as well. I couldn't imagine the time and
creativity needed to go into making them.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0260.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The life size gingerbread house is truly an amazing thing to see in person.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0264.jpg>
</p>
<p>
As I wandered around I caught Dan here on the phone... not surprising to see
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0268.jpg>
</p>
<p>A monorail zooming into the Grand Floridian, ready to take us to our
destination.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0270.jpg>
</p>
<p>As we were waiting for the boat to take us to the Wilderness Lodge, I saw
this beautiful view of the Grand Floridian across the lagoon.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0276.jpg>
</p>
<p>
One thing I have really enjoyed in the past, was to rent a Water Mouse and zip
along the Seven Seas Lagoon.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0295.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Also riding along Bay Lake is wonderful as well.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0297.jpg>
</p>
<p>
This reminded me of my childhood here... going across to Discovery Island.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0305.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Sadly it closed in 1995 and is now deserted
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0329.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Next stop was the Wilderness Lodge. A beautiful and magnificent resort!
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0332.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The ornaments on the tree were well themed and this one reminded me of a few
"sisters" I have here
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0333.jpg>
</p>
<p>The tree in the Wilderness Lodge is also truly awe inspiring to see.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0334.jpg>
</p>
<p>That boy sitting on the bridge sat there and watched this bubble and flow for
quite some time. Unfortunately the picture I tried to get of him didn't
turn out due to the direct sunlight behind, but I had to admit, this was neat to
watch too
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0347.jpg>
</p>
<p>
As I wandered around outside, I saw many little lizard like creatures.
This one was hiding between two polls that held up the lights by the paths
around the front and side of the resort. Cute little guy isn't he?
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0353.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Even from far away, the geyser is very neat to see.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0360.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Finally we made it to our last stop planned on our tour, Dixie Landings (or now
called Port Orleans <i>Riverside</i>). I have to admit, I had never been
to this resort before and truly I had no desire to see it before. I am so
glad I agreed to see it because after spending some time wandering around, I can
most certainly see why many love it as much as they do. Hopefully someday
I can make a stay there and explore it some more
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0361.jpg>
</p>
<p>I think the theming of this resort is just excellent! It really made me
feel like I was somewhere in the South back in the day.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0364.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The mansions across the water looked breathtaking.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0367.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The attention to detail was wonderful... right down to the leaf prints and the
like in the pathways.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0375.jpg>
</p>
<p>Even the squirrels there are wonderful... this one stopped and posed for me
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0378.jpg>
</p>
<p>
I could have spent hours here just sitting and watching the world go by.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0389.jpg>
</p>
<p>
This bird had a very strange look on his face...
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0391.jpg>
</p>
<p>... and when I looked down to where he was staring I could see why! Who
would want to wear jelly slides at WDW
(that one's for you Zurg )
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0403.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Back at the Swan, I decided to go wandering off by myself. This fountain
is so beautiful.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0405.jpg>
</p>
<p>
And this one was so nice to sit by and relax in the peace of the outdoors as
well.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0406.jpg>
</p>
<p>This Christmas tree outside the back of the Swan got so many comments from
those who passed by.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0408.jpg>
</p>
<p>
That hammock was so inviting, especially since not a soul was near by.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0409.jpg>
</p>
<p>The pool area was very nicely themed. From the sea lion in the sand...
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0412.jpg>
</p>
<p>
to the waterfalls that were poolside.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0416.jpg>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0420.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The pool itself was very nice and I really loved the water falling from the top
the way it did.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0423.jpg>
</p>
<p>
I so love the look of these Swan boats. While you may not be able to make
it out, they were outfitted with Holiday wreaths around their necks.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0429.jpg>
</p>
<p>
And a look across the walkway to the beathtaking fountains in front of the
Dolphin.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0433.jpg>
</p>
<p>
I just thought the door ways looked so cute outfitted with the holiday
decorations.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0443.jpg>
</p>
<p>Soon we had to head off for dinner at Epcot. Here is a beautiful shot
of the sun as it is setting on the Yacht and Beach Club.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0445.jpg>
</p>
<p>
It was a beautiful sight to see as the sun sank beneath the horizon.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0446.jpg>
</p>
<p>
As the sun dipped away, the lights of the Boardwalk began to light up.
</p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0447.jpg width="500" height="375">
<p>
After this beautiful sight, we met up with a great group of DISers for dinner at Marrakesh in
Morocco and then the Candlelight Processional afterwards.</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0450.jpg>
</p>
<p>I wish I had gotten a better shot of this, but this little girl kept going up
to the dancer at Marrakesh and tried to dance like her and even hugged her at
the end. It was so adorable to see!</p>
<p><img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0452.jpg>
</p>
<p>I admit, not only was this lady a good dancer, she was great with interacting
with the audience...</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0454.jpg>
</p>
<p>... especially the children</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0461.jpg>
</p>
<p>After dinner, we headed over to the American Pavilion for the Candelight
Processional. It was a beautiful show and this was the only picture I got
(pre-choirs) because once it got into the full swing, I was too in awe to take
pictures.</p>
<p>We ended the day with Illuminations and then headed back to the room.
It was a fun and relaxing day all around filled with many beautiful sights.</p>
</b>
</html>
<embed src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/secondstar.mid loop=1 hidden=true>
<p><b>After a wonderful, but long, first day I was ready to do something a bit
more relaxing. It was a beautiful day out with warm weather and the sun
shining brightly. So we headed off and did a nice tour of a few resorts.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0197.jpg>
</p>
<p>First stop was my all time favorite resort, the Polynesian. The
entrance is beautiful full of lush vegetation and beautiful water falls.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0198.jpg>
</p>
<p>
This guy points the way to the entrance
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0200.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Through the glass front, you are able to see the beautiful Christmas tree.
Quite a contrast with the tropical plants on the outside and the Christmas tree
on the inside.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0201.jpg>
</p>
<p>The lobby inside never ceases to amaze me with how beautiful it is.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0202.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Again, the Christmas tree. This time from the inside.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0210.jpg>
</p>
<p>Outside by the newly remolded pool, you can see the top of the Great
Ceremonial House in the distance.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0211.jpg>
</p>
<p>
One of the many great artifacts at the Polynesian... this one is a faucet
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0216.jpg>
</p>
<p>
A front view of the new pool.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0231.jpg>
</p>
<p>As a part of the new pool, this stream was created...
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0238.jpg>
</p>
<p>
..and very beautiful it was.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0241.jpg>
</p>
<p>
This is a picture of one of my all time favorite Hidden Mickeys. It can be
found heading up the stairs to the second floor in the Great Ceremonial House.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0247.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Next stop was the Grand Floridian. The tree there is truly amazing!
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0255.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The ornaments are amazing as well. I couldn't imagine the time and
creativity needed to go into making them.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0260.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The life size gingerbread house is truly an amazing thing to see in person.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0264.jpg>
</p>
<p>
As I wandered around I caught Dan here on the phone... not surprising to see
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0268.jpg>
</p>
<p>A monorail zooming into the Grand Floridian, ready to take us to our
destination.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0270.jpg>
</p>
<p>As we were waiting for the boat to take us to the Wilderness Lodge, I saw
this beautiful view of the Grand Floridian across the lagoon.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0276.jpg>
</p>
<p>
One thing I have really enjoyed in the past, was to rent a Water Mouse and zip
along the Seven Seas Lagoon.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0295.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Also riding along Bay Lake is wonderful as well.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0297.jpg>
</p>
<p>
This reminded me of my childhood here... going across to Discovery Island.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0305.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Sadly it closed in 1995 and is now deserted
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0329.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Next stop was the Wilderness Lodge. A beautiful and magnificent resort!
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0332.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The ornaments on the tree were well themed and this one reminded me of a few
"sisters" I have here
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0333.jpg>
</p>
<p>The tree in the Wilderness Lodge is also truly awe inspiring to see.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0334.jpg>
</p>
<p>That boy sitting on the bridge sat there and watched this bubble and flow for
quite some time. Unfortunately the picture I tried to get of him didn't
turn out due to the direct sunlight behind, but I had to admit, this was neat to
watch too
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0347.jpg>
</p>
<p>
As I wandered around outside, I saw many little lizard like creatures.
This one was hiding between two polls that held up the lights by the paths
around the front and side of the resort. Cute little guy isn't he?
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0353.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Even from far away, the geyser is very neat to see.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0360.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Finally we made it to our last stop planned on our tour, Dixie Landings (or now
called Port Orleans <i>Riverside</i>). I have to admit, I had never been
to this resort before and truly I had no desire to see it before. I am so
glad I agreed to see it because after spending some time wandering around, I can
most certainly see why many love it as much as they do. Hopefully someday
I can make a stay there and explore it some more
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0361.jpg>
</p>
<p>I think the theming of this resort is just excellent! It really made me
feel like I was somewhere in the South back in the day.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0364.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The mansions across the water looked breathtaking.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0367.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The attention to detail was wonderful... right down to the leaf prints and the
like in the pathways.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0375.jpg>
</p>
<p>Even the squirrels there are wonderful... this one stopped and posed for me
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0378.jpg>
</p>
<p>
I could have spent hours here just sitting and watching the world go by.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0389.jpg>
</p>
<p>
This bird had a very strange look on his face...
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0391.jpg>
</p>
<p>... and when I looked down to where he was staring I could see why! Who
would want to wear jelly slides at WDW
(that one's for you Zurg )</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0403.jpg>
</p>
<p>
Back at the Swan, I decided to go wandering off by myself. This fountain
is so beautiful.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0405.jpg>
</p>
<p>
And this one was so nice to sit by and relax in the peace of the outdoors as
well.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0406.jpg>
</p>
<p>This Christmas tree outside the back of the Swan got so many comments from
those who passed by.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0408.jpg>
</p>
<p>
That hammock was so inviting, especially since not a soul was near by.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0409.jpg>
</p>
<p>The pool area was very nicely themed. From the sea lion in the sand...
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0412.jpg>
</p>
<p>
to the waterfalls that were poolside.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0416.jpg>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0420.jpg>
</p>
<p>
The pool itself was very nice and I really loved the water falling from the top
the way it did.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0423.jpg>
</p>
<p>
I so love the look of these Swan boats. While you may not be able to make
it out, they were outfitted with Holiday wreaths around their necks.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0429.jpg>
</p>
<p>
And a look across the walkway to the beathtaking fountains in front of the
Dolphin.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0433.jpg>
</p>
<p>
I just thought the door ways looked so cute outfitted with the holiday
decorations.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0443.jpg>
</p>
<p>Soon we had to head off for dinner at Epcot. Here is a beautiful shot
of the sun as it is setting on the Yacht and Beach Club.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0445.jpg>
</p>
<p>
It was a beautiful sight to see as the sun sank beneath the horizon.
</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0446.jpg>
</p>
<p>
As the sun dipped away, the lights of the Boardwalk began to light up.
</p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0447.jpg width="500" height="375">
<p>
After this beautiful sight, we met up with a great group of DISers for dinner at Marrakesh in
Morocco and then the Candlelight Processional afterwards.</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0450.jpg>
</p>
<p>I wish I had gotten a better shot of this, but this little girl kept going up
to the dancer at Marrakesh and tried to dance like her and even hugged her at
the end. It was so adorable to see!</p>
<p><img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0452.jpg>
</p>
<p>I admit, not only was this lady a good dancer, she was great with interacting
with the audience...</p>
<p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0454.jpg>
</p>
<p>... especially the children
</p><p>
<img src=http://www.worldzone.net/web/helenabear/img_0461.jpg>
</p>
<p>After dinner, we headed over to the American Pavilion for the Candelight
Processional. It was a beautiful show and this was the only picture I got
(pre-choirs) because once it got into the full swing, I was too in awe to take
pictures.</p>
<p>We ended the day with Illuminations and then headed back to the room.
It was a fun and relaxing day all around filled with many beautiful sights.</p>
</b>
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