Monorail Monday
International Flower & Garden Festival, Epcot
I did go to Walt Disney World for the International Flower & Garden Festival. I found a lot of beautiful flowers. I didn’t even try to learn their names, I only photographed them.
WDW in B&W – WBW18
Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World
I’m back home now. My Spring trip to WDW is over. I had a good time up until Wednesday night. I’m not sure if it was something I ate or a quick hit of something but I did not enjoy my last day. I spent the entire day curled up in my room. Finally around 6pm I ventured out to attempt to eat some solid food. That whole adventure is the reason I have been quiet on my blog for the last few days.
I had been posting pics from each of the parks as I explored them throughout the week. Wednesday was my Hollywood Studios day. The park is undergoing a major renovation with the addition of Star Wars and Pixar Place areas. When it is done it will definitely be a park to spend the day at. For now though I was able to get most of my rides in by noon. I grabbed a quick bite at the Brown Derby Lounge and then headed over to Epcot to explore more of the Flower & Garden Festival. My plan was to return at sunset to grab more images around the Studios. It worked out well, I had a great day.
Right around sunset the park moves a stage and video screens from in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre replica. This building originally housed The Great Movie ride but is currently under renovations to a Mickey & Minnie ride. I was never a fan of the big Sorcerer’s hat placed in front of this theatre. I understood way it had to be there but I was happy to see it go. Once the “junk” in front was moved I raced over to grab a few images. I always think of old Hollywood when I see this building. I guess that is why I processed this one as B&W…
Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World
As much as I wanted to stay in bed, I knew my opportunity for early morning pics at the Animal Kingdom park would be worth dragging my butt out into the day. The park has been having Extra Magic Hours one hour before the normal park opening. Anyone staying at a WDW resort can enter the park during the extra time.
Either, not many people were taking advantage of this hour or I was incredibly lucky. I arrived right at 8am, and was through security and into the park by 8:05am. I ran around Discovery Island, as the majority of guests scrambled to Pandora and the Flight of Passage ride, grabbing as many images as I could with barely another person in sight. It was glorious…
International Flower & Garden Festival, Epcot
I spent a beautiful Monday running around Epcot during the International Flower & Garden Festival. I think I walked around World Showcase at least three complete times. I was smart and brought my 60mm macro lens. I had such a great time photographing the flowers. The colors were really “popping” yesterday.
My original plan was to post a picture from the entrance to the park. There is always a wonderful topiary display there and with Spaceship Earth in the background it ends up being a great image. I forgot how busy that area can be, especially in the mornings. Plus, I’m not positive everyone understands how to wait their turn for a photo opportunity. I’ll be going back to Epcot so maybe the next visit I’ll find that picture.
I did find Figment at the opposite location to the entrance. There is always a corresponding topiary display “behind” Spaceship Earth and the Fountain of Nations. This year the topiary was Figment from the Imagination Pavilion. This display is never as busy, or maybe by the time most people get to this location they have figured out how to share…