Photo Flashback! Showtime!

Walt Disney World has wonderful attractions and rides but you can't beat the live shows throughout the parks.  

My absolute favorite live show is Festival of the Lion King.  This shot is from October 2008.

Voices of Liberty is a must-see show.  I enjoyed this performance in September 2008.  I know I've seen at least two of these Cast Members on recent visits.

We've been to the luau many times over the years and always had fun.  This is the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show from October 2007.

I truly love (and miss) Off Kilter.  They started playing at Epcot in 1997, the same year I did College Program.  We always chose our Epcot days based on whether or not they were playing.  This image is from February 2007.

Mulch, Sweat and Shears is so much fun.  My girls love them now but this was from October 2006.  They pulled my husband up to play the drum (aka a bucket) and I cherish that memory.  

Photo Flashback! Disney Weenies

In Disney speak, a "weenie" is something that can be seen from a distance, peaks a guest's interest and pulls them into the park or land.  The Walt Disney World Resort is full of great examples of this and I'd like to share a few with you today.

The best and most obvious weenie is Cinderella Castle.  I'd say it even draws people all the way from their homes states away and it has real power once you arrive in Central Florida.

From across the water, Cinderella Castle beckons to arriving guests

 My girls have already felt the call of the castle

Pirates of the Caribbean entices guests further into Adventureland 

Beast's Castle is a weenie in New Fantasyland

Hmm, wonder what's in that spoky building in the distance?

Splash Mountain encourages guests into the far reaches of Frontierland

I love Space Mountain but somehow this photo from 1975 was all I could find. (LOVE DisneyDad's old photos.)

Spaceship Earth calls to you while entering the park

American Adventure encourages guests to trek aound World Showcase

I'm with the group who prefers the Chinese Theatre, but the Sorcerer Hat is ahead as you enter Hollywood Studios

Let's go see what that is...

Our nephew's Flat Grant wants to see what's going on with that huge tree

Early vistas of Expedition Everest certainly draw guests toward the forbidden mountain

And as a DVC Member, I have to include the lighthouse from Old Key West

Thanks to Deb for a great theme this week!  And many thanks to the Growing Up Disney family: today's post includes photos taken by each of us.

Five Photos! Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano

 On our trip this past May we had lunch at Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano at the Disney Hollywood Studios.  The lunch was wonderful and we finished up with the adults sharing a Chocolate Cannoli cake while Tink enjoyed a Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcake.

Photo Flashback!!! -- Rex!

Who doesn't love our old friend and former Star Tours pilot, Rex. No one gets lost like he does. 

Photo Flashback! The Letter 'J'

We are participating in the hop at Focused on the Magic again and today's theme is 'J.'  I had quite a bit of fun with this.  Hope you enJoy!

JOY

JEWELS

JONES

JUNGLE CRUISE

JINGLE BELLS

JUMPING

JOURNEY

JEWELRY

JUNK

JAMMIN'

JOKES

A Walk Around The World With Ridge -- Picture Day!

In honor of Star Wars Weekends beeing only 10 Weeks away, here are 10 fun photo's from my Last Weekends Adventures.

 

keep up with me as we get closer to trip time for ideas on how to have a fun and event filled Star Wars Weekend. This year I'll be going with a friend who has never experienced Star Wars quite like this.

 

 

R2-D2 is out for a morning stroll to meet his fans.

Chewbaca.. you're taller in person.

C3PO and R2 still giving each other the business on reopening day.

Capitan Rex.... oh, that explains a lot.

Mickey uses his Jedi mind tricks to get us all to keep spending money.

One of my favorite things is an AT-AT looking through the trees.

Dang it man! Always and I mean always let the Wookie WIN!

Anthony Daniels  putting on, I mean hijacking the show.

Who doesn't need an Ewok with a Slash complex?

Did anyone know that Boba Fett's mom worked here on weekends?