Wordless Wednesday!

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold-

I couldn't decide on which I liked better color or B&W - so I thought I would show both - which do you like better?

Star Wars Episode VII / Episode 7 Trailer - 2015 - Un.official Teaser Tr...

Part Four in our Series - 30 Facts About Mary Poppins You Might Not Know!

Wow, has it really been an entire month since we had out last session for these interesting Mary Poppins facts?  Quite a bit has gone on in my life since then.  I almost lost my Mom, and trying to get her well, and healthy again has been draining.  So, we are back with some fun Poppins facts, that I hope you enjoy!

1).   Casting suggestions for Bert included Cary Grant, Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton, David Niven, Peter Finch, Peter O'Toole and Rex Harrison.

2.)   Tommy Steele was also considered to play Bert.  He later starred in another Disney musical, "The Happiest Millionaire."

3.)   Dick Van Dyke had proved an accomplished song-and-dance man in the Broadway and film versions of "Bye Bye Birdie."

4.)   Even though Dick Can Dyke was American. Walt felt he was perfect for the part, and would strengthen the appeal of the film.

5.)   Originally, Bert was to pantomime a D'Artagnan-type sword fight.  In rehearsals, it changed to the tightrope walk to better showcase his talents.

6.)   Walt chose veteran Robert Stevenson to direct the film.

7.)   British Robert Stevenson had previously directed Disney's "Old Yeller," "The Absent Minded Professor." and "In Search of the Castaways," just to name a few.

8.)   In 1962, Co-producer Bill Walsh joined the Sherman Brothers and Don DaGradi in the story development.

9.)   Bill Walsh is credited with much of the witty dialogue and gags used in the final script.

10.)  The scene with Mary Poppins, Bert and the children jumping into the chalk paining was the first scene shot when the principal photography began on May 6th, 1963.

11.)  The "Jolly Holiday" sequence comes from a chapter in the book called "A Day Out."

12.)  In the book, Mary Poppins spends her day off with Bert in the pavement picture without the children.

13.)  The filmmakers decided to keep things light by adding the children in the adventure to all enjoy "Jolly 'oliday."

14.)  P. L. Travers suggested Mary Poppins' warning, "Don't fall and smudge the drawing."

15.)  In the original short story, and even in the book there was a hint of romance between Bert and Mary.

16.)  The studio played this up in an early draft with a song  (deleted) for them, "through the Eyes of Love."

17.)  Author P.L. Travers insisted there should not even be a hint of romance, and they should even remain apart while dancing.

18.)  Originally, just the backgrounds were going to be drawn, to simulate Bert's chalk paintings.

19.)  All the characters they would beet were going to be played by live actors.

20.)  During an early story meeting, Walt reviewed the combination live-action with animation for his 1946 "Song of the South."  In a later meeting, Walt said, "I think we can do some interesting things with Dick and Julie and animation."

21.)  In both Travers' original short story and the book chapter. Bert appeared with a striped jacket.  Mary was in silk.

22.)  Karen Dotrice had not yet seen her "Jolly Holiday" costume before filming and was completely charmed by the dress.

23.)  Bill Lee sings for the Ram.  As a member of the "Mellomen" Lee sings as a dog in "Lady and the Tramp."

24.)  Mary Virginia ("Ginni") Tyler voices the animated lambs.

25.)  Paul Frees (The Haunted Mansion's  "Ghost Host") sings for the horse.

26.)  Choreographer Marc Breaux sings for the cow.

27.)  Hollywood singing dubber Marni Nixon voices the singing geese.  Marni Nixon became well known as the singing voice for Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady."

28.)  Bass-singer/voice-actor Thurl Ravenscroft, a veteran of many Disney projects, sings for the pig.

29.)  The Parasol and cane dance was specially choreographed by Marc Breaux and DeeDee Wood.  It was accomplished by two crew men holding long poles like fly casters and long wires attaching the parasol and cane.

30.)  After filming one day, Dick Van Dyke joked, "I could have danced all afternoon, but Julie could have danced all night," referring to her song in the Broadway show "My Fair Lady."

Thanks once again for joining us for our monthly list of fun Mary Poppins facts!  We should be going on with this through the summer.  There are just so many!!  Come back again at the end of May for another month long list of fun facts! 

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

1st in the Crystal Palace series - Tigger Topiary - seeing these topiaries is always a heart-warming sight.
Lens used Bower 8mm Fisheye

Can't wait to see the rest of the series from the Crystal Palace!  We just love that place!!

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪‎Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

 Cinderella Castle - taken at near sunrise during our Oct trip. Such a beautiful sight.

  

Another beautiful shot from Joe!  This one of one of my very favorite icons at Walt Disney World!!

Nice job once again Joe!

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold-

Saturday Spotlight - the Palm Trees from the future !!

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold
 from the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - I love this little area and watching these little guys work. What's your favorite part of the Trail?

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

 The Great Movie Ride - always a classic ride through the history of film. Do you make time to ride it?
Lens used : Bower 8mm Fisheye
ISO : 100
Shutter Speed : 10 Seconds

Wordless Wednesday

Starting a new feature on the blog for Wednesdays.  Wordless Wednesday.  Each picture that will be posted will be done for the enjoyment of the eye, imagination of the mind, or just for fun.  No words will be necessary.  If you have a question about the picture, please post it in the comment section below, and I will answer any questions I can.
So, here we go with our first Wordless Wednesday!

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪‎Disney‬ Picture from the Park -

 No matter where you look at it - there is never a bad view of the Fountain of Nations at EPCOT!

Joe is so right!  There is no bad view!!

Disney Nature film BEARS Well Worth Your Time!

Paul and I just got home from seeing the Disney Nature film, BEARS.  Once again, Disney puts an animal family on the big screen as they follow them in the wild.  This time, it's a mama bear and her two cubs. 
We really loved Chimpanzee but we almost think we love this one even more.

The filming is magnificent, and  actor John C. Reilly does a wonderful job of narrator.  His story telling lends a great deal to the movie. 

We always want to go see these nature films in the first week of release as it helps wildlife with donations from Disney.  This year, when you see the film opening week, Disneynature will make a donation to the National Park Foundation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to protect wildlife and wild places. 

The story of the mother bear, Skye and her two cubs Scout and Amber shows how love, joy, struggle and strength are what it takes to raise a family, any family.  You will laugh, cry, and be touched by this amazing film.

Here is the link to the website.  http://nature.disney.com/bears 

You will also get to see a trailer of the movie they are currently working on, Monkey Kingdom. 

Disneynature past films include: EARTH, On Crimson Wing, Oceans, African Cats, Chimpanzee and Wings of Life. 

Please go see this movie.  You won't be sorry.

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪‎Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

Saturday Spotlight - new addition to the Swiss family tree house - when you are playing the new pirate interactive game, at night the jungle comes alive. The bright jewel lights up the night.
Lens Used : 18-55mm
ISO : 100
shutter Speed : 25 seconds
f/stop : f/9

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪‎Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

Fantasmic - the Evil Queen plotting. Fantasmic is always a must do for us...how about you?

 

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‎Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

At the bottom of the Tree of Life you will find this guy - All the details in the carvings are amazing to see up close.

Joe is right!  They are indeed amazing!! 

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day

Todays Disney‬ Picture from the Parks from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

Sorcerers Hat in the morning - Since we are usually so busy running to Toy Story Mania to get our fastpass I tend to not get a shot like this. This year my wonderful wife ran ahead and let me play for a few minutes. There are many mixed opinions about the hat but I think it belongs there.

Another great photo from Joe!!!

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels!

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪#‎Disney‬ Picture form the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

 Spaceship Earth - something a little different - I saw there flowers in world showcase and just had to try to make a photo op with them and spaceship earth

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪‎Disney‬ Picture from the Park -from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold -

 Tea Cups and Flowers - We usually skip this ride but we always make time to walk around it and see the different flowers.

Top 5 Restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Apr 12th, 2014 by AJ. from Disney Food Blog

 Just had to share this great article on the Disney Food Blog.  AJ Wolf. 


//www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/04/12/top-5-restaurants-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-park/

Flame Tree Barbecue is our favorite place to eat at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  Here is a link to a story that AJ wrote about this location. 
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/flame-tree-barbecue/

Enjoy reading, and seeing the great pictures!

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold -
 Fireworks Friday - from Norway Pavilion - One of our favorite spots to watch the fireworks - a wide open area for viewing and it doesn't get too crowded
Lens Used : Bower 8mm Fisheye
ISO : 100
Shutter Speed : 15 seconds.

 

Another beautiful and unique shot done by Joe!

'Diaper Dans' Show Their 'Disney Side' On Main Street U.S.A. | Walt Disn...

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪#‎Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold-
 My favorite shop in Hollywood Studios - Tatooine Traders from star tours. What is your favorite shop in Disney?

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold
Night time Splash Mountain - Day or night...when is your favorite time to ride Splash Mountain?
Lens : Bower 8 mm Fisheye
ISO : 100
Shutter Speed : 22 Seconds

A Day at Magic Kingdom (+playlist)

Virgin passengers were treated to an impromptu performance by the cast of the Lion King

//www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/virgin-passengers-were-treated-to-an-impromptu-performance-by-the-cast-of-the-lion-king/story-fni0cvc9-1226871191039

Oh, how awesome it would have been to be on that flight!!!

Part Three in our Series - 31 Facts About Mary Poppins You Might Not Know!

Welcome to the March edition of our Mary Poppins facts list!  For March we are sharing 31 facts about the Mary Poppins movie, that you just might now be aware of. 

1.) Mary Poppins scarf and her daisy-and-cherry hat were directly inspired by the Mary Shepard book illustrations.

2.) Since Julie Andrews had not yet made any films, there were last minute concerns about how she would come across on screen.
3.) Producer Bill Walsh and Walt Disney shot makeup tests and knew instantly that Julie had amazing screen presence.
4.) "Best foot forward" is one of the many Mary "Poppins-isms" or short sayings that mean a lot.
5.) "Spit-Spot" is a typical phrase from the original book.
6.) During development, P.L. Travers spent a week at the Disney Studios offering comments and suggestions, plus a follow-up letter to Walt Disney.  P.L. Travers received consultant credit on the film.
7.) The nursery room sets were built on stage two at Disney Studios.

8.) In the book, the items Mary Poppins removes from her carpetbag include: a starched white apron, soap,a toothbrush, a packet of hair clips.
9.) Next comes a bottle of scent, a small folding armchair and a box of throat lozenges. 
10.) She also takes out a bottle of medicine, several flannel nightgowns, four cotton ones, a pair of boots, a set of dominoes, two bathing caps, and a postcard album.  Last of all comes a folding camp-bedstead complete with blankets and eiderdown.
11.) Mary Poppins in the book cannot pass a window or a mirror without admiring her reflection.
12.) In the book, Mary Poppins is quite vain about her appearance, so of course, the small mirror in her new room is totally unacceptable.
13.)  Note that the lamp Mary Poppins takes out of her carpetbag is not only impossibly tall, but is already lit.
14.) The purple shoes may seem fancy for the primly dressed Mary Poppins, but they're be perfect for a "Jolly Holiday."

15.) Karen Dotrice (Jane) recalls being astonished by what Andrews drew from the carpetbag. It seemed at the time true magic.
16.) Disney technicians used their new Autio-Animatronics technology to animate the robins at the nursery window.
17.) Julie Andrews had years of control wires running under her costume, and running down her sleeve.  Later she said she was carrying more circuitry than a computer.
18.) During the song "Spoonful of Sugar," Julie sings and whistles (as the Robin) in harmony with herself.
19.) The robin comes from the "John and Barbara Story" chapter in the book where the not-yet-year-old twins understand the language of birds, sunlight and wind.
20.) Veteran animators Bill Justice and Xavier Atencio made possible Mary Poppins' magic to tidy up the nursery.
21.) Most of the "magic" was accomplished by filming the nursery all tidy, and then knocking everything over on the floor, and then run the film backwards!
22.) Some of the action was accomplished with stop-motion animation, shooting each scene one frame at a time.
23.) Mary Poppins singing a duet with herself is right in character: the more Marys, the merrier.
24.) The toy soldiers were originally used in Disney's Babes on Toyland, also animated by Justice and Atencio.
25.) "Enough is as good as a feast" is another "Poppins-ism."
26.) The reprise of "A Spoonful of Sugar," called "Spit-Spot" was pre-recorded in three different lengths because the music team  did not know how long the banister ride would take.
27.) Ellen (the maid) was also filmed hopping on the banister and sliding down, but that scene was cut.
28.) Bert calls himself a "screever," which means pavement artist.

29.) P.L. Travers, in one of her letters to Walt Disney, pointed out that they don't use the term "sidewalk" in England.
30.) Matte artist Peter Ellenshaw's hand does the drawings for Bert.
31.) Originally the Studios considered top British actors to play Mary Poppins' friend, Bert.

Stop back again at the end of April to see our continuing list of fun Poppins facts!

Walt Disney World Picture of the Day!

Todays ‪‎Disney‬ Picture from the Park from Moments of the Magic by Joe Diebold

View from the International Gateway in EPCOT - a path seldom traveled by most guests but one worth the walk.