Disney's Polynesian Resort

One of the original three Magic Kingdom monorail resorts located on the Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney's Polynesian Resort offers guests the ambiance of the South Seas combined with immediate access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot via the monorail line. Pictured here are the Tahiti (two at left) and Tokela (at right) longhouses. Opened in 1971, the resort started as the Disney Polynesian Village and changed names and added rooms in 1985. The resort currently features 847 rooms and provides a multitude of recreational activities including the wonderful Nanae themed pool. Perhaps the most wonderful feature of all is the direct walkway path to the Ticket and Transportation Center located to the immediate east of longhouses Rapa Nui and Tahiti - a favorite location to stay for this family. This photograph was taken by the author in May, 2005.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority, commonly truncated to 'TTA', is the Walt Disney World version of the PeopleMover attraction at Disneyland - with a few, not so subtle, differences. First opened in 1975 as the WEDway People Mover at Disney World, and renamed the Tomorrowland Transit Authority in 1994 to coincide with the New Tomorrowland, the attraction takes guests on a 10-minute journey throughout Tomorrowland including a wonderful look at a subsection of a model of Progress City. Attractions and shops emphasized and/or seen during the ride include Rockettower Plaza, Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center, Mickey's Star Traders, Space Mountain, the Carousel of the Progress, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and the Metropolis Science Centre. The key differentiator from the PeopleMover is the linear induction motor system that powers the ride. (The PeopleMover relied on rotating tires sponsored by Goodyear.) Loved by many this ride offers parents an excellent chance to take a quick catnap during a hot summer's day and is a favorite of nursing mothers everywhere. This photograph was taken by the author in 2005.

Town Square Exposition Hall

The Town Square Exposition Hall is the only Main St. building that does not use forced perspective in its architectural planning and construction. Currently a photo opportunity and Kodak film supply, processing, and, of course, pin store, it was originally known as the 'Gulf Hospitality House'. This building showed the dearly loved 'Walt Disney Story' movie from 1973 to 1992. A replica of the Oscar Walt received in 1937 for 'Snow White' resided here as did a model of the Nautilus. It was here that plans for Epcot Center held spellbound the imaginations of kids and adults alike from summer 1981 to Epcot's opening in 1982. And, when the third park, Disney-MGM Studios, was close to opening in 1989, a similar preview attraction was held here. DAK had a preview setting here as did the Disney Cruise Line -- you get the idea. Overall, a great building with lots of history. And why no forced perspective you ask? It seems that the sight line this building occupies would show the Contemporary Resort behind it if not for the full-size approach. This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

Living with. . .

The Land's entrance logo circa 1997 or 1998. Note the original Epcot Center style look and feel and the prominent corporate sponsorship indication. The highly popular boat ride inside, Living With the Land originally known as Listen to the Land, is a staple of Epcot attractions and never fails to deliver the type of edutainment Epcot was known for at its outset. This attraction in Epcot's Future World pavilion is truly a delight.

This photograph was taken by the author in summer 1997/98.

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The Sky's the Limit

From the monorail platform inside Disney's Contemporary Resort.

This photograph was taken in February, 2003.

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Ahh, home

I am inevitably drawn to Adventureland each and every time I walk into the Magic Kingdom. This land is my land; Walt would've been proud to know this area reached me and has captivated me since day one. This is one of my favorite signage shots; it's positively breathtaking in the evening.

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Tomorrowland Vista at Night

Tomorrowland entrance from the hub; notable are the Metropolis Science Centre (holding place most recently for The Timekeeper and soon for the Monsters Inc. The Laugh Floor Comedy Club) and Stitch's Great Escape. The Astro Orbiter and TTA are also visible.

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Duh; we know it's Epcot

I can only imagine the conversations that surrounded the decision to place the sorcerer's wand and the '2000' logo on Spaceship Earth last century. Did anyone at the time think that replacing the year with 'Epcot' made any sense at all? It's like placing cloud letters above the castle in the Magic Kingdom to tell you what it is: absolutely unnecessary and a detriment to the park icon.

This photograph was taken by the author in May, 2005.

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Good eats (well, not really but nice architecture)

The Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. This version does not do justice to the restaurant of the same name at Disneyland.

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Golf, anyone?

A photograph of the Lake Buena Vista golf course as viewed from a room at Disney's Old Key West.

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Trees

The Tree of Life as seen from Camp Minnie-Mickey.

This photograph was taken by the author in the summer of 2005.

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The Not-So Living Seas

Here's the long lived 'Living Seas' attraction signage; this attraction became known as 'The Seas with Nemo and Friends' in October 2006. While it's understandable this attraction would updated in a Nemo theme, I do lament the passing of the original design concept.

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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It's a small, small, world

It's a Small World exit at night.

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Tomorrowland Transportation

A view upwards of both the TTA and Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World.

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Journey Into Imagination

A personal favorite.

This photograph was taken by the author in February, 2003.

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Mission: SPACE

This photograph was taken by the author in February, 2003.

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World Showcase Lagoon, Looking into Future World

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Jungle Cruise

The Jungle Cruise, a staple of Adventureland at both WDW and Disneyland, is one of the most clearly identifiable Disney attractions of all time. Although the ride has been transformed from a likeness of Disney's 'Real Life Adventures' movie series to the punny jokes-a-million attraction we know today, it is still a Disney Classic.

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Main Street USA Buildings

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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Magic Kingdom Train Station at Night

This photograph was taken by the author in November, 2005.

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