Friday, July 29, 2011

Photo Friday: A real "Highway in the Sky"

Welcome to another Photo Friday!

I took this photo in January 2011 from the 11th floor of the Contemporary Resort. I happened to wake up early one morning and looked out over the Seven Seas Lagoon to see the water partially covered with low level fog. Then I saw the monorail running just above the clouds.

You can just make out the small boat with a fishing party in the bottom right corner.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tip Tuesday: Rice Cream in Norway

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

In light of the tragedies in Norway this week, I wanted to highlight some of the great things about Norway, one of the nations represented in Epcot's World Showcase.

As I thought about all the things about the Norway pavilion my family and I enjoy, one particular item came to mind: Rice Cream!

This is a classic Norwegian dessert and can be found both at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and at the Kringla Bakery.

Rice cream is a must-do for my family. Every trip to Walt Disney World includes at least one dish of rice cream. We enjoy this Norwegian delight so much, I've even tried my hand a few times at making our own rice cream using the actual recipe used at Epcot's Norway pavilion.

I highly recommend giving rice cream a try - it's just one more example of the charm of Epcot and how Epcot truly brings the world to you.

If you can't make it to Epcot to try rice cream -- try it for yourself. Here's the recipe (courtesy Allears.net)!


Rice Cream

YIELD: 10 servings

Ingredients:

1 pound short-grain white rice (not instant)
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups water
4 cups milk

2 cups heavy cream
4 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Strawberry sauce:

2 cups strawberry preserves
1 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method:

1. Cook rice with water and salt for 15 minutes, covered. Add milk and cook for 30 minutes or until rice is tender and the mixture is thick. Chill rice in the refrigerator.

2. Whip cream and sugar and vanilla. Gently fold whipped cream into chilled rice. Set aside in refrigerator.

3. Place sauce ingredients in the work bowl of a blender. Mix until combined.

4. Spoon rice mixture into serving cups. Garnish with strawberry sauce.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Photo Friday: Beware the Forbidden Mountain

Welcome to another photo Friday!

This week's shot comes from Animal Kingdom. I took this shot in 2008 on my very first visit to AK. I was heading into the standby line for Expedition Everest because I (like so many others) wanted to see the new Yeti (little did I know that he already was in B-mode by now).

Anyway, I saw this sign and remembered it from the Everest special that was on the Travel Channel about the making of the attraction. I happened to see a fantastic angle and set up the shot. What I like most about this image is the sense of foreboding it creates with Everest in the soft background.

Too bad the warning to beware the Yeti is a bit unnecessary these days. Maybe one day the feared creature will rear is ugly head again.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tip Tuesday: 100,000 target on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week's tip is short and sweet -- especially if you're interested in scoring that elusive 999,999 on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

There are a few 100,000 point targets you can hit in this attraction. I talked about another 100,000 point target more than two years ago.

This target can be found in the opening scene of the attraction. See that big claw attached to the robot on the right side of your car? There is a Z-target underneath.



If you can hit the target, each shot is worth 100,000 points. The trick is to hit the target as you approach and leave the claw. Once you're right underneath it, your blaster can't tilt up far enough to hit it.


So the next time you're trying to defeat Zurg and save the universe, keep an eye out for this high point target and you could be the next Galactic Hero!!!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Photo Friday: A "Dramatic" Chinese Theatre

Welcome to another Photo Friday!

This week's photo is from Disney Hollywood Studios. I took this photo of Mann's Chinese Theatre (home of the Great Movie Ride) in March 2010. I have been playing with shooting tilted-angle photos of different subjects and I liked how this came out. I did a little Photoshop action to acccentuate the shadows a bit.

Hope you enjoy it -- and did you bring the popcorn?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Tip Tuesday: Star Tours 2 - Skip the FastPass

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure to travel to a galaxy far, far away thanks to Star Tours! Star Tours: The Adventures Continue has been open at Disney Hollywood Studios for more than a month now and the crowds are still lining up for this incredible experience.

Now, with the old Star Tours, I often told people not to worry with FastPass. The reason was fairly obvious - except for the busiest of times during the year, Star Tours usually was a walk on, so there was no need to waste a FastPass on it.

Now, however, it's common to see 30, 40 even 50 minute wait times, making FastPass an option worth considering. Even with these greatly increased wait times, making FastPass much more attractive, I still say skip the FastPass. There's a very good reason for this tip.

Part of the charm of Star Tours is not the attraction itself. It's the queue. The major problem with using FastPass is that you go through the queue so fast, you don't have time to take in all the great details and pure entertainment the queue has to offer.





Some of the best parts of the Star Tours 2 experience can be found in three different scenes in the queue area. The first is the repair bay as you initially walk into the attraction building. Here you will find two very familiar characters, C-3PO and R2-D2. The banter that happens between these two droids is something not to be missed. In addition, a very large monitor over your head presents promos for various Star Tours destinations and different announcements.



As you pass by C-3PO, you enter the baggage claim area. As you enter this area, look to your left to see if you recognize an old friend from the original version of Star Tours. Take a moment and listen to catch a few familiar phrases. On your right, you will meet a very unusual and interesting G2-4T droid who is scanning pieces of luggage - think of him as the droid version of TSA.


Anyway, you'll want to take several minutes to watch what happens as this droid scans different items and reacts what he finds. There are several tributes to other attractions and characters and at least one hidden Mickey.




Turning the corner, on your left you will meet another G2-4T droid. This less-than-cheerful droid is scanning you! If you watch the panel directly in front of the droid, you will notice a thermal image of the guests waiting in the queue. Like the baggage droid, pay attention to the droid's spiel, which reminds me, for some reason, of Patrick Warburton (the flight attendant in the Soarin' safety video for you Disney geeks out there).


Once you line up to board your Starspeeder 1000, pay close attention to the safety video. There are a bunch of hidden details and gags that are very funny.


So there you go -- that's why I say for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, skip the FastPass and enjoy the wait.


Until next time, May the Force be With You!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Photo Friday: A different perspective on the Tori Gate

Welcome to another Photo Friday!

This week, I wanted to take you to Epcot (my favorite park) for a shot I took in June 2009. This photo was taken just before Illuminations began from the balcony over Mitsukoshi. This is one of my favorite places to watch Illuminations because you get a different perspective on the show and you get a wider view of World Showcase as a whole.

I especially like the lighting here with the lighting on the Tori Gate helping it to stand out from the darkened background and the lagoon. I also like Spaceship Earth in the distance, though it would have been nice if that tree was just a bit shorter.

I hope you enjoy this photo and look for another photo next week!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Disney (ABC Family) and Seventeen magazine try to stop cyberbullying - you can help!



Seventeen magazine and ABC Family want you to help Delete Digital Drama! Show your support to end cyberbullying by adding this Delete Digital Drama badge to your Facebook and Twitter profile pic today – please feel free to share with your readers!

When you show your support via Facebook, your profile picture will be overlaid with the Twibbon Image, and a post will appear on your wall saying: “I just joined ABCFamily and Seventeen magazine to end cyberbullying. Add the Delete Digital Drama badge to your Facebook profile to show your support http://twb.ly/muhDm4. ”

When you show your support via Twitter, your avatar will be overlaid with the Twibbon image, you will follow @abcfamily, and a tweet will be sent on your behalf saying: “I just joined @ABCFamily & @SeventeenMag to end cyberbullying. Add the #DeleteDigitalDrama badge to show your support http://twb.ly/jzAY3G.”

To learn more about the Delete Digital Drama Twibbon Pledge, visit: http://abcfamily.go.com/movies/cyberbully/delete-digital-drama.

To add the Delete Digital Drama Twibbon to you Twitter or Facebook: http://twibbon.com/deletedigitaldrama.

Other ways to Delete Digital Drama: http://abcfamily.go.com/movies/cyberbully/resources/pl_PL5547513/vd_VD55133208.

Cyberbully, starring Emily Osment, premieres on Sunday, July 17 at 8/7c!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tip Tuesday: Stitch's Great Escape


Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

Wait!!!!


I know you've read the headline and seen the photo, but don't click the back button just yet!!!

Ok, Ok... so Stitch's Great Escape isn't the most popular of attractions at Walt Disney World (actually, it just might take the prize for the most hated attraction), but hear me out.

Despite a few completely gross moments, Stitch has some elements that make this attraction worth visiting every once in a while, especially if you know how to avoid the things that make you want to (glurp!).... well, you get the point.

So why is Stitch worth checking out occasionally? It's all about the audio-animatronics. If you're a fan of these fantastic creations that were invented by Disney, then you'll want to check out Stitch.



The Pre-Show
The pre-show presents a humorous skit featuring "Sarge" who helps you (the new recruits) to understand how the detention area works. Sarge is another very well-articulated audio-animatronic. While the story is a bit lacking, it is fun to see just how life-like the Imagineers were able to make Sarge.


Anyway, an emergency arises and the next thing you know you're heading for the main teleport area. TIP: try to stand on the right side of the pre-show area. This way you'll be among the first to enter the main attraction and, thus, have your pick of seats. Keep reading to see why this is helpful.


The attraction
You'll want to try to sit on the lowest row possible. There's a reason for this which I'll discuss in a bit. Above your head is a large U-shaped bar which looks a lot like a roller-coaster harness. It has nothing to do with keeping you safe, it's just there to get your body into position so all the other sensory effects will work.


One of the problems guests often have with this attraction is the bar pressing too hard on your shoulders. So here's how you avoid this. When the cast member begins to lower the bars, hunch up your shoulders and sit up VERY straight. This will raise your shoulder line a few inches. Stay this way until the bar touches your shoulders and stops. Now relax. Ahh... you have room to breathe.


As the show continues, of course, Stitch makes his appearance. As with Sarge, Stitch is a great audio-animatronic as are the two "guns" in the room. You don't need to pay too much attention to what Stitch is saying just yet -- enjoy the advanced movement of Stitch and the guns.


Oh, why do I suggest sitting along the lowest row? During the first part, Stitch will spit water at an unsuspecting guest. By sitting in the lowest row, you're pretty much guaranteed you won't get a stream of water in your face (and this isn't just a slight sprinkle, it's a full jet of water).


At one point, Stitch will make the power go out and the room will become pitch dark. Now it's time to pay attention to what the little blue guy is saying. At one point Stitch will "jump" on your shoulders. Here's where you'll be glad if you did the shoulder trick I mentioned earlier. While you might feel slight pressure on your shoulders, it won't be uncomfortable at all.


As I said, pay attention to what Stitch is saying. When he mentions finding a chili dog, take a deep breath and hold it. Stitch will burp and then the smell of chili dog will briefly fill the room. This is why you're holding your breath for a few seconds. Fortunately it doesn't last long. Stitch's lack of manners is the other major part that many guests find completely nauseating. After a few moments, you can breathe cleanly again, the power will be restored, the lights will come back on, Stitch will make his escape (to Walt Disney World, naturally) and the attraction is over.


The darkness portion also is the point that freaks most children out -- mine included. I strongly DO NOT recommend any kids under the age of 8 experience this attraction, especially if they have issues with darkness.


While I still agree with many that Stitch's Great Escape needs to permanently teleport off planet, I don't think people should just avoid it completely. There are some great audio-animatronics that I think are worth the effort, chili dog burps and all.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Photo Friday: Cinderella Castle in the "fog"


Photo details: F/32, 1/80th, ISO 100

Welcome to a new series here on DisneyDaddy. I'm calling it Photo Friday and the purpose is pretty basic. I take a LOT of photos at Walt Disney World (at least 1200 on each trip) and up until now, they've just been sitting in a folder on one of my hard drives. Well it's time I started sharing some of the unique images I've managed to capture over the years and a bit of the story behind the image.

So for the inaugural image, I decided to post the shot that gave me the idea for Photo Friday.

This is a picture of Cinderella Castle I took during a trip in June 2011. While it looks like it was a foggy morning, actually the skies were clear, but it was very muggy. My camera had been in my backpack in the resort room overnight (a well air-conditioned resort room), and when I finally pulled it out intending to take a shot of the sun behind the castle, my lens fogged up. I thought about just putting the camera away and forgetting the shot, but changed my mind and decided to just see what happened.

You can see the result.

I hope you'll enjoy this new series and I enjoy sharing some of the fun photos I've taken.

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