[Amrik Singh]

Inspired from the Travelogue - "Every child's dream - Disneyland, Legoland & SeaWorld - The LA Sojourn!"

Parents taking their Children to Disneyland is an example of good Parenthood, but what to say when it is the Children taking their Parents to Disneyland ? Yes !! I am one of those lucky one who has had this honor.

Year 2012 : It was my first visit to USA on the occasion of Graduation of my elder daughter at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the same time, my younger daughter was pursuing her MS at Melbourne, Florida and was completing her first year. At this time, both were relatively new to USA and neither held Driving License. If looking at the years, this trip was 8 years ago, but so fresh in memory as if was just yesterday.

After the Graduation Day at Philadelphia, we decided to visit Florida. We (family of four) flew in to Orlando Airport which was about 65 Miles from the city of Melbourne. where my daughter was staying / pursuing her Grad studies. At the Airport, we took a rental Car for a week, that we intended to stay there. We booked a Mid-size Car (Toyota Corolla or equivalent). After the necessary documentation (a little hassle as I was to drive while my daughter was paying by her Card) we came down to the collection point. She pointed me to pick any Car from the end of the row of Cars parked in the bay. I made two trips up and down, but could not find any Car of the description we requested. She later pointed me towards the larger Cars parked at the end and asked me to pick any of them. Oh ! She had no Mid-size Car available and offered me a Toyota Sienna (Same as Toyota Innova or maybe slightly over sized) at the same price. I did not think twice on the offer and accepted it. I had already asked my daughter to purchase Garmin GPS and it was used extensively.

What follows is just a part of our various outings which is Disneyland Florida only.

Why this thread ?
- For creating interest in the viewers and for them to plan for a visit.
- What to expect there.
- How to prepare for the amusements.
- Look at my poor photographs and realize how to improve in their clicks.

Emphasizing on the last point, I may add that, some of the photographs were taken while on a ride and not knowing what lies ahead. It was so rapid that I did not have much time to check on the settings of the Camera and flash. Sometimes too dark even to read a thing on Camera beyond its screen.

[Amrik Singh]

When we reached the parking lot, it was raining. There were guides indicating us where to park, filling up bay after bay. We had only one Poncho between four of us (courtesy 'Maid of Mist' Niagara Falls, Canada). One by one, i shared the Poncho to walk my accomplices to the boarding point from where carriages were made available to the entrance gates / ticket counters. Because of rain, no photographs till this place. We bought Poncho and Flip-flops at the curio shop at the entrance. My younger daughter being resident of Florida had the benefit of discounted tickets for all of us. From here we boarded Monorail and reached the Walt Disney World Resort.

[Amrik Singh]

Shooting off some Pictures (some only - though not awesome)

Being cloudy and rainy, I missed sunlight and blue clear sky for crisp clear pics (just an excuse only)

Some Disney Characters in display. Shot through the glass panes. Probably Teasers only by the Parks.

Names of Characters ? You should know or ask your kids and be ready for their demand to go and see these in person.

Princess Ariel





Cinderella





Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs














Beauty and the Beast









Aladdin







.

[Amrik Singh]

Our team, in battle gear (demand of the time).
Only I am with a different Poncho -
Courtesy 'Maid of the Mist' Niagara Falls.






Disneyland Ponchos











Posing in front of Cinderellas Castle





Some murals on the Walls depicting Disney Characters from fairy Tales














My daughters with a character actress from Disney Film









Other attractions





Space Mountain




















Time for a bite - at a Cafeteria





Beautifully pruned Plants











.

[Amrik Singh]

Cinderella's Castle





How I got it with cloudy sky





How I wanted it with clear skies





Going to take a boat ride




The walk to launching Jetty










Boarded - All smiles





Awwww, there is a cute face that has missed this trip





Smoke billowing out to take us on the tour





Glimpses of other attractions of the Park, which can be seen on this tour - Seven Dwarfs Mountain Ride






























On the banks along this tour, are glimpses of the past settlements and lifestyle / habitats
Some of these are working models - Real life like movements














Moose in the Forest









An Apache settlement






















Settlement showing their Tepees and Canoes







.

[Amrik Singh]

Continuing the Boat Ride

We spot another boat - A small Fishing Boat










The Paradise of the Boat owner - A Forest Log House













Our Ride that has taken on this amazing tour






'Haunted Mansion' Enter with a Heart that knows how to keep on beating at normal rhythm






The Hearse was bought by Disneyland in the early 1990s from Malibu antiques dealer. The Hearse was originally intended for an Indiana Jones themed stunt show which was never made and so Bob Baranick (who convinced the Disneyland heads to buy the hearse in the first place) proposed that they use the Hearse for decoration outside of the Haunted Mansion. However, believing that a hearse on its own didn't make enough sense, Tony Baxter proposed that they hitch the Hearse to a girdle made so that it appears to float midair, making it look as if there was a phantom horse wearing it.










Busts of the Dread Family














Did you know that there is a mystery to solve on these five sculptures found near the entrance of the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom? Each of the busts features an epithet that tells how they died and a small item that could be taken for mere decoration but, when examined closely, prove clues that allow you to piece unravel a tale of murder and greed in the aptly named Dread family. - Website










These Eyes blink and give a weird look






Heave a sigh of relief at this junction





Continue walking along at other attractions. At some of the places, there are long queues of visitors and one has to be contented by sacrificing these, unless one has enough free time and on a tour extending over days.





Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox








.

[Amrik Singh]

On to another Ride. It really is an opportunity to relax your muscles after some walk. This time a trolley in a Canal (like a Roller Coaster ride) to take you around, passing through Tunnels with Disney Characters on the sides. This was the first time I found myself ill prepared to handle all that passing by so quickly. So, when you are there, remember it is the time your partner takes care of the kids, while you take care of your trigger happy finger.

Labyrinth of dense foliage - a perfect choice of route





A Caravan in the middle of the Jungle.





Someones Garden ?





Cabbage is ready for harvesting






Dangerous rungs of the ladder. Is it a House on top of the Tree or a Watch Tower ?






Drying Laundry on the Wash line - Disney Style






Signboards to nowhere. GPS of the bygone era






Fancy Bird Houses on the Tree
Tail of the previous ride is visibleat the right bottom corner




















Abode of Brer Rabbit






Suppen Fall - Anyone crossing this bridge is certainly going to Fall










Foes of Brer Rabbit - Brer Fox










































Beehive in the nose, wait for the Bees to sting










Toad and Turtle in their antics




.

To be continued ..

[Amrik Singh]

.

And the ride continues






A Boat load of Disney Characters






Merry making Gators and other friendly animals






















Light in sight - End of Tunnel and the ride






Enter the land of Sea Pirates and their Treasure






Wishing Well - Where I Wished Well for everyone






Pirates in eternal captivity playing the game of Chess. But ultimate winner is the Death.






Guns 'n Roses ? Naah - It's Guns and deadly Arsenal of Sea Pirates Ships










And Booty too. Treasure hoarded by the Pirates looted from merchant ships.






At the curio shop selling relics from Pirates lifestyle






The fear does not end with the end of Pirates. A trip to the Wild African Jungles






Candid eyes watching your moves. CCTV Cameras of the wild






























At the Curio shop selling memorabilia from the wild














Relaxed life. Fresh Fish, Pollution free atmosphere.
Mosquitoes ? Definitely Yes, as they too love fresh blood of a healthy body








.

To be continued ..

[Amrik Singh]

Aching legs demanded a bit of rest, but not the Heart.

As the tagline Yeh Dil Maange More

So, hitch another ride


It is an African Jungle Safari this time










Signs of approaching a human settlement






Is it only me who is reminded of Snake boats of Kerala ?










Watch out !!! Anaconda !!





Jungle Safari - Hunters Camp run over by Wild Animals (Apes)










Under watchful eyes of mighty Elephants









Who knows what danger lurks ahead






Oh ! Welcome to the Kingdom of Lion King






















The only safe place is to cling on to the Pole.

At least what these Hunting Team feels.







Would the Rhino raise its horn or no ?







.

To be continued ..

[Amrik Singh]

Continuation ..



Hippos in the Water









Stop bad breath ! Undecided which Dental Cream to use.

Watching too much TV Commercials cause such confusion






Jungle Warriors - dangerously camouflaged

Wonder how the ladies would be able to select Matching Coloured Dresses






















Bridge probably constructed by Indian Contractors






But a Lucky Tiger finds refuge

Shhh .. Nobody questions how a Bengal Tiger reached African Jungle






A trove of treasure in the Jungle. Well guarded by deadly Cobras











Elephants paradise. Playful mood






















The Jungle attracts people for its wealth















I see the jetty from where we started this ride - means end of this tour



.

[Amrik Singh]

As the daylight recedes, the center of attraction - Cinderella's Castle is lit up in vivid colors.







Reflections off still water. Handheld Camera. Exif info if required can be furnished.

As the darkness surrounds the park, Disney's Electrical Parade by characters of Disney World takes place to cheer the visitors. Cinderella's Castle in the background looks astounding. Visitors wait patiently across the line laid down sitting on the street edge. Tired, it is also the time to fill the empty tummies and specials for kids.

The floats are all brilliantly lit - a dilemma for Photographers. Without Flash, you don't capture the characters. With Flash, you miss the colorful lighting.

Flash reveals what lays behind the fancy lighting. Sure, floats with lighting looks better.










Micky Mouse spotted riding his float while Goofy peeps.









Minnie, soulmate of Micky is adorable.






















A well lit, beautiful float ruined by Flash light photography.



















.

[Amrik Singh]

This was the instance, I regretted carrying a Tripod and a small pocket Torch to set the Camera and get something better. Even the selection of Lens in my collection was not suitable for the occasion

The Parade continues











Another example of a beautifully decorated and lighted display getting spoiled by Flash Light.






But, only a Flash could have captured this adorable face






























Cinderella's Chariot appears










A beauty to feast, not just by the kids but candidly, by their Father's too











Aye haye ... Tere Nakhre Cindrella


















Street Dancers amaze with their steps, as they dance and move along the Parade


































Story of Snow White is unfolding as the Dwarfs start showing up







.

To be continued ..

[Amrik Singh]

The Parade continues








Seven Dwarfs returning from their day of mining in the mountains with their Booty loaded.














Here comes Snow White, probably Whiter than the Snow






Dwarfs enjoy amusing and entertaining the visitors


























































With all the entertaining show biz, Patriotism doesn't take a back seat. It is also an important part of Disney World.



















.

[Amrik Singh]

Visitors move to the last attraction of the day. Fireworks at the Cinderella's Castle. Again a big failure of my photography is regretted.
Initially the Castle is lit with different colors and patterns of lighting. Visitors sit on the huge lawns under starry and dark sky.

And then the Fireworks start dazzling the sky and the Castle. A treat to watch,























































.

To be continued ..

[Amrik Singh]

Fireworks at Cindrella's Castle - Continued

This concludes my Photologue of the tour to Disneyland, Florida. I hope others can contribute and share to the thread with their experiences and photos.


An important phenomenon that I witnessed and is worth mentioning is the orderly manner in which all the visitors dispersed after this last act of the day. All moved leisurely to the point of boarding the Monorail. No pushing or jostling for the coach. With sleepy and tired kids on the tow or on parents shoulders, a smile on each face was sufficient to forget the fatigue.