When you see to what extent Disney decorates for Halloween, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I didn’t even put out a single pumpkin this year! 🙂
“Halloween Magic” (Main Street Railroad Station, Magic Kingdom Theme Park) Nikon D300, 28mm, Combined Exposures (F/2.8 at 1/25s and F/2.8 at 1/50s), ISO 1000
When I was a kid, we went Trick-or-Treating on “Beggars Night” which was the night before Halloween. Many of you may not have done this as it appears to be somewhat a regional thing and to be honest, I don’t think one that is practiced much, if at all, anymore.
“Skull Jack” (Pirate Skulls, Magic Kingdom Theme Park) Nikon D300, 48mm, F/4, 1/60s, -1.0EV, ISO 800, In-Camera Sepia Color Setting
From Wikipedia: Beggars Night is a regional term for the Halloween-related activity that is referred to in most parts of the United States as “Trick or Treat”. Specifically, the term is broadly but not exclusively used in Ohio and in many parts of Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and western New York. In general, Beggars Night represents the “treat” portion of “Trick or Treat,” where children in costume make evening rounds of homes and are given candy. This event is closely tied to, but distinct from, Halloween itself when various forms of mischief (or “tricks”) may occur. The night has often been scheduled by municipal governments on a date prior to the actual Halloween date of October 31.
“The Happy Couple” (Skull-topped Canes, Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Africa) Nikon D300, 112mm, F/5.3, 1/6s, -0.7EV, ISO 640, In-Camera Black/White Color Setting
I loved dressing up and making the rounds with my sisters to all the neighbors (FREE candy, are you kidding me?? 🙂 ). We made our own costumes (store-bought was not in the budget) and typically stuck with the classics – hobo, ballerina, cowgirl, etc.
After a few hours we’d head back home and spread our bounty out on the kitchen table so mom could sift through and make sure everything was safe. (This was also the time for fierce trade negotiations amongst siblings).
Mom would then let us select a few items for immediate consumption, warning us not to eat too much. Futile attempt on her part as I recall heading to bed on more than one occasion with a belly ache. Ahhhh, good times. 🙂
The great lengths Disney Imagineers go to to transport visitors to other lands via their theme parks is no more evident than at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On this trip I made a concerted effort to notice all the ‘little things’ and spent much of my time meandering through areas taking in all the scenery that many whiz right past on their way to the next show, character greeting or thrill ride.
“This Way to Cool” (Coca-Cola Signage, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Asia) Nikon D300, 40mm, F/4.5, 1/500s, -0.7EV, ISO 640, ‘Old West’ Toning Action
For example, I came across these very authentic-looking advertising signs on my way to ‘Asia’ and even though I’ve never been to the continent, Disney’s reputation leaves no question in my mind that I’d find similar items there.
“Refreshing in any Language” (Coca-Cola Signage, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Asia) Nikon D300, 24mm, F/3.8, 1/250s, -0.7EV, ISO 640, ‘Old West’ Toning Action
And oh, what a welcoming sight they would be! (Sorry Pepsi). 🙂
Happy with my capture, I continued up the trail following the direction of the arrow to learn the signs didn’t lie. (Well technically I suppose they could have as I didn’t actually go inside to verify said beverages existed but for argument’s sake, let’s all just agree they did, k? 😉 )
So, if you ever find yourself parched in the land of Asia, rest assured a familiar (and frosty) American classic is not far out of reach.
Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! I’m baaaaaaack! 🙂
Vacation was wonderful…11 days of bright, blue skies, temps in the mid-to-high 80’s, NO humidity, NO rain, fantastic food & drink, afternoons lazing in the sun and all the fun and activities to be had at Walt Disney World. Aaaaaahhhhhh…
“Get Your Ears On” (Mickey Mouse Ears, Walt Disney World) Nikon D300, 130mm, F/5.6, 1/40s, -0.7EV, ISO 640, Built-in Front Curtain Flash, -0.7EV
For this trip I only brought two lenses forcing myself to view the ‘happiest place on earth’ with fresh eyes. When you’ve been as often as we have it is so very easy for all the “magic” to become mundane…a ‘been there, shot that’ sort of thing. Not this time! I photographed whatever looked interesting to me and came home with more than 850 images. How many will be blog worthy? Well, you’ll just have to wait and see. 😉
Life has been even more hectic upon our return late Saturday as we are now in the midst of a kitchen renovation which began early Sunday morning. Since I’m the designated project manager, I’ve been meeting with the contractor and coordinating all the various subs. (As much as hubby and myself love to DIY, this project is a bit too large and complicated for our experienced skill set and once you get the City Inspectors involved – yes, I’m talkin’ permits here – any of the work we’d normally feel comfortable tackling ourselves now has to be performed by a ‘licensed professional’. Huh, go figure. 😉 )
That isn’t to say we aren’t having a hand in things. The new design is all mine and we did some of the demo work on Sunday/Monday as well as moved TWO refrigerators (thanks David and Megan!). And once several plumbing pipes are relocated, electrical and central vac runs re-routed, walls constructed, a granite counter extended, custom cabinetry built and installed, and the new refrigerator delivered and installed, trust me, there will be plenty of finish work for us to do.
Hmmmm, I wonder if I can get a discount if I wear my mouse ears?? 🙂
Milkay Photography 
You must be logged in to post a comment.