Silent Sunday in the Park

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Do you have pictures that *speak* for themselves that you would like to share?
I've been sharing mine off and on for awhile now and thought you might like to join in by linking up your Silent Sunday picture. I would love to see yours!

Silent Sunday is a fun creative challenge and a break from blogging articles. You may even gain some inspiration seeing picture posts.

Hidden Mickey Monday ~ Animal Kingdom

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Our Hidden Mickey this week is found in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. As you walk along the Maharaja Jungle Trek in the Asia section look for a mural depicting the wealthy rajah Bhinma Disampati hunting with a bow and arrow. Notice his Mickey earring?

Do you hunt for Hidden Mickey's? What's your favorite?

Silent Sunday in the Park

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#SilentSunday

Disney in the Rain

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A rainy day in Disney World doesn't mean all your magical plans will be a total wash out. Being prepared with umbrellas, ponchos and a list of alternative activities might help you discover that rain in Disney can actually be fun and offer magical moments that you may not experience on a sunny day. 

Unless there is a possibility of a storm, most rain showers are in the afternoon and last a brief amount of time. In May it rained every day for the last 5 days of our 10 day trip. While most people headed for the gates we donned our ponchos or popped open our umbrellas and went with the flow making memories that will last a lifetime.

Downtown Disney is a great place to be when it rains offering many indoor activities. My son Peter and I were caught in a downpour there one Friday night. We decided it was a good time to play video games at Disney Quest which we hadn't done in a very very long time. I'm not a big video gamer so it's not on top of my list. I got to play the Wreck it Ralph game for the first time. Then we tried our hand at bowling at Splitsville along with a quick bite to eat. If it hadn't been raining I know we would have walked right by those magical experiences.

Happy 15th Anniversary Disney's Animal Kingdom!

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Earth Day is always a special day at Animal Kingdom because the park opened on April 22, 1998. This year Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrates it's 15th birthday! 
The underlying theme of Disney's Animal Kingdom is conservation and preservation. Walt Disney was concerned about conservation and wildlife preservation as far back as the 1950's. He once said:

"You've probably heard people talk about conservation. Well, conservation isn't just the business of a few people. It's a matter that concerns all of us. It's a science whose principles are written in the oldest code in the world, the laws of nature. The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we will protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come."  

"I have learned from the animal world, and what everyone will learn who studies it is, a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants."

Many dignitaries were on hand for the dedication ceremony of Disney's Animal Kingdom on April 22. 1998 including Roy E. Disney who is quoted below.

As a photographer and Animal Kingdom lover from day one I have thousands of pictures from my magical adventures in the parks from the past 15 years. As a little DAK13 birthday tribute I'd like to share 15+ of those photo experiences and a few fun Disney Animal Kingdom facts today.

• The Tree of Life project was started in the late 80’s and opened on April, 22, 1998.
•  The tree is 14 stories high, its leafy canopy spreads 160 feet across. So large that it fits the Tough to be a Bug theater inside that can seat 430 people.
• It took 20 artists to carve the 320 animals into the trunk, branches and the roots. 
• The trunk carvings were assembled outside the park with 52 rock-work cages out of which the animal sculptures were carved. The trunk was then cut into a dozen giant parts and flown to an assembly area near the park. There, they joined the segments into pairs. The completed six trunk sections were then transported by crane to the Safari Village area and assembled. 

Make sure you stop by DisTherapy ~ 15 Days to 15 Years for the conclusion of the series.

In celebration of Earth Day today I'll be planting my Earth Day trees, a plum and 2 Weeping Willows. Do you have any special plans for today?

More Disney's Animal Kingdom articles:

• Photography in the Rain at Disney's Animal Kingdom (focusedonthemagic.com)
• Crispy Savanna Spring Rolls Recipe (focusedonthemagic.com)
• Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta Recipe (focusedonthemagic.com)
• On Safari in Harambe with Pursuing the Magic (focusedonthemagic.com)
•  Kunekune Pigs Ham it Up and an Artful Pig Paints ~ Disney's Animal Kingdom (focusedonthemagic.com)

Almost Wordless Wednesday ~ Disney Storytelling

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Welcome to The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com where each week Disney Bloggers gather to blog hop, link up and share their Disney Wordless Wednesday or Almost Wordless Wednesday Disney related picture posts.

It's a fun blog hop for sharing your Disney memories and pictures. There's a theme each week that you can follow if you wish. Facebook pictures, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, Flickr or video posts are all welcome. You can even email your pictures and I will be happy to add them to this page. 

The theme for this week's Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop, 10/17/12 is

"Disney Storytelling"
The incredible talents of Disney Storytelling can be found in Disney books, movies and throughout the Disney parks. When concepts are first developed the Imagineers start with the storyline and build from there in multi layers taking us on a journey. Not all the stories are complex or require stage shows.  While I was strolling through Animal Kingdom recently I couldn't help but look up and notice this fabulously creative sign for The Festival of the Lion King Show. Not only does it tell a funny story but it's functional too as a times guide.

I just love seeing the stories in the parks from the shows to the signs almost as much as I do reading them at home or watching them in the movies.

Time to hop...

Disney Animal Kingdom Resort Photo Fun in the Rain

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 Tips for Disney Summer Rain!

It's summertime in Orlando - hazy, hot and humid.  The Africa hot temperatures may reach 90º but it feels like 103º! As if that isn't enough to wilt any diehard park hopper, there's high humidity! Touring the parks during the summer months for some is their only option during the year. Personally, I'd rather go during the summer than not go at all but my Dear Hubbly (DH) feels quite differently. So, for the past five summers I've spent a week in Walt Disney World with one or both of our boys while DH opts for joining us on our much cooler October or February trips.

Happy Birthday/Earth Day Tree of Life!

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Happy Earth Day to all and Happy Birthday to The Tree of Life in Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Tree of Life project was started in the late 80’s and opened on April, 22, 1998, Earth Day. This beautiful iconic symbol symbolizes the beauty, diversity and grandeur of our animal life here on Earth. 

Disney Parks celebrates Earth Day every day, just the way Walt Disney would have wanted it, through a myriad of programs in the parks and in the community. Walt Disney was a true conservationist, long before it became popular.

"You've probably heard people talk about conservation. Well, conservation isn't just the business of a few people. It's a matter that concerns all of us. It's a science whose principles are written in the oldest code in the world, the laws of nature. The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we will protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come."   Walt Disney, 1950

 

Disney Wordless Wednesday: Kilimanjaro Safari

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Come along and join the fun! Link up your Disney Almost Wordless or Wordless Wednesday posts, make new Disney friends, visit with old friends, see some great pictures at 

The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop 

with me, Debs Dis @ Focused on the Magic  
~ºoº~

This week's Wordless Wednesday picture is a little different. I started the week off posting on Beth's On Safari in Harambe series, and that got me into the safari mood so I thought I'd continue the Kilimanjaro Safari Adventure.  I couldn't decide on just one photo for my calendar shot, so I made a photo montage of a few. 

I realized while doing this project: 

#1 I need some serious help with my scrap booking! 

#2 I have enough animal pictures to fill a book!

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I'd like to thank my friend Mary at Capturing Magical Memories for generously sharing the safari embellishments with me and for inspiring to get back to scrap booking. 

On Safari in Harambe with Pursuing the Magic

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Today, you can find me over at Pursuing the Magic as part of Beth's On Safari in Harambe series. I will be sharing photography tips to help you capture great memories on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride in Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom. CLICK HERE to head on over and enjoy! 

Self portraits are a way of getting in the picture when traveling solo. Pin It

Have a Magical Day!  

Related articles

• Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ June
• Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ The Letter "K"
• The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ Celebrating the U.S.A.
• Disney Princess Royal Court Welcomes Merida at Magic Kingdom Park

Wordless Wednesday ~ Animal Attractions in Animal Kingdom

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Come along and join the fun! Link up your Disney Almost Wordless or Wordless Wednesday posts, make new Disney friends, visit with old friends, see some great pictures at 

The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop 

with me, Debs Dis @ Focused on the Magic  

Animal Attractions

Animal Kingdom Giraffes sharing a moment behind a tree;)

Monkey love on display in Animal Kingdom

Best Buddies

Rainforest Cafe ~ Rasta Pasta Recipe

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You will find numerous Foodie Fare finds for lunch in Walt Disney World. One that offers an escape from the heat and excitement of the parks and is almost an attraction by itself is The Rainforest Cafe.

This is a fun and easy going recipe from The Rainforest Cafe that reminds me so much of those relaxed laid back meals we've enjoyed there many times.

It tastes much better than it looks:)

Rainforest Cafe ~ Rasta Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz Farfalle (bowtie) pasta

1 t. chopped garlic

2 T. olive oil

1 C. chopped fresh spinach

1 C. broccoli florets

1 medium red pepper, roasted

1 C. grilled chicken, sliced into 1/2" pieces

1 C. prepared Alfredo sauce

1/8 C. prepared basil pesto sauce

1 t. Italian seasoning

2 T. shredded Parmesan cheese

Prepare:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. 

In a 12" saute pan, saute garlic in oil. 

Add spinach, broccoli, green pepper and grilled chicken. Toss to combine. 

Stir in Alfredo and pesto sauces. Simmer for 5 min. 

Reheat pasta if necessary. 

Pour pasta into bowl and top with vegetable/sauce mixture. 

Sprinkle with  Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.

I hope you give this recipe a try! If you do, please tell me what you think, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by. Bon Appetit!

Silent Sunday ~ Join Me

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Do you have pictures that *speak* for themselves? Photos that stand alone without words. I've been sharing mine on Silent Sundays for a while now and thought you might like to join me. I would love to see yours! 

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Caption This Disney Pic: Gargling Gorilla

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Hey there caption lovers! Let's play "Caption This Disney Pic!"

I'll post a picture that's in dire need of a caption. You provide a caption via the comments function. 
This week’s picture comes to you courtesy of one of my adventures down The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail  in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
On the meandering walking trail you may also encounter:

• African Bullfrog
• Angolan Black and White Colobus Monkey
• Western Lowland Gorilla
• Nile Hippopotamus
• Meerkat
• Naked Mole Rat
• Emerald Starling
• Kenyan Sand Boa
• Dung Beetle
• Pygmy Geese

I just know you can think of a great caption!

Put your crazy creative thinking imagine-ear caps on and comment below. 
BTW, your kids caption comments are very welcome here! I'd love to hear what they come up with too!!!

Now, go ahead and “Caption This Disney Pic!”