It's In The Details

Most of us have heard the expression "The devil is in the detail." But did you know that this expression derived from an earlier expression which said "God is in the detail?" The idea is that whatever one undertakes, it should be done with attention to the details. The origin of the expression varies though I subscribe to the theory that is comes from French writer Gustave Flaubert who said, "Le bon Dieu set dans le détail."

The Disney parks worldwide are known for the attention to detail. And I feel that the designers, the Imagineers, have only gotten better in providing us with detail as the years have gone by. Disney's Animal Kingdom is ripe with detail. Some of my favorites are found in Asia, such as this bicycle found along the way.

An Orchid in the Oasis

Admittedly, Disney's Animal Kingdom is my least favorite of the four parks.  Not that there is anything wrong with it, I simply don't like it nearly as much as I do the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.  These were the parks that I fell in love with at an earlier age and I suppose my nostalgia for them will always keep them at the top of my list.

Still, there are some areas of the Animal Kingdom that are inspiring.  It is the one park that continues to grow, in that the foliage is not always kept in check and nature is allowed to flourish.  One area where this is evident is in the Oasis.  So many rush through the Oasis to get to the more exciting areas of the park.  That is a shame.  It is one of the more peaceful spots in all the parks.  If one will simply take the time to walk slowly through the Oasis, or better still, find a quiet out-of-the-way place to sit, you'll find your cares washing away as though you were standing under one of the nearby waterfalls.

It is what it an oasis is; "something that provides a refuge, relief, or pleasant contract."

At An Oasis

One of the most soothing places I know of in all of Walt Disney World can be found in Disney's Animal Kingdom. They call it the Oasis. 

Where In The World

I rather thought that the last Where In The World would have been something of a challenge, but that it would be recognizable. Take a look back at the August 8th and see if you don't recognize this from the queue on Kilimanjaro Safari. Erik Wagner wrote in on our Facebook page saying it was definitely in Disney's Animal Kingdom, but not exactly where. Either way, thank you for playing Erik.

This week, we are turning it up a notch, I think. Take a look and tell me Where In The World you'd see this.

Disney World After Dark: Serka Zong

Leaving Serka Zong

Back in December 2008 I had the chance to visit Walt Disney World and a special moment for this trip was the chance to take some photographs in Disney's Animal Kingdom at night. If you have read The Disney Obsession for a while you know I love night photography. I still have much to learn, but I do enjoy trying to capture good nighttime images. The evening of December 10, 2008 gave me a few images.

A Sign Its Saturday... a day late

Whenever someone asks me about planning a trip to Walt Disney World, about what they should see, what they should do, I will always tell them to look at all the attractions that are available in each park, then make a list of the ones you must do. This is especially true for the first time visitors as the parks taken as a whole can be quite overwhelming. But it can also be true for people who are repeat visitors. Before every trip I will think about each park and make my list of the attractions I must visit and the things I must do. I do that, just like I would pack for a trip.

When I consider Disney's Animal Kingdom, a walk through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail usually finds it's way onto the list. Walking through the forest is peaceful. It is educational. Walking through the forest is nostalgic. It is a way that I can recall memories of spending a day walking through a forest with friends in Central Uganda.

Let me encourage you to add the Pangani Forest to your short list for Disney's Animal Kingdom.

A Sign Its Saturday

Somewhere in Disney's Animal Kingdom 10.25.09

... and just for the fun of it, and since no one has proffered a guess at the current Where In Then World, can you tell where in Disney's Animal Kingdom you would find this sign?

A Sign Its Saturday

Not every sign needs to be of an attraction. When I consider the design work of the Imagineers, elements like these add to the immersive experience.

In late 2001 I was extended the invitation to spend two weeks teaching in Pokhara, Nepal. I would have flown into Kathmandu then taken a small regional flight to the western part of the country. Sadly, other events prevented this from happening and a teaching engagement in Switzerland and France could not be extended to include Pokhara. In a life lived with few regrets, this is one. The chance to been near the roof of the world would have been tremendous experience. One I still miss.

The closest I will now come to Himalayas, I suppose, is the fictional town of Serka Zong. We all imagine what we think something should be like, and thanks to Mr. Rohde and his team, I feel that this area of Disney's Animal Kingdom closely matches what I thought Nepal would be like; just as my travels in Zimbabwe fit what I always felt Africa should be.

A Sign Its Saturday

We'll start the new year with a consideration of signs in Disney's Animal Kingdom. First up, a more or less encouraging sign in one of my favorite parts of the park.

A Sign Its Saturday

The National Telephone Authority (NTA)... because sometimes while traveling through East Africa only a land line will do.

Where In The World

A long time ago in a galaxy far... well, you get the picture.

On 10.11.10 we published the photograph at the right. There were a few thoughts as to where in Walt Disney World it could be found. But no one posted a correct guess and then life and work caught up with me and I forgot to provide an update. Now with the 4-day weekend I can do a bit of blog housekeeping and felt that we should close the chapter on this photograph so that we can move on.

So, let's make a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom and head over to DinoLand U.S.A. Once you are there, walk over to the TriceraTop Spin. And just before you board a friendly dinosaur on this outdoor flying adventure, take a look at the skin of your Triceratop. Look familiar?

More to follow...

A Sign Its Saturday

Joe Rohde is a name that will be forever linked to Disney's Animal Kingdom. And it should be. Rohde was the lead designer of the park and his influence is especially seen and felt in Expedition Everest attraction. Throughout the park you'll discover tributes to his association to the park, such as this one found in Harambe Village.

A Sign Its Saturday

My wife and I have twice been to Africa. Once was Uganda in eastern Africa and a second to Zimbabwe in southern Africa. Once, slightly above the Equator and a second well below it; affording my the opportunity to look up a clear night and see the Southern Cross. All the while I couldn't help but think about an old CSN&Y song.

No doubt, whenever I am in Disney's Animal Kingdom, being in Harambe brings back memories. The Imagineers have done an exceptional job of representing eastern Africa.

A Sign Its Saturday

I woke up this morning thinking about how I had gotten behind on the blog this past week. No excuses, but three things influenced the lack of updates: work, rehearsals and not feeling that well. But here it is Saturday and I have some time play catch up.

I woke up this morning thinking about Disney's Animal Kingdom. I don't know, I suppose that adventuresome streak in me needed to be set free for a while and when I think about adventure, I think Disney's Animal Kingdom. My favorite land is Africa, and while I will not limit every sign this month to Africa, I'll start there. And what better place to begin your adventures and explorations of Africa, than in Harambe.

Jambo everyone!

A Sign Its Saturday

Just a bite before you go ...

A Sign Its Saturday

Sometimes the little ones have got to cut loose. And when then time comes, head over to the ...

A Sign Its Saturday

You've made the trek in from the parking lot and have come through The Oasis and Discovery Island. You now find yourself in Dinoland U.S.A., but you are hot and sweaty and need a little refreshment. Sure, you can head over to Restaurantosaurus, but if you need something quick, stop by ...

A Sign Its Saturday

August is National Dinosaur Month. Okay, it isn't really. Actually, October is International Dinosaur Month. But to beat the rush, I thought I'd spend the month of August posting some Dinoland themed signs. First up, as you approach US 498 you're greeted with a sign that announces, "You're Here!"

...if i lived in central florida i'd...

... be making my way over to Disney's Animal Kingdom. I am feeling like a little Finding Nemo - The Musical would be good right about now. "Now go out and have an adventure!"

A Sign Its Saturday

Does anyone know what this sign means? I do, I am just asking if you do.