Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Disney’s Art of Animation

Disney’s Art of Animation resort is designed "with families in mind." It features four of Disney's popular character themes: Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Much like the other Disney Value Resorts, giant versions of various items are built around the hotel on each of the ten wings, such as a 35-foot (11 m) model of King Triton.

Finding Nemo

The Finding Nemo section of the resort is themed with the ocean setting featured in the film, with underwater plant and animal decorations throughout the buildings. In “The Big Blue Pool”, guests can splash alongside Nemo, Crush, the jellyfish, and other ocean friends. Walt Disney Imagineering really thought of everything in planning this under-the-sea adventure – they even have audio piped into the pool that guests can hear when they are under the water.

Cars

The Cars section of the resort is themed like the Cozy Cone Motel that was featured in the film. Resort buildings are themed with the movie's characters, including Lightning McQueen, Sally, Mater, and Luigi and Guido.

The Lion King

The Lion King section of the resort features a "natural" setting, such as that found in the wild.

The Little Mermaid

"Under the Sea" decorations are incorporated throughout this section of the resort.

The Art of Animation 

Disney's Art of Animation Resort doesn't just celebrate four great animated movies, it also highlights the act of animation itself. This is reflected in the sketchbook motif and simple line drawings on the building exteriors.

The resort’s lobby boasts decor that reflects animation in various stages, from pencil sketch to final product.

In the lobby, there is a light fixture which includes pencil sketches of “The Little Mermaid”, “The Lion King”, and more. A fine eye will notice a John Lasseter signature on one of the “Cars” sketches.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Magic Kingdom, Disney World

The classic Dumbo ride

Big Thunder Mountain

In front of Gaston’s tavern at the New Fantasyland

At the Beast’s Castle in the New Fantasyland

On the Little Mermaid ride

Meeting Ariel

Parades

Fireworks

This next picture makes it look like Cinderella’s Castle didn’t survive the fireworks.

Not to worry, Cinderella’s Castle is still there at the heart of the Magic Kingdom.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Amphawa

The small town of Amphawa, around 75 kilometres southwest of Bangkok, has managed to retain its classic rural Thai charm. The town received an award from UNESCO in 2008 for its efforts to conserve the centuries-old teak wood homes and temples that line the canal.

A mid-week visit offers the chance to be swept up in Amphawa’s ultra-relaxed atmosphere. Old houses line the east to west flowing Amphawa canal through town, and we had the opportunity to spend some time in a homestay in one of the historic canal-side houses close to the floating market.

After their experience working with elephants in Northern Thailand, the kids were not happy to see this elephant made to work on the streets for the entertainment of the tourists.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Krabi Town Night Market

Hiring a boat to return to the mainland from Railay Beach.

Meals on a stick

Ready to go meals in a bag

Sausage rolls

Fresh, deep-fried sausages (Thai POGOs).