Illuminations Looks Like It’s Ready For Christmas

I was out shooting a few nights ago at Epcot. Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth just never gets old to me. It’s still my all time night time spectacular at Walt Disney World. This shot (although not an “official Christmas shot”) with all its red & green pyrotechnics reminded me of the upcoming Holidays. But it also reminded me of a version of Illuminations from the past.

Some of you may or may not know that prior to “Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth” debuted for the Millennium Celebration back in late 1999, there was a Christmas replacement show for the original Illuminations show that ran for about 3 years. The entire show was Christmas based – different music, different sequences and imagery projected via lasers etc… Well, when the new Illuminations: Reflections Of earth debuted with all its new technology, the “Holiday Illuminations” show had to go by the wayside. However, back about 5-7 years ago (rough educated guess), the Disney Techs that run the show nightly put together a ‘tag’ to the current show. It’s about a 4 minute add-on that happens immediately after the (current) show ends each night. It’s all Christmas based with the late great Walter Cronkite doing the narration about Christmas Around The World. The Harlem Boys Choir sings “Let There Be Peace On Earth” accompanied by The Czeck Symphony Orchestra. If you’ve ever wondered if Christmas could be honored via fireworks, lasers and fire, wonder no more. This tag is one of thee best celebrations of Christmas I’ve ever seen. Hats off to Disney on this one – they did it right!

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody! Peace – Mike T

New Christmas Decorations Are Up On Main Street USA!

 

(click on any image to enlarge in slide show)

So yah, Halloween and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties finished their run for 2014 this past Friday night. Since then, The Magic Kingdom Park has more than begun the transformation into Christmas. But more significantly than that (in my humble opinion), Main Street USA has NEW Christmas decorations this year. For as far back as I can remember, there was always Holiday garland strung overhead across Main Street USA. Well, with the debut of the new 3:00 PM parade earlier this year, it was announced that because of the height of the new floats in that parade, the Holiday garland would not be put up this year because of the aforementioned height factor. When I heard this, I’ll admit I thought to myself, “No! I love that old traditional garland!” BUT – take a look at the new wreaths and bells and mounts in the pictures I shot at Magic Kingdom earlier today. I must say I kinda like like it all. In fact not kinda, I DO like it. Not saying it’s better than the good old Holiday garland. But I’ll hand it to Disney – they did it right in replacing the old with the new!

Peace – Mike T.

Merry Christmas To The Cast

Christmas Tree At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (picture by Mike Thomas / Magic And Memories)

Magic And Memories would like to pause and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday Season. But since this blog focuses and pays tribute to the incredibly hard working Cast Members at Walt Disney World – a very special Merry Christmas wish – specifically, if you’re sacrificing your Christmas day festivities to make extra magic for the Guests. Having been in your shoes for many years, I know it can be a little challenging and tiring during the entire Holiday Season. And I also remember the first time I ever worked all day December 25th instead of having the day off and spending it with loved ones & friends. Just know that no matter what, you ARE appreciated doing what you do.

Once again, Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to you guys and gals!

Peace – Mike T

Christmas Religious Services At Walt Disney World

picture by Mike Thomas / Magic And Memories

Disney has announced they will be offering Catholic and Protestant masses in celebration of Christmas on Wednesday, December 25th. Catholic masses are at 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM / Protestant mass will be at 9;00 AM – al held in The Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Guests planning on attending need to be aware that due to very high attendance at Walt Disney World during this time of year, the parking lot at Disney’s Contemporary (and all other Disney hotel resorts across property) will be on restrictions because of the high attendance. Disney strongly suggests to make plans for, accommodate for timing and utilize Disney Transportation Services to make your way to The Contemporary. This includes buses, watercraft, monorail etc…

 

So Where Might You Find This At Walt Disney World …

picture by Mike Thomas

 

Well, the answer is Main Street U.S.A. in The Magic Kingdom Park (see more pictures like this one below). But this isn’t something new or permanent. This snowflake among – other snowflakes – were part of the festive and decorative set for the taping of The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. Yep – another one is in the can and ready for editing by those masters at ABC TV. It was taped over this last weekend (Friday & Saturday, December 6th & 7th) here at the Florida location.

Unlike many other bloggers, I’m not a paparazzi type blogger and therefore am not so much gonna’ get into any gossip, rumors or tell you who all the special Guests and host are this year. Besides, if I told you who the host was here at The Walt Disney World portion of this TV special, you’d probably need a doctor – a very young doctor who probably met your mother a long time ago, perhaps when you were a kid or something – I dunno ;). But I will tell you this, he did a great job singing (yes, for real singing, no faking it or voice over singer etc…) and dancing. Plus, he a had great personality as well. All in all, this year’s Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade is gonna’ be different – in a GOOD way. Don’t miss it. It airs on Christmas Day, December 25th an ABC (of course LOL). Check local listings for times etc…

Here are just a few “teaser” pics to give you a remote idea of what this year’s special might be about. Click on any of the images below to enlarge and begin slide show … then click to advance. All pictures by me – Mike Thomas)

Peace – Mike t

First Day Of Taping For The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade TV Special

picture by Mike Thomas / Magic And Memories

So today, taping for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade TV Special began in The Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World. It’s always a blast being here and in the middle of all the action. Here’s just one little sample of what it looked like just before the start.

picture by Mike Thomas / Magic And Memories

More later – stay tuned.

Mike T.

And Once Again, It’s Time To Decorate For Christmas

I don’t think I know anyone in the world that starts decorating for Christmas in September other than Mickey Mouse & Company. But with all those strands and screens of LED Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle at The Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World, I suppose ya’ gotta start early. I’ll post more as the project progresses 🙂

Happy Holidays? Ah well – little early but hey,
Mike T.