A New Series Coming Soon – REAL Soon!

Launching within the next few days is a series of artistic video slide shows from yours truly I’m calling, “Beauty Undiscovered.” The premise or concept of this project is all about the finite, artistic, sometimes humorous, often times passed by or missed gorgeous details the Walt Disney Imagineers have surrounded Guests with that most times are just passed by for the sake of taking in the most a Guest can in a short (vacation) time span.

There’s an old expression: “Housework is something nobody notices – – – unless you DON’T do it.” Well, ‘Beauty Undiscovered’ parallels this concept in that if there weren’t all the attention to fine detail at the Disney Parks & Resorts, Guests would notice it. Conversely, there’s so much of it (and this is not a complaint or a bad thing), human senses can be overwhelmed by it all. ‘Beauty Undiscovered’ will hopefully bring all this to the forefront – even if it is just for a few moments at a time  in artistic photography & multimedia format.

Please check back soon. Better yet, follow Magic And Memories on Twitter, Facebook or subscribe to this blog (see top right) to keep up not only with the launch of this new series (and new releases of Beauty Undiscovered), but all other news and updates as well.

Peace – Mike T. / Magic And Memories

“… That’s One Small Step For Man, One Giant Leap For Mankind …”

Mission: SPACE (Epcot / Walt Disney World) & A Full Moon Rising

45 years ago today, NASA and The United States launched Apollo 11 from Kennedy Space Center in Titusville Florida. Destination: The Moon. Yep – it’s been that long since this worldwide historic event began it’s endeavor. I think I was about 11 years old then. I remember listening to Walter Cronkite (and others) describe it all both on TV and radio as I sat on my parents’ huge front porch with my young friends and all the neighbors as we shared in one of the biggest events in the history of the planet.

Disney may not have had a direct hand in all that. But Walt Disney and his company surely nodded to, respected and paid tribute in various manner since that event. The picture shown herein is is one from my new series of shots I’m calling, “Nighttime Disney.” I shot it just a few nights ago. For those that may not be familiar with what the image depicts, it’s the, “Mission: SPACE” attraction in the Future World section of Epcot at Walt Disney World with a full moon rising over the east corner of the building. This image creation is just my small way of paying homage to NASA, Apollo 11 and the astronauts – Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins who were brave enough to truly go where no man had gone before.

In addition to this blog post, I most definitely want to put in a plug for a new book that one of my best friends (and author) is releasing TODAY, July 16th, 2014. Titled, “Jessie,” it’s a book about a young person growing up during the 60’s and NASA’s numerous rocket launches at Cape Canaveral / Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, FL. Please click HERE to view, read more (and/or purchase) more about ‘Jessie’, Rebekah Lyn and her other books she’s written these last several years!

Peace – Mike T.

A Few Pictures I’ve Always Wanted To Capture AT Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Ever since Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opened back around 1994, it immediately became – and still is my favorite of all the Disney Resort Hotels on property here at Walt Disney World. I’m constantly stopping by there to eat, hang out, sit out back overlooking Bay Lake. You can actually sit by the water on the boat dock at night and almost feel like you’re somewhere other than Disney World. To me, it reminds me of some lake in Maine. Can’t tell you exactly why. But I think it has something to do with the fact there are no mountains to be seen (not even Space, Big Thunder, or Splash 🙂 ), though you do see what resembles little islands like you’d see in some of the bodies of water in the wilds of Maine. However, the lodge itself, well ….. that’s what really impressed me from day one. You really do feel like you’re in one of the National Park Lodges out west.

Hopefully, these two pictures I managed to capture (with a new ultra-wide angle zoom lens) in between assignments while enjoying a short break in the action might depict or give you some idea of the vastness I’m referring to in Wilderness Lodge.

Peace – Mike T.

EXTRA! The Chinese Theater / Great Movie Ride @ Disney’s Hollywood Studios

So there I was, on the way out Disney’s Hollywood Studios after shooting some stuff at Star Tours the other night at Walt Disney World. I was just about to bypass the Chinese Theater area when I noticed a strange phenomenon: there was no one around! Hence, I could get a nice clear shot. After a few tries at different locations and with different settings, this is what I walked away with two nights ago.

Peace – Mike T.

From A Galaxy Far, Far Away …

“Star Wars Weekends” – an intergalactic special event kicks off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios / Walt Disney World this weekend (May 16th, 17th and 18th, 2014). Fans, supporters earth people and I think even a few aliens who are just plain crazy (in a good way) about the George Lucas film series migrate to Florida yearly for this lavish,  extravagant, multi-alien star fest. And this year – for the first time in almost 10 years – yours truly will be there every weekend, camera in hand ;). I’ll be posting some interesting stuff here and there, kids. Stay tuned here. Or better yet, come on down / over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and hang out with me, Darth, Chewy, some Ewoks and many more extra terrestrial beings.

Click the image above to see more pictures like this in (one of) my online galleries.

“May The Force Be With You” (cliché I know … but what else would you expect to end a  bloggage post like this?)

“Maleficent” Trailer At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

picture by Mike Thomas / Magic And Memories

Perhaps some (or many) of you might already know in this southern region near Walt Disney World, but at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can get a 3-D glimpse of what’s coming in the new Disney movie, “Maleficent.” The screening area is where the former Monster Sound Stage used to be. I checked it out. Pretty darn good if I do say so :).

Peace – Mike T

“… Come On Baby, Let’s Do The Twist …!”

picture by Mike Thomas

I was watching this legendary performer, Chubby Checker do his shows at the Flower Power Concert Series at The American Gardens Theater at Epcot earlier tonight.

picture by Mike Thomas

As I listened and sang along to these childhood memories, I eventual;y began to realize the energy level this dude had. He was in great voice, still ‘moved’ up on stage and ran around the audience dancing with folks at each of his three shows. And did I mention the guy is now 72 years old? I’ve seen youngsters perform and be out of breath by the 6th song.This guy was literally non stop (hardly talked at all – if at all between songs … just one right into the other) throughout each of his three shows. Chubby Checker And The Wildcats are there for one more night Sunday evening (May 11th). Show times are 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 PM. Worth it. Totally worth it!

Rock on dudes and dudettes – Mike T 🙂

“Amani”

“Amani” is African (more specifically, Swahili) for “Peace.” Some of you may know that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an average of 8 degrees hotter than any other Disney Theme Park. A large part of the reason is due to all the vegetation at DAK. Yesterday I was over there shooting all kinds of different imagery. It had to be one of THEE nicest, warm but not too hot, breezy, incredibly peaceful days I’ve ever experienced in that park. I shot this picture at a point where I was able to take a breather and chill for a bit. Unique scenes like this are just one of the many reasons I love Disney’s Animal Kingdom so much.

Click on the image itself to view more pictures like this in (one of) my online galleries.

“Amani” – Mike T.

A Few New Perspective Pictures

So yah, about a week or so ago I mentioned I was gonna get to go over to WDW and try and capture a few new shots from different perspective<dels and locations. Mission accomplished. However, I'm planning on posting a few shots at a time. These shots herein pretty much speak for themselves as far as what they are of. But as I say, they were all taken either from a different location, perspective or with an ultra wide angle lens – something I haven't had much chance to use for the most part. Hope ya like 'em. More to come.

RETRO: The 1999 Return Of “The Main Street Electrical Parade.”

I’ve actually posted this before I believe on the ‘old style’ blog I no longer use. Hence, I thought I’d post it here. But not just because I LOVE “ELP”, but also because Jennifer Fickley-Baker also posted this on The Disney Parks Blog today. Thanks Jennifer! 🙂

This video was part of a nationwide ad campaign back in 1999. The Electrical Parade you see in this video was actually being transported / transferred from Disneyland Resort in California to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Videos were taken for various TV commercials of the Parade making its trek across the country (backdrop scenes included deserts, mountains, lakes from different parts of the U.S. etc…). The last stop on the ad campaign trail was the parade arriving at Walt Disney World after its supposed long cross country trek. And THAT – is what you see portrayed in the video herein.

If you’re a fan of The Main Street Electrical Parade (or, “Disney’s Electrical Parade” as it’s now known), this is a MUST SEE! Imagine driving into or around Walt Disney World property at night and seeing this sight. I’ve been told (goods source but unconfirmed) that the vehicles that were told or allowed to pass the procession by Florida Highway Patrol refused – they wanted to stay in traffic so they could see and be a part of the event. I know I would’ve if I’d been driving that night 🙂

Peace – Mike T.

America’s Hope: ‘Tomorrow’s Child’

Picture / Quote by Mike Thomas – Magic And Memories

Managed to capture this shot in a beautiful spring afternoon at Epcot / Walt Disney World. The Spirit Of America Fife & Drum Corps do their shows regularly in front of The American Adventure Pavilion in World Showcase. The timing and  lighting (and the subject matter) was just perfect today. The result speaks for itself in this ‘picture worth a 1000 words’ I was lucky enough to grab :).

Peace – Mike T

10 New Pictures From Epcot – Flower & Garden Festival And Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth

Victoria Gardens – Canada Pavilion – Epcot / WDW. Picture By Mike Thomas / Magic And Memories.

So there I was – walking around Epcot Monday afternoon between shoots with about 3 hours to kill. Most people would probably be bored or dislike that much time between shoots / assignments. Me? I love it! I get to stroll leisurely around World Showcase (in this instance) and let my mind’s eye try and create new picture perspectives. The combination of the 3 hour layover plus shooting Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth later that night allowed me to come up with a mixture of ten new shots. Just click the image above. You’ll be taken to my Online Gallery of Epcot shots.

Peace – Mike T

The Last Madman Of Rock & Roll

Paul Revere And The Raiders – this past weekends performers at Epcot’s Flower Power Concert Series! Rock on, Paul!

Disney’s New “Festival Of Fantasy Parade”

picture by Mike Thomas / Magic And Memories

I know, it’s been a while since I last posted. Just been incredibly busy with photo and video shoots everywhere! But today, Tuesday April 2nd, 2014, I FINALLY was able to get over to Magic Kingdom Park to view (for the first time) and shoot the new “Festival Of Fantasy Parade.” And let me tell ya’ – this is one high class, high calibre, high tech high energy, high everything parade. The details one the float units remind of Disney past. BEAUTIFUL! The performing Cast are better than ever. The music and the way it’s presented to the Guests is totally different then days gone by. Hard to explain without getting very geeky and tech-ee. But all the music blends and changes seamlessly. Not that it was bad before, but you don’t even notice the change in score on the street speakers or in the float unit speakers. It’s all WiFi based technology that someone put to great use. I could go on and on. But the only way to really feel it is of course to experience it live. I’ve included a link to one of my online galleries containing just under 50 pictures. The plan is for me to go back and get some video snippets to post here a little later. But I’m one that doesn’t wanna give it all away for free. I may show you a few highlights and a sample of the new (yes brand new) music score.

Click the image above to go to the online gallery.

Peace – Mike T

Notice Anything Different Here?

Like – maybe the water … or lack thereof? Yep – as part of the major Hub expansion project which is officially underway, all the water needed to be drained from the waterways in and around the Hub and Cinderella Castle. I don’t usually post ‘non-pretty shots’ on my blog. But I thought y’all might find this and a few other shots I captured and uploaded to my online gallery rather interesting. Click the image above to be taken to my online Disney / Magic Kingdom Park gallery to view four more pics I shot today.

Good things are coming with all this. 🙂 Peace – Mike T