12.24.08
Life has been very busy, but today marks the first day I have extra time to update my blog with pictures from my Disney vacation back in November (6th-11th). My father and I accompanied my mother to Orlando, Florida for her
American Society of Cytopathology Conference. While she expanded her knowledge of cytology techniques, my father and I hit the parks. We visited Downtown Disney (technically Downtown Disney is not a park), Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. We were supposed to visit Animal Kingdom on the last day but we were much too tired after three straight days of walking that we decided to relax by the pool. Please enjoy the story of our stay through these pictures!
We arrived at our hotel, the
Buena Vista Palace, around mid day on November 6th. Our room simple and contemporary with a wonderful balcony view.
Our Balcony View
Fountain at Downtown Disney
Tweedle-Dee and My Father
My mother and I befriended a giraffe outside Rainforest Cafe.
Princess Minnie Mom
Dad as Goofy (This is very appropriate.)
Swashbuckling
This dragon is made out of Legos!
Life Size Lego Pups
Here, my mother is taking her turn on Harley Davidson's Easy Rider motorcycle.
Sculptures by Joel Pinkerton
(The one on the far right with the red head is my favorite.)
Me at the New Orleans Resort
On November 7th, all three of spent the entire day at Epcot.
The Epcot Globe
My mother and father outside the Finding Nemo ride.
My sister's friends would say this view was "Space Age".
Me, Mexican Donald, and My Mother
Dad von Viken and Helga mom Viken
Plate Spinning in China Town
My eye/camera lens was drawn to the water droplets on these lilly pads. For some reason they reminded me of astronauts drinking liquid in space. The droplet was so well defined just because of this plants waxy cuticle.
Towards the end of the day we had a chance to see them setting up for the Epcot firework festival that would be held at 9pm. In the picture above you can see them raising the bridge in order to let this giant globe pass through. At night we realized that the globe was covered with thousands of LED lights displaying images of people from all over the world.
During our journey through "The Land" we had the opportunity to take a "Behind the Seeds" tour of the hydroponic gardens. I didn't know much about
hydroponic gardens until taking this tour. Here, the squash is hanging from the terrace because, by definition, these gardens use nutrient solutions rather than soil to grow plants. According to our guide, this allows the gardeners to control bacteria and pests more effectively, and therefore, produce more abundant crop yields.
We were informed that this technique was called "Airponics". The plants in these columns would rotate along a track which allowed the plant to come in contact with more air than a ground bound plant.
I release three ladybugs (ladybirds if your from England) into the garden.
Jonathan, our tour guide, taught us how to tell the difference between a male and a female blossom.
Japan Town Nightlife
Dinner at Mitsukoshi
My father and mother enjoying their Japanese dinner.
When I saw gifts like this, my thoughts drifted back to my time spent in Japan. Only there could you buy such cute stickers of takoyaki (a fried dish made with octopus).
On November 8th, my father and I went to Hollywood Studios.
Welcome to Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios)
Because I was unable to go on this ride while I was in Japan, I forced my father to ride it with me. We both really enjoyed it, especially since my father is a sci-fi buff.
Prince Caspian from The Chronicals of Narnia
Gonzo from the Muppets
Rizzo the Rat is my favorite Muppets character.
Star Wars Land
The Mid Day Parade
My father and I (I'm wearing Sorcerer Mickey's hat!) just before we left. That night we went to a reception with my mother so we decided to leave the park early.
On November 9th, my father and I went to Magic Kingdom.
Welcome to Magic Kingdom
(I was surprised to find out that it was already decorated for Christmas.)
Goofy Signing Autographs
My Father on Disney's Main Street
My father and I decided to go to a character breakfast with Pooh and his friends from 100 Acre Woods. Here I am with Eeyore.
Me and Pooh
Me and Piglet
In Future Land, the garbage cans moved and talked. The kids were asking it to add 200,478 and 400,789. It replied "I don't know! What do you think I am? A calculator?". The kids laughed and so did I because I've never seen a trash can with attitude.
My father and I at the Indie 500 Track. I drove...fast.
If you look closely you will see me on the steps of Cinderella's Castle.
Robin Hood and Friends
Chimney Sweeps
Cinderella's Castle at Night
While waiting for the night parade, I befriended a little boy. We talked for 20 minutes before the parade started and he told me everything he did at Disney that day. He told me about the haunted mansion and how there was a ghost right next to him in his car. He told me about Lilo and Stitch's ride. He even told me about Buzz Lightyear. When the floats finally came out we excitedly pointed out the characters to each other. Overall, it was just a really great experience.
On November 10th, my father and I were too tired to visit any more parks so we spent the day outside by the pool. At night we celebrated my mother's 55th birthday in Downtown Disney. We went to seafood restaurant called Fulton's on an old Mississippi ferry boat.
From left to right: my father, me, Betty, and my mother.
Happy 55th Birthday!
Paella
This paella is ready to eat.
Fruit Tart from Wegmans
Mitzu is sitting in a basket of warm laundry. This is his favorite pastime on cold days.
