Triceratops Spin

On the day we went to Animal Kingdom, we hightailed it to Dinoland, expecting to ride Primevil Whirl, the calmer of the park's roller coasters. We arrived to find it boarded up, and down for maintenance. (I wondered why no one else was sprinting down the path behind us. They already knew!) So, while Laura set off to pick up Fast Passes for Expedition Everest, the more terrifying coaster, we had a leisurely spin on the "Tops", little dinosaur cars that went up and down, around and around...a tame ride to start the day, and one of the few on which Tommy would join us! Whee!



Supplies: Patterned paper-My Mind's Eye. Flowers-Prima Marketing. Chipboard letters-Basic Grey. Chipboard clock-Heidi Swapp. Flower punch, mini-brads, buttons.

Tomorrowland Speedway

This wasn't on my list of to-do attractions, so when Laura, Julie and Kevin got in line to ride the cars at Tomorrowland Speedway, I took a seat in the grandstands and took pictures instead. Kevin was not thrilled with his experience. The pedal on the car was extremely difficult for him to press and steering provided yet another challenge. "I'll never be able to drive!" he lamented. I assured him that when the time comes, he will be taller, stronger and capable. We have a few years yet. Thank goodness.



Supplies: Patterned paper-Basic Grey. Chipboard journaling spot-KI Memories. Cardstock letter stickers-Sticker Studio.

Temple Ruins

Disney's attention to detail fascinates me, especially at the Animal Kingdom theme park. Everywhere you turn, there are incredibly realistic interpretations of places near, far, or imaginary. In fact, the "Imagineering" is what sets this place apart from say, the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Along the Maharajah Jungle Trek, crumbling murals depict the history of Amandapur and its rulers. You can find the complete (his)story here. And as you walk the paths in the land of Asia, pay attention to the little things, such as the grouping of jugs and pitchers with a sign "Safe Water for Travelers", seen in the layout below.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Executive Designer Joe Rohde said "Detail is there to make you believe in the reality of the story you're immersed in." They have certainly achieved their goal. I didn't even realize there were REAL water fountains just below the cluster of vessels until I read about them in another of Shawn Slater's blog posts. To create such authentic detail, Disney designers actually went on location, researching Asian customs and practices. Now that's a job I'd love to have!



Supplies: Patterned paper and letter stickers-Basic Grey. Ribbon, lace, fiber, and buttons,