A Fire Chief

While wandering Fantasyland, I came across a water barrel located at the exit of Peter Pan's Flight. Amused by its inscription's connection to the ride, I snapped a photo of it and went on my way. I later became quite curious about the identity of the Fire Chief, W. Ray Colburn, because as we all know, it is a rare occasion when a name is used that does not have some sort of humorous, or real-life, component to it.

After some searching, I came across a listing of Reedy Creek Improvement District's departments. I was quite amused to discover that the name of the mananger in charge of Emergency Services (which in part takes care of the Fire Prevention Division) is none other than a Mr. Ray Colburn.

They've done it again!

A Change in the Wind

Located atop Peter Pan's Flight are two very detailed, and very fun, weather vanes. While not only adding to the picturesque theming of the area, they also create a little bit of foreshadowing for the ride itself.

A Peek in the Window

Over at House #22 in Liberty Square, there's a little surprise waiting for those who happen to peek in the window. It seems a little girl left her doll behind for unsuspecting guests to find.

Intricate Carvings

Located just off the bridge into Asia, there is a small building known as Drinkwallah. It serves mostly drinks and sandwiches, and is certainly not a major stop while touring the park. However, just like most of the buildings in Animal Kingdom, it is covered in gorgeous artwork. In this case, the side of the building is decorated with very intricate carved wood. It is something that you would find on fine furniture or even a museum, but certainly something you would not expect to find at a quick service drink stand!

A Place to Rest

A bench at Walt Disney World seems like such a simple concept - just a place to rest before heading to the next attraction. Yet no detail is ever overlooked by the Imagineers. I took a trip around World Showcase, photographing each bench (garnering a few curious looks in the process - you would think I would be used to it by now!). What follows is an assemblage of 11 different cultures set in metal, concrete and wood.


We begin in Mexico, with dark wood and ornate, heavy metal.


Norway's design features an airy back with thin vertical bars in metal outlined in a stained wood. It complements nicely with the surrounding architecture.


China's bench is a very distinct constrast to the previous two countries, with a heavy, yet still graceful, concrete seat.


Visions of the Black Forest and the decorative Bavarian architecture spring to mind with the design of Germany's bench.


Italy has two designs, but both equally capture the elegance of the architecture. The concrete bench has a very ancient Roman feeling to it.



The benches of the American Adventure are very colonial in style, like something you would find in Williamsburg. Yet they also have the quaintness of something you would find in a park today.


Similar to China, Japan's bench is also backless, but the curved motif is more prominent here.


Morocco's design echoes the great decorative elements found in the tile work.


Parisian flare finds its way into the simplistic elegance of France's bench design.


The bench at the United Kingdom is very simple in its design, but the heavy wood is a great accent to the rich brick buildings around it.


A very rustic flair is found in the benches at Canada.

A Salute to All Nations, but Mostly America

I'm going to wrap up my coverage of the MuppetVision queue (for now at least!) with a mixture of some more fun signs.

Getting From Here to There

Continuing a look at the queue of MuppetVision 3D, we'll take a look at the clever walk from here to there. Only the Muppets could take such a mundane task and make it seem so climatic.