A Lofty Perch

Hidden high above patrons at the San Angel Inn in Mexico is this elaborate balcony scene. The highlight is a gilded green cage with a colorful parrot inside.

Just Married

On the way to the Storm Slides at Typhoon Lagoon, you may come across this unlikely shipwreck. A small motorboat complete with "Just Married" banner, candles, champagne on ice, and even luggage resides on its rocky perch following the strong storm. Hopefully the happy couple fared better than their boat...

Where-speak Part 2

Continuing the look at examples of Where-speak on Disney World menus, here are the ones found in Epcot:

Coral Reef

Le Cellier Steakhouse

Rose & Crown Pub

Fire Safety

The Firehouse is an often-overlooked location on Main Street USA. While it serves as a shopping destination for firefighter and pet-related gifts, it also features some wonderful turn-of-the-century details in the back of the building.


Even the penny press machine is themed wonderfully to the area.

Where-speak

With the creation of the Year of a Million Dreams (now pluralized in its second year), the creatives at Disney came up with a new language: Where-speak. It has popped up in the commercials, merchandise, tickets - practically any opportunity that presents itself. It provides a fun, unique way to tie different entities together - and takes a refreshing look at existing venues. Examples includes Mickey standing in front of a paparazzi-style crowd that reads "Where everyone screams at the sight of a mouse" or Tinkerbell flying above Cinderella Castle with a burst of fireworks with a caption of "Where the night is as bright as the day."

This fun theming extends in the full-service restaurants as well, where individual locations are given their own personal message on their menus.

Here's a look at the menus from Disney's Hollywood Studios, with more to come in the future:

Mama Melrose's

Sci-Fi Drive-In

50's Prime Time Cafe

Set in Stone

The next time you enjoy a Dole Whip, make sure you take a closer look at the rock work that surrounds the area. The theming from the nearby Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse spills into this area, and that includes the benches across from the Aloha Isle.


At first glance, it is apparent that the makeshift benches have been fashioned together using flotsam from the Robinson's ship. You can easily see hints of crates, windows, and masts set amongst the stone walls.


Yet an even closer look will reveal intriguing carvings in the rocks, almost prehistoric in nature. The images are simple and the subject matter includes animals such as fish and turtles, people, objects such as boats and the sun, and geometric shapes. The origin of these images is never revealed, creating to a fascinating mystery. Perhaps they were created by the native people that lived on the Robinson's island, or they might stand alone as their own - disconnected from any ties to a pre-existing story.

Pun in the Sun

These clever bathroom signs can be found near the Shark Reef snorkeling area at Typhoon Lagoon. Reading them out loud can give you quite an interesting accent.