Desktop: Rivers of America

With Independence Day coming up this week I figured this image fit perfectly for this week's desktop image. The classic Mississippi River paddle wheel Liberty Belle is leaving the dock, Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn (a tribute to the Mark Twain classic The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) is off to the left, and the Haunted Mansion is of course dead center. Should be smooth sailing today, clear skies, calm waters, and the only sound you can hear is the howl of a forlorn dog...

Gorilla camp

Now this was an interesting find - it appears that someone has set up camp above the gorilla forest on the Pangani Trail to keep an eye on them. I'm not sure if this falls in the extreme detailing category or if it is a working observation station. It is not exactly easy to see from the trail but you can get an idea of where it is located in the photo below...

Classic logos, modern gates

Don't forget to take a minute when you get off the Monorail to take a look at the entrance gates at Epcot. The new stainless gates have the traditional Epcot logo right in them - not only does it make a nice artistic fence, it is a great nod to the classic Future World logos!

Now arriving from Hoth

In honor of yet another Star Wars weekend season wrapping up this weekend we head around the country to Star Tours in Disneyland. The Arrival/Departure board at Star Tours is full of all sorts of intergalactic destinations that I would love to visit. It appears that your choices are slightly limited when it comes to the galaxy but come on, what are the odds that we're a hub spaceport for Star Tours? But when your transfer is in cool places like Endor or Hoth or Tatooine does it really matter that you have to transfer Starspeeders? Getting there is half the fun!

Check out is at 11 or whenever

Ryan over at Main Street Gazette took a look at Stage 1 Company Studio earlier this week. This reminded me of another great sign at the hotel lobby counter. I'm thinking this might explain how the Electric Mayhem could afford to stay at the hotel for years between gigs!

Cabin room

The Liberty Belle has an interior sitting room that most people walk right past in favor of the railing view instead. But even if you are headed for the sunshine on the deck be sure to at least stick your head into the room. It has the feel of a classic riverboat and no doubt in a downpour it also makes for a great place to escape...

An energetic mosaic

The Universe of Energy queue has a great mosaic, and check out how the clock is designed to blend into the wall. If you look at the right angle you can't even see it... The little tiles also went well with the old Radok Block Kinetic Mosaic video wall in the preshow area. Can't remember what it was like before Ellen moved in? Can't say I blame you - I sure don't. Check out this video to refresh the memory...

Recycling - small world style

These colorful trash and recycling cans reside along the sidewalk near it's a small world. A combination of Mary Blair style and Jiminy Cricket help add a splash of color and fun to these receptacles. Don't forget to separate your bottles and cans!

Financial roller coaster

The tradition of window advertising continues across the esplanade from Disneyland - over in the Bay Area in DCA you can find a few creative ads in the windows. This is a personal favorite - Cable Car Financial... A fun logo, a great slogan, and a San Francisco classic all in one!

A water tower formerly known as Dixie Landings

These water tanks can be found near the marina at Port Orleans Riverside adding just another touch to the old southern river port feel. I seem to recall that these used to be labeled for Dixie Landings when the resort used to use that name yet I have yet to find a photo of that to prove that I'm not losing my mind...