What do these three photos have in common, besides being taken at Disney California Adventure park? To me, they all show how wind can affect a photo. The wind was blowing really hard when I set out to take photos for this “Disney Parks After Dark” post. This changed what I had hoped to capture – I think for the better.

The spinning windmill at Fillmore’s Taste-In at Cars Land immediately caught my attention. I don’t remember ever seeing it spin that fast before!

For the next photo, of Sarge’s Surplus Hut, I used a flash at full power to stop the motion of the flag.

My favorite of the three is the view of Paradise Bay with Mickey’s Fun Wheel in the background. With a 13-second exposure, the water should be fairly smooth – but if you look closely, you can see what appears to be small waves being pushed by the wind.

 
See the posts below for more recipes from around Disney Parks:

• Disney Parks After Dark: Fireworks at Beast’s Castle in New Fantasyland
• Disney Parks After Dark: ‘a bug’s land’ at Disney California Adventure Park
• Disney Parks After Dark: An Adventurous Beginning at Disneyland Paris

Tagged: DCA, DLR, Gallery, Photography

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

This year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will return to the park Sept. 27-Nov. 11, and we just received the list of performers who will participate in the Eat to the Beat concert series.

New acts coming this year include the Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain, The Manhattan Transfer, Wilson Phillips, Spin Doctors and Christopher Cross. There are also many returning favorites, including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Boyz II Men.

Check out the full schedule below:

• Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
• Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
• Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
• Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
• Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
• Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
• Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
• Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
• Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
• Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
• Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
• Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
• Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
• Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
• Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
• Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
• Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
• Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Which group would you love to see? If you have a favorite, tell us in the “Comments” section below.

Tagged: Epcot, International Food and Wine Festival, WDW

Filed: Epcot, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

I know there are a lot of Dooney & Bourke fans out there. Just wait until you see what’s coming your way. I just received word from the merchandise special events team that a Dooney & Bourke release, along with a signing opportunity with Ian Ray, has been added to the calendar of events for May 2013!

Here’s a look at the new Dooney & Bourke Mickey Rainbow Letter Collection on four black silhouettes, including a large Pocket Tote ($295), Satchel ($195), Pocket Satchel ($260), and Tablet Sleeve ($90), which will be available as part of the release.

Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort will have all of these and more, on Saturday, May 25, 2013. What could be more exciting than the release of this new collection? What if I told you that on that same day, Tren-D is going to have a “Sample Sale” of some never released bags, and that Ian Ray will be on hand for a special appearance and signing opportunity from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.? It doesn’t get better than that! For those who are able to attend the release and signing, be sure to ask about a special gift with purchase. Tip: Be sure to get their early! Although Ian isn’t signing until later, the collection, along with the other bags, will be available at shop opening on the day of release.

If you like the collection, but wish it came with a white background, you’re in luck. For a limited time, beginning June 3, www.DisneyParks.com/Store will offer a Rainbow Collection Letter Carrier with a white background. But of course, it’s only available while supplies last. So don’t miss out.

I think I’ve picked out the one I like. Do you have a favorite?

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort