History.

It's New Year's Eve and 2011 will be history soon. Like the dinosaurs and others before us, we've left our mark on this planet. Here is Sock Monkey at Downtown Disney in front of the T-Rex Prehistoric Family Adventure restaurant. He's trying real hard not to become T-Rex's next meal. Speaking of next meal, we're preparing for our last meal of the year and getting ready to ring in the New Year. With open arms, we welcome 2012. Have a happy new year to all!!!

Wishing well.

We're coming to the end of 2011 and can't believe another year has gone by so quickly. We don't have set plans to go back to Disney World yet, but hopefully that'll change soon. Sock Monkey is by the wishing well of a famous Disney princess. It's the wishing well she's seen singing at in the beginning of the movie. Can you guess who it is? The princess hangs around with woodland creatures and seven little men. There's a poisonous apple and a wicked witch of a stepmother involved in the fairy tale. You got it, Snow White. This picture is at the Germany Pavilion, the country of origin where this story was collected by the Brothers Grimm. Our princess' wish came true when her prince arrived. What's your new year wish? Mine... wish we were back in Walt Disney World.

Fortune.

At the China Pavilion in Epcot, Sock Monkey met up with his animal friends at the House of Good Fortune. The China Pavilion is always a fun place to stop by, whether it's for the yummy Chinese food at the Nine Dragons Restaurant or the Lotus Blossom Cafe or the shopping of Asian goods. Sock Monkey may seem a little out of place here in the goods box, but I think he adds value to what's being sold, silk purses, foldable tote bags (panda & monkey), and slippers. Xie xie ni!

Apprenticeship.

In Downtown Disney, along with many of the other favorite Disney characters, Sock Monkey found a life size version of his role model, Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey Mouse. Having watched Fantasia as a kid and learning to appreciate classical music, Mickey made it cool to love it. He's a troublemaker in this short piece when he decides he's going to magically get things done versus completing his task the right way. This gets him into a wet sticky situation and as bad as it may seem, there's always someone around to help, even if he caused it. As many already know, Mickey's Sorcerer hat is the icon for Disney's Hollywood Studios and the center piece of the hub. I always want to wear it just to see what it'll do for me. Think Sock Monkey has what it takes to learn from Mickey, the Sorcerer's Apprentice himself? What does the crystal ball say? Let the magic begin...

Mine! Mine! Mine!

It's what those darn seagulls say when you go by The Seas with Nemo & Friends in Epcot. "Mine! Mine! Mine!" Some may find it annoying, but we find it amusing. It's one of the funniest irritating things I've ever heard. "Mine! Mine! Mine!" If you are looking for memorabilia on these guys, I recall seeing some at the International Gateway shop between France and the United Kingdom. They've got T-shirts, mugs, and posters of the seagulls and their quarrelsomeness. "Mine! Mine! Mine!" I think Sock Monkey and his mischief like personality would fit in perfectly with these gulls. "Mine! Mine! Mine!"

Shoe box.

See monkey in a box. See monkey in a barrel. See monkey in a Mr. Potato Head? Sock Monkey spent a lot of time playing at the Once Upon a Toy store in Downtown Disney at the Marketplace. Here he is exploring Mr. Potato Head's trunk space. I wonder how many pairs of shoes can we fit? The Star Wars pieces are pretty cool, and the Toy Story parts too. I like the Minnie shoes best. Can you find the hidden Mickey? Just check out those sandals. Disney always knows how to make ordinary things special.

One horse.

"Dashing through the snow. In a one horse open sleigh. O'er the fields we go. Laughing all the way. Bells on bob tails ring. Making spirits bright. What fun it is to laugh and sing a sleighing song tonight. Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh." We're getting closer to the big day. Christmas is less than a week away. Sock Monkey is having fun riding on a one horse open sleigh on Main Street, USA.

Friday.

Sock Monkey is all set for the weekend. It's Friday and he's ready for a night out of town. Here he is getting off the monorail at Magic Kingdom waiting to make magical memories. I'm not sure about the rest of the Disney guest, but it feels most magical at night versus the day. The park has a different feeling, such as when you're on the Jungle Cruise and see the hippos pop out from the dark abyss, or when you're on Main Street, USA and see the lights outline the buildings, and of course the amazing Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks show, it just takes it to a whole different level of fun. Magic Kingdom may just be Sock Monkey's favorite theme park ever!

Mele Kalikimaka.

"Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day. That's the island greeting that we send to you. From the land where palm trees sway. Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright. The sun shine by day and all the stars at night. Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say 'Merry Christmas to you.'" Sock Monkey is on It's a Small World at Magic Kingdom by his Hawaiian friends. Happy Holidays!

Tick Tock.

Tick tock, and not the diner, but The Crocodile and the time that's passing by this year. We have less than a month left in 2011, and ten days left to shop till Christmas day. Have you finished your holiday shopping? No. If you're in Orlando I'd recommend going to Downtown Disney Marketplace. I hear it's an excellent area to go shopping at, especially the World of Disney Store! Knowing The Crocodile has already tasted Captain Hook's hand, Sock Monkey carefully placed himself into his hands anticipating that he may want to sample him too. Let's hope the alarm doesn't go off now.

Summer wonderland.

Gone are the days of Summer and the official start of Winter right around the corner. Sock Monkey is enjoying himself on the beach of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. As a matter of fact, he is sunbathing in this photo. He would've loved to have been on the swing or even better the hammock. Unfortunately one was too hot to sit on and the other was occupied. How we wish this was our winter wonderland instead of the cold weather we've been experiencing. We sure do miss those hot days, and of course Disney World too.

Tapestry.

After walking around the main building of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, I've come to the conclusion that we've never really fully explored these grounds as much as the other deluxe resorts. The family traditionally stays at Polynesian and occasionally Contemporary/BLT. My recollection is that we've only been at this resort once or maybe twice at most. I've made it a point that on our next trip we will have to spend some time at the Grand Floridian and discover its hidden treasures. Sock Monkey was being silly here. He thought by trussing himself to the drapes he could join the Tapestry of Nations parade. For those who never got a chance to see this procession during the celebration of the new millennium, it was a narration of unity and time, accompanied by colorful giant puppets and enormous rotating drums. It was quite dramatic in size and inspirational in music.

Moving on up.

Sock Monkey is moving up in the world. We're almost to the top. As we walked around the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa on the first floor, we thought about going up to the second floor to see what else we could find. But we got distracted and never made it up there. Located on the second level is the monorail station, shopping, Citricos, and Victoria & Albert's restaurants. And back to getting to the top. Monkeys are a popular topic as is the Mouse. Tonight is the VGA (Video Game Awards) and I see the Vecktor Monkey handed out as the award and Deadmau5 deejaying the event. (Look up images of deadmau5 and you'll understand.) Who knew there was another Monkey Mouse duo out there. Told you we were moving on up!

Victorian Era.

Headline: Prized mythical creature is captured and on display in a decorative vintage birdcage at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. After getting off the monorail, (which on this day in 1989 Monorail Blue became the first operational Mark VI monorail train at WDW Resort), Sock Monkey was whisked away by a zealous collector and held captive. He hoped to escape, but may stay put after he learned that he may be moved to the construction location of the new DVC villas at Grand Floridian. Hmmm... curious to see what they're building.

Just right.

Once upon a time there was a Sock Monkey that vacationed in Orlando, Florida. He visited various theme parks in the area. The first was too hot, the second was too cold, and when he visited the third park, Walt Disney World, it was just right. At WDW he stayed at three different resorts. The first was too big, the second was too small, and when he got to the third, Grand Floridian, it was just right. After all that travelling, Sock Monkey was tired and wanted to sit. So he went into the lobby and sat on the first chair and it was too hard. Then he sat in the second chair and it was too soft. Finally he sat in the last chair and it was just right. Ahhhh. Home away from home.

Treasure hunt.

Where are those gifts hidden? In the attic, in the basement? In the linen or pantry closet? Or maybe in the garage somewhere. X marks the spot. Sock Monkey is on a journey to find the holiday gifts. He's mapping out his plan to find out now what he got and can't wait for Christmas morning. If you're wondering where he is in this photo, it's only the largest Disney shop ever, the World of Disney Store located in Downtown Disney at the Marketplace. Can you find the holiday treasures?

Tis the Season.

From the International Flower & Garden Festival in the Spring to the International Food & Wine Festival of the Fall, the seasons bring us now to the Holidays Around the World - Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Though it has been years since we have gone to Walt Disney World during Christmas, I can still remember the festivities and decorations from the holidays, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and my favorite the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. We took this picture over nine months ago during the Flower and Garden Festival, and it seems like it was just yesterday. This photo of Sock Monkey brings out the memory that with the changes of the seasons brings with it the changes of life. Oh my how time flies when you're having fun!

Troll troubles.

Back in the Age of the Vikings, like any ages from long long ago, electricity had not been invented and the only night light you had was candlelight, in this case a candelabra. As we headed into the Maelstrom attraction at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot, and sailed through the troll infested swamp toward the North Sea, Sock Monkey wanted to bring this in with him so that he can fright away the trolls. And as if the trolls weren't scary enough, there's a backward plummet on this ride too. The good thing is after the drop you're brought back to modern day Norway, which at this point, Sock Monkey was ready to forget his troll troubles and get some school bread from the Kringla bakeri to lighten up his mood.

Greenhouse effect.

Another part of The Land Pavilion which we don't have photos of, is the attraction Circle of Life which features Simba, Timon, and Pumba. It's a 20 minute film about the environment and how we each play a role in conservation of our planet. For example, one clip emphasizes that blocking a waterfall to create your own waterpark, as Timon had done, has an effect on other animals that depend on this resource. It also highlights the effects of our carbon footprint, such as the bottle water example, and recommends how we can help reduce excess waste. In this photo we are at Living with the Land in one of the greenhouse sections. We try our best to be environmentally conscious and Sock Monkey has made an effort to leave a very small footprint on Earth.

Fast lane.

Every kid at one point or another wants a toy train set. Sock Monkey wants a toy monorail set. We didn't have the space to bring one back home with us, but the next best thing he got was a ride on it. This particular one is located at the exit of the Test Track attraction. Thinking back now, maybe we should've picked it up. It would've been a nice touch to have around the Christmas tree or our holiday village collection. Sock Monkey looks like he's having too much fun!

If the shoe fits...

Buy it and wear it! My favorite girl in the entire world, Cinderella. She's my most beloved princess of all the Disney royalties. Taken in front of one of the many entrances to the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney Marketplace, Cinderella is one of the various characters seen before going into the shop. Here she is curtsying before her admirers. Sock Monkey made it a point to sit with her. Can you see her glass slipper?

Briar Patch.

Brer Rabbit is back where he belongs, at the Briar Patch. Having outwitted Brer Fox and saving his tail from becoming stew, it was fittingly so that there would be a welcome home party for him. Sock Monkey was excited to be part of the joyous celebration. He made sure he got there for the festivities and singing ladies. "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A. My oh my what a wonderful day."

Day of rest.

After a few days of eating, shopping, and spending time with family, Sunday is a day for rest. Sock Monkey is seen in this photo taking a break after a long walk around the park. He found this pretty little bench to sit on in a quiet area of Magic Kingdom, right behind Cinderella's Castle. He sure looks happy to be seated here. And I'm happy to be done with Thanksgiving weekend's hustle and bustle.

You can fly!

"Think of presents you've brought, any merry little thought. Think of Christmas, think of snow, think of sleigh bells. Here we go! Like a reindeer in the sky. You can fly! You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!" - Peter Pan. Sock Monkey wants to be a Lost Boy and just like Peter Pan doesn't want to grow up. He's getting ready to set sail with Wendy and the gang, and meet with Tiger Lily, the Mermaids, and hopefully avoid Captain Hook. Peter Pan's Flight at Magic Kingdom is an attraction you definitely want to go on. The lines get long, so try and get a Fastpass or get on during the parade, it'll be less of a wait. One special person I know Sock Monkey wanted to see was Tinker Bell. She's the only one who can relate to him when it comes to size.

Jungle fever.

Seems like anywhere you go in Walt Disney World there's a monkey encounter. Like when we were in Epcot at the China Pavilion, or in Hollywood Studios at Toy Story Mania, and here in Magic Kingdom at It's a Small World. And if you haven't figured it out by now, we never made it to Animal Kingdom. I'm sure without a doubt we would've encountered a pack of monkeys. But there's plenty here in our photo to make up for that. Sock Monkey like most of us is going home to spend Thanksgiving Day with the family. He can't wait to swing with his Uncle George and Kong Jr.

Cha-ching $$$

Getting ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday it felt appropriate to post this photo, an antique three column full keyboard cash register. This one was manufactured by the National Cash Register Company. And from my understanding J. W. Marmet, the name on top of this register, used to be a five and dime store. If you are wondering where you can see this piece of Americana history, the register is displayed at the D Street Shop in Downtown Disney West Side. While we were browsing through the store, Sock Monkey thought he might have a crack at the register and get it to shell out some cash for him to spend. Are you ready to shop during this holiday season?

Ready, Set, Go!

It's playtime! At Disney's Hollywood Studios, as you walk down Streets of America and pass the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, you will find an entrance to the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure. Having relieved himself, Sock Monkey was all about playing and running around. So when the kids need to vent out some energy, go on in and play with the giant sized ant and enormous sized Lego pieces. Or is there a possibility that you may have been shrunk? Where's Professor Wayne Szalinski when you need him.

Restroom stop.

Someone once asked if Sock Monkey ever goes to the restrooms. The answer is yes. When you think of public restrooms, on average, a wash closet should have about 10 or maybe at most 20 stalls to accommodate an area. Well, believe it or not, Disney's Hollywood Studios has a 34 stall restroom. It's located by Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. The men stumbled upon this lavatory while waiting for the rest of the family to get off the Studio Backlot Tour. I thought they were joking when they told us to check it out, and boy were we in for a shock. I couldn't believe how many toilets are installed here. I'm going to assume you never have to wait in line. I had to take a picture of it because no one would ever believe me if I told them it existed. It was clearly the biggest public restroom I've ever seen.

Barrel of...

You guessed it, Monkeys! Where else would Sock Monkey have led us to but here across from Toy Story Mania. Missing a photo op here is like not getting your picture taken with Mickey Mouse on your first trip to Disney World.  Sock Monkey literally blended right in and is a monkey in the Barrel of Monkeys. He didn't waste any time meeting with one of his heroes. Can you imagine the kind of game you'd have with the life size version of the toy. Who'd win, you or the monkeys?

Map quest.

After a night out on Pleasure Island and a little rest back in our room, it was time to go back to the parks. This time we're on the bus planning ahead on what attractions and shows to participate in at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Since there's so much to do (and so little time),  like going on Rock n' Roller Coaster, watching Voyage of the Little Mermaid or the American Idol Experience show, and last but not least, playing Toy Story Mania! With so many varying schedules we had to be a little more prepared at this park compared to the others. Sock Monkey pointed to where he wanted to go. Check in tomorrow and you'll see his pick.

Dancing queen.

"Back in the days when I was young I'm not a kid anymore, but some days I sit and wish I was a kid again." Pleasure Island from Pinocchio or from all the partying that used to happen in this part of Downtown Disney. You decide. Before there were restaurants and shops, it was a strip full of clubs and discotheque. Remember Mannequins or 8Trax. Remember celebrating New Year's Eve on a random summer night. This was the place to be back in the days. Sock Monkey took a nice stroll down memory lane as he crossed over on the bridge and headed towards the Marketplace. Oh the memories of our younger days.

Flying Monkey.

Say hello to my little friend, my fellow co-pilot, Sock Monkey. Calling Mission Control we are ready for takeoff. You may recognize this clip from your journey through Spaceship Earth at Epcot. Sock Monkey sat still for his head shot knowing he'd be featured at the end of the tour. As always, it was an amazing trip through time and I'd like to put it out there that I'm still waiting for those flying cars. This isn't the only place Sock Monkey explores on the attraction. Stick around and you'll see where he lands for his next excursion. Happy trails!

Friendship Landing.

Believe it or not, I've never been on the boat that travels from World Showcase to Future World and vice versa. When I mention this to the husband, his response is "don't look at me." Considering each time I've been to Epcot has been with him, who else is going to accompany me on the boat ride. Instead, we opt to walk around the countries. And I'd thought early on he'd already given me the ultimate Walt Disney World tour. Sock Monkey is in front of one of four docking station that ferries guest around the World Showcase Lagoon. This one is by the Morocco Pavilion. The other three are near Mexico, Canada, and Germany. Have you ever traversed this path?

Eleven little monkeys.

Jumping on the bed. One fell off and bumped his head. Momma called the doctor and the doctor said, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed." How many monkeys were left on the bed? Sock Monkey tried to blend in with his fellow primates, but his lovely blue coat and pretty big smile gave him away. He's visiting them at the Mitsukoshi shop at the Japan Pavilion. Sock Monkey like us enjoyed walking around the store. There are so many cool things to see!

Bavarian Cheesecake.

We are a festive bunch! In wrapping up my version of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, here is a celebratory picture of our meal at Biergarten Restaurant in the Germany Pavilion. We had a variety of bratwurst, schnitzel, and kraut. Dinner is not complete unless you have a stein of German beer. And to truly make this whole experience authentic, Sock Monkey made a new friend who happen to be German. Guten Tag!

Cervantes.

It's been some time, but we're back to It's a Small World. As we travelled through the attraction to the different countries, one of the first places you see is London and Paris. Due to movement on the boat and low lighting, not many photos came out clear enough to make this segment. An area that we're able to share though is Spain with Don Quixote de la Mancha along with his squire Sancho Panza on another one of their adventures. This time they're in Disney World at the Magic Kingdom. Sock Monkey joined in the quest to show that chivalry is not dead, Ladies first. 

Monk & Kitty.

Upon meeting Sock Monkey, Mike Wazowski said to Sulley "Put that thing back where it came from, or so help me, so help me!" Alright, for you Monsters, Inc. fans, we all know who Mike was really talking about, cute and adorable Boo. Ten years later and I still love that movie. While in the World of Disney shop in Downtown Disney Marketplace, Sock Monkey buried himself amongst the Mike and Sulleys of the monster world. Can you find the Monkster?

"If ya can't bite, don't growl"

By none other than Ernst and the Five Bear Rugs of Country Bears Jamboree. A musical revue located in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, here you can enjoy good ol' fashion family fun and sing along with the band. A few of our family favorites, "Tears will be chaser for your wine" by Trixie, "All the guys that turn me on turn me down" sung by The Sun Bonnet Trio, and Sock Monkey's favorite, "Blood on the saddle" by Big Al. And while you're here, make sure you say hello to Buff, Max, and Melvin who are the other stars in this attraction.

Window shopping.

We are admiring the miniature replica of Main Street Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, and Main Street Fire Station. This is one of the many window displays for Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom. Walking in and out of the shops on Main Street, USA, makes me want to buy everything in the stores, but today is just about window shopping. Sock Monkey was in deep thought and imagined walking through the miniature and meeting Mickey Mouse when he got to the Firehouse.

Meatball problems.

There's not enough meatballs in my meatball ball sandwich! We built up an appetite after an amazing trip around the world, of course we mean the It's a Small World world. Since it seems we didn't get enough of the attraction, we decided to sit and watch from above the passengers get on and off the ride from Pinocchio Village Haus. Sock Monkey had a meatball sandwich and fries. He enjoyed his meal but felt he still could've had more food, hence "meatball problems".

Banana Split.

Do we want the "Plaza" ice cream sundae or do we want an ice cream float? Such a hard decision to make. Too many great selections and not enough room in our bellies for all this sweet. Sock Monkey is definitely ready for his sugar rush at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. We ordered an array of treats and surely enjoyed it all! If you're ever in the need of a sweet tooth fix, this is a perfect place to visit while in the Magic Kingdom. If you don't believe us, just pass by the shop and the sweet smelling aroma will convince you otherwise.

Time for a fade.

Will Sock Monkey take the plunge? Will he dare take a trim off the top? Will he cry like the many patrons that have come through this parlor? The answer is no. When we finally got to Harmony Barber Shop, located in the Town Square area of Magic Kingdom, Sock Monkey was going to get his "My 1st Haircut" Mouse Ears and maybe some pixie dust too, but in the end just couldn't do it. He thought it'd be cool to get a fade, but decided he was happy with the way he looked. Nonetheless it was still cool to have sat in the antique barber chair.

A Delay.

After going through bag check and the turnstile, as you finally walk into the Magic Kingdom, right under the Main Street train station, you can find a little bit of hidden Disney history. In this area, we're given a brief summary of the Walt Disney World Railroad system and a train bulletin with "Arrival" and "Departure" times. Sock Monkey was ready to greet someone off the train coming from Grizzly Bear Flats, but unfortunately it's been delayed due to a "bear on track." Can't blame the monkeys for this incident. 

Seventeen.

Now serving up Pennette Chicken Alfredo and Margherita Pizza. Here we are at Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney West Side. Roma tomatoes with fresh basil. It was all so fresh and flavorsome. Sock Monkey had more than one helping of both entrees. He wanted to jump behind the counter and learn how to cook these dishes.

Trick or Treat!

Sock Monkey from the scariest place in the World, on a Doom Buggy in none other than The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom. Happy Halloween and happy haunting! And of course "Hurry back, hurry back. Be sure to bring your death certificate if you decide to join us. Make final arrangements now. We've been dying to have you." - Little Leota

Fire it up!

Burnt cream or creme fraiche, I mean creme brulee. We love this dessert! A rich vanilla custard topped with sugar caramelized with a mini torch, forming a slightly burnt hard candy top. During this dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby, Sock Monkey gorged down his share of the dessert in an instant. I was lucky to have any at all, he even made sure to have his half of that biscotti too.

Main course.

A six ounce char grilled filet of beef with white truffle whipped potatoes, mushroom ragout and red wine reduction. Sounds delish! Our entree at the Hollywood Brown Derby was very appetizing. Sock Monkey is seen here getting ready to slice off a piece of meat with his new found saber. Can he do it?

Derby time.

"Meet me at the Derby!" as one would have said in Hollywood back in the Clark Gable and Lucille Ball days. The original Brown Derby is said to have been the birthplace of the Cobb Salad made by Bob Cobb. Naturally, we had to order the signature Cobb Salad when we ate at the restaurant. One order was more than enough to feed Sock Monkey and the entire party. With romaine lettuce, tomato, bacon, eggs, avocado, and cheese, and other stuff, it was definitely tasty with all those ingredients.

Bread + butter.

It was time to break bread with the family. Sock Monkey was the first to pick up the warm bread and slather on the butter. Here we are at the start of our dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby. Bread is always a favorite staple with the family. Hey baby, stop coloring and dig in already!

Coming soon.

Sock Monkey pays tribute to his favorite movie stars by dining where all celebrites go when they're hungry, to The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios. As mentioned before, we came here for a special birthday celebration and it was a feast in deed. Our next few posts will be photos of what we had during our meal. Consider this pic as a movie trailer of the silent film you're about to see.