That's a wrap!

After about 260 photos of Sock Monkey in Walt Disney World, we are wrapping it up. Thanks for following along his first journey around the theme parks. We had an amazing time and hope you have enjoyed the photo montages just as much as we do. In this one last photo of Sock Monkey, he is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the play area of the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure. Though we didn’t actually get to play here, we consider the entire Walt Disney World Resort our playground. …Stay tuned for the next series of Sock Monkey photos from our 2012 trip. Have a magical day!

Beautiful tomorrow.

“There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day. There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, and tomorrow is just a dream away. Man has a dream and that’s a start. He follows his dream in mind and heart. And when it becomes reality, it’s a dream come true for you and me.”  Sock Monkey is at a Magic Kingdom classic that’s been running since 1964, The Carousel of Progress. It premiered at the 1964 New York World Fair, then was moved to Disneyland in 1967-1973, and since 1975 till this day continues its stage show at Walt Disney World. Tomorrow is really just a dream away, just as Walt Disney himself had imagined. 

Closing time.

"You don't have to go home but you can't stay here...Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." - Semisonic. After experiencing Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at Magic Kingdom, we walked through Fantasyland and came across this calm scene. Here is Sock Monkey looking into an empty Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant. It was the end of the night and all was still and quiet as the rides and shops were closing down for the day. Enjoy the silence.

Last kiss.

Had I remembered that this was the last time I’d be on Snow White’s Scary Adventures, I would’ve taken a better picture. Sock Monkey is at the end of the ride where Dopey waves good bye to you. This was the last time we saw Snow White get kissed by the Prince. I will miss the Seven Dwarfs and my favorite sing-along party scene. This is also where we start ending our adventures from 2011 and will soon bring to you new photos from our 2012 trip. We’ll miss you too wicked queen.

Scuba dive!

“Under the sea, under the sea. Darling it’s better down where it’s wetter take it from me. Up on the shore they work all day. Out in the sun they slave away. While we devotin’, full time to floatin’ Under the sea.” – Sebastian from The Little Mermaid. We got lucky on this picture. Sock Monkey was born to do this photo. Here he is on Spaceship Earth at Epcot. We picked our ending and this is where we landed (or not), in our very own underwater voyage. We can’t wait to do this again to see what's our next adventure.

Bon Voyage.

Wave hello and goodbye to the passersby on the It’s a Small World ride. Sock Monkey is seen here at the unique window seating at Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant at Magic Kingdom. From this section of the dining area, you can view the loading zone for It’s a Small World. Once you get settled in your seat, and you’re looking above at the cast member that’s queuing the boat to go, keep an eye pass the bridge and you’ll likely see the restaurateurs watching you as their main attraction. Smile! The kids are watching you.

Paradox.

Advertising exotic expeditions, comfortable accommodations, expertly trained tour guides, where are we going? None other than the infamous world renowned Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom. Sock Monkey loves being in the wild and this is one of his favorite remote spot. The jungle where you’ll see rhinos getting their points across, and crocs named Ginger who snaps, and maybe if you’re lucky or unlucky, you may get ahead with Sam’s two for one special, two of his (shrunken heads) for one of yours. Finally at the end of the ride, you will reach two docks or a “paradox” and will be greeted by two guys or a “pair of dorks.”  Happy cruisin’!

Mr Bluebird.

Today is talk like a pirate day. Arrr! We couldn’t find a good photo of Sock Monkey on the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. We even tried to find a photo of him in front of El Pirata Y El Perico, the restaurant that’s never open in Adventureland. But no luck in that either. He did get a decent picture with another feathered friend, Mr Bluebird from Splash Mountain. Here he is along with Br’er Rabbit too. Ahoy! Mr Bluebird el perico. Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah-Zip-A-Dee-Arrr!

Psychedelic.

In this photo, there’s a Sock Monkey that’s mesmerized by the character that’s surrounded by swirly lines that’s advertising Goofy’s Cone Pop Lollipop that‘s inside a TV box that’s connected to some kind of thermo nuclear gadget apparatus gizmo machine which was found in Goofy’s Candy Co. that’s in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Groovy inception.

Countdown.

Let the countdown begin. We have about a dozen good pictures left to post from our 2011 trip to Walt Disney World. Sock Monkey is in front of the clock tower to his favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom, It's a Small World. We will begin to wrap up this part of his journey and start prepping for next month's trip to Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival. Hope you have enjoyed our story!

Hawaiin T-Shirt.

Let’s get going. We’re heading to Disney’s Pin Trader in Downtown Disney to check out what cool and amazing pins are available to add to our personal collection. Elvis Stitch, Haunted Mansion ghost, or a Vinylmation pin? Sock Monkey wanted everything, but settled for a photo op with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Though he wished he had a matching Hawaiian T-shirt on too.

Cloudberry.

Our last food pic for this series of Sock Monkey photos is of our favorite dessert, the cloudberry horn. This treat can be found at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot. It's the perfect amount of sweet and nicely fluffy, a light yet delicious dessert to snack on while visiting this pavilion. Sock Monkey can taste it already. We can't wait to go back during the Food & Wine Festival for more good eats!

French Press.

As part of Sunday brunch, coffee is always ready at our table. When at Walt Disney World, we get a little fancy and order French press coffee. Here at Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort, we are enjoying our morning cup of joe. Sock Monkey had this pot all to himself. Lets just say it was a pretty crazy day in the parks.

Dipping Sauce.

All our favorite sauces are dispensed here in the condiment machine at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. All are present except for the BBQ sauce and honey mustard too. But like the majority of folks, Sock Monkey and family's preferred go to chicken nugget and french fries dipping sauce is the good old fashion ketchup. Press away.

Jellyroll.

Snack time again. This time we are in Magic Kingdom at the Main Street Bakery. What better way to reenergize mid afternoon than with a turkey sandwich and an ice cream sandwich. The hardest part of this meal is deciding what to eat first. Sock Monkey went with the fruitier choice, the jellyroll.

Nacho Grande.

Less than two months to go and we will be at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Sock Monkey is looking forward to going back to Walt Disney World and stuffing his face with all the yummy dishes he will encounter. He started practicing on these nachos from Cantina de San Angel at the Mexico Pavilion. Nacho Grande! Oh...and a side of churros too.

Sunnyside.

Bacon and sausage, check. Biscuit, potatoes, check. Eggs sunny side up, check. Pineapple garnish, just the right touch for a Polynesian breakfast at Kona Café. Sock Monkey and family had an amazing meal at the restaurant. We definitely recommend a stop in here for a nice sit down breakfast.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Birthday USA!!! Parades, BBQs, fireworks, and celebrations, all things related to the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day. Sock Monkey wanted to show off his red, white, and blues. He’s sitting back and relaxing here at the American pavilion at Epcot. What’s your American Adventure?

Play it again.

Gather ‘round folks, we’re ready to hear some classic 4^th of July tunes! As Walt Disney had imagined, he created Main Street, USA at the Magic Kingdom to resemble any Main Street across any town in the United States. Seeing an image such as this reminds one of the old town celebrations of this incredible country back in the early 20^th century, a cappella and barbershop quartets. It’s good to know even after decades of visiting Walt Disney World, we can still find our friend here playing the piano. Sock Monkey couldn’t resist getting a photo taken with him, as this barbershop quartet singer/pianist is just as Americana as is Disney World itself. A trip never feels complete until we see him play.

Colonial America.

We are getting ready to celebrate Independence Day! For the next few days we’re going to post all things American. Starting with one of our favorite pastime, eating at Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom.  From the woodwork and the carpentry to the dishware, the décor here reminds me of what you’d find in Colonial America, especially the metal dishware. In modern times, we’re so used to drinking out of glass and plastic cups, can you imagine pursing your lips onto a chilled metal cup? Sock Monkey wants to. He’s ready to down a pint right about now!

Summertime.

The summer solstice, the day of the year with the most amount of daylight.  Like the cogs of a clock that keeps it ticking, so are we in the world, each of us responsible for a moving part that creates the life around us. We have appreciation for this iconic timepiece, the clock tower from It’s a Small World. Sock Monkey wishes he was one of the toy soldiers that appear every few minutes. What time is it? Finally, it’s officially summertime. Yay!

Cat & Mouse.

Jack is keeping an eye out for Lucifer making sure Gus Gus and the gang are in the clear. Sock Monkey has joined the watch in hopes that mischievous Lucifer won’t get his way. Cinderella needs help and this is just the lot to do it. This remarkable structural scene can be seen at the base of Cinderella’s Wishing Well which is located at Magic Kingdom in the pathway behind the Castle. In the end of this fairy tale, like most fairy tales, the underdog wins, Bruno to the rescue. 

Three amigos.

We have Senor Mickey, Senor Kid, and Senor Sock Monkey, the three amigos. They are hangin’ around in Downtown Disney at the Team Mickey Athletic Club. Who’s got more colors splashed on them? The kid? The Mickey? Or the Monk? Would you say we have a plethora of colors?

Control tower.

It’s time to go and head back to the Magic Kingdom area. Here we are at the Ticket and Transportation Center waiting for a monorail to take us back to Contemporary/BLT. Interesting this control booth looks very similar to the control tower at Space Mountain. “Please stand clear of the door. Por favor mantengase alejado de la puerta.”

Step right up.

“Step right up, step right up. From expert to beginner everyone’s a winner!” says Mr. Potato Head. Where else can this happen but at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Toy Story Mania. Going to the fair is once again fun and competitive. With the different carnival games you get to experience, no wonder there’s always a long wait at this ride. To guarantee a short wait, Sock Monkey made sure he got there early in the morning before rope drop. Check him out on the poster, he’s one of the main attraction on the attraction.

Oh Happy Day!

We’re “singin’ in the rain, just singin’ in the rain. What a glorious feelin’, I’m happy again.”

Why do we sound so happy? Because we just booked our Walt Disney World trip for October… Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, here we come! We are really excited about going and Sock Monkey is ready to get stuffed (no pun intended). Here we are in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Streets of America, where you too can be a part of an iconic musical, Singin’ in the Rain. Eat your heart out Gene Kelly.

Block head.

Can you find Sock Monkey hidden amongst the Lego parts? This was taken at the Lego Imagination Center shop in Downtown Disney Marketplace where you can buy everything Lego, from parts to video games, to collector pieces. While here, you can also visit the many life size Lego sculptures inspired by Disney characters. Did you find our friend yet? Hint: start with the head piece.

Disney or Bust.

Just another day at Walt Disney World waiting for a bus to come.  I have to say I don’t think we’ve ever waited too long for a bus to arrive.  Of course the monorail would be a much better option, but we’re getting ready to do some damage in Downtown Disney and we all know the monorail transportation system doesn’t go there. Happy shopping!

Hello.

“I just called to say I love you. I just called to say how much I care. I just called to say I love you.  And I mean it from the bottom of my heart.” – Stevie Wonder

“Hello, is it me you’re looking for? Cause I wonder where you are. And I wonder what you do... But let me start by saying I love you.” – Lionel Richie

“I really think that you should know. I just came to say hello.” – Martin Solveig

Sock Monkey says “Hello” from the public phone located at Guest Services in Downtown Disney by Team Mickey Athletic Club. See if you can find this rotary phone next time you're visiting the shops.

Sayonara.

It’s almost time to say goodbye to our 2011 Walt Disney World trip. Sock Monkey’s making his way around the countries one last time in Epcot. Here at the beautiful serene Japan Pavilion, we enjoy the balance of the land, trees, and water. It surely was a nice and peaceful vacation.

Fiesta!

We’re a few days late, but nonetheless, we did celebrate Cinco de Mayo this past weekend. Sock Monkey is on his way to the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot. He’s ready to see the Mayan Temple and street vendors inside the marketplace. In honor of the festivity, we had tequila. And if you ever wanted to have this Mexican drink, I recommend Isa Cava del Tequila as the place to go in Disney World. Salud!

Tribute.

This Fall Epcot will be turning 30 years old. Sock Monkey is inside the Electric Umbrella restaurant where you too can take a peek at this timeline of Epcot’s attraction and pavilion dedications and major events. This homage is a nice treat to come across when exploring Walt Disney World. I know we enjoyed it!

Emperor.

Sock Monkey is an epic traveler. He sits on a chair of royalty and is greeted as "Huangdi". He is a part of the Game of Thrones. Okay, maybe not that heroic, he’s at the China Pavilion in Epcot. Here he sits on a replica piece of furniture from the Tomb Warriors in Xi’an China. Could it be possible that a monkey could be a sigil? Just wondering.

Shopping!

It’s a great day to go shopping! Here is Sock Monkey in front of his favorite store, the wonderful World of Disney at the Marketplace in Downtown Disney. If you're ever looking for Disney gifts, this is the place to visit. We’ve made several purchases here in the past. A favorite piece we had bought is a Vinylmation Steampunk Pocket Watch. For those watch lovers, it’s just an amazing time piece to own!

Grassroots.

Leaving the queue of Living with the Land, Sock Monkey learns new ways of growing and cultivating vegetation. Now he’s ready to learn about other ways to live with the Earth. On the upper level of The Land, you can catch a flick with our 3 favorite fellow jungle friends from The Lion King, Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa, and learn about living with the environment in an ecofriendly way. Let’s do our part in the Circle of Life!

Project Tomorrowland.

At the exit of Spaceship Earth you have the Global Neighborhood area which includes Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future. Here are interactive displays and games you get to play with and learn about the future of medicine, transportation or energy.  And like the end of the ride, we are also coming to an end with photos of Sock Monkey’s adventure in Disney World. But no worries, we’ll continue to keep you entertained with Disney pics till our next trip…through a time machine.

MILF.

What do you get when you put a microphone into the hands of a one eyed green guy in front of a live audience? You get Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom! Introducing Mike Wazowski our Monster of Ceremonies. It’s a blast of energy every time you come to this attraction, and we mean that literally. As seen here, Sock Monkey is in front of the Laugh System Diagram showing Monstropolis’ past method for generating power through screams and tears of the past to the now all cheers, jeers, and laughter of the present. Can we get an LOL!!!

Silhouette.

A profile picture which is an outlined image of a person and featureless interior usually with the silhouette image in black against a lighter background. Sock Monkey sat down for a session of his own. Here he is in Magic Kingdom getting his portrait done by a Disney cast member on Main Street USA. A masterpiece in the making.

Debarkation.

Our journey around It’s a Small World is almost over. We’re in line to disembark and as always, in my experience, there’s a wait to get off. Look Ma, Sock Monkey is walking on water. Ok he’s just anxious to get back on land and is about to swim to the exit. Thank goodness, only three boats ahead of us before it’s our turn. This is only the “happiest cruise that ever sailed!”

Bucket o' parts.

“Mr. Potato Head and a bucket of parts, bucket of fun for everyone.” Remember that jingle. Everyone’s played with a Mr. Potato Head at one point or another in their lifetime. Don’t you wish you could’ve gotten your hand on this giant sized Hasbro toy. Sock Monkey wants to play with this one or maybe even the giant container of Play-Doh. Here he is in front of the Once Upon a Toy store at the Marketplace in Downtown Disney. I wonder how many parts does this Potato Head hold?

Mirror Mirror.

After having been released for 3 weeks, Mirror Mirror is still in the top 10 of box office sales. The movie is not the only thing inspired by the story of Snow White, but as seen here and part of the vanity of the D Street Shop in Downtown Disney West Side, we have a “mirror mirror” of our own. Sock Monkey found a miniature sized magic mirror. He asks “Magic mirror on the shelf who is cuter than an elf?” The magic mirror replies, “Course there’s nothing cuter than yourself.”

Back to the future.

Being a world traveler, Sock Monkey has traveled far far away to ancient times, back to the days when the sphinx still had a nose. Okay, he didn’t really time travel and he's not in Egypt either. He’s in Downtown Disney West Side. We took a nice long walk around West Side and stumbled upon this abandoned fixture. We thought it was kind of out of place here like a Disney theme gone wrong. Don’t you think so too? Can someone say papyrus.

Start here.

Making our way around World Showcase in Epcot. As a family tradition we start from the Mexico Pavilion. Once we did the daring move of beginning the trip at the Canada Pavilion. Let’s just say the family was off the map and couldn’t tell what country to expect next. Sock Monkey is standing at our start marker. He’s ready to make the journey around the world in 30 minutes. Happy tails!

Dinner & Dancing.

We had dinner for the birthday girl at the Biergarten Restaurant in Germany at Epcot. The buffet was full of different kinds of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and plenty of Bavarian cakes and strudels. What Sock Monkey enjoyed most wasn’t the food, but the music the German band playing and boogying on the dance floor. If you ever get a chance, schedule a lunch or dinner here, it’ll be worth the entertainment alone.  

Twins.

Spring has officially arrived! It’s time to tend to the garden and bring out the lawn decor. We saw some at the Marketplace in Downtown Disney and Sock Monkey’s hanging out with two of a kind Mickey Mouse gnome. They’re protecting the World of Disney Store from evil spirits.

Game Time.

It’s March Madness and the final Sweet 16 are in and that’s all we have to say about the NCAA basketball tournament happening this month. The reason it’s “game time” today is because the new season of Dancing with the Stars has just begun and it’s time to point those toes.  It’s all about competition in March.

Speaking of competition, Walt Disney World is about winning. It’s you against the theme parks. It’s about getting a Fastpass to the front of the line and having minimal wait. It’s about beating the other family that was about to get on the purple tea cup you had your eye on. It’s about knowing at the end of the day after you’ve been beat up all year long by work or school that you’ve finally won a few days to spend quality time with the ones you love.  Sock Monkey spent quality time with the family and is seen taking a rest here on a bench located on Main Street, USA Magic Kingdom.

Sweet hunny.

This is exactly what Pooh would have imagined fans to be sitting in when riding his attraction, a giant hunny pot! We had such a sweet time on the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride at Walt Disney World. Sock Monkey felt he had finally met someone whose imagination was just as silly as his. "Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff. He's Winnie the Pooh."

Legends.

We bring you to the Hollywood Tower Hotel where legend has it that five unlucky passengers had an unfortunate event occur, they mysteriously disappear while in an elevator. On this day 44 B.C., Roman legend has it that that Julius Caesar was foretold by a soothsayer of his untimely death, “Beware the Ides of March”. And the last legend, only for the true believers, Sock Monkey and friends are the most amazing people, especially when they’re celebrating birthdays in Walt Disney World! You have now entered the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Chao.

We’re back! It’s been some time, but we are back at It’s a Small World. Sock Monkey is in the last room of the attraction where we literally say “goodbye” in all the different languages of the world. No more kids singing and dancing, just pretty colorful flowers and things. This is the end, this is the end my friend.

Hog wild.

The weather is getter warmer, as if winter had ever even arrived, and over the last few days I’ve seen a lot of motorcycle riders on the road. This made me think it was a great opportunity to post Sock Monkey’s photo in front of the Harley-Davidson store in Downtown Disney. This is where you can purchase your very own customized Harley vest. Though he doesn’t own one or any other biker items, it’d be pretty bad to the bone if there was a Sock Monkey sized hog for him to ride. Brggghh, brrrrughhh, Vrrrooooom!!!