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Event - #Travel #Texas - #West Colombia - Hoggtoberfest - October 5, 2024

West Colombia, Texas - Hoggtoberfest
October 5, 2024
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site
Feiern! Celebrate! Come out to this interesting historical site (about an hour southwest of Houston) for some German music, beer, food, merchandise, and more.
While you're in West Colombia, take a drive around town and check out the Mural art and stop by Carta Valley Soda Shop for some treats.
Hours: 12pm - 9pm
Address: 1702 N. 13th St, West Colombia, TX 77486
For more info: https://thc.texas.gov/events/hoggtoberfest
Get to know West Colombia: https://www.westcolumbiatx.org/
Additional info and other Texas travel/history fun: https://www.facebook.com/TexasHistoricalCommission

Walt Disney World - Festival of the Arts 2024 - PhotoPass - Is This You? - #FunPhotoFriday

Scrolling through my Photopass pictures I notice that I get a lot of images that are not of me or my family but of complete strangers. Sometimes doing really cool things. Sometimes getting really neat lenses or filters. So, I thought, what if they were looking for their pictures and I have them! I'd love to share them back to their rightful owners. And, thus, I will be posting images of other people or families and hoping they eventually find themselves here. And, if not, it's still pretty fun to see what PhotoPass can offer you if you've been on the fence about paying for the services.

What is Photopass?
For those who have not yet visited one of the Disney Parks or Cruises, Photopass is the photography service that is offered. Basically, a Cast Member with a camera will take your photo at a strategic location (like in front of the Castle). Some will have special filters to add (like a flying Figment or a rainbow). During some events (like the Halloween Party) there will be special filters and effects that they add only during that time. Once your photo is taken, you can view it in the Photo Gallery on your Disney app. If you purchase the Photopass package, you will be able to download or share that photo. If you didn't, you can purchase pictures individually. If you need extra help, there are photopass desks at the parks to help you with any set up, purchases, questions, missing photos, etc.

Can't I just take my own pictures?
Of course! So, the question is - should I pay money for this service? The answer depends on how much you like special filters/effects. I pay for the service so I can get family shots, unique props, unique filters, and the interesting camera effects (like the super-zoom and the 360-degree view). Keep a realistic expectation on the photos that are taken (ie, you may get tons and tons of people or their backsides in your photos).

Can the photopass photographer take pics with my camera?
Yes. But you won't get any of the special shots or the filters.

These were taken at Epcot during the 2024 Festival of the Arts. If they are yours, please download them!






Event - #Travel #Texas - #Lewisville - Lewisville Western Days - September 27-28, 2024

Lewisville, Texas - Lewisville Western Days
September 27-28, 2024
Old Town Lewisville
Head to Lewisville for some Old West themed fun and activities. Kids will enjoy the obstacle course, bounce house, arts and crafts, and more (wristbands to enjoy unlimited fun are only $15 each and includes a shirt for those aged two and older). Live music and food vendors. Check the website for help with free parking and free shuttles.
Address: Old Town Lewisville along Church and Main Streets
Hours: Friday, Sept. 27, 4 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Entry Fees: Free until 5pm; after 5pm will cost $15 per person 12 years or older.
For More Information: https://www.cityoflewisville.com/city-hall/city-departments/community-relations-tourism/special-events-festivals/western-days-festival/children-s-activities

Walt Disney World - Flower and Garden 2024 - PhotoPass - Is This You? - #FunPhotoFriday

Scrolling through my Photopass pictures I notice that I get a lot of images that are not of me or my family but of complete strangers. Sometimes doing really cool things. Sometimes getting really neat lenses or filters. So, I thought, what if they were looking for their pictures and I have them! I'd love to share them back to their rightful owners. And, thus, I will be posting images of other people or families and hoping they eventually find themselves here. And, if not, it's still pretty fun to see what PhotoPass can offer you if you've been on the fence about paying for the services.

What is Photopass?
For those who have not yet visited one of the Disney Parks or Cruises, Photopass is the photography service that is offered. Basically, a Cast Member with a camera will take your photo at a strategic location (like in front of the Castle). Some will have special filters to add (like a flying Figment or a rainbow). During some events (like the Halloween Party) there will be special filters and effects that they add only during that time. Once your photo is taken, you can view it in the Photo Gallery on your Disney app. If you purchase the Photopass package, you will be able to download or share that photo. If you didn't, you can purchase pictures individually. If you need extra help, there are photopass desks at the parks to help you with any set up, purchases, questions, missing photos, etc.

Can't I just take my own pictures?
Of course! So, the question is - should I pay money for this service? The answer depends on how much you like special filters/effects. I pay for the service so I can get family shots, unique props, unique filters, and the interesting camera effects (like the super-zoom and the 360-degree view). Keep a realistic expectation on the photos that are taken (ie, you may get tons and tons of people or their backsides in your photos).

Can the photopass photographer take pics with my camera?
Yes. But you won't get any of the special shots or the filters.

These were taken at Epcot during the 2024 Flower and Garden Festival. If they are yours, please download them!







Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Zoo - Destination: Dinosaurs

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to visit the temporary exhibit, Destination: Dinosaurs, presented by Reliant Energy. The exhibit ends September 30th, so try to squeeze in a visit if you can. It's one of the largest immersive dinosaur exhibits in America. I personally thought it was well laid out and offered plenty of hands-on fun for visitors of all ages.
 
 
The exhibit is located in the back of the North Zoo (near the Tiger exhibit and some monkeys) - follow the dino footprints on the ground. After you purchase your tickets (see below for prices) at the ticket booth, you will walk along the paved trail that loops around and returns down a long hill (for those in wheelchairs please be careful) back to the booth. You will find a few photo-ops at the front entrance.
 
A fun banner allowing you to compare the wingspan of several creatures hangs on a fence to the right. A photo-op sign and dino behind some benches are on the left.
 
 
 
 
Most of the dinosaurs are animatronic with moving parts and sounds. Some of the dinosaurs were just statues. All of them were nestled into the scenery. A few were placed into scenes (which I'll show in a bit).

Cute baby dinosaurs
 
 
Two "scenes" where several dinosaurs or dinosaur species are put together in an interesting display. There's a "splash" zone area with dinosaurs that squirt water and there are many signs to warn you about such a thrill in case you prefer not to get sprayed.
 
 
 
 
 
Here are some of the hands-on fun within the dinosaur trail. Go ahead and touch the dinosaur bones or teeth. Compare your hands or feet to dinosaurs' prints or other animals' prints. They do have a dinosaur dig site (ask ahead to be sure it's open during your visit) and a few other interactive areas.
The merchandise store/area was closed during our visit.
Overall, it was a nice walk through a well-created exhibit with lots of greenery and animations. It didn't feel crowded and youngsters seemed to enjoy it as well as older visitors.
Tickets: General Admission $6.00, Members below Patron $4.00, and Patron or Above Members Free
information, visit https://www.dallaszoo.com