Plano, Texas - International Festival
October 19, 2024
Haggard Park
Located in downtown Plano, this festival has grown into one of the largest (and longest running) festivals to celebrate international cultures in North Texas. This is the 19th year to be hosted by Plano and every year there are always new, exciting things to see and do. You will find lots of vendors, local community organizations, family-friendly activities, vendors with products and foods for sale, and on the stage there will be a variety of entertainment. There's even a wellness fair and fitness zone. Parking is limited so check the map or take a ride on the DART train which stops nearby. Check the website below for specific entertainment schedule.
Address: 901 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074
Hours: 11am - 5pm
Fees: None
For more info: https://www.planointernationalfestival.org/
Walt Disney World - Haunted Mansion Ride - 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 the Haunted Mansion Ride in Magic Kingdom. If they are yours, please download them!
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 the Haunted Mansion Ride in Magic Kingdom. If they are yours, please download them!
Review - Houston - Houston Zoo - Zoo Boo Event
This past Sunday I was able to visit the Houston Zoo and enjoy their annual Zoo Boo decorations. Zoo Boo is included with daily admission. Just a word of caution in case your kiddos are expecting some kind of candy, there are no trick-or-treats at this event.
What is Zoo Boo?
It's basically the zoo with lots of fun Halloween-themed or Fall-themed decorations. Lots of photo-ops.
The list of Zoo Boo attractions are shown on the bottom of the Visitor Guide Map (available just inside the Zoo at the digital map display).
New for 2024, you will find two giant Talking (and singing) Pumpkins. One is at the end of the Spooky Forest (which luckily for youngsters isn't too spooky during the day) and the other is in the African Forest. Also new this year are Glowing Pumpkins near the Flamingo Terrace as well as a "Ghost Town" just past the giraffe barn with great photo-ops and skeleton props. I'm sure at night, these are a lot scarier.
Zoo Boo is every day until October 31st. The price is included with regular admission (or free if you are a Houston Zoo Member). Zoo Boo After Hours is a separately ticketed event and occurs Friday nights and nightly October 23rd-30th from 5pm to 9:30pm.
Highlights of the Zoo Boo After Hours event is that the lights on many decorations will be turned on, including the Spooky Forest, the Glowing Pumpkins (near the Flamingo Terrace), and the Ghost Town. Some young children might be afraid of the glowing eyes and props. There will also be a Dance Party in the Children's Zoo area. And s'more making by the fire pit (or pay for a premium s'more).
Ghost town is series of prop buildings with cute skeleton photo-ops set up between each one. Across the way was another, bigger photo-op area.
Throughout the zoo were some really neat carved "pumpkins". Kiddos have fun searching for these and seeing which animals are carved in there.
Family-friendly costumes for both adults and children are encouraged. I personally saw very few people in costumes but I did see a lot of cool family-matching shirts and outfits. Perhaps when it gets closer to Halloween there will be more costumes?
Parking is FREE within the Hermann Park. Try to arrive early because parking filled up quickly as the park is home to lots of things to do and events. Also, it got a bit confusing driving through with some of the roads being closed by police due to pedestrian traffic.
Also, just FYI, ticket prices fluctuate by day/time. If you have some flexibility, you might want to visit on a weekday when the prices are lower.
For More Info, visit their website, HoustonZoo.org
What is Zoo Boo?
It's basically the zoo with lots of fun Halloween-themed or Fall-themed decorations. Lots of photo-ops.
The list of Zoo Boo attractions are shown on the bottom of the Visitor Guide Map (available just inside the Zoo at the digital map display).
New for 2024, you will find two giant Talking (and singing) Pumpkins. One is at the end of the Spooky Forest (which luckily for youngsters isn't too spooky during the day) and the other is in the African Forest. Also new this year are Glowing Pumpkins near the Flamingo Terrace as well as a "Ghost Town" just past the giraffe barn with great photo-ops and skeleton props. I'm sure at night, these are a lot scarier.
Zoo Boo is every day until October 31st. The price is included with regular admission (or free if you are a Houston Zoo Member). Zoo Boo After Hours is a separately ticketed event and occurs Friday nights and nightly October 23rd-30th from 5pm to 9:30pm.
Highlights of the Zoo Boo After Hours event is that the lights on many decorations will be turned on, including the Spooky Forest, the Glowing Pumpkins (near the Flamingo Terrace), and the Ghost Town. Some young children might be afraid of the glowing eyes and props. There will also be a Dance Party in the Children's Zoo area. And s'more making by the fire pit (or pay for a premium s'more).
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ghost town is series of prop buildings with cute skeleton photo-ops set up between each one. Across the way was another, bigger photo-op area.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Throughout the zoo were some really neat carved "pumpkins". Kiddos have fun searching for these and seeing which animals are carved in there.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Family-friendly costumes for both adults and children are encouraged. I personally saw very few people in costumes but I did see a lot of cool family-matching shirts and outfits. Perhaps when it gets closer to Halloween there will be more costumes?
 |
 |
 |
 |
Parking is FREE within the Hermann Park. Try to arrive early because parking filled up quickly as the park is home to lots of things to do and events. Also, it got a bit confusing driving through with some of the roads being closed by police due to pedestrian traffic.
Also, just FYI, ticket prices fluctuate by day/time. If you have some flexibility, you might want to visit on a weekday when the prices are lower.
For More Info, visit their website, HoustonZoo.org
Event - #Travel #Texas - #Abilene - Boo at the Zoo - October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 2024
Abilene, Texas - Boo at the Zoo
October 12, 13 and 19, 20 and 26, 27, 2024
Abilene Zoo
Dress the kiddos in costumes and come out to the zoo for some trick-or-treating fun (included with zoo entry). Come check out the newest baby giraffe and while you're over there, purchase some lettuce ($5.00) to feed the other giraffes (watch out for those long tongues!).
Address: 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX 79602
Hours: 8am - 4pm (attractions close at 3pm)
Fees: Zoo Entry $10 Adults, $7 Children, and $9 Seniors; ZooMore Entry bundle (includes Train Ride and Giraffe Feed) $15.99 Adults, $12.99 Children, and $14.99 Seniors.
More info: https://abilenezoo.org
October 12, 13 and 19, 20 and 26, 27, 2024
Abilene Zoo
Dress the kiddos in costumes and come out to the zoo for some trick-or-treating fun (included with zoo entry). Come check out the newest baby giraffe and while you're over there, purchase some lettuce ($5.00) to feed the other giraffes (watch out for those long tongues!).
Address: 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX 79602
Hours: 8am - 4pm (attractions close at 3pm)
Fees: Zoo Entry $10 Adults, $7 Children, and $9 Seniors; ZooMore Entry bundle (includes Train Ride and Giraffe Feed) $15.99 Adults, $12.99 Children, and $14.99 Seniors.
More info: https://abilenezoo.org
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!
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!
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