Just before we left for Orlando, the planning began for a new project which involves two Viking ships, They each will measure almost forty feet long and fourteen feet wide through the beam. The ships will incorporate interactive elements from another vendor and thus require a great deal of precision during construction to make sure everything fits together seamlessly. The ships also have to break into nine pieces for shipping to Dubai. The easiest way to get everything right was to first start with a scaled study model. Peter is taking the lead on this project and has a half model of the ship almost done.
Fun brackets
I absolutely love how story elements are skillfully woven into every detail of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Today I managed to spend about an hour sketching the carved brackets on the buildings in the centre courtyard area. Each bracket and brace is of a stylized animal or bird and there are dozens on the buildings, each unique and brilliant in their execution. Here's three of the many sketches I made today. As I sketched what I saw I was inspired with just as many new ideas of things I wanted to create in the future. I find that when I simply record with a camera I am only capturing what I see for future reference. When I slow down enough to draw the same ideas by hand I have time to think of new and exciting ideas, sparked by what I see.
Sea World treat
Today we spent a wonderful day at Sea World, Orlando. Our day began with a personal tour by one of the executive team, Marc Dittmer. It was fun to talk with someone who is so passionate about the theme park industry! Marc is a great guy too! Thanks!
Then we spent the rest of the day just enjoying the park. Sea World is beautiful, the landscaping was gorgeous. We took in all but one of the shows, and saw as any of the exhibits as we could squeeze into our full day. The meals were great in the park as well! It was the high point in Phoebe's trip so far to be able to personally interact with the manta rays and dolphins. We also tested our courage on the large and fast roller coasters!
We'll be back!
