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We have lots of D23 announcements for both Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World! https://disneylandparis-news.com/en/disneyland-paris-will-welcome-the-worlds-first-attraction-and-immersive-themed-area-inspired-by-the-lion-king-and-reveals-that-world-of-frozen-will-open-in-2026/ First, we have a brand-new land for Disney Adventure World themed to The Lion King! During D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – which took place in Anaheim, CA from August 9 to August 11, 2024, and brought together Disney fans from all over the world – Disneyland Paris shared exciting news about the awe-inspiring experiences that are coming to its two parks during Horizons: Disney Experience Showcase on August 10. The most astounding news was the reveal of the creation of the very first immersive attraction and themed area inspired by the beloved franchise The Lion King, which will come to life after the opening of World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World in 2026. A host of other projects that are being turned into reality as part of the unprecedented transformation of Europe’s top tourist destination have also been revealed. Also, in the coming years, guests will be amazed by the all-new nighttime spectacular that will be performed above Adventure Bay, the central lake at Disney Adventure World, but they will also be treated to a brand-new nighttime experience at Disneyland Park beginning in January 2025! The First-Ever Attraction and Immersive Area Themed Around The Lion King in a Disney Park In front of an excited audience, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, unveiled the upcoming creation of an all-new extraordinary area at Disneyland Paris dedicated to one of the most beloved Disney franchises, around the world and particularly in Europe – The Lion King! This larger-than-life area will bring guests on a journey through the African savanna and immerse them into the unforgettable adventures of Simba, Timon, Pumbaa and many other iconic characters from the beloved Disney film, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. For the attraction, Disney Imagineers will bring to life the majestic Pride Rock, which will serve as the gateway to an adventure-filled water attraction that will plunge guests beneath the rock to follow Simba on his journey from cub to king, in a retelling of the story from the classic animated feature film. When visiting this immersive themed area, guests will be immersed in the world of The Lion King thanks to Disney character greetings, themed dining, and shopping opportunities, which promises an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Inspired by the African savanna and iconic locations from the franchise, this new area will push the boundaries of immersion with its unparalleled level of detail and a new, unique attraction, which will seamlessly blend a spectacular water experience with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics® technology. Imagineers have dreamed up the perfect way to carry forward Disney’s unique storytelling tradition! With construction set to begin next year, the Pride Lands near Adventure Bay will bring the resort’s ongoing transformation to new heights! “From the moment the sun rose on the big screen in theaters all around the world, audiences were captivated by the story of The Lion King, and its characters, and it has not lost any momentum since. Our goal as Imagineers is to translate the emotional core of the film into this exciting project and have you relive that feeling all over again as you experience this unique attraction. I’m thrilled and excited that The Lion King will make its attraction debut here at Disneyland Paris.” said Michel Den Dulk, Portfolio Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris. --- Next, Disney announced that World of Frozen will open at Disney Adventure World in 2026, along with a new nighttime spectacular on the lake! Before the future opening of the themed area dedicated to The Lion King, guests will be treated to an array of new experiences at Disney Adventure World. These novelties include the Adventure Way promenade surrounded by lush landscape, the family attraction Raiponce Tangled Spin, the stylish The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge offering spectacular views over the majestic Adventure Bay and the highly anticipated land inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Frozen. When the Kingdom of Arendelle opens its gates in 2026, guests will not only have the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey alongside Anna and Elsa inside the all-new attraction at Disneyland Paris, Frozen Ever After, but they will also be able to take part in immersive shopping and dining experiences and meet the beloved sisters in person during a royal encounter! In the same year, an all-new breathtaking nighttime show will also debut on the lake and above. The banks along Adventure Bay and The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge will be the perfect spot to admire the awe-inspiring combination of water screens, fountains, special effects, and never- before-seen drone choreography. Honoring its long legacy of innovation in nighttime entertainment, and in partnership with its France-based Official Technology Provider Dronisos, Disneyland Paris is also developing the first of their kind water-drones to be used just for this special show, that will bring each adventure-filled day at Disney Adventure World to a spectacular close! All of these new experiences will roughly double the footprint of the park, which is ushering in a new era marked by a fresh creative vision. To celebrate this new chapter, the second park will even be renamed Disney Adventure World when the next themed area comes to life in 2026! --- Finally, Disneyland Paris will be debuting a new Nighttime spectacular in January 2025! New Year is usually synonymous with new beginnings! Starting January 2025, an all-new nighttime spectacular will enchant guests of all ages every day at Disneyland Park. featuring a magical combination of iconic songs and projections of Disney Characters onto Sleeping Beauty Castle. This new show will bring guests on a journey filled with emotion and nostalgia to help them discover that true magic lies within every moment of life! With its unique blend of projections, fountains, breathtaking lighting effects and an original soundtrack, this show promises to push the technical boundaries set for previous night shows, such as Disney Dreams! and Disney Illuminations, and immerse guests into their favorite stories like never before. Additionally, for the first time in the history of nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland Paris, Main Street, U.S.A. will also serve as a backdrop for a show! Whether it comes to the colorful settings of Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, Encanto or even Buzz Lightyear’s galaxy, many Disney Animation and Pixar stories will be brought to life on the iconic street located in Disneyland Park – a never-before-seen experience made possible through state-of-the-art projections complete with sound effects that will further immerse guests into the story. “For this new show, we reimagined the way of telling stories with our Castle as the main attraction. This exclusive experience at Disneyland Paris is a testament to our creative expertise – skill which has been honed over the years. We are looking forward to dazzling and touching the hearts of our guests by immersing them into breathtaking sequences inspired by their favorite Disney and Pixar movies like never before. This can’t-miss experience will make it possible for guests to end their day in the parks all together in the most unforgettable way,” said Dana Harrel, Executive Entertainment Director, Disneyland Paris. A Transformation Coming to Life Across the Resort All these projects are part of a development plan that aims to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. They reflect the commitment of Disneyland Paris to always expand its offerings in creative and groundbreaking ways. Earlier this year, the resort lifted the curtain on the next phase of its Disney Hotels transformation plan. After inviting guests to step into the world of Marvel Super Heroes with the reopening of Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in 2021 and unveiling the royally reimagined Disneyland Hotel in 2024, the resort will gradually reimagine all Disney Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows in the near future featuring interior decorations inspired by the adventures of beloved characters such as Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, together with Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby Vanderquack. Disney Village is also undergoing a major reimagining aimed at enhancing its offerings and exceeding guest expectations! In the coming months, the retail, dining, and entertainment complex will welcome all-new restaurants and shops, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a modern, warm, and dynamic atmosphere! “The last updates provided at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event are a valuable addition to the ongoing or upcoming projects at Disneyland Paris. They show the extent of our transformation, which aims to reinvent the experience delivered within our resort in the coming years. We are confident that all these changes will contribute to strengthening our position as a tourism leader in Europe, along with the pioneer status that Disney has earned in the theme park industry,” said Natacha Rafalski.

We have lots of announcements for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure coming from D23! https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/tianas-bayou-adventure-disneyland-opening-date/ https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/walt-disney-audio-animatronic/ https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/avatar-experience-announced-california-adventure/ https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/avengers-campus-spider-man-announcements/ First, we have a November 15th opening date for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, with Critter Country now becoming Bayou Country! Disneyland, it’s time to head on down to the bayou – blue skies and sunshine up ahead! Announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro is getting ready to let the good times roll! Realizing the show was quickly zooming by, and there were so many other announcements to get to, Josh was joined on-stage by Darren Criss and Skylar Astin. The duo quickly (and via song) splashed through some very important updates you’re going to want to know — one of them being when you can drop in on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland. The Happiest Place on Earth will open their attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog” on Nov. 15, 2024 (at the start of the Holiday season at Disneyland Resort)! And not only that, but Critter Country will be appropriately renamed Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. Gather up your friends and family, a celebration is coming! Following its opening at Walt Disney World earlier this year, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open November 15, 2024 at Disneyland park in the newly renamed Bayou Country. Bayou Country is situated on the edge of New Orleans Square with shady trees, mesmerizing music and a vast collection of enchanting surprises. Guests will discover a land filled with friendly woodland animals, from a trumpet-playing gator and an adorable bear who craves honey to a musical cast of bears, frogs, and other critters. In addition to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Bayou Country will be the home to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, as well as the newly reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, which has one of the most scenic dining areas in all of Disneyland park. And don’t forget to grab your favorite merchandise from Ray’s Berets, and Louis’ Critter Club, and sweet treats from Pooh Corner. While some areas may open earlier, we look forward to welcoming you officially to Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on Nov. 15, which “brings folks from all walks of life together”, as Princess Tiana’s father would say. --- Next, we have a new show that will be playing alongside Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, Walt Disney: A Magical Life! As Walt Disney once said, “When we consider a new project, we really study it—not just the surface idea, but everything about it. And when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job.” On stage during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro gave a small glimpse of a fitting tribute coming to Disneyland. For the first time ever, when it debuts in 2025, you’ll actually be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” Walt Disney Imagineering’s first Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney is being created for this very special experience. “I speak for our entire team when I say there is so much pride and excitement for everyone involved in this endeavor,” Josh told the crowd. The past, present and future are coming together, giving visitors the chance to imagine what it would be like to stop by Walt’s office. Who knows what he might be dreaming up inside? Only time will tell with Walt. “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut inside the Main Street Opera House, and after its initial run, the attraction will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” A fitting acknowledgement of Walt’s significant advances with Audio-Animatronics about 60 years ago when he first introduced the groundbreaking technology. “Creating our first Walt figure is a huge responsibility, and we’ve brought members of the Disney family along with us for every step of the journey,” Josh continued on stage. “His great-nephew, Roy P. Disney, visited the Imagineering campus recently to see our progress. And he’s here tonight. Thank you, Roy, for helping us fulfill this dream.” --- Next, a new land based on Avatar: The Way of Water will be built in Disney California Adventure! Pack your bags, we’re heading to Pandora! In the future, you’ll be greeting everyone with Oel ngati kameie — that’s “I see you” in Na’vi — when this all-new exciting destination arrives at the Disneyland Resort with awe-inspiring sights and experiences. As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, we’re venturing further into Pandora with a new destination at Disney California Adventure. While Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is based on Oscar-winner James Cameron’s “Avatar” film, this new destination draws inspiration from “Avatar: The Way of Water” and upcoming Avatar films to bring Pandora to life in a brand-new way. I joined Josh on stage to dive deeper into the new space including how guests will go on the adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora and the beauty – and danger – that come along with the journey. This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora. This is going to be a dynamic, intense and emotional experience on a grand scale that we know our guests will love. Ready to explore this breathtaking experience worthy of these epic stories? --- And finally, we have two more attractions coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure - Stark Flight Lab and Avengers Infinity Defense! Ready, recruits? The size of Avengers Campus at Disneyland will double with not one but two brand new attractions to suit up and fight alongside some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Construction on this expansion will begin next year. Get ready for a multi-world adventure experience with Avengers Infinity Defense. Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big, and small, heroes. You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too. If you’re up for another mission, Tony Stark has one for you. And you know Tony, he always wants to try something new and exciting, and it’s going to make you feel like a Super Hero yourself. With the just announced Stark Flight Lab, you’re going to sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight. And, a familiar face will join you at the Stark Flight Lab — Mr. Stark himself. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark for the attractions in the land.

New from D23: Disney has announced the Tropical Americas land for Disney's Animal Kingdom, to replace Dinoland USA! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/tropical-americas-encanto-indiana-jones-animal-kingdom/ A new adventure awaits at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with the addition of a new space themed around Tropical Americas. Welcome to Pueblo Esperanza. As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro explained during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, work on this new 11-acre section of the park is set to begin later this year. Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love. That’s not all that will be located here – the new land will include not one but two signature attractions! Indiana Jones A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world. In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see. Encanto If you’re a fan of drawers, floors, and doors, let’s go! The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into… Construction on the land is set to begin this fall and will open in 2027 — but don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to experience Dinosaur again (and get that dino).

Hey everyone! Lots of stuff to talk about from D23, so here we go! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/cars-area-announced-magic-kingdom/ https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-nighttime-parade-magic-kingdom/ https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/villains-land-announced-magic-kingdom/ First up, Disney announced an expansion to Frontierland with Cars attractions, to begin construction in early 2025! One is a quicker-than-quick racecar who eats losers for breakfast, and one is a tow truck with a heart of gold. Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater are racing into Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort! At Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, with the help of Tow Mater via video call, announced that a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city,” Josh told the crowd. Don’t get too comfortable in Radiator Springs because it’s time to leave the pit stop and head west into exciting new frontiers. On this adventure, guests will be able to experience not one but two exciting new “Cars”-themed attractions. One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes. But what about smaller racers? The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family. Get ready to start your engines! Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025. --- Also, Disney announced that a new nighttime parade will be coming to the park! Picture this: you’re nestled on Main Street, U.S.A. with your loved ones getting ready to watch a nighttime parade come to life right before your eyes. Maybe you’ve got a churro or a Mickey Ice Cream bar in hand, or are eyeing a nearby popcorn cart, who knows! But the lights dim, the music swells, and now you’re watching a brand-new nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom Park. You don’t have to imagine this for much longer, because in summer 2025, a brand-new parade will make its way to the Most Magical Place On Earth. Broadway darlings — and former Disney Live Entertainment Cast Members! — Rachel Potter and Eden Espinosa graced the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event stage during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase panel with this monumental announcement. The all-new parade “Disney Starlight” is coming next summer! “Disney Starlight” will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more. --- And finally, Disney announced a brand-new land for the park themed to the Disney Villains! Once upon a nightmare… A place where poison apples are aplenty and magic potions can ruin your whole day. For all those things hiding in the shadows, it’s time to join them as we lift the veil on a forthcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort. As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, this new land will be home to the Disney Villains we know and loathe from our favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios classic films — “Which means happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream.” The evil ambition of all these Villains means that the possibilities are endless for the stories that can be told — and visitors to the dark and thorny land should be prepared for whatever chaos might come their way. The new land will encompass all your dreams- er, nightmares. The space will be home to two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale. “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls,” Josh teased. “It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.” You might have just felt a shiver run down your spine. That’s because preparation is already underway at Magic Kingdom for this new land. Maybe think twice before you indulge in that next shiny red apple… On August 12th, Disney released more details surrounding the expansions at Magic Kingdom, including the closure and removal of Tom Sawyer Island, the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Rivers of America. https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-details-revealed-expansion-magic-kingdom/ This past weekend at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed exciting new details about what’s coming to Walt Disney World. In addition to getting up close and personal with monsters and villains, soon you’ll be able to explore the uncharted territory of the great outdoors with an expansion in Frontierland themed around Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars.” It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers. “We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland,” shared Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.” The new area will bring you along for the ride (pun intended) with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, and dodging geysers, in addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family. Ahead of work revving into high gear next year, guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today. And cruising just around the bend, guests will be able to venture Beyond Big Thunder Mountain into an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life. Together, these new additions to Magic Kingdom will represent the largest expansion in park history.

New pass details. Memberships stay alive. (Fiesta pricing shown)

I haven't been to any water parks in a long time either now but a lot of places use to let you just hold them when you went down slides you couldn't wear them on.

hmm. . I'm not really a water park person, but I've worn Aqua Socks on slides at Six Flags. I'd assume anything without a "grip" or "stud" on it would be acceptable on a slide.

Day -1 (part 2): lunch, Crypt Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, and more! as noted in the prior update, Wagamama over here by the tower looked good. . but a few doors down was this, "Dream Xi'an". . and it looked amazing as well. so I went here, tho was pretty much the only customer as it was past lunch time on a Sunday. don't remember exactly what this was, other than hot green tea, Gyoza, and i believe it was a spicy lamb, hearty stew. (I'm guessing it was lamb, because I remember pulling out bones from it, and most lamb/goat has bones in it) it was all excellent tho! I had heard of this place called the Sky Garden, that supposedly offered fantastic views. but one needed to get tickets online - although they did offer a standby line. so I walked the 10 blocks or so over there, and was told standby would be a few hours, but I was welcome to hang around. So I explored the area. Wasn't hungry as had just eaten, but found this fantastic animatronic noodle bowl (the chopsticks pull the noodles out of the bowl), that kept me very amused (and the amount of people taking selfies with it was so funny, that I stood in line and got one too). eventually I wandered back across the street to the sky garden to hang out for a while, and was told they still had no standby spots avail. that's ok. . it was set up neat enough over here anyways, that I was entertained. love some of the architecture in London. I even rested a bit and played around on my phone for a little while. but it eventually became clear they were never gonna let stand by folks in line, so I headed back over towards the Tower of London - where my taxi had dropped me off earlier, and was actually planning on heading back to the hotel for a nap, and then just coming back later. but as I got nearer to the spot where I was dropped off, I noticed the sign on this church near the Tower of London. Oldest Church in London? hmmm. . I like old Churches, and the sign out front said all are welcome to come in and take a look, so I headed in. it's a lovely Church, with again, some very nice stained glass. but what's this? (I noticed later they do have this on the sign outside, but not really calling any attention to it. I asked the Priest that was working the "gift" area why they don't really advertise the Crypt Museum - getting ahead of myself, but you can tell I LOVED it (and it's free) - especially how close they are to the Tower of London? and he answered me honestly, that they don't want to deal with the amount of insurance they would need if so many tourists discovered it's here. . so they like to keep it more word of mouth and the insurance premiums down) it was such a narrow, steep, and foreboding staircase - hidden in a back corner, that I was already loving this. Very cool, and very much recommended if you find yourself in this area of London. all these following pics are under the church. . .and in some of the areas, the whole place shakes as the Tube trains roll nearby. I would SO buy this on a shirt. . . this rediscovered mural, on a closed off staircase was just incredible. it was worth the trip to the Crypt Museum just to see this. lovely. in talking to the Pastor after visiting the Crypt Museum, I had mentioned about the Sky Garden being sold out. he gave me a map and recommended that I head over to St. Paul's Cathedral, it wasn't open to the public this afternoon, but just across the street was a shopping complex that had recently opened their own skydeck - so that was another option to get some nice views for free. i thanked him, and ignored my feet, and decided to walk along the Thames to go to St. Pauls, as there are walking paths on both sides of the river, and even tho it had started to get a little overcast, it was still a lovely day. walking along the Thames. . . .I guess people actually swim in it? I actually found "London Bridge" . . .without even seeking it out. I admit, I was pretty impressed even if it is, you know, just a bridge. so much interesting architecture and design along the riverwalk here. and I had it mostly to myself (but didn't feel unsafe at all) St. Paul's - per the map I had gotten from the Church - was just at the Millennium Bridge (it had been about a 40 minute walk). . the design is interesting. looking straight ahead from the bridge, is St. Paul's Cathedral Double Decker Bus. . very London. some really neat "artsy" touches on the buildings/courtyards leading up the main streets here. on this map, you can see how far I walked, from Tower of London (on lower right), along the river, up to St Paul's. the outside is quite nice. . reminds me of US State Capitols. I figured since was here, would explore the grounds a bit before going to that shopping center (called One New Change) Exiting the Cathedral space, I spotted some "high end" stores, so headed that way for the "One New Change" shopping center and their skydeck. ended up being a waste of time, as not only was it a mostly dead mall - with at least 2/3rds of the storefronts empty, with only a few high-end shops open on the main level, but there were giant signs on the Elevators noting that "due to construction, the public Skydeck is not available" however, there was a bar/club on the top that had some views, so I figured I'd go up and get a drink. only to be stopped by the douchebag guy manning the Elevators (whom I'm sure if I got closer to him, would have reeked of Patchoulli) telling me that I was not allowed to go up, because I was "a single" (looked it up, the place is called "the Madison") I looked around at the dead mall and said to him, "you're going to stop someone who's willing to go into your business and purchase something?" and he said again - you're a single, not allowed up. (I'm certain that it's because I was wearing shorts). I actually laughed at him, and told him that it was silly to turn away a tourist when their place is in a dead mall, but that I'd be sure to post about it - and took the escalators up to the 2nd floor when I was welcomed into a very loud/raucous game place - think it was called the F1 Arcade. I only hung out there for one drink, as it was very loud in there. . . but I sipped a drink, and then headed back to the St. Paul's courtyard to play on my phone for a bit (and post to Facebook how I had been turned away and I found it hysterical they were turning away business) it was quite peaceful over here, and I hung out here probably for 40 minutes or so - watching the massive swarms of birds that were circling the city. it was starting to get past 7pm, so I figured I'd better head back towards the Tower of London, but wanted to cross and come back on the other side of the river. so I headed back, snapping pics along the way of things that caught my eye. Crossing the Millennium Bridge to the other side of the Thames. where I was coming from: where I was headed: I would have gone into the Tate Modern if I'd had more time - and if I had realized it was over here, I probably wouldn't have sat by that fountain and rested my feet for 45 minutes. but oh well. as I posted on Facebook at the time, "how in the world do you advertise "See Great Art From Around the World" . . . . at the same time you're promoting a Yoko Ono exhibit?" the re-re-re-re-re-built famous Shakespeare's Globe Theater another reason to go back to London. . to see a show here in this theater. while walking, I passed this sign at a restaurant called "the Real Greek". "TOO GOOD NOT TO TRY!" hmmmm. . I'll be the judge of that, so I headed in. even tho not super hungry, the menu looked amazing, so I ordered several things to try. this is the Halloumi "popcorn". . it actually was really quite good, tho the addition of the honey poured on top is what really made it taste better. the drink is a Negroni, which while it's supposed to be a bitter cocktail, this one was SO strong, I really had to water it down, and still couldn't finish it. Lamb Meatball wrap and Spinach Tiropitakia all were really good, and I ate too much. . . but it was so good. I was getting a bit short on time .. had about 80 minutes to get back to the Tower of London, and wasn't sure how long it would take me to waddle my full butt back there. so I headed back along the river. this place looked really familiar. It must have been featured in some show I've watched. some really neat graffiti art on the walkway on this side of the river Prison Museum? oh my! as I started to get closer, and spotted the Tower Bridge, I figured I'd better cross back to the "correct" side for Tower of London. was able to get some lovely shots of the sun setting over London. made it back with about 25 minutes to spare, so went to the meet up place, and chatted with some of the others that had also gotten tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys (many of them had a similar story to mine - tired and failed to get thru, sent email, were sent link and then it was time for the Ceremony. once we passed thru these gates, everyone had to turn off their phones, and no eating or drinking. it really was a once in a lifetime experience, and it impressed the hell out of me. I'm so glad I got to see it. after the Ceremony was over, we were invited to take out our phones/cameras, and to ask questions. the lead Royal Guardsman (Beefeater) answered questions for a good 20 minutes - explaining all about the Brigade of Gurkhas and why it was such a rare occasion to see them perform the Ceremony. after I asked a few questions (mainly about how much did the Ceremony change after the Queen passed) I asked if I could get a picture with him - which triggered a whole line of people asking for the same thing (lol). and then we were led back to the main gates, and thru the smaller door (that those who live in the Tower use, after it's locked up) to head home. it was eerie, and beautiful walking thru the Tower of London at night, with no one else around. the Traitor's gate at night. in order to grab a cab, I had to walk all the way up to the Tower Bridge, to go to the hotel across the way. but I didn't mind, it was lovely. and once the hotel called me a cab, I was fighting to keep my eyes open. . .but awake enough to snap this pic of the London Eye at night. and shortly after this pic, I was back at the hotel, and in bed, out cold. It had been a very long day, and my feet were aching, but tomorrow was day 0 - meet up at the start hotel, and group dinner to officially kick off the TPR UK trip.