Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade

For more than 8 years Mickey Mouse has overseen this colorful, playful, and adventurous procession that loops through Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Due to it’s course, shutterbugs get to try their hand at photographing the parade twice within roughly 15 minutes.

For my first attempt I stood beside the souvenir stand that’s diagonally across from the standby entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris. To my left were the magical doors that lead backstage and through which emerge King Louie, Baloo, and their pals.

Everyone in this photo seemed a little surprised when a Cast Member off to the side told them to get together therefore I must render that this isn’t a usual occurrence. Each “set” of walking characters, dancers, and stilt walkers posed.

If you’re using a point and shoot camera to capture a moving subject you’ll need to anticipate their next step or movement. Depress your shutter button before you normally would. It’s an important item to remember because your camera and mine have a short lag time. In other words, be ready.

My Canon PowerShot SX100 IS was set to Auto the entire time and I often made use of the zoom lens. I see that Rafiki’s banner says Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Expedition. Normally I just see the top of Rafiki’s head as I’m leaving the park.

Minnie’s truck is inspired by her signature red polka dot bows and comes complete with a bathtub filled with bubbles because expeditions are tiring.

Another good trick is to zoom in and wait until he/she moves into the frame and click the shutter just before he/she is centered. You can shoot faster if you don’t need your flash. That’ll cut down on the lag time.

Once the entire cavalcade passed by I took a quick break and upon returning found that for my second attempt, I was better off around the corner from where I’d been. This placed me diagonally across from the restrooms. Look at these next images for a better idea of my location.

Without the performers having to turn the corner like before, they’re now walking straight towards the lens.

In January around 5pm the sun is setting and coming from behind. This puts everything and everyone in shadow. The up side is there aren’t any crazy lighting matters to deal with. The down side is that shade photographs as blue so be sure to adjust your images later before printing. You could also trying using a flash if you’re within 10 feet of what/who you’re photographing.

A different perspective is always a good way to learn.

There’s plenty going on from Terk acknowledging me, costumed stilt walkers having some fun of their own and in the back, Donald waves from atop his ducked out caravan.

One last note, the park wasn’t all that busy. I was the only Guest in both roped off areas.

This blog was written while listening to “Salsa” the motion picture soundtrack.

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