How "just one trip" became three (babies)... update 6/29, huge triplets photo update [Archive] - Page 2 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Code

11-01-2007, 11:27 AM

Are you thinking wider?

Wider is probably what I'm leaning toward.. these are my options:

- 11-22mm f/2.8-3.5 - $650 new, ~$550 used
.... Olympus has a 7-14 but it is at least twice the price. If I bought this I would probably end up selling it when the cheaper 8-17 comes out next year.

- 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 - ~$350 used
.... the logical upgrade to the 14-42 f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. Faster, better glass, not too large.

- 12-60mm f/2.8-4 - $900 new (just came out)
.... Even better than the 14-54 and almost as wide as the 11-22, but very expensive. This would definitely be a buy, use, then sell situation.

- 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 - ~$675 used
.... this thing is a beast, definitely not a walk-around lens (though not as large as a fast Canon/Nikon zoom). Would get a lot of use outside of WDW, but for the purposes of the trip, not too sure it would get used much besides stage shows.

- 70-300mm f/4-5.6 - $400 new, just released so no used
.... again, would see a lot of use in real life, not sure about WDW.

- 8mm f/3.5 fisheye - $640 new
.... would be very fun, probably not worth the price though.

Need to figure out how much I want to benefit this one trip vs how much each would get used in real life.. this time around I am definitely considering buying the best lens for the trip then selling it afterward and just calling the difference a rental fee (as opposed to last time when I said that was an option with the 30mm when I knew deep down that I didn't mean it :laughing:)

Ouch!:sad2: Sorry about the car, but glad that you're OK. Is the insurance company being good about getting it fixed right?

It was taken to the shop same day. They were a bit slow getting her a rental car, but not horrible. She'll be driving the rental for 2-3 weeks.

scottny

11-01-2007, 11:47 AM

ok I have decided I will hold off my tr for at least 6 months cause it will not compare to yours. :rotfl:

Abby's Dad

11-01-2007, 01:51 PM

Wider is probably what I'm leaning toward..

Wider would be nice - that 8 - 17 that is coming out next year sounds sweet!

Back in the day:rolleyes1 I had a full-frame fisheye (16 mm, 35 mm format) - was my only non-Canon lens, but it was a Pentax screw-mount that I picked up pretty reasonably and used a converter to Canon - lost functions incorporated normally, but not a big deal with this lens. I used it a fair amount - there were some shots that were absolutely incredible with it, nothing else could replace it, but ya kind of had to really pick your spot.

As far as the 14 - 54: did you get much use out of the 14 - 42 that you have? If I'm converting over to my 35mm way of thinking :) that would seem to be a fairly decent "normal" zoom, slightly wide normal to slightly long normal, right? I used my 35 mm lens somewhat, but also had a 20 and a 24, used the 24 mm quite a bit. Again, these were 35 mm format.

When it comes to beasty lenses - not necessarily fun on vacation, small and light nice there. A real beast? - that would be the Canon 300/2.8 APO, don't know what it is like in their current line (we are going back a ways).

Shopping is fun, though!

It was taken to the shop same day. They were a bit slow getting her a rental car, but not horrible. She'll be driving the rental for 2-3 weeks.

Amazing how fast the damages can add up any more!

Code

11-02-2007, 12:16 AM

Back in the day:rolleyes1 I had a full-frame fisheye (16 mm, 35 mm format) - was my only non-Canon lens, but it was a Pentax screw-mount that I picked up pretty reasonably and used a converter to Canon - lost functions incorporated normally, but not a big deal with this lens. I used it a fair amount - there were some shots that were absolutely incredible with it, nothing else could replace it, but ya kind of had to really pick your spot.

You can adapt any lens 4/3rds also, just no AF or image stabilization, and 2x crop factor (double the focal length to get 35mm equivalent). I went looking and found some reviews of an 8mm fisheye from some Belarussian manufacturer I've never heard of that actually gets pretty decent reviews considering it's only $280 on Ebay. Fisheye looks like a lot of fun but I really couldn't justify the Olympus price, so I'm putting the Ebay one on the possibility list.

As far as the 14 - 54: did you get much use out of the 14 - 42 that you have? If I'm converting over to my 35mm way of thinking :) that would seem to be a fairly decent "normal" zoom, slightly wide normal to slightly long normal, right? I used my 35 mm lens somewhat, but also had a 20 and a 24, used the 24 mm quite a bit. Again, these were 35 mm format.

Yep, 14-42mm is 28-84mm equivalent. I used the 30mm f/1.4 the most on the trip in terms of # of shots, but that's mainly because I took a LOT of dark ride and show shots. The 14-42 was on the camera most of the time we were walking around.

Amazing how fast the damages can add up any more!

Yeah really.. the pictures don't look like FIVE GRAND of damage to me :confused3 Thank you insurance.

handicap18

11-04-2007, 03:35 PM

now that I've gone through most of this thread, I forgot how I found it.... anyway. Great TR. Great pics too. Looking forward to seeing more.

I just picked up the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for my Nikon D50. I have the 50mm f/1.8, but find it to wide many times, especially at Disney. So I'm down to 3 weeks before my trip and I'm stacked with good glass.

If you get a change, make sure to mosey on over (not enough people mosey anymore) to the Dis Photography Board. You can find it by going to the main forums page and scrolling down to the Just For Fun area, or, click on the link in my signature. Lots of great photography related threads (contests, show me and assignment threads among many many others).

Keep up the great work.

Code

11-04-2007, 04:39 PM

Great TR. Great pics too. Looking forward to seeing more.

Thanks, and welcome aboard :)

If you get a change, make sure to mosey on over (not enough people mosey anymore) to the Dis Photography Board. You can find it by going to the main forums page and scrolling down to the Just For Fun area, or, click on the link in my signature. Lots of great photography related threads (contests, show me and assignment threads among many many others).

I'm a daily photo board reader lately, even posted a few shots in your October DoF assignment thread ;) I find that a couple of the regulars there are no less than blindly hostile towards Olympus/FourThirds DSLRs, but that happens on all general photo boards... still a good bunch of folks :)

Looking at the list of lens options I posted in post #258, which lens would you get before our next trip?

handicap18

11-04-2007, 07:55 PM

Looking at the list of lens options I posted in post #258, which lens would you get before our next trip?

I would lean towards the 70-300. With the 2x crop factor your field of view is 140-600. You'll get some excellent full moon shots and then shots on Kiliminjaro would be really up close. Then all the outdoor shows, Indy, Lights Motor Action and what not would give you some great focal range no matter where you sit. Certainly would also give you a great excuse to visit the local zoo a little more often.

To bad there wasn't a 7-20mm or so wide zoom. Next would be the 14-54. Decent aperture range and decent focal range with the crop at 28-108. Could be a keeper "general purpose walk-around" lens.

donaldduck1967

11-05-2007, 06:41 AM

Thanks, and welcome aboard :)

Looking at the list of lens options I posted in post #258, which lens would you get before our next trip?

Having an E-500 2 kit lens + ZD35mm allow me to offer my suggestion. When I was @ Disney in Oct 06 I took close to 800 shots and the only time I used my 40-150 was @ Animal Kingdom and Sea World for the Shamu show and it was more then enough. If I were adding a lens it would be the 11-22mm. You will be able to get some really good wide shots with that. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks, and welcome aboard :)
I'm a daily photo board reader lately, even posted a few shots in your October DoF assignment thread ;) I find that a couple of the regulars there are no less than blindly hostile towards Olympus/FourThirds DSLRs, but that happens on all general photo boards... still a good bunch of folks :)

I couldnt' agree more.

Glendamax

11-07-2007, 05:42 AM

Good Morning Code and Lease! I found your report while reading Abby's. Seems like I finally just realized to look for reports that took place the same time I was there :sad2:

Well now I'm all caught up! LOVE the pics! So far, it seems that you 2 are having a great time in spite of the HEAT!!!! WHEW!!!!

I'll be checking back in for more!

Lease

11-14-2007, 12:05 AM

Welcome Glenda :) I have been enjoying your report as well.

Sorry for the lack of update, it has been a tough month and my car is still in the shop. I am very sick of the rental behemoth I am currently driving. Okay so it's a Jeep Patriot and isn't that huge, but compared to a Scion...
I'm hoping to put up day 3 tomorrow and pictures will follow when they follow...this is where you all gang up on Code to get the rest of day 2 posted :rolleyes1

So this has nothing to do with our trip, but my boss returned from the World on Monday and was really excited to tell me about her trip. She had one question though, she was getting off a ride and some CMs walked up to her and her friends and gave them ears. :wizard: She said she looked in all the stores to find another set for me (I love my boss) because they were really cute with the clouds and silver ears. I think at that point my jaw had dropped. She got dream ears!! I'll pretend I'm not at all jealous since she had no idea about YOAMD (and she thought of getting me a pair) at least she brought back some other souvenirs :)

scottny

11-14-2007, 12:26 AM

Rootskate

11-14-2007, 06:33 AM

Sounds like you have a really nice boss, Lease! :thumbsup2

Lease

11-19-2007, 09:35 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet_lease.gif Day 3 - We are park hoppers http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet_lease.gif

Day three was a sleep in day, well by Disney standards. The alarm was set for 8 since it was Blizzard beach day and we had until 10 to get there. We had breakfast in our room, bagels and cream cheese. We drove the rental to Blizzard and passed Coronado Springs again. Code wanted to head straight for Summit Plummet, but I am not a speed slide kind of person. We rented our locker applied sunblock and were off. We brought the spray sunblock with us since it’s so convenient and fast, speed matters at the parks right? We got in the very short line for the ski lift. The ride up made me think of home and how much I couldn’t wait for snowboarding season to start. Our first slide was the Teamboat Springs, we had to wait at the top for more people since you can’t ride only two to a tube. Of course it gave Code a chance to explain the last time he rode the slide with his whole family. It was a fun slide :thumbsup2 I didn’t have my notebook with me so I’m not all that sure on the order, but we did spend some time in the Cross Country Creek, raced in the Down Hill Double Dipper, took a ride down the Toboggan racers, Snowstormers and the Run Off Rapids.

At some point we took a trip back to the locker to reapply sunscreen. We both felt like we were getting burned. We took the double tube down Run Off first and it was fun. The best (my choice) was the enclosed single tube slide. We rode it twice and loved it. We went for a bob in Melt Away Bay. At this point I was pretty water logged and it felt like snack time. Code’s sister told us we had to get the mini doughnuts with chocolate sauce at one of the water parks so we did, they were awesome. We still both could feel our faces burning and decided it was time to head back to the room. It turns out neither of us had a sunburn, but the sun block was 75% alcohol and it was burning!

Back to the hotel for a much needed shower (must get painful sunblock removed!) and to enjoy air-conditioning. We showered and got ready to go quickly, it was off to Animal Kingdom! Off we went look there’s Coronado Springs again. We quickly found a parking spot, cleared security and headed straight for Expedition Everest. We had an early ADR at Boma and wanted to get as much done as we could before dinner. We got to Everest after a few brief stops for pictures. Much to our surprise there was no wait! We walked right on to the ride. We sat about in the middle of the train it was a lot of fun. I have to admit as we were rushing backwards in the dark my stomach was having some serious second thoughts about the whole trill ride thing. After surviving our first encounter with the Yeti we decided to take advantage of the whole lack of line thing and ride again. We got the exact same seats and it was just as much fun.

After escaping the abominable snowman we were running pretty short on time, but had enough for one more ride before heading to AKL. We walked to Dinosaur, Code still hasn’t seen the movie but I enjoyed seeing the statue of Aladar out front. I figured this would be a nice slow ride which I needed after two runs of Everest. I think it was when the time rover got into the giant toaster room I realized I was in for more than I planned on. We both really enjoyed the ride though and almost as fun were the people in the car with us that were very freaked out by the T-Rex.

I was pretty disappointed with the whole Dino area in AK it seemed so un-Disney and much more state fair than I wanted. We were walking through it so quickly I didn’t really have the chance to examine it in all it's glory.

Dinner at Boma was so so good. The butternut squash soup was recommended by our waiter and he knew what he was talking about. It was Mmm! Like a warm bowl of pumpkin pie. We tried a bit of everything, even the salmon. Neither of us are seafood fans, we’ll eat sushi but not fish. Of course we live in Utah so the only fresh seafood around here is the brine shrimp (yuck). One thing we learned from Boma is that if we ever go back to go easy on the main course and just pile on the dessert. The zebra domes were wonderful, the chocolate moose was great, and the flan was very tasty. It was all great! The only downside of the meal was the people at the table next to us. It was a family of three. Mom looked tired, Dad never put down his cell phone for the whole meal and the daughter who was maybe 5 was demanding attention by throwing a fit. She refused to eat, she refused to drink, and she didn’t want to sit down. So Mom yelled while dad got more food. Dad came back, he yelled then went right back to talking on his phone while the child had a meltdown.

Very full of tasty food it was on to MGM for a few rides and Fantasmic. We went straight to the Tower of Terror the line was short and it was as much fun as I remembered. Now it was a different ride with the whole random thing so it was great to ride it again for the first time. After ToT we headed to find seats for Fantasmic. We arrived early enough to get good seats, Code left the good seats and found great seats :woohoo: We broke out some of our glowie stockpile and started putting on necklaces and bracelets. Seeing two adults pulling glow stick after glow stick out of a bag is bound to get attention and we struck up a conversation with the people next to us. They were kind enough to take a picture of us and we let their granddaughter choose what color of glow bracelet she wanted.
Fantasmic was great, it was the first time I’d seen it. The only drawback was a child sitting behind me. Before the show had started she had swatted me on the shoulder and asked me to move because she couldn’t see over me. She did this multiple times. By the 3rd time I wanted to trade seats with Code, if she couldn’t see over me and wanted to whine let her try to see over him (I’m mean and have no patience for kids who are rude and parents that are oblivious). To top it off this little girl had a scream, you know the blood curdling scream that only a little girl can have that will shatter glasses? She demonstrated through most of the show, suddenly I didn’t feel so bad for blocking her view.
After enjoying the show and taking many pictures it was off to Epcots EMH. We headed straight for the world showcase, with stops for picture taking along the way. Up first was Mexico and the redone Grand Fiesta Tour with the Three Caballeros. I never went on this or any of the country “rides” when I came to Epcot before, I didn’t know they even existed. Code had referred to it as the river of boredom. Well it wasn’t boring, but it was now the river of pointless. I still have no idea what it had to do with Mexico, but the part where you are going by the restaurant was cool. We stumbled in our confused state as to what on earth we just rode to Norway and Maelstrom.

After Norway we turned around and decided to take on test track for the first time. The wait was about a half hour, we both enjoyed it Code really liked it and we decided it was a definite do again. At this point it was getting late and we only had enough time and energy for one last ride. The obvious choice for us was Soarin' the line was really long, but there was a nice family in line ahead of us that were also in line with us on Maelstrom and Test Track so we chatted with them a bit waiting for our flight. Soarin' was great again :) After the ride we headed out of the park, stopping for a few pictures.

Time to get back to the hotel and crash, we left Epcot and hey there's Coronado Springs (we missed a turn somewhere again). Eventually we did make it back to our room and we crashed.

So long and short of it: Day 3 -- 1 Disney water park, 3 Disney parks, 2 exhausted happy adults.

scottny

11-19-2007, 09:50 PM

great update. you packed alot in one day. i would be exhausted. Ok Code bring on the photos.

pl'smama

11-19-2007, 09:54 PM

Wow, what a day you guys had Lease!! Awesome! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Suz

TKDisneylover

11-20-2007, 06:56 AM

Code & Lease, do you think you hit enough parks in one day!!!:rotfl: Wow, you had every reason to be exhausted! Can't wait to see the pics I bet their awesome!

Abby's Dad

11-20-2007, 08:14 AM

So long and short of it: Day 3 -- 1 Disney water park, 3 Disney parks, 2 exhausted happy adults.

Great day Lease, and sounds like plenty o fun :) Too bad you didn't get any pictures :laughing: :rotfl2:

abbybeth

11-21-2007, 09:59 AM

All roads lead to Coronado Springs!!!

Definitely a busy day ... the water park sounds like a lot of fun except for the whole sunscreen trying to burn the flesh off your face part :( being part albino like I am, I don't really worry about sunscreen content cause I just don't use it! :lmao:

BTW, too funny about your Boss - I looked all over for these ears to bring some back for you and I just couldn't find them! Those Dream Teamers must have a newbie radar! But that was really nice of her to bring you back some presents ...

Happy Thanksgiving! (well, almost ...)

Abby's Dad

11-21-2007, 07:41 PM

Just wanted to stop by and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

And Code, enjoy a little turkey, but then please get back to getting the pictures up - I know they are going to be good, but I would like to see, just to make sure :rotfl2:

Lease

11-22-2007, 01:52 AM

TKDisneylover

11-22-2007, 05:37 PM

He can have some turkey, but no pie until we get pictures :idea:

:laughing: :thumbsup2

Shmu

12-14-2007, 12:52 PM

Code

12-14-2007, 12:56 PM

WOW is all I have to say. I found this trippie several weeks ago. Followed you from POTD. I finally caught up on reading it today. This is one fantastic report. I have written down several ideas for my trip from your report. Love that it was a PTR then TR then maybe another PTR. It's been a while since you have posted. Hope everything is OK and your just busy. This one is too good to fall down the page. Looking forward to some more.popcorn::

Thanks for replying.. this TR isn't dead I'm just really lazy when I get home from work at a job I hate. BUT today is the last day at that job, starting a new and hopefully much better one on Monday! :) I REALLY want to get this report done before our next trip in January, so look for an update soon.

Abby's Dad

12-14-2007, 02:34 PM

I REALLY want to get this report done before our next trip in January, so look for an update soon.

...... and trust me, Code, WE reallllly want you to get this report done, and we're looking :rolleyes1

And did I mention that we would be watching ? http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/fredbear34/Watching.jpg

And onto other things - it looks like Santa may be bringing me a new camera - details after we see an update :rotfl2:

Lease

12-16-2007, 04:25 PM

pl'smama

01-07-2008, 02:15 PM

My notes are all ready...waiting on the pictures. As we start counting down to the next trip we know we are running out of time.

Since it's the best season of the year (snowboarding season) we are spending less time at the computer and more time throwing ourselves down a mountain with a board strapped to our feet :thumbsup2

Really an update is coming.

Hi Lease and Code!! I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! How is the new job Code? Much better than the last, I hope.

I know that you two are heading back to the world soon, just after my own trip in 5 Days:scared1: , so I wanted to see if you had a pre trippie for that and would it be added to this one??!!

Whatever you do, have a fantastic time and enjoy!!

Suz

Abby's Dad

01-07-2008, 08:56 PM

Hi Lease! Sorry you didn't take any pictures to go along with your trip report - you write a good TR. Santa brought me my new camera (and a couple more lenses arrive this week), so I won't need my point and shoot - did you want me to send it to you so you could get some pictures later this month for your TR? Just a little ribbing - you guys have a great time - I know that you will!

kindakrazy2

01-07-2008, 09:26 PM

Just checking in to see if there was anything new happening....:rolleyes1

Lease

01-07-2008, 11:55 PM

Thank you for sticking with us. Code is processing pictures as we speak, he's on Dis mode and I"ll only pull him off of Disney pictures to get some good scrapbooking pictures for my next scrapping day.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. :)

kindakrazy2

01-08-2008, 11:43 AM

Hey Lease! Glad you guys haven't forgotten about us! :flower3:

Code

01-23-2008, 10:10 PM

Even though I have let our trip report languish and die despite repeated promises to get it started back up.. I've even been a poor DIS friend, forgetting to reply to some PMs (sorry Fred..), and not keeping up with all our friends' reports. I just wanted to make a post here since we're leaving for Disney in the morning, and try to promise myself and all of you one more time that I am going to finish this trip report and do one for this trip as well.. I hope I have any credibility left in my promises :sad2: I've just had a pretty hard time getting into the spirit lately for some reason, and even today Lease is complaining about me being cranky when I should be super happy and excited.

The photos will be processed quickly, otherwise Lease is going to kill me because we have already bought a really nice photo album for all our Disney pics and it has been sitting there empty for months :guilty:

We're taking some new photo toys, the first that I am really excited about to get some unique pictures is a wide angle lens for the camera (11-22 f/2.8-3.5) and also an underwater case for our Fuji F30 camera to take to Discovery Cove with us.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/5d5aeb18.jpg

Anyway, see you when we get back..

pl'smama

01-23-2008, 10:25 PM

Have a wonderful trip Lease and Code! I am sure it will be magical!! We just got back four days ago, although my siggie says 11, and it was wonderful!! We will be waiting with baited breath for your next installment, whenever it arrives. Just have a great time. The DIS and friends will always be here.

Suz

Abby's Dad

01-24-2008, 09:23 AM

Even though I have let our trip report languish and die despite repeated promises to get it started back up.. I've even been a poor DIS friend, forgetting to reply to some PMs (sorry Fred..), and not keeping up with all our friends' reports. I just wanted to make a post here since we're leaving for Disney in the morning, and try to promise myself and all of you one more time that I am going to finish this trip report and do one for this trip as well.. I hope I have any credibility left in my promises :sad2: I've just had a pretty hard time getting into the spirit lately for some reason, and even today Lease is complaining about me being cranky when I should be super happy and excited.

..

You guys have a totally fantastic time and we'll look forward to what you have for us when you get back. And one of the things with friends is that they are still there, good, bad, indifferent. Let us know how that Pop Century works for you. Congrats on the new lens - we've got pretty similar lens ranges, but I go just a little wider (the Pentax 10 - 17, with a crop factor of 1.5, gives me a 15 mm fisheye). Oh there I go spoiling everything - I wasn't going to let you know til we saw some pictures - well, we did see the picture of the camera with the new lens and the waterproof case (pretty cool!).

Safe trip, say hi to Mickey!

Hedy

01-24-2008, 09:58 AM

Have a good trip-can't wait to hear about Discovery Cove.

abbybeth

01-24-2008, 10:10 AM

Have a FABULOUS trip you guys! I'll be sticking around to read whatever you guys decide to tell us! (and I definitely understand how time & life sucking work and other obligations can be, so hang in there)

Say hi to Mickey for us!

Code

01-24-2008, 12:44 PM

TKDisneylover

01-24-2008, 01:35 PM

Hey Code & Lease,

Have a fantastic time in WDW!!!:banana:

Sometimes life gets in the way or maybe it's just the ebb & flow of emotions at different times that prevent us from completing some goals. Hopefully this trip will refresh you and you will be gung ho about that report again!

And hey, sometimes we just wanna have fun, and I know, trip reports are lots of work! Looking forward to the next installment!

Abby's Dad

01-24-2008, 03:19 PM

Just sitting on the plane in denver waiting to take off, posting from my phone :) It took me until last night when all the packing was done for me to truly get in the spirit but now I am getting giddy excited! I guess it just didnt sink in until the last minute for some reason. Cant wait to walk onto Main Street for a reminder of what the magic is all about. Thanks for the well wishes!

That rocks Fred! K10D? K100D Super?

Now you're getting into the spirit! OK - I'll come clean. Between the rebates that were being offered to lower stock before the introduction of the K20D (announced today) and what KEH offered me for my Minolta Maxxum stuff, Lynn thought that I should go back to having a decent camera - so I ordered up big time. Pentax K10D with their two kit lenses (both of which get great reviews, better than some other brands expensive lenses), the DA 18-55/3.5-5.6 and the 50-200/4-5.6, the Pentax 50/1.4, the DA Fish-eye 10-17, The AF360FGZ flash (which works wirelessly with the on-camera flash - cool!), and an Opteka (ya - I know, but you can't beat the price for a toy) 500 mm mirror, so with the 1.5 crop factor, that gives me 15 mm through 750 mm - should do for now (but I am looking for a macro lens). Oh, and I got the LowePro Sling 200 to carry everything - its pretty nice! Also got the battery grip, remote releases, extra battery, and a few other playthings. Unfortunately that doesn't leave much left over for software. I was considering Lightroom - sounds great, but money-wise it will probably be Paintshop Pro X2. Now I just need to wrap my head around some of the similarities in post-processing that equate with similar steps from the darkroom days and I'll be okay. So you guys have a awesome time - I'm going to be really interested in what you shoot with the wide zoom - I already have a few shots planned for mine in December. Have a Mickey ice cream bar for me, will ya!?

Lease

02-03-2008, 01:01 AM

pl'smama

02-03-2008, 01:09 AM

We're Back! We had an amazing time (how could we not?). I'm hoping to finish out the last TR and get the second one going right away. We've got over 2200 pictures this time, so hopefully many will make it to the report :)

I'm still recovering from 9 days of nonstop Disney-ing, but boy was it fun!

Welcome back Lease! Man, time flys eh? We are all so looking forward to hearing all about it and your many beautiful photos! Make sure to tell Code there is a new Picture of the Day thread to so he can continue to share over there as well. We all benefit ya know?:rotfl:

One quick question for you, though it may turn into two or three. How did you like the Pop versus the French Quarter? How were the crowds? How was the weather?

Okay, get some rest. We will be waiting!!

Suz

Abby's Dad

02-03-2008, 12:44 PM

Hedy

02-03-2008, 02:03 PM

TKDisneylover

02-04-2008, 07:21 AM

:welcome: BACK CODE & LEASE!!!

Wow, over 2,000 pics, they have got to be fantastic. Can't wait to see them! Glad to hear you had a great time!:banana:

Code

02-04-2008, 08:49 PM

We had a blast :) I talked before we left about how I was having trouble getting into the spirit of it all, and when we arrived it was cold, windy and rainy and I was still struggling to find the magic. I talked in day 1 of Sept about all the goosebumps I was getting when we arrived.. well for some reason I just wasn't getting the same feeling... until Wishes. We walked out of Philharmagic right as Wishes started and watched it from Fantasyland.. That's when the magic arrived for me, and it was a euphoric ride from then on :)

How did you like the Pop versus the French Quarter? How were the crowds? How was the weather?
I admit, my first impression of Pop wasn't good. I really liked the casual elegance of POFQ. It grew on me, though. I probably wouldn't stay there again just the 2 of us, but down the road when we have a family I would stay there no problem.

Crowds were far above what we expected. We booked those dates specifically because they were reported by the Unofficial Guide site as the lowest crowds of the year.. for the majority of our days there, it wasn't even comparable to our Sept trip. The 3 low crowd days we had were last Tue-Thur. Besides those days I would say the crowds were moderate... our longest waits were just about 90 minutes, once for Soarin and once for RnRC.

Weather.. I already said it was cold, windy and rainy when we arrived.. that was the worst day we had. The next 2 days included some rain but it didn't pour. After that it stayed dry and gradually got warmer until it was short & tshirt weather for the last 3 days :)

19 gig of pics, I didn't even have the space on my main hard drive to move them from the external HDD until tonight, so we haven't even had a look yet. Time for the first once-over :)

abbybeth

02-04-2008, 09:11 PM

WELCOME BACK!!!

I'm not glad for you that you're back in the real world, but I'm glad that I"ll be able to hear all about it :lmao:

I'm here for the ride (and my cameo appearance!)

pl'smama

02-12-2008, 10:39 PM

We had a blast :) I talked before we left about how I was having trouble getting into the spirit of it all, and when we arrived it was cold, windy and rainy and I was still struggling to find the magic. I talked in day 1 of Sept about all the goosebumps I was getting when we arrived.. well for some reason I just wasn't getting the same feeling... until Wishes. We walked out of Philharmagic right as Wishes started and watched it from Fantasyland.. That's when the magic arrived for me, and it was a euphoric ride from then on :)

I admit, my first impression of Pop wasn't good. I really liked the casual elegance of POFQ. It grew on me, though. I probably wouldn't stay there again just the 2 of us, but down the road when we have a family I would stay there no problem.

Crowds were far above what we expected. We booked those dates specifically because they were reported by the Unofficial Guide site as the lowest crowds of the year.. for the majority of our days there, it wasn't even comparable to our Sept trip. The 3 low crowd days we had were last Tue-Thur. Besides those days I would say the crowds were moderate... our longest waits were just about 90 minutes, once for Soarin and once for RnRC.

Weather.. I already said it was cold, windy and rainy when we arrived.. that was the worst day we had. The next 2 days included some rain but it didn't pour. After that it stayed dry and gradually got warmer until it was short & tshirt weather for the last 3 days :)

19 gig of pics, I didn't even have the space on my main hard drive to move them from the external HDD until tonight, so we haven't even had a look yet. Time for the first once-over :)

It is amazing how Wishes brings on the magic for so many of us. I am glad that it did for you Code. Your weather was as strange as ours! We too had a nasty day, but it was our second day there. We also got the cold ( as low as 4 degrees), but it was still wonderful just to be there.

I can't wait to see your photos! I have lots of patience though. I plan to do a TR myself, but need to find the time.

Suz

Lease

02-19-2008, 12:48 AM

So months have dragged on since our first trip, weeks since our second and we are only on day 2 of 18 Disney filled days. The biggest hold up on our report is the picture processing, as a person determined to finish the trip reports and a scrapbooker I need pictures!! So far I've only been able to scrap to the entrance of MK from day 1 :(

That being said I made Code an offer. Code really really really wants a laptop, he has been asking for one since he started his new job. Asking everyday, multiple times, showing me examples of what he'd like. At first I said he could get a laptop if he sold his two newest camera lenses (Abby's dad don't panic I'm wouldn't really make him). Two months of constant asking :scared:

Leaving us with a dilemma, I want pictures and trip reports; Code wants a laptop. The solution: Code can get a laptop right after all of the pictures of our trips have been processed. The best ones printed and placed in an album, and the trip reports done. That's 18 days photos of Disney, Discovery Cove, Sea World, 5 airports (I think it's nearly 4000 pictures) completed and shared with everyone that has stuck with us.

That being said, I would expect the trip report to be added to very quickly. Photos are being processed at a increased pace :banana:

pl'smama

02-19-2008, 06:59 AM

That being said, I would expect the trip report to be added to very quickly. Photos are being processed at a increased pace :banana:[/QUOTE]

Hey Lease, if we get to see even a tiny little bit of the 4000 photos you have it will have all been worth it!! Take your time, we are still here.

Have a lovely day, Suz

abbybeth

02-19-2008, 10:36 AM

It's all about finding the right "carrot" ...

good for you :thumbsup2 sounds like we're back in business!

Abby's Dad

02-19-2008, 10:47 AM

At first I said he could get a laptop if he sold his two newest camera lenses (Abby's dad don't panic I'm wouldn't really make him).

:scared1: You had me grabbing my chest there for a minute!:lmao:

It's tough, and I do very much understand. We're here for you guys!

Code

02-19-2008, 09:14 PM

Since this deal with Lease for the laptop, I've made a lot of progress in processing our photos. Next photo update coming very soon!

In the meantime, I've started contributing again to the Picture of the Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1699996) thread (thanks for the heads up pl'smama). Here are my posts for the last few days:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P9062084_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg
See the hidden Mickey?
This is the same photo before cropping and lots of editing.. I love Photoshop :woohoo:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/misc/P9062084_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1255551_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1275926_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P9072240_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

pl'smama

02-19-2008, 09:51 PM

Awesome pics Code! That monorail shot is beautiful! It looks like it is flying through the air. I am glad you found the POTD thread. Your photos are a treat to look forward to each day.

Suz

abbybeth

02-19-2008, 09:58 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/th_P9062084_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg
See the hidden Mickey?

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/th_P9072240_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

for the record, I did see the hidden mickey BEFORE the photoshop!

and I'm stealing the BATB picture from Fantasmic! :love:

Lease

02-19-2008, 10:27 PM

:scared1: You had me grabbing my chest there for a minute!:lmao:

No chest grabbing!! Arms above your head, slow deep breaths. :)

Abby's Dad

02-20-2008, 09:42 AM

No chest grabbing!! Arms above your head, slow deep breaths. :)

Ah, I'm better now - thanks!:goodvibes

Code

02-20-2008, 10:07 PM

My Wednesday Picture of the Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1699996&page=90)

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1286251_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Next day 2 photo update coming very soon!

donaldduck1967

02-21-2008, 06:50 AM

Great shots Code. How did you like the 11-22 on the last trip?

Code

02-22-2008, 11:26 PM

Great shots Code. How did you like the 11-22 on the last trip?

It was great.. got used a lot not only because wide was fun but it is faster than my kit lenses (f/2.8-3.5). Really nice to be able to capture so much in the frame indoors like the above ToT lobby shot.

My Thursday and Friday Pictures of the Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1699996&page=96), some fun with Photoshop and continuous shots :)

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1265624_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/motor_stunt_panorama.jpg

(Link to a 2x bigger version of the panorama) (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/motor_stunt_panorama_large.jpg)

Abby's Dad

02-23-2008, 10:30 AM

It was great.. got used a lot not only because wide was fun but it is faster than my kit lenses (f/2.8-3.5). Really nice to be able to capture so much in the frame indoors like the above ToT lobby shot.

My Thursday and Friday Pictures of the Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1699996&page=96), some fun with Photoshop and continuous shots :)

So did you layer these up in Photoshop with sequential photos or were they in-camera multiple exposures? Like the car one a lot!

donaldduck1967

02-23-2008, 01:46 PM

It was great.. got used a lot not only because wide was fun but it is faster than my kit lenses (f/2.8-3.5). Really nice to be able to capture so much in the frame indoors like the above ToT lobby shot.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/motor_stunt_panorama.jpg

(Link to a 2x bigger version of the panorama) (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/motor_stunt_panorama_large.jpg)

Thats a great sequence shot.

Code

03-10-2008, 12:25 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 2 Photos, Part 3

Let's see if I can't get this train rolling again!

Quick reminder, Lease wrote about day 2 back here (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21461497&postcount=223) and the first half of day 2 photos are in this post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21461623&postcount=224) and this post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21467047&postcount=227)

After Splash, we headed over to Pirates and I made my best effort at getting a few shots ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062021_sRGB_LR_NN_800-2.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062030_sRGB_LR_NN_800-2.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062035_sRGB_LR_NN_800-2.jpg

After Pirates we were in line to meet Captain Hook and Smee when Mack walked by with his cart ("Watch out! Little man with a big cart!") and started setting up for the pirate tutorial. We jumped out of line and got a front row for the show. Captain Jack was a spitting image of Johnny Depp, both in appearance and character, and Lease got picked to do the Pirate oath. It was a lot of fun!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062036_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062037_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062041_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062042_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062045_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062047_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062050_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062054_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Afterward we wandered through Adventureland ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062055_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062058_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

... and after buying the most expensive sunscreen ever when we realized we forgot ours, we decided it was time to experience the legend that was Dole Whip. We both had a pineapple float and it was soooooooooo good! It definitely deserves its devoted following. Under the hot sun it was the perfect treat. I couldn't resist the opportunity to get a shot of Lease double fisting Dole Whip ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062056_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

... we were right next to the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse so we took a quick tour. Great views from the top!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062060_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062062_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062063_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We ended up at the Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management after passing on a 40 minute wait for the Jungle Cruise. Lease never saw the original Tiki Room but I did, and this updated version was just painful to watch. Really, truly awful. (though this first pic is fun and somewhat creepy)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062066_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062069_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Next we met Genie ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062070_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062072_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

... and then decided it was time for our afternoon break. I took this shot walking past Crystal Palace, it's one of my favorites from the trip. I made it intentionally vibrant, and edited the sky a deeper blue.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062077_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

And lastly for this update, a fun monorail shot as we waited for the resort bus to load ECVs...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062080_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We crashed at the room for about an hour before heading to Epcot, which is coming in the next update!

Go to Day 2 Photos, Part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23719790&postcount=325)

Glendamax

03-10-2008, 06:51 AM

LOVED your pics! Glad you're back! :goodvibes

Abby's Dad

03-10-2008, 10:55 AM

Great pics as usual, particularly enjoyed the single pic of Jack Sparrow just before the picture of Mack alone - quintessential Jack Sparrow! The views from the tree house may put this one on the todo list for the next trip, coincidentally, Dole Whips are on the todo list - didn't make it last September.

Question - picture #1, was that inside POTC, and if so, was it being projected on a "water screen?" Nice effect, just don't remember seeing the picture.

I suspect that there will soon be a mini-trip report over on the August/September Trip Enders thread, as Abby arrives home from China today - can't wait to see what she bought, the pictures she took, and the stories she has to tell. Sorry for the interuption, but I'm excited to get her home (and in the meantime, I am tracking her flight in another window - oh the technology!)

Rootskate

03-10-2008, 02:06 PM

Awesome pictures! :thumbsup2

Code

03-10-2008, 07:34 PM

Question - picture #1, was that inside POTC, and if so, was it being projected on a "water screen?" Nice effect, just don't remember seeing the picture.

Yep that is the projection on the mist screen right at the start of the ride. Not the greatest shot, I think I got a better one in January.

LOVED your pics! Glad you're back! :goodvibes
Awesome pictures! :thumbsup2

Woohoo thanks :)

Hedy

03-10-2008, 07:59 PM

Great pictures.

Code

03-10-2008, 08:29 PM

Great pictures.

Thanks :) And thanks for sticking around!

Code

03-10-2008, 08:29 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 2 Photos, Part 4 - Epcot

After our nap, we were headed for Epcot! I was very excited.. Epcot was my favorite park as a kid and I was giddy to be back.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062082_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

I snapped this photo from the parking lot thinking it was nothing special, but with a bit of cropping and editing, it is another of my trip favorites. I didn't notice the perfect little Mickey ears in the cockpit at first.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062084_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_sRGB_LR_NN_.jpg

On our way into the park (Look, no wand!!) ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062086_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062089_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

... and here is the plaza at 2pm. It definitely wasn't crowded!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062090_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We were headed straight for the Land to eat and RIDE SOARIN!!!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062091_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062092_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062093_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Soarin was an instant favorite for us... what an experience! I absolutely love the music. Our first ride was on the top row, which is something I would recommend to any first timers.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062094_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062095_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Next we walked across the way to Living with the Land. Another childhood favorite, still fun and very worthwhile to me :)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062102_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062103_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062107_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062108_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062117_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062119_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062121_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We left the Land and walked over to Journey Into Imagination. We knew based on what we had read that this one was going to be a disappointment, and well.. yeah it was. I saw the Dreamfinder version when I was a kid but Lease didn't, and it was lame for both of us. After the ride, we walked into Figment's character greet area quite by accident. Nobody else was around but Figment and his handler.. he looked sad and lonely so we grabbed a few pics and shuffled out.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062122_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062123_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

And finally a few pics as we walked toward The Seas...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062124_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062126_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062128_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Go to Day 2 Photos, Part 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23721169&postcount=328)

Hedy

03-10-2008, 08:53 PM

Great pictures!

Code

03-10-2008, 09:00 PM

Here are my recent contributions to the Picture of the Day thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1699996&goto=newpost).

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P9072217_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1265663_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1275918_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1316876_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1275949_sRGB_LR_NN_800_2.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1296517_sRGB_LR_NN.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/potd/P1296504_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

Code

03-10-2008, 09:29 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 2 Photos, Part 5

On our way into The Seas, we grabbed an XShot pic that I think turned out cute despite its crookedness ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/DSCF0187_800.jpg

... and, of course, the gulls ... MINE... MINE MINE........ MINE

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062130_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

The ride to get into the pavilion was pretty cute. Based on what I had read online about the Nemo transformation, I was expecting the inside of The Seas to be significantly different, but it really wasn't.. and all I really need to be happy there is the one room where you're almost completely surrounded by the aquarium glass. Good stuff!

I got this jellyfish shot while we waited for Turtle Talk ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062132_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

It was a very fun show! Up next, the obligatory Bruce's mouth shots ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062134_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062135_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

... and then we just wandered around the pavilion ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062138_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062144_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062145_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062147_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

After The Seas, it was time to head out of the park and get to the Contemporary for our California Grill ADR. Some SSE shots I took on the way out ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062151_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062152_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Up next, a delicious dinner at the California Grill, and Wishes from the top of the Contemporary!

Go to Day 2 Photos, Part 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23824379&postcount=334)

Abby's Dad

03-11-2008, 11:10 AM

Lots of great shots, worth the wait, and all is forgiven :lmao: !

texbob

03-11-2008, 11:13 AM

Great stuff. I have seen your posts over on the Olympus Digital Camera thread and followed you here.

disneykibbes5

03-11-2008, 11:45 AM

Great Trip Report!!!:goodvibes
I am signing up. I just now found this one. Can't wait to read and see more!!!
:goodvibes

pl'smama

03-11-2008, 09:44 PM

Code and Lease, you guys do not disappoint! Your photos are awesome and I just love that castle shot from in front of CP. I agree with you Code, a favorite for sure. Nice job!

I am enjoying the stroll down memory lane......

Suz

Abby's Dad

03-12-2008, 11:29 AM

Yep that is the projection on the mist screen right at the start of the ride. Not the greatest shot, I think I got a better one in January.

I like it - kind of very impressionistic. It will be interesting to compare it with the later one, but at this point I like it, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Code

03-15-2008, 11:39 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 2 Photos, Part 6 - California Grill, Wishes

California Grill was delicious and a really great experience. Lease already said what we had so I'll just quote her.

California Grill was excellent. Our server was Joy and she was wonderful. We both got a flatbread appetizer I got the roasted chicken and Cody ordered the triple cheese. For the main course I had the oak fired fillet of beef and Cody had the grilled pork tenderloin. Both were amazing. I never get steak, but boy was I glad I took Joy’s recommendation on it. About 5 minutes into our food we headed to the observation deck to watch Wishes. It was really neat to see again, I still giggle at the exploding blue fairies (I understand they fireworks are not meant to be the blue fairy exploding, but really it's a blue fairy shaped explosion..hence the exploding blue fairies). When we returned to our table we found our meals had been covered which was completely unexpected and very nice. For dessert I had the “Year of a Million Dreams Cake” it was yummy. Cody had the Banana and Butterscotch “Buzz” it was better! The best custard we’ve ever had.

Roasted chicken flatbread...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062155_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Triple cheese flatbread...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062156_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Oak fired filet mignon...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062159_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Grilled pork tenderloin...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062160_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Watching Wishes from the top of the Contemporary was truly awesome. My photos aren't the greatest, but I was trying to pay more attention to watching rather than shooting.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062167_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062184_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062187_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062188_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

We had dessert after the fireworks and mine was truly excellent. The custard was unbelievable!

Year of a Million Dreams cake...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062198_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Banana & Butterscotch "Buzz"
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062199_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Lastly, a great shot of the two of us taken by our waitress...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9062195_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Go to day 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24380591&postcount=346)!

abbybeth

03-16-2008, 10:56 AM

YUM!!!!

(that's about all I got ... I would go eat there RIGHT NOW if it were plausible!)

Code

03-16-2008, 10:01 PM

Lots of great shots, worth the wait, and all is forgiven :lmao: !

:thumbsup2

Great stuff. I have seen your posts over on the Olympus Digital Camera thread and followed you here.
Great Trip Report!!!:goodvibes
I am signing up. I just now found this one. Can't wait to read and see more!!!
:goodvibes

Welcome aboard texbob and disneykibbes5!

I am enjoying the stroll down memory lane......

Me too.. it makes me wish we had a trip planned!

YUM!!!!

(that's about all I got ... I would go eat there RIGHT NOW if it were plausible!)

Welcome back abbybeth!

pl'smama

03-20-2008, 12:20 AM

Great Wishes photos Code! They look wonderful to me. Wishes is one of my favorite things about Disney. The pic of you two is great! I would be framing that one!

Suz

Code

03-24-2008, 11:27 AM

Lease was recovering from surgery this weekend so I processed photos in the downtime of being her indentured servant. I'm halfway through day 5, so day 3 will be up tonight!

Code

03-25-2008, 10:21 AM

And by "tonight", I of course meant Tuesday night ;) :rolleyes1 :confused3

pl'smama

03-25-2008, 09:26 PM

Take your time Code... Health comes first. We will wait for you guys.

Hope Lease is doing well.

Suz

Lease

03-25-2008, 09:43 PM

Hope Lease is doing well.

Suz

Thank you for your concern. I'm recovering slowly at least more slowly than I'd like. Today was the first day I really ventured from bed...all the way to the couch :woohoo: Getting some knitting done (couple pair of baby booties for friends) and realizing that heavy pain medication may be the only thing that could make daytime TV bearable. :rotfl: It can also result in some rather creative takes on the construction of a baby bootie.

Lease

abbybeth

03-28-2008, 10:07 PM

your baby booties will just have a special touch to them ;)

(actually, I'm sure they'll turn out just great! I on the other hand can't knit to save my life .. I made a valient attempt to learn before my trip - no dice!)

Hope you're feeling alright!

TKDisneylover

04-06-2008, 10:53 AM

Hi Code & Lease:wave2:

First off, Lease hope you are recovering well from your surgery!

Second, somehow my subscription to your TR did not get through to my email and I just happen to be going through them and realized you had posted new updates. Thank goodness I was checking that out because I am truly enjoying all of your new pics you have posted, they are so beautiful! I hope you realize how your great photography catches so many details that it feels like we are right back at the parks!

Looking forward to hearing more about this trip!:thumbsup2

Code

04-06-2008, 01:14 PM

kindakrazy2

04-10-2008, 12:26 AM

Hey Code and Lease!

Just popping in to check in on you and to see how Lease is feeling.

Hope you are healing well and resting comfortably. :hug:

Code

04-10-2008, 12:10 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 3 Part 1 - Blizzard, AK, Boma, MGM

By our commando Disney standards, day 3 was a sleep in day... the alarm didn't go off until 8 since we didn't have to be to Blizzard Beach until 10. We had a quick breakfast of bagels and cream cheese in our room before driving to Blizzard Beach (oh look, there's Coronado Springs again!).

(I left the cameras behind so unfortunately there are no BB pictures. I wish I had stashed one in the locker so I could take a few pictures of the park before we left.)

After arriving at BB and getting our stuff stowed in a locker, I wanted to head straight for Summit Plummet, but since Lease isn't any fan of speed slides, I decided I would save it for later (big mistake!) and we headed for the ski lift to get to Teamboat Springs. We had to wait for another couple to show up since we couldn't ride it with just 2, so I had a chance to tell Lease all about the times I had ridden Teamboat with my family. Back then they allowed 5 people to a tube, and the extra weight made the turns far more exciting.. it felt almost like the tube was going to flip sometimes (and I'm sure it happened from time to time!). I remember the big U turn at the end.. the tubes would ride so high up the wall that the upper barrier on of the end of the turn was actually bent outward! Anyway.. eventually we found another pair to ride with and it was still a lot of fun, just very toned down from how I remember it ;)

Lease obviously didn't have her notebook so I'm not sure what order we went in, but we did just about everything except the big 2 speed slides... spent some time in Cross Country Creek and did Downhill Double Dipper, Toboggan Racers, Snow Stormers, and several rides on Runoff Rapids (we both liked the dark tube the best!) We ended with a swim in Melt Away Bay before having a snack of mini-doughnuts with chocolate sauce (recommended by my sister, and very tasty!). We both felt sunburned so we decided to head back to the room. (Though it turns out we weren't burned, at least not by the sun. The spray sunscreen we were using had so much alcohol in it that it was burning us by itself!) I didn't get a chance to ride Summit Plummet because the line was very long (should have done it first thing).. a bit disappointing, but oh well.

Back at the room, we showered off the evil sunscreen and headed for Animal Kingdom! (Why look, it's Coronado Springs!)

Upon arriving, we headed straight for Expedition Everest. We were both VERY excited to get our first taste of this ride!

We had an early ADR for Boma, so we were trying to get as much done as possible before dinner. We got to Everest after a few brief photo stops...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072201_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072202_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072204_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

... and when we arrived, we were surprised to walk right on! We sat right in the middle of the train, and it was a great ride. I thought it was a little short overall, but still quite a ride and awesomely themed... 8 out of 10 in my book :) Lease said she got a bit queasy during the backwards part in the dark, but loved it overall as well.

We got off and immediately got right back on since there was no wait. We sat in the same seats and it was just as much fun!

After EE, we had time for one more ride before we needed to leave for AKL, so we headed toward Dinosaur. I still haven't seen the Dinosaur movie, but Lease has and she enjoyed seeing Aladar out front. I knew what type of ride Dinosaur is (having ridden Indiana Jones at Disneyland) but Lease thought for some reason that it was a slow, tame ride. I think she got more than she was expecting ;) I think she enjoyed it as much as I did, though. I love Indiana Jones in Disneyland and Dinosaur isn't quite at that level, but still a really great ride that we came back to several times during the trip.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072206_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We were both pretty disappointed with the Dinoland area of AK. It feels so... un-Disney. It reminds me of the amusement park 5 minutes away from our house in Utah.. why would I want to be reminded of that while I'm at WDW?

Dinner at Boma was so, so good. The butternut squash soup was recommended by our waiter and he knew what he was talking about. It was delicious! Like a bowl of warm pumpkin pie. We tried a bit of everything, even the salmon (neither of us are seafood fans). One thing we learned from Boma is to go easy on the main course and just pile on the dessert. The zebra domes were wonderful, the chocolate mousse was great, and the flan was very tasty. It was all great! The only downside of the meal was the people at the table next to us. It was a family of three. Mom looked tired, Dad never put down his cell phone for the whole meal and the daughter who was maybe 5 was demanding attention by throwing a fit. She refused to eat, she refused to drink, and she didn’t want to sit down. So Mom yelled while dad got more food. Dad came back, he yelled then went right back to talking on his phone while the child had a meltdown.

Boma was my second favorite meal of the trip beneath California Grill, and we ended up going back in January :)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072207_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072209_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072210_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Very full of tasty food it was on to MGM for a few rides and Fantasmic.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072214_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We went straight to the Tower of Terror... the line was short, and the ride was great! Probably my second favorite ride as a kid, and a favorite of Lease as well, it was really awesome to ride again. The random drops were new to both of us, so it was great to ride again for the first time.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072215_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/DSCF0189_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072216_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

After ToT, we walked past the closed for refurb Rockin Rollercoaster...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072217_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

... and then headed to find seats for Fantasmic ...

Go to day 3 part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24380677&postcount=347)!

Code

04-10-2008, 12:14 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 3 Part 2 - Fantasmic

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072218_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We arrived early enough to get good seats, but I went wandering and found some GREAT seats. We broke out some of our glowie stockpile and started putting on necklaces and bracelets...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072222_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Seeing two adults pulling glow stick after glow stick out of a bag is bound to get attention and we struck up a conversation with the people next to us. They were kind enough to take a picture of us and we let their granddaughter choose what color of glow bracelet she wanted.

It was Lease's first time seeing Fantasmic and she really liked it. I saw it in Disneyland and have to admit it is better there (mainly because of the awesome setting) but still a really great show. We did have a problem with a rude child behind us... I'll let Lease explain:

The only drawback was a child sitting behind me. Before the show had started she had swatted me on the shoulder and asked me to move because she couldn’t see over me. She did this multiple times. By the 3rd time I wanted to trade seats with Code, if she couldn’t see over me and wanted to whine let her try to see over him (I’m mean and have no patience for kids who are rude and parents that are oblivious). To top it off this little girl had a scream, you know the blood curdling scream that only a little girl can have that will shatter glasses? She demonstrated through most of the show, suddenly I didn’t feel so bad for blocking her view.

:lmao:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072224_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072226_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072231_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072234_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072239_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072240_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072242_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072243_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072244_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072247_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072250_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072252_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072254_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072258_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072260_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072261_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072262_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Go to Day 3 Part 3 - Epcot EMH (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24391479&postcount=351)

Hedy

04-10-2008, 12:34 PM

Yay! An update!

Code

04-10-2008, 12:39 PM

Hey Code and Lease!

Just popping in to check in on you and to see how Lease is feeling.

Hope you are healing well and resting comfortably. :hug:

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the well wishes! Lease recovered quite quickly from her surgery, she's already going to the gym again :)

Yay! An update!

Yay! A reader! :lmao:

abbybeth

04-10-2008, 03:32 PM

ALL ROADS LEAD TO CORONADO SPRINGS!!!:lmao:

Glad to see an update - hope you guys are doing well :)

and you KNOW how much I loved TOT :rotfl:

Boma sounds awesome - and I have heard so much raving about those Zebra domes that I really feel like I'm missing out on something.

Love the Bird of Paradise picture in front of AK and I will be "adopting" the picture of Belle & the Beast on the float from Fantasmic since my picture turned out like crap....

Code

04-10-2008, 08:28 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 3 Part 3 - Epcot EMH

After Fantasmic we rode the wave of humanity out to the parking lot, jumped in our car and headed for EMH at Epcot. When we arrived, we headed straight for World Showcase, stopping to take some photos along the way...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072264_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072266_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072267_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We went left and started in Mexico on the newly refurbished boat ride there, the Gran Fiesta Tour. I rode El Rio del Tiempo when I was a kid and completely agree that it was the "River of Boredom". The best part was floating past the pyramid and restaurant right at the beginning. Unfortunately for Gran Fiesta Tour, that hasn't really changed. We both thought the ride still felt totally pointless. Higher energy than before, but still pointless.

Despite the ride, the Mexico pavilion is still one of my favorites... great atmosphere!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072273_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072274_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072275_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072276_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072277_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072279_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072280_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

After Mexico, we were running out of time but still managed to hit Maelstrom in Norway. I really liked this ride as a kid and still think it is the best attraction in World Showcase. The thing I remembered most was the trolls screaming "Disappear! Disappear! Disappear!" Another great trip down memory lane :)

At this point the park was just about to close and we were extremely tired, so we wandered toward the exit. I stopped at the lit sidewalks in Innoventions Plaza to snap a quick pic...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/P9072287_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

... and we headed back to the hotel to CRASH after a day filled with 4 different parks! Whew, what a great day!

Go to 147 days... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24396570&postcount=354)

Code

04-10-2008, 08:41 PM

Boma sounds awesome - and I have heard so much raving about those Zebra domes that I really feel like I'm missing out on something.

MMMMMM zebra domes *profuse drool* We liked Boma so much that we made a point to eat there again in January as one of our few pre-planned table service meals. Highly recommended for your next trip...

abbybeth

04-10-2008, 09:07 PM

I didn't know the sidewalks lit up like that around Innoventions - those are SO cool!

Love the epcot pictures :)

Code

04-11-2008, 02:21 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif 147 days

A few weeks ago, we started toying with the idea of pushing back our life plans by a few months for another September trip to the World.. the for-real, no-joke, well-and-truly, period-the-end "LAST TRIP" before our lives keep us away for several years.

We wanted January to be that "LAST TRIP", but it just didn't end up feeling like it should be. I'm not saying we didn't have a great time, we definitely did! But I'm not sure I would go back again in January. I guess I just wasn't quite ready to be shivering cold in the Magic Kingdom, and the crowds were much higher than forecast which really slowed us down and made me feel slightly rushed the whole time (September made us spoiled commandos). Combined with a few other factors, and well.. long story short.. we kicked the idea around for a while but now it's official - we are booked for 9 nights, September 5-14 at Pop with free dining!!! It was definitely official when I woke up at 4:45am this morning to call Disney right at 7am EST and waited on hold for almost an hour getting free dining :lmao:

We are definitely going to make sure this trip satisfies our Disney appetite for quite a while ;) I expect the crowds to be slightly higher than last September, but still much lower than we had in January. I am torn on whether or not free dining is a good thing because of how much time it takes, but we added an extra night over our previous 2 trips and also won't be doing Discovery Cove again so there should be no rushed feeling at all this time around. We've been working on our itinerary this week, and I made our ADRs yesterday:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/108310231841-September-08-Itinerary.png

Anyway, the cat is out of the bag so I've gone ahead and changed our trip report title and updated my sig. I probably should put the next trip in its own thread, but I have a hard enough time managing one thread and still have a lot of time left on trips #1 and #2, so this one is going to be a 3 trip mashup :)

One last thing...

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

Go to Day 4 Part 1 - MGM (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24604759&postcount=361)

DizzneyDAnn

04-11-2008, 03:05 AM

:cool1:

abbybeth

04-11-2008, 10:19 AM

awww man you guys SUCK!!!! But I'm happy for you!:lmao:

But if I'm to live vicariously through your trips, you have to promise me that you'll get the reportS done so I can!

and you have to say hi to Tigger at CP for me;)

and yes, the news deserves this: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Hedy

04-11-2008, 10:32 AM

Impressive additional trip. Have fun (and I'm guessing you wound up liking Pop if you're going back there!)

Abby's Dad

04-11-2008, 10:41 AM

Great pics, as usual, Code! And I see that you are going to make the ToT DIS meet this year (otherwise known, as the reunion meet) - you'll have a great time, and they are a great group. That gives me an idea - further discussion to follow - heh, heh, heh!

Mickeefan

04-11-2008, 02:01 PM

I just found this thread and have just finished reading it. It's a great report. Your pictures are wonderful. I almost feel like I'm there.

I have a trip planned for the same time in September. We'll be at Pop from 9/10-9/14 and looking at your ADR's, we're actually dining at the same places on the 10th and the 14th. Maybe we'll see each other.

Looking forward to reading more! :surfweb:

kindakrazy2

04-14-2008, 12:13 AM

You lucky duckies! Another trip!!!!

Great pics as usual Code!

Code

04-20-2008, 02:52 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 4 Part 1 - "Knock it off or we'll go to Epcot!" (MGM)

After such a long and exhausting day 3, we slept in until around 8:30. Our plan was MGM, and because we were off to a late start, we decided to skip breakfast in the room and just grab an early lunch at the park. When we arrived, I grabbed some shots as we headed straight for the Studios Catering Company...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082289_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082290_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082292_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082293_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082294_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082295_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

...only to find that it didn't open until 11:30. We were starving, so we found a pretzel vendor and used some snack credits. We found a nice table to sit at and people watch while we ate. While we were eating we overheard a parent yelling at their child, and heard the best Disney threat EVER...

"Knock it off or we'll go to Epcot!"

Hilarious!

After finishing our snack, we headed for the backlot tour...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082297_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082298_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082299_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082300_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082301_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082303_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082304_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

...and then struck a pose with the toy soldiers...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082307_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082308_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

...on our way to catch a showing of Muppets 3D. I pointed out the key under the mat to Lease and she thought it was a nice touch...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082309_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082310_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Oh and one last thing... 138 days ;)

Go to Day 4 Part 2 - Lights Motors Action! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24633180&postcount=367)

Code

04-20-2008, 03:15 PM

:cool1:

:cool1:

awww man you guys SUCK!!!! But I'm happy for you!:lmao:

But if I'm to live vicariously through your trips, you have to promise me that you'll get the reportS done so I can!

and you have to say hi to Tigger at CP for me;)

and yes, the news deserves this: :banana: :banana: :banana:

I'll have Lease give Tigger an extra hug for you...

Also, how about a few more? :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Impressive additional trip. Have fun (and I'm guessing you wound up liking Pop if you're going back there!)

I really wanted to go back to POFQ or even do a split stay at the Swan/Dolphin, but the expense just wouldn't make sense for us, especially since we spend so little time at the hotel. I did warm up to Pop by the end of our last trip, though, and this time we will be requesting specific room numbers to have something nearer to the parking lot and not facing a pool, which will help.

Great pics, as usual, Code! And I see that you are going to make the ToT DIS meet this year (otherwise known, as the reunion meet) - you'll have a great time, and they are a great group. That gives me an idea - further discussion to follow - heh, heh, heh!

?????

I just found this thread and have just finished reading it. It's a great report. Your pictures are wonderful. I almost feel like I'm there.

I have a trip planned for the same time in September. We'll be at Pop from 9/10-9/14 and looking at your ADR's, we're actually dining at the same places on the 10th and the 14th. Maybe we'll see each other.

Looking forward to reading more! :surfweb:

Welcome and thanks for the compliments :) We are at Boma on the 10th at 5pm and Crystal Palace on the 14th at 8:10am. Any overlap?

You lucky duckies! Another trip!!!!

Great pics as usual Code!

:goodvibes

Nicole786

04-20-2008, 03:45 PM

Great stuff! I'd like to see some POP pics if you have them? Which building did you guys stay in?

Code

04-20-2008, 05:17 PM

Great stuff! I'd like to see some POP pics if you have them? Which building did you guys stay in?

We were in building 5, third floor right in front of the kiddie pool.

I haven't processed most of our January pics yet but how about a sneak peek?

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/misc/P1317113_800.jpg

Taken from the nowhere side of the bridge to nowhere. This resort would be very cool if both sides of the lake were developed...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/misc/P1317125_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/misc/P1317135_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/misc/P1317146_800.jpg

The view from where our room was, looking to the right...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/misc/P1317149_800.jpg

Hedy

04-20-2008, 05:23 PM

Love the Pop pictures.

MickeyMouth

04-20-2008, 05:36 PM

Great report!:cool1:

Code

04-21-2008, 08:34 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 4 Part 2 - Lights Motors Action!

After Muppets, we headed for the Lights, Motors, Action stunt show. The wait was sort of long, but thankfully shaded. Not much else to say in this update, on with the photos!...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082315_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082318_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082321_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

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http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082328_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082330_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082333_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082335_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082339_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082340_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082345_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082346_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082351_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082356_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Go to Day 4 Part 3 - Indiana Jones (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24710996&postcount=380)

Code

04-21-2008, 08:39 PM

Love the Pop pictures.

Thanks :) Most of the building icons look pretty cool at night, especially the Rubix cubes!

Great report!:cool1:

Welcome and thanks!

pl'smama

04-21-2008, 10:11 PM

SwansLoveDisney

04-21-2008, 10:23 PM

Wow! You got some great pics of the stunt show!

Lease

04-21-2008, 11:18 PM

I hope Lease is doing well now...

Suz

I'm doing much better now, thank you for the concern. I've been busy with work and getting back to where I was running pre-surgery. My wonderful DH got me a Cricut for my birthday :banana: So I'm spending a lot more time in my craft room playing with my new toy and figuring out how it can be used to enrich the next WDW vacation :wizard:

kindakrazy2

04-21-2008, 11:37 PM

Great updates you guys!

Best threat ever "Knock it off or we'll go to Epcot!"

Love that! :lmao:

The pics are amazing as usual.....love the ones with little green army men!

pl'smama

04-22-2008, 06:41 AM

I'm doing much better now, thank you for the concern. I've been busy with work and getting back to where I was running pre-surgery. My wonderful DH got me a Cricut for my birthday :banana: So I'm spending a lot more time in my craft room playing with my new toy and figuring out how it can be used to enrich the next WDW vacation :wizard:

I am glad to hear you are doing better now Lease. Especially now that the good weather is here!!

Can I ask, what is a Cricut and what do you use it for?

May I also ask a personal question? If you would rather I mind my own business, no problem. Code mentioned at the very begining that you had recently lost a lot of weight. I was wondering if you would mind sharing how you did this and what you do to keep it off now. I have my own struggles in this area and any way I can get motivation is worth it.

Have a great day!

Suz

Lease

04-23-2008, 08:53 AM

Pl'mama, a Cricut is a die cut machine. It is more or less a fancy paper cutter used for scrapbooking and other crafts. You can cut out all kinds of things with it depending on the cartridges in it. There are a ton of examples on the Scrapbooking thread if you are interested :)

Oh and sent you a PM :thumbsup2

Nicole786

04-23-2008, 10:18 AM

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082340_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

I call this one "Oh God! Oh god! Oh god!"

Awesome pictures and i think i forgot to comment on the POP pics you posted (maybe i didn't i cant keep track anymore lol) but theyre great!! Did you pay preferred? If you did good because thats the reason that I paid preferred and requested 60s, an exciting area like that!

abbybeth

04-23-2008, 12:22 PM

While we were eating we overheard a parent yelling at their child, and heard the best Disney threat EVER...

"Knock it off or we'll go to Epcot!"

I remember you telling that story - I think I've probably passed it on to a couple Disney-appreciating friends by now .... it's STILL absolutely hilarious!:lmao:

I'll have Lease give Tigger an extra hug for you...

Also, how about a few more? :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

good plan. I'm sure Tigger misses me ....:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

?????

We can neither confirm nor deny that we may or may not have evil plans that will require your assistance.

I'm doing much better now, thank you for the concern. I've been busy with work and getting back to where I was running pre-surgery. My wonderful DH got me a Cricut for my birthday :banana: So I'm spending a lot more time in my craft room playing with my new toy and figuring out how it can be used to enrich the next WDW vacation :wizard:

I saw you post about it over on the scrapboards ( I lurk there from time to time ) I'm working on saving up for my own Cricut E and will hopefully have it by summer, but I have to confess that I already bought the 2 princess carts and the mickey and friends cart on Black Friday ... :rolleyes1 If you haven't yet, go to the message boards on the Cricut site - SO many great ideas!

Lease

04-23-2008, 09:12 PM

I saw you post about it over on the scrapboards ( I lurk there from time to time ) I'm working on saving up for my own Cricut E and will hopefully have it by summer, but I have to confess that I already bought the 2 princess carts and the mickey and friends cart on Black Friday ... :rolleyes1 If you haven't yet, go to the message boards on the Cricut site - SO many great ideas!

Love the Cricut! I've spent a fair amount of time on their boards. It's good that you have started your cart collection early, but it must be somewhat like torture. Having them and not being able to really play. I have Mickey and Friends and Dreams Come True (the one with Belle). Needless to say, we will have window and door decorations not to mention homemade LGMHs. I keep eyeing the new Pooh carts and considering it, since we'll have had two meals with Pooh and Friends and they are almost required to finish scrabooking the trips...Code will buy that right? :rolleyes1

abbybeth

04-23-2008, 09:19 PM

Love the Cricut! I've spent a fair amount of time on their boards. It's good that you have started your cart collection early, but it must be somewhat like torture. Having them and not being able to really play. I have Mickey and Friends and Dreams Come True (the one with Belle). Needless to say, we will have window and door decorations not to mention homemade LGMHs. I keep eyeing the new Pooh carts and considering it, since we'll have had two meals with Pooh and Friends and they are almost required to finish scrabooking the trips...Code will buy that right? :rolleyes1

I haven't even let myself open them to thumb through the books. I think that would make it even worse ... and yes, the Pooh cartridge is a must. It's on my list and I believe that you need it too. You can tell Code I said so! :rotfl: I just can't wait to get my hands on it eventually :) and at that point you'll be a total pro so I can bug you with all my problems :goodvibes

pl'smama

04-23-2008, 10:19 PM

Code

04-25-2008, 03:35 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 4 Part 3 - Indiana Jones

After LMA, we raced to beat the sea of humanity out of the stadium and made it just in time to get seats for Indiana Jones.

Another update mainly for pictures :rolleyes1

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082358_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082361_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082363_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082366_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082367_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082368_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082372_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082373_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082376_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082378_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082385_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082389_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

Go to Day 4 Part 4 - Beauty and the Beast (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24758967&postcount=383)

Code

04-25-2008, 04:05 AM

Hi Code and Lease, nice to see the updates! I have been absent for a bit, but I am so glad to come back to your lovely photos! Your Fantasmic pics were awesome Code and so were the LMA photos. Two things we missed on our last trip ( and our first trip to), but they are a must next time.

I am so happy for you two and your planned return trip this September. That is awesome news! I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy every second. These memories and your beautiful photos will hold you for a long time!!

I was happy to read your report on Boma. We went for the first time in January and it was a hit! Great decor, awesome atmosphere and really good food. I am notoriously picky, but I vowed to try some curry and other spicy foods. I am so happy that I did. We will go back to Boma some day.

Your pics of Pop were great Code. If we ever get back to the world I think w we will stay there. Your night time shots are super. Thanks so much for sharing them.

Thanks for your compliments on our photos. I really love having so many photos of our trips.. sometimes it felt a bit ridiculous taking so many, but I can look back at any one of our photos and instantly be back in that moment in my memory.

We can't wait for September.. 133 days! You'll notice Boma on our itinerary for the third trip in a row... mmmm zebra domes!!!!!

Wow! You got some great pics of the stunt show!

Thanks!

Best threat ever "Knock it off or we'll go to Epcot!"

Love that! :lmao:

Definitely a classic!

I call this one "Oh God! Oh god! Oh god!"

Awesome pictures and i think i forgot to comment on the POP pics you posted (maybe i didn't i cant keep track anymore lol) but theyre great!! Did you pay preferred? If you did good because thats the reason that I paid preferred and requested 60s, an exciting area like that!

Thanks! We did pay preferred in January but we are not in September. I recently found a map here on the DIS of which rooms are preferred and figured I could do just as well at my goal of being close to the parking lot by requesting a list of the good non-preferred rooms in buildings 9 & 1.

We can neither confirm nor deny that we may or may not have evil plans that will require your assistance.

I am intrigued!

kindakrazy2

04-26-2008, 09:22 PM

Great pics as usual Code!

We didn't see Indy this trip so it was great to see your pictures of it!

Code

04-27-2008, 03:18 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 4 Part 4 - Beauty and the Beast

After Indy, we wandered across the path into Drew Carey's Sounds Dangerous. I've been listening to binaural audio recordings of the parks on the Window to the Magic and Inside the Magic podcasts, so the show wasn't all that impressive, but it was air conditioned and nice to just sit back and relax for a little while.

We wandered toward Sunset Boulevard for Beauty and the Beast, snapping some pics along the way...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082395_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082396_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082397_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082398_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082399_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082402_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Magical Moment Alert!
Then it was on to Beauty and the Beast. We were early for next show so we struck up a conversation and traded pins with the cast members at the entrance to the Theater to the Stars. We started talking to them, they noticed our just married buttons and offered us VIP seating. Before the show an a capella group preformed to warm up the crowd. At that point they invited us up to the front of the stage and sang to us and gave us a copy of their CD. Lease loves Beauty and the Beast and Belle is her favorite of the Disney princesses so she thoroughly enjoyed the show, and I liked it as well (exactly as it was when I was a kid, though I probably wasn't a big fan back then as I was a teenager).

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082405_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082408_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082409_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

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http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082428_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Next up.. we park hop to Epcot for the evening!

Go to Day 4 Part 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24945306&postcount=390) !

Hedy

04-27-2008, 03:25 PM

Epcot? But Lease appeared to be well behaved. :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

SwansLoveDisney

04-27-2008, 03:39 PM

It's so cool that they gave you VIP seating and gave you a copy of the CD!

kindakrazy2

04-27-2008, 06:39 PM

How very cool that you got VIP seating and even better to get a CD to remember the magic with!

Love the pictures too!

Lease

04-27-2008, 11:10 PM

Epcot? But Lease appeared to be well behaved. :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

We leave those parts out of the story.

Msslaydbug

04-27-2008, 11:54 PM

How neat you were able to get VIP seating ! I have actually never been to the IJ show so I really enjoyed your photos.

pl'smama

05-05-2008, 09:52 PM

I just love you B&TB pics guys, they are awesome! It is so wonderful to have a Magic Moment in a place like that show. It is a favorite of mine to.

We actually had a bit of a Magical Moment ourselves at the show. I was standing with my 10 year old neice and we were waiting for the show. The rest of the family was off to the side. A CM asked if my neice was shy. When I said no, he asked if we would like VIP seating a chance for a special moment for the "princess". I said we would love it, but could they make it special for three princesses. My DD is five and so is her other cousin and I could not leave them out.

Well, we got the VIP seats, which were wonderful! Then the trouble started. The CM down by front said only one princess could participate. I said it had to Krystin, my older neice, as she was asked first. My DD said she was okay, but my Dsil wanted her youngest to get the special thing. I thought they eldest was to be the special princess so we left it at that and watched the show. Much to my surprise, right at the end, the Beast presents a rose to a lucky young lady from the audience. That was to be my oldest neice. At the last minute my sister in law had her youngest go up and not her oldest. It was a lovely moment and I will post the pic if I can find it, but the other two princesses, my DD included, were heart broken. It was kind of a shame that all three could not go up. I felt horrible for my oldest neice as she had been asked first but her mom messed that one up.

My DD was very upset because she and her youngest cousin do everything together. They are two months apart in age. We managed to divert my DD's attention afterward, but it was kind of a sad way to end a wonderful show.

Anyway, enough gloom. Your photos are wonderful Code and I love that show to. Can't wait for more...

Suz

Code

05-06-2008, 08:45 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 4 Part 5 - "It's like the world, or something"

The new commuter rail service here is up and running and I'm trying to take the train to/from work on a daily basis, so I thought I would finish up day 4 on my commute :) Sorry for the delay!

After the BatB show, we walked across the street for a quick ride on ToT (we could ride this over and over and over, couldn't you?) before we were ready for a hotel break for some relaxation before our dinner ADR at San Angel Inn.

Somewhere at the hotel... I think my parents' WDW albums have at least 1 pic of these little guys per trip...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082434_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We made it to Epcot around 5pm and took some time for pictures in front of Spaceship Earth. This is where we heard someone describe SE as

"I don't know.. it's like the world or something!"

Another classic newbie comment!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082435_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082436_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We headed straight for Mexico where there was no wait for our table at San Angel Inn. I can't remember what I had exactly, some sort of monthly special with a soup beforehand, and both were just OK.. the margarita was good, though! Lease had the Mexican plate, and she said the same.. just OK. Two lackluster food reviews and the service was pretty bad, so we have struck this one off our list for the future I think.

After dinner, we wanted to go play at Innoventions, but it was already closed for the evening, so we decided to check out Universe of Energy. They were closing the doors for the last show of the evening as we walked up, but a nice CM saw us running for the door and let us in. I didn't have high hopes for the new version of this show (being the geek I am, I am pretty sure I enjoyed the original version as a kid) but we are both Bill Nye and Ellen fans so we thought it was reasonably entertaining at least.

Afterward it was starting to get late and I wanted to make sure we could get a railing spot for Illuminations, so we headed toward World Showcase. We still had a bit of spare time, so we stopped in Canada and the UK for some browsing and ended up seeing Pooh Tigger and Eeyore with no wait at all.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082442_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Obligatory ridiculous hat picture...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/DSCF0194_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082437_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We found a decent spot for Illuminations near the UK, but being the obsessive person that I am, I decided to see if I couldn't find an even better spot. Lease guarded the spot we already had while I went off in search, and I ended up finding a really good one in front of Germany, but I got a blister from brisk pace I was walking :( We really enjoyed the show! (I did a much better job on Illuminations pictures in January)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082447_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082450_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

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http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082454_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

We took our sweet time getting out of the park after Illuminations since I didn't want to make my blister any worse than it already was. We grabbed a few pictures on the way out...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082457_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day4/P9082460_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Somehow we missed a turn on the way back to our hotel and ended up going off property and having to make a U-turn to get “home.” We arrived back at the hotel and decided to go for a late night swim. We spent about a half hour in the hotel pool before going to bed.

Go to 100 days! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25359880&postcount=407)

kindakrazy2

05-06-2008, 10:27 AM

Yay for an update! :cool1:

Your fireworks pics are great and I love the silly moose hat one! You make this canadian girl proud wearing the moose! :rotfl:

Your bunny shot is great too. I have one of those too from every trip but for some reason the bunny's always end up having glowing-red-possessed-bunny eyes! :scared:

Code

05-06-2008, 10:29 AM

How very cool that you got VIP seating and even better to get a CD to remember the magic with!

Love the pictures too!

Unfortunately the CD is non-Disney music, and not very good :confused3

I just love you B&TB pics guys, they are awesome! It is so wonderful to have a Magic Moment in a place like that show. It is a favorite of mine to.

We actually had a bit of a Magical Moment ourselves at the show. I was standing with my 10 year old neice and we were waiting for the show. The rest of the family was off to the side. A CM asked if my neice was shy. When I said no, he asked if we would like VIP seating a chance for a special moment for the "princess". I said we would love it, but could they make it special for three princesses. My DD is five and so is her other cousin and I could not leave them out.

Well, we got the VIP seats, which were wonderful! Then the trouble started. The CM down by front said only one princess could participate. I said it had to Krystin, my older neice, as she was asked first. My DD said she was okay, but my Dsil wanted her youngest to get the special thing. I thought they eldest was to be the special princess so we left it at that and watched the show. Much to my surprise, right at the end, the Beast presents a rose to a lucky young lady from the audience. That was to be my oldest neice. At the last minute my sister in law had her youngest go up and not her oldest. It was a lovely moment and I will post the pic if I can find it, but the other two princesses, my DD included, were heart broken. It was kind of a shame that all three could not go up. I felt horrible for my oldest neice as she had been asked first but her mom messed that one up.

My DD was very upset because she and her youngest cousin do everything together. They are two months apart in age. We managed to divert my DD's attention afterward, but it was kind of a sad way to end a wonderful show.

Anyway, enough gloom. Your photos are wonderful Code and I love that show to. Can't wait for more...

Suz

That stinks that a magical moment could actually turn into a bad thing...

Hedy

05-06-2008, 10:37 AM

Great job on the Illuminations firework pics!

abbybeth

05-06-2008, 11:21 AM

Yes, as a matter of fact, I can ride ToT over and over and over again ... :)

Love the illuminations pics, they're great - so I can't wait to see the ones from January if you say they're even better!

Code

05-06-2008, 11:28 AM

Your fireworks pics are great and I love the silly moose hat one! You make this canadian girl proud wearing the moose! :rotfl:

Your bunny shot is great too. I have one of those too from every trip but for some reason the bunny's always end up having glowing-red-possessed-bunny eyes! :scared:

There are silly hats everywhere.. it's hard to resist the temptation to pick one up and take a silly picture! (lets not talk about how many other heads the hats have been on!!)

Great job on the Illuminations firework pics!
Yes, as a matter of fact, I can ride ToT over and over and over again ... :)

Love the illuminations pics, they're great - so I can't wait to see the ones from January if you say they're even better!

Thanks :) and I did better on fireworks in general in January (Wishes, P&PP, Illuminations), looking forward to sharing..

lilpixiebabe101

05-06-2008, 02:52 PM

Hey, great report so far. Jumping on board! Can't wait for more updates.

Katy Belle

05-07-2008, 02:33 AM

Great report Code and Lease! I stayed up way too late last night reading and now I'm here again to continue! Can't wait to read it all!

Katy

Code

05-07-2008, 10:14 AM

Hey, great report so far. Jumping on board! Can't wait for more updates.

Great report Code and Lease! I stayed up way too late last night reading and now I'm here again to continue! Can't wait to read it all!

Katy

Welcome lilpixiebabe101 and Katy Belle, glad you are enjoying it! :cool1:

Code

05-07-2008, 10:46 AM

I recently found a VERY cool tool for reading message board threads and I thought I would share it since it is so useful for reading TRs.

If you use Firefox as your web browser, go install the Repaginator extension (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/2099).

What it does is allow you to right click the "next page" link on a thread and choose the number of pages you want it to load (5, 10, etc.. or ALL!), then it will grab them and put them all together at the bottom of the current page.

0http://shup.com/Shup/40342/repaginator.jpg

No more endless clicking through pages and pages of trip reports!! Just be careful on image heavy threads like mine :)

Hedy

05-07-2008, 10:57 AM

Wow, I have to install that when I get home. :)

BTDTGB

05-07-2008, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the great plug-in Code!

Code

05-14-2008, 04:43 PM

Wow, I have to install that when I get home. :)

Thanks for the great plug-in Code!

Hope it worked out for you.. I've been using it every day, great time saver!

So... I booked our flights today, something I should have done the INSTANT that Southwest released its fares for our dates a few weeks ago. Because I didn't jump on it then, the fares went up and now we're paying quite a bit more than either of our last 2 trips :( the dollar value of which was told once to Lease and will never again be spoken of :sad2:

On the bright side, an appealing flight option popped up from a different airline, and we'll be flying a redeye from SLC at midnight into Orlando at 9am rather than arriving at 4pm (and our return is direct rather than connecting). Believe it or not, we're both really happy about this.. that's an extra half day in the parks! Also, we'll be able to start out in MK as is tradition rather than Epcot since MK has MNSSHP the night of our arrival day. Just have to make sure to get some sleep the day before after work and on the flight!

Next update coming soon...

Lease

05-27-2008, 09:39 PM

Another TR installment is on the way, but I wanted to jump in because I got a surprise when I got home from work today.

Disney mail! :cool1: Code ordered the customized maps a couple weeks ago without telling me. I love surprises! Disney related surprises are even better.

pl'smama

05-27-2008, 10:27 PM

Lease

05-27-2008, 11:33 PM

Lease, that is a cool surprise! What exactly do they do to customize these things?

Suz

They let you choose your favorite attractions/rides/restaurants which are listed and labeled separately on each map. There are two double sided fold out maps. MK and Epcot on one, AK and DHS on the other. There is a third map with the the overall Walt Disney World on it.

Code

05-28-2008, 12:33 AM

The customized map page is here:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/myVacation/customizedMaps/index?id=CustomizedMapsWelcomePage

I'll post pics of our maps tomorrow...

Code

05-28-2008, 08:56 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif 100 days!

I've been meaning to post this for the last 3 weeks, it's our countdown calendar hung on the pantry door... 121 Cricut-cut Mickey heads!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/countdown/P5221486_800.jpg

We've been tearing them off day by day.. this picture is outdated, so I put an arrow where we are really at...

100 days!!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/countdown/P5221531_800.jpg

Go to Day 5 Part 1 - Animal Kingdom Safari (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25370005&postcount=409)

Hedy

05-28-2008, 09:10 AM

Yay for 100 days! I love the cri-cut Mickey heads-very chic. :cool1: :cool1:

Code

05-28-2008, 06:10 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 5 Part 1 - Animal Kingdom Safari

Day 5 started out early. We had heard the stories about how AK tends to get "Africa hot" so we got up early and ate a quick & easy breakfast of bagels and Diet Dr Pepper before we were on on our way. After passing Coronado Springs (but of course!), we arrived at AK for the first time!

We didn't waste any time, heading straight for the safari in hopes seeing the animals more active in the morning. It's a fun ride and gets my thumbs up, definitely a unique experience and it is amazing how they have it set up. In this case, though, we had an exceptionally, err, enthusiastic driver that barely slowed down at all so getting any decent pictures was definitely a challenge! (I look forward to this one on our upcoming trip hopefully with a new, faster zoom lens ;))

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092466_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092469_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092470_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092472_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092475_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092478_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092480_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092486_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

Go to Day 5 Part 2 - More AK (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25398792&postcount=412)

Nicole786

05-28-2008, 07:08 PM

That countdown calendar is so cool!! How did you do that?

Code

05-28-2008, 08:14 PM

That countdown calendar is so cool!! How did you do that?

Just used Lease's Cricut (paper cutting machine) to cut out the Mickey heads, laid them out and glued them on.. hence they leave a little bit of themselves on the poster board when we rip them off .. oh well!

Code

05-30-2008, 08:30 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 5 Part 2 - More AK

After the Safari I grabbed a few pics down the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092489_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092490_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

...though we didn't go very far down before we decided to head for the train to the Conservation Station. Petting zoos are not really our thing, but they had some very interesting displays to walk through. I enjoyed sitting down to rest for a few moments in one of the audio booths. I only really took 1 picture while we were there of this cute little frog...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092495_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

...along with a quick meeting with Rafiki. Nobody else was around for some reason, so we had to use the XShot to get the pic. Rafiki seemed pretty impressed ;)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/DSCF0197_800.jpg

While we were waiting for the train back, we saw a little girl suffering absolute meltdown due to losing some of the little charms on her Crocs. The cast member at the station swooped in and talked to her, and calmly explained that as a cast member she could help and gave her a voucher to get some replacement charms. It was really nice to witness a cast member going above and beyond to keep the Disney magic alive for a single guest.

The train ride was uneventful (nothing even remotely interesting to look at on the ride back from Conservation Station.. just a wall of vegetation) and it was time for food. We headed for lunch at Flame Tree, grabbing some pics along the way...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092497_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092498_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092500_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092502_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

For lunch, we both had turkey sandwiches with coleslaw. For dessert (thank you DDP) I had chocolate cheesecake and Lease had the key lime pie. I think Flame Tree is probably my second favorite counter service place in all WDW behind Pecos Bills.

Next we walked right across the path to see It's Tough To Be a Bug. Pretty good show, but I was totally unprepared for the sting, and I must have sat in an extra stabby chair or something because I could feel where it got me for several hours after that. Obligatory bug eye shot!...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/DSCF0198_800.jpg

... and various other photos taken around Discovery Island after the show on our way over to Camp Minnie Mickey...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092503_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092506_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092507_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092508_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092509_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092510_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092511_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092513_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092515_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092517_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092518_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092519_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

Go to Day 5 Part 3 - Festival of the Lion King (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25409564&postcount=416)!

Abby's Dad

05-30-2008, 10:52 AM

Another good batch Code! For the amount of movement on the safari you got some really decent shots. Nice pose of the Lion up on the rock! In today's batch - I suppose that the starting "portrait" is a member of the monkey family - nice shot, and cool looking critter. Now you are certain that you ate turkey for lunch - after all, there does seem to be a lot of birds around over there :rotfl2: But then again, most are too pretty, nice shots of the macaws. Great shot of the frog - poisonous? So, if I am guessing right, this is going to be a really long day - and lots more to come? Saw my first ad for an XShot the other day - the new Cyberguys catalog is carrying it.

Time to go:moped:

Code

05-30-2008, 11:20 AM

In today's batch - I suppose that the starting "portrait" is a member of the monkey family - nice shot, and cool looking critter.

That guy is an Eastern Black & White Colobus Monkey. I only know that because I've seen them at our zoo several times, including a baby...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/misc/P9303531_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

Great shot of the frog - poisonous?

Good question!

So, if I am guessing right, this is going to be a really long day - and lots more to come?

Not too much more.. FotLK, then dinner, then you and yours will be making an appearance ;)

Abby's Dad

05-30-2008, 12:58 PM

That guy is an Eastern Black & White Colobus Monkey. I only know that because I've seen them at our zoo several times, including a baby...

Certainly is an interesting-looking monkey, don't recall ever seeing one before. Quite the tale. And I thought that your portrait was good.

Good question!

I had always heard that the "pretty colored ones" were all poisonous, and it holds true for those in the amphibian house at our zoo.

Not too much more.. FotLK, then dinner, then you and yours will be making an appearance ;)

Ooh, ooh - :woohoo: I had a feeling:goodvibes

Code

05-30-2008, 06:16 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 5 Part 3 - Festival of the Lion King

Trying to make this a productive commute, one TR installment on the train to work, one on the train home ;) Loving this new commuter rail!

We arrived pretty early for Festival of the Lion King, and waiting outside was one of the few times on the whole trip that the heat really got to me, as you can see...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/DSCF0199_800.jpg

... but soon enough we were herded inside and got to wait for the show to start in the nice cool theater. They prepped the crowd (I think we were in the lion section) and the show began..

WHAT A SHOW!!!

This one vaulted instantly to be my favorite WDW stage show by far. The high energy is infectious, the music is great (of course it is, it's the Lion King!), the costumes awesome, and the way the theater is set up is very cool.

Also, two words: TUMBLE MONKEYS!

On with the photos...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092520_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092521_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092522_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092523_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092524_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092528_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092529_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092531_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092536_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092537_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092541_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092546_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

On our way out of the show, we had a major DIS sighting. A large family, in matching orange shirts with a logo from a Texas furniture store were walking along the path out of the theater. They had multiple items with DIS logos and even a lime green stroller. Sadly we didn’t get close enough to say hello. (but we would run into them again another day in MGM!...)

It was nearly time for our lunch ADR at Kona Café so we headed out of the park, stopping briefly to press some pennies at Outfitters and Island Mercantile. As we were headed out the front gate, we saw Chip & Dale and also FRIAR TUCK! (Oodelally!) We definitely had to stop for pics, especially with Friar Tuck...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/DSCF0200_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092549_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092550_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

We hopped on the tram, where we had another DIS encounter! A couple in front of us noticed our LGMH and gave us the "focker watch" sign. They were a nice couple from Connecticut, and somehow we forgot to ask for their usernames. Doh! Fortunately they remembered us and found this after they got home, it was Rootskate! Not sure if they are still reading though :confused:

Rootskate, are you still out there? If you are, please chime in :)

Next up.. lunch at Kona Café (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26879109&postcount=443)!

Rootskate

05-30-2008, 08:52 PM

Rootskate[/b]! Not sure if they are still reading though :confused:

Rootskate, are you still out there? If you are, please chime in :)

Next up.. lunch at Kona Café!

Sure am! :thumbsup2
It was so nice to meet you both!
Great trip report, I've been following along. ::yes::

4thgeermama

05-30-2008, 11:26 PM

On our way out of the show, we had a major DIS sighting. A large family, in matching orange shirts with a logo from a Texas furniture store were walking along the path out of the theater. They had multiple items with DIS logos and even a lime green stroller. Sadly we didn’t get close enough to say hello. (but we would run into them again another day in MGM!...)

Hey Code & Lease!!!You did remember us! You did! :cool1: We were hard to miss - that is for sure!

I have been reading along with your TR - loving it by the way - the pictures make me feel like we are back in the World again! And I have been looking forward to our cameo! You are the only Disers we met while we were there...at least the only ones brave enough to talk to our intimadating bunch. Most of the time I was spinning, trying to keep up with our little ones and keep us on track with our itinerary. I didn't get to spend much time looking for other Disers.

But tonight I was reading and loving your photos of FOTLK, and I was thinking how much it looked like my photos (same perspective, but yours are far superior, also in the Lion section)...I recognized all of the key characters, especially the guy on stilts...he was right in front of us the whole time. Too funny that we were at the same showing and sitting close to each other!

Anyway just wanted to come out of lurkdom and say Hi.
Loving your report. Looking forward to more!
Amy of the Mesquite Furniture of Texas family

abbybeth

06-03-2008, 11:26 AM

I.LOVE.TUMBLE.MONKEYS!!!:love:

and you're lucky that you saw the lion - he wasn't anywhere to be seen on our safari adventure ... and you got some pretty good shots for having a driver that wouldn't slow down at all!

As always, love the pictures - the one with Chip and Dale is great! :)

pl'smama

06-03-2008, 10:01 PM

Holy Cow, what wonderful photos you guys got! They are just lovely. First, let me just say I absolutely LOVE your countdown thingy! It is so bright and cheerful. I love it!

Your Safari photos are great for a fast ride, especially the lion. We just saw a tiny glimpse on our safari, but it was still a great trip to take.

I love your FOTLK photos! This is my all time favorite show to see at DW, I just adore it. We have been twice now and both times we had the same guy as the head singer ( I think he is supposed to represent both Moufasa and Scar) and he was amazing! Oddly enough you guys had a different guy, but I can just be he is as awesome as the other dude! That is hands down the most powerful show they put on and so many times during the day to. Did you guys see it again this past January and will you see it again this fall?

Unless I missed it, what section were you in?

Suz

Lease

06-06-2008, 11:31 PM

pl'smama

06-10-2008, 10:13 PM

Pl'smama-

We did see the FOTLK again in January, it's such a great show. We were in the lion section in September. We will definitely see it again in 91 days give or take a few.

Thanks for the compliments on the countdown calendar :) It's nice having a daily reminder of when we get to go back to our happy place.

Thanks Lease! We always end up in the Wart Hog section!! But it is just as much fun. I have the show on our camcorder from our second trip in January. We were watching it not too long ago and there, amongst the back ground noise and wonderful music you could hear it. My DD, 5 years old, singing along with Simba and friends. Another trip highlight for me!!

Suz

Code

06-16-2008, 03:57 PM

Sure am! :thumbsup2
It was so nice to meet you both!
Great trip report, I've been following along. ::yes::

On our way out of the show, we had a major DIS sighting. A large family, in matching orange shirts with a logo from a Texas furniture store were walking along the path out of the theater. They had multiple items with DIS logos and even a lime green stroller. Sadly we didn’t get close enough to say hello. (but we would run into them again another day in MGM!...)

Hey Code & Lease!!!You did remember us! You did! :cool1: We were hard to miss - that is for sure!

I have been reading along with your TR - loving it by the way - the pictures make me feel like we are back in the World again! And I have been looking forward to our cameo! You are the only Disers we met while we were there...at least the only ones brave enough to talk to our intimadating bunch. Most of the time I was spinning, trying to keep up with our little ones and keep us on track with our itinerary. I didn't get to spend much time looking for other Disers.

But tonight I was reading and loving your photos of FOTLK, and I was thinking how much it looked like my photos (same perspective, but yours are far superior, also in the Lion section)...I recognized all of the key characters, especially the guy on stilts...he was right in front of us the whole time. Too funny that we were at the same showing and sitting close to each other!

Anyway just wanted to come out of lurkdom and say Hi.
Loving your report. Looking forward to more!
Amy of the Mesquite Furniture of Texas family

Sorry I took so long to thank you for posting! 2 DIS sightings (so far) and 2 DISers still reading.. awesome! The DIS rocks.

Here's where we are on the countdown calendar:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/misc/P6162263_640.jpg

Originally there were 64 purple, 32 yellow, 16 red, 8 blue, and 1 green ;)

thewesterberg

06-16-2008, 06:10 PM

Hey there! I followed you over from the fridge swap to check out your report... Good stuff! Nice pictures, by the way!

TKDisneylover

07-05-2008, 09:28 AM

popcorn:: Hey guys! Hoping to see some more of those fantastic Disney pics soon! I know, I know, it's hard to work on a trip report when it's summertime, but before you know it, it will be September and you'll be back at Disney :banana: .

Code

07-09-2008, 10:55 AM

Hey there! I followed you over from the fridge swap to check out your report... Good stuff! Nice pictures, by the way!

Thanks for following me here, thanks for the compliment, but most importantly...thanks for organizing the fridge swap!

popcorn:: Hey guys! Hoping to see some more of those fantastic Disney pics soon! I know, I know, it's hard to work on a trip report when it's summertime, but before you know it, it will be September and you'll be back at Disney :banana: .

More photos coming really soon.. I promise.

58 days till we are back at WDW.. that seems like quite a while and not long at all at the same time. I vow not to procrastinate everything like I did for the January trip!

I know it seems silly to talk about photos for the next trip when I'm still working on 10 month old ones from 2 trips ago, but.... I wanted to let you all know that I'm taking all new and improved photo gear on the next trip, so in 6 or 7 years when this TR gets to trip #3, you'll be in for a treat! :laughing:

Also, since we have a laptop now, we expect to do short updates from WDW during the next trip.

Hedy

07-09-2008, 11:06 AM

Thanks for following me here, thanks for the compliment, but most importantly...thanks for organizing the fridge swap!

More photos coming really soon.. I promise.

58 days till we are back at WDW.. that seems like quite a while and not long at all at the same time. I vow not to procrastinate everything like I did for the January trip!

I know it seems silly to talk about photos for the next trip when I'm still working on 10 month old ones from 2 trips ago, but.... I wanted to let you all know that I'm taking all new and improved photo gear on the next trip, so in 6 or 7 years when this TR gets to trip #3, you'll be in for a treat! :laughing:

Also, since we have a laptop now, we expect to do short updates from WDW during the next trip.

I thought that was contingent on you finishing this TR. :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

Code

07-09-2008, 11:08 AM

I thought that was contingent on you finishing this TR. :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

:rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

Abby's Dad

07-09-2008, 11:08 AM

I wanted to let you all know that I'm taking all new and improved photo gear on the next trip.

Not that I want to take you away from getting TR#1 done, but now that you have dangled this teaser, can you tell us more?!?!?:upsidedow

Lease

07-10-2008, 12:39 AM

I thought that was contingent on you finishing this TR. :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

Thank you for mentioning this! :worship:I need allies. I let him get the laptop early so he could process photos on the train ride to work. You know so the TR would get done faster...

Abby's Dad

07-10-2008, 10:46 AM

Thank you for mentioning this! :worship:I need allies. I let him get the laptop early so he could process photos on the train ride to work. You know so the TR would get done faster...
Hi Lease!

Now you understand that age-old management principle of results first, then rewards. But I do envy the train ride - we have nothing for mass transit.

Certainly am looking forward to the TR moving forward, so that you can get TR #2 in before September :rotfl:

abbybeth

07-10-2008, 12:52 PM

Hi Lease!

Now you understand that age-old management principle of results first, then rewards. But I do envy the train ride - we have nothing for mass transit.

Certainly am looking forward to the TR moving forward, so that you can get TR #2 in before September :rotfl:

shoot, I'm selfish and want to see our cameo appearance! :rotfl: and of course TR #2.

Hedy

07-10-2008, 12:59 PM

Thank you for mentioning this! :worship:I need allies. I let him get the laptop early so he could process photos on the train ride to work. You know so the TR would get done faster...
You guys are going to be planning your tenth "just one more trip" by the time the Abbys show up in this TR. :surfweb: :surfweb:

Abby's Dad

07-10-2008, 01:16 PM

But, plan trip #4 (or maybe #5 or #6 by then, :confused3 ) for the Christmas season of 2009 (tentatively the first or second week of December), as the Three Bears will return to WDW. The only question is whether our TR for that trip will be finished before several people finish their TRs from September of ought-seven (not just Code - Kinda Krazy has issues with timely report writing also)

Now, on to learning about post-processing - the pictures are starting to mount up from my practice ventures!

pl'smama

07-17-2008, 10:33 PM

Thought I would just check in and see how everyone's summer is going?

Lease and Code, what is the countdown for number three now?? You must be so excited!! I think our return will be post poned for a few more years now, although we are quite alright with the reason why!! I just have to share my news with my wonderful DIS friends. My family of three is soon to become a family of four and we are so happy!!:cloud9: I have heard that many people bring infants and toddlers to the World, but I just can't seem to get my head around that.

Anyway, sorry to hijack there, but I have been dying to share this new. And also dying to see some new photos Code!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Suz

Lease

07-19-2008, 01:05 AM

Code

07-19-2008, 01:48 AM

Not that I want to take you away from getting TR#1 done, but now that you have dangled this teaser, can you tell us more?!?!?:upsidedow

Soon enough ;)

But, plan trip #4 (or maybe #5 or #6 by then, :confused3 ) for the Christmas season of 2009 (tentatively the first or second week of December), as the Three Bears will return to WDW. The only question is whether our TR for that trip will be finished before several people finish their TRs from September of ought-seven (not just Code - Kinda Krazy has issues with timely report writing also)

Now, on to learning about post-processing - the pictures are starting to mount up from my practice ventures!

Oooo that would be a great week to visit!!!

I'd love to see some of your shots with your camera, don't think I've even heard you say how you've been liking it...

Thought I would just check in and see how everyone's summer is going?

Lease and Code, what is the countdown for number three now?? You must be so excited!! I think our return will be post poned for a few more years now, although we are quite alright with the reason why!! I just have to share my news with my wonderful DIS friends. My family of three is soon to become a family of four and we are so happy!!:cloud9: I have heard that many people bring infants and toddlers to the World, but I just can't seem to get my head around that.

Anyway, sorry to hijack there, but I have been dying to share this new. And also dying to see some new photos Code!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Suz

Wow Suz, congratulations!!!!

I have to agree about infants/toddlers, when we kick off our family, we're resigned to the fact that WDW will be out of the question for several years :sad1:

BUT...... we still consider Disneyland an option!

pl'smama

07-19-2008, 07:12 PM

Thank you both Lease and Code! It was a bit of a shameless "plug" on my part, but it is hard to contain my excitement. I will resign myself to living through the TR's of my fellow DISer's for the next few years with maybe a half day trip to Canada's Wonderland when our baby is a couple of years old!!! In the meantime our videos and pictures will sustain me, that and thinking of our new child's first trip to the world some day!!!

Wow, only 49 days to go for you two. That is awesome. Have you started to pack yet??!!

Suz

TKDisneylover

07-20-2008, 09:19 AM

Code is working on photos for additional updates, 49 days till we go back!! :banana:

YIPPEE!!!:cool1: YAHOO!!!:banana: SWEET!!!:yay:

Code

07-20-2008, 11:39 PM

Wow, only 49 days to go for you two. That is awesome. Have you started to pack yet??!!

I am setting out my suitcase tomorrow to start throwing stuff in that we don't need around here as I think of it. I procrastinated everything until the very last minute in January.... NOT AGAIN!!

abbybeth

07-23-2008, 10:21 AM

pl'smama

07-23-2008, 10:08 PM

Congrats and Canada's Wonderland is still good times - I had fun going there when I was little :)

Thanks Abbybeth! Yeah, Canada's Wonderland is a great place to spend the day and it has improved over the years. We were there for a morning about three years ago, when my DD was about two and a half. We got free tickets from my work so it was a decent way to spend the morning. It was horribly hot though, not great for a toddler. But I have fond memories of class trips and visits with friends!! How close were you living to CW? I just thought from your posts and your fabulous TR, that you were a bit farther south.

Suz

Code

08-12-2008, 09:39 PM

Wow.. this is what our countdown looks like now...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/countdown/DSCF0829_800.jpg

I can hardly believe how quickly we got through those 2 huge outer rings! Time to get this TR caught up!!!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 5 Part 4 - Kona Cafe, Grand Floridian

We left AK and headed straight for the Polynesian for our Kona Cafe ADR.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092557_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

We got there on time and were quickly seated. I really liked this place a lot.. the red and orange themed decor is very inviting, the location above the main lobby of the Poly is great, and my food was delicious! We started out with the Pot Stickers and Sticky Wings (loved the wings!)...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092554_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092553_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

For the main course, we both got the Stir-Fried Asian Noodles. These were perhaps not GREAT, but easily above average...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092555_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

And dessert was worth the price of admission alone: White Chocolate Cheesecake with 3 different fruit purees on the side. I'm a sucker for just about any cheesecake, but this one was awesome, with awesome presentation too...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092556_sRGB_LR_NN_lzn_800.jpg

After lunch I wandered around the Poly lobby snapping a few pictures...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092576_lzn_800.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092585_lzn_800.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092586_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092587_800.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092589_800.jpg

...before we hopped on the monorail for a trip down memory lane at the Grand Floridian. I have very fond memories of the GF having stayed there 4 times as a kid. I have no idea how my parents courld afford it at the time, but staying at a monorail resort as a kid is just pure magic so I'm very glad they managed it somehow. I hope we can someday give this experience to our kids :)

I drank in the main lobby for a while and grabbed a few pictures...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092560_lzn_800.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092566_lzn_800.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092570_lzn_800.jpg

... before we jumped back on the monorail to get back to our car at the Poly. It was a busy first half of the day, and we headed back to the room for a nap. We needed our energy for the pure awesomeness to come!

Go to Day 5 Part 5 - MAGIC FLOWS FREELY (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26881230&postcount=446)

pl'smama

08-12-2008, 10:18 PM

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh, thanks for the update Code! What awesome pictures of the Poly and GF! That black and white one took me back an era or two. I could just pictures ladies with their fancy flowing dresses and big floppy hats, sipping a mint julip!!

The food at Kona looked pretty great and I agree with you on the cheesecake! Too bad the portions are always so darn small!!

How's the packing coming along??

Suz

Hedy

08-12-2008, 10:42 PM

Great Poly pictures!

Code

08-12-2008, 11:16 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 5 Part 5 - MAGIC FLOWS FREELY

After our nap, we were back in the car headed back to the Grand Floridian. A bit strange to leave there and then go straight back after the nap, but we were meeting someone for a very special event. Let me explain... back when I was writing the pre-trip report, Lease and I were both devouring other trip reports. I'm not sure if it was from Lease's comments on Abbybeth's pre-TR or her reading ours, but she ended up contacting Lease about a special Anniversary surprise that her and her dad were planning for her mom. It was a Wishes cruise, and they invited us to go along with them! Abby's Dad decided that since the boat was going to be the same cost whether it was just them or a full boat, they were going to fill it with DISers to share the occasion with them. Of course we graciously accepted!

Back to the TR.. the time had come and we couldn't wait! We met Abby's Dad at the Grand Floridian docks, very excited to meet new people and see Wishes from a unique perspective.

The cruise was spectacular, we were treated to a showing of the Electrical Water Pageant before Wishes, then watched the fireworks from the water directly in front of the Magic Kingdom. On board was Abby's Dad, Lynnielou (the guest of honor), Abbybeth, and the McNeils from Scotland (the other group that they had invited to join them). It was so very great to meet everyone.. I couldn't imagine a better group, and also everyone got along so well... the magic was flowing freely that night for sure!

After the cruise we returned to GF where we all sat down, ate cake, and talked for at least an hour. Time flew by, but it was just a great experience from start to finish, and we came away with some true friends. THANK YOU SO MUCH ABBYBETH, ABBY'S DAD, AND LYNNIELOU for sharing this with us!!! (and the McNeils too!) :grouphug:

Here are the best of the pictures I took... I regret that I never turned the camera back on the group during the show, but I always forget to shoot people when there is spectacular scenery.

Before the show trolling around the lake, the driver took us over to Bay Lake also...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092596_800.jpg

... then all the boats got a showing of the Water Pageant ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092599_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092600_800.jpg

EVIL DOLPHINS!!!!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092601_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092605_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092608_800.jpg

... and then WISHES!! The music was even piped into the boat ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092619_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092621_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092627_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092634_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092641_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092647_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092657_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092663_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092676_800.jpg

And the group of us together, the awesome cake they brought along, and the boat...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092683_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092686_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092687_800.jpg

The plan was to go to MK after the cruise with Abbybeth to catch a couple rides before the park closed. We chatted for so long we made it to the park pretty late. We were able to ride Space Mountain - Abby's first time! We then ran for Buzz but it had closed by the time we got there. While we didn't have much time at MK that night, we still had lots of fun getting to know Abby a little better and sharing the Disney magic with a new friend. We stopped for a picture on the way out of the park, definitely a memory to treasure!...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day5/P9092690_800-1.jpg

On the way back to the hotel somehow we missed a turn and ended up leaving Disney property *shrug* a quick U-turn and we were back on course. We dropped Abby back near her building at POFQ with plans to meet again for some other late night rides.

What a great night, memories that we will carry forever for sure. :goodvibes

Next up.. Day 6 at Discovery Cove! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27096362&postcount=453)

Abby's Dad

08-13-2008, 08:18 AM

I hope we can someday give this experience to our kids :)

Great pictures again, Code, particularly the food porn. And I agree, it is tough to beat good cheesecake. Your pictures of the Poly make it look like maybe we should consider that one soon, but probably GF will be the one for next year's trip, if everything works out.

But if it doesn't, and in relation to the quote - did I mention that I am an orphan and eligible for adoption?

Great update!

Hedy

08-13-2008, 08:22 AM

The Wishes cruise looks great!

Abby's Dad

08-13-2008, 08:44 AM

After our nap, we were back in the car headed back to the Grand Floridian. A bit strange to leave there and then go straight back after the nap, but we were meeting someone for a very special event. Let me explain... back when I was writing the pre-trip report, Lease and I were both devouring other trip reports. I'm not sure if it was from Lease's comments on Abbybeth's pre-TR or her reading ours, but she ended up contacting Lease about a special Anniversary surprise that her and her dad were planning for her mom. It was a Wishes cruise, and they invited us to go along with them! Abby's Dad decided that since the boat was going to be the same cost whether it was just them or a full boat, they were going to fill it with DISers to share the occasion with them. Of course we graciously accepted!

This vacation was filled with many awesome highlights, but this night remains as probably THE highlight of the trip. We still think of it often and very fondly. For those who have never done something like this - I would highly recommend it. As Code mentioned, this was a surprise for my wife (but was a real treat for all of us), and part of the idea for adding DISers came because Lynnielou is one of those people who really enjoy people and meeting new people. So, we had already become somewhat acquainted with this really nice young couple (take a bow Code and Lease!), who turned out to be every bit as nice in real life - not to mention that Code is pretty accomplished with the camera (thanks for the fireworks pictures - it really is a totally different perspective out there as opposed to seeing them in the park), and thus inviting them seemed like a great idea (and it was, it was!)

As for the McNeils - I thought that it would be fun to run a little contest. I went over to the UK board and made a post looking for native-born Scots who would be at WDW the same time as us (my heritage is Scottish). I received a number of very interesting responses, many were quite curious, but I didn't reveal what was up until the day of the announcement of who would win something, and then what it was. I will say that there were some Brits that got quite testy about not being included, wondering what was wrong with the Brits (where do I start .......?). Anyway, from those who were available, we drew from a hat, and as luck would have it, we got the wonderful opportunity of meeting the McNeils. The secret was then revealed, and those on the board were most excited over what was going to take place, and surprisingly, every one of them kept the secret.

As Code said, everyone got on great, and it was a wonderful evening. Oh, and yes, Lynnielou was quite surprised - a testament to my co-conspirator and the rest of our party, as not one leaked even a hint. Now we eagerly await the chance to see our friends in person once again, and I am sure that will work out in the future (and fortunately, that leaves plenty of room for fitting it in sometime).

Now back to your regularly scheduled Trip Report.

lynnielou

08-13-2008, 09:28 PM

Code and Lease!

I am speechless and overwhelmed as I sit here and read your TR. I am overcome with the "warm and fuzzies" as the memories of that magical night come back to me! Thank you so very much for TR update and the pictures.

You made my evening!

Lynn

abbybeth

08-13-2008, 09:30 PM

Thanks Abbybeth! Yeah, Canada's Wonderland is a great place to spend the day and it has improved over the years. We were there for a morning about three years ago, when my DD was about two and a half. We got free tickets from my work so it was a decent way to spend the morning. It was horribly hot though, not great for a toddler. But I have fond memories of class trips and visits with friends!! How close were you living to CW? I just thought from your posts and your fabulous TR, that you were a bit farther south.

Suz

Sorry I didn't see this sooner Suz .... I don't remember the exact why or how we went to CW, I just remember having a blast. I got a big Dino stuffed animal and it rained and I remember carrying him around covered in plastic bags (funny the snippits one recalls years later!) We're about 5-10 minutes from Sarnia, so though my childhood, we managed to cover most of Ontario.

It was so very great to meet everyone.. I couldn't imagine a better group, and also everyone got along so well... the magic was flowing freely that night for sure!

After the cruise we returned to GF where we all sat down, ate cake, and talked for at least an hour. Time flew by, but it was just a great experience from start to finish, and we came away with some true friends. THANK YOU SO MUCH ABBYBETH, ABBY'S DAD, AND LYNNIELOU for sharing this with us!!! (and the McNeils too!) :grouphug:

I got all teary reading your post and ironically enough, I just pulled out my pictures from this night to start scrapping an hour or so ago (though I'll need to pause that layout until I can get a couple of your fireworks pictures printed to add in, because it won't be complete without those!) It was an amazing night - definitely a life highlight, not just a trip highlight. Thank you both for deciding to trust some Disney crazed strangers offering you a boat ride in the night! :laughing: I think you guys are stuck with us for the duration and I'm quite certain that our paths will cross again down the road.

[QUOTE=Code;26881230]
On the way back to the hotel somehow we missed a turn and ended up leaving Disney property *shrug* a quick U-turn and we were back on course. We dropped Abby back near her building at POFQ with plans to meet again for some other late night rides.

What a great night, memories that we will carry forever for sure. :goodvibes

*cough*allroadsleadtocoronadosprings*cough*

It was so much fun running around with you guys - literally!!! You're my favorite people to dash around the park with :) You're both absolutely awesome.

pl'smama

08-13-2008, 10:37 PM

I have to interject with a few thoughts;

1) Great update Code and the Wishes photos are awesome! I was humming the theme song whilst looking at the pics and getting a bit teary eyed, but in a good way.

2) I think this TR and Abbeybeth's ( and the Three Bears)'s TR was made even that much better with the knowledge that you guys were all able to meet up and share your stories together at the Happiest Place on Earth. There is just something so much more personal and heartwarming about all that. Thanks for including us to.

3) For Abbeybeth, that is cool that you got to see and "do" a lot of Ontario. The north is amazing for camping and all that, but the cities really do have much to give. I know what you mean about the funny things you remember. I made my first, and only, music video at Canada's Wonderland and I still have it kicking around somewhere!! I wish they still did that...

Great updates guys. You must be so excited for your next trip to start. It is just around the corner!!!

Suz

Code

08-22-2008, 09:31 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 6, Part 1 - Discovery Cove Dolphin Swim

Day 6 was another early start. Five months before the trip, I gave Lease a Discovery Cove dolphin swim as an anniversary gift, and this was the day! Swimming with dolphins was always a dream of hers, so she was beside herself with excitement. In case you don't know what Discovery Cove is... it is a park right across the street from Sea World, also owned by Anheuser Busch, that is quite a bit more expensive than your typical theme park admission, but offers a much more "intimate" experience, with a cap of about 1000 people admitted per day (though there were only maybe 250-300 the day we went, it was great!). Probably most people go for the dolphin swim, but there is also a huge artificial coral reef for snorkeling, an awesome lazy river, and a three-part free-flight aviary.

After the morning ritual, we jumped in the rental car and headed off property. Sea World isn't a long drive at all, so we were there before we knew it. We arrived and headed into the beautiful lobby to check in, get our ID badge, and then were directed outside for a complimentary photo and a quick tour. After the tour, we were shown to the dressing room area to pick up a wetsuit, snorkel and goggles. Once dressed, we had a quick breakfast (all food, drinks, and even alcohol are included with park admission) before heading for the coral reef.

The reef is unbelievably cool... it was much bigger and deeper and with many more fish than I expected, and some extremely large sting rays. It was also my very first time snorkeling, and it took me about 20 minutes to get fully used to it, but once I was, it was just truly awesome. We only had an underwater disposable camera and I haven't even developed the pictures yet (doh!).. so stay tuned for the next trip where we had underwater digital capability.

After the reef, we also checked out the ray wading pool where you can pet the rays (they feel much different than you would expect.. soft and gritty at the same time) and took a lap around the BEST lazy river I've ever been in.. It is wide, goes up to 8 feet deep in places, kept at 80 degreees, and is completely lined by beautiful vegetation and even waterfalls. It also passes through the aviary.

When Lease's dolphin swim time came, we headed over to the Sand Dollar Cabana where she had to watch a short video before heading to the dolphin pool area. The dolphin that she got to swim with was named Tyler, a 13 year old, 500 pound dolphin. I found a spot on the shore as close as possible to take some pictures (but I was instructed that I was not allowed in the water at all). She had an ear to ear grin the entire time. Here are some of the pictures I took...

Getting ready...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102691_800.jpg

The trainers warming up the dolphins...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102693_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102700_800.jpg

Out in the water...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102707_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102716_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102723_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102727_800.jpg

Getting pulled back in by Tyler... (you think she looks happy?)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102740_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102742_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102746_800.jpg

Post-dolphin ride bliss!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102757_800.jpg

And finally the trainers putting on a short show to end the experience...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102758_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102760_800.jpg

Next up, the Discovery Cove Aviary tops off our awesome DC day... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27096399&postcount=454)

Code

08-22-2008, 09:33 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 6, Part 2 - Discovery Cove Aviary

Next we headed to the aviary. There are 3 areas, they are all free-flight, separated by the small, medium, and larger birds. In all 3 sections, there are trainers that hand out cups of food which the birds are more than willing to land on your arm to eat from. This was easily my favorite part of Discovery Cove, I could spend hours here (and we did!).

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102767_800.jpg

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This little bird is a female mousebird named Captain Jack, and she was the friendliest bird we have ever seen. She curled up and took a nap on Lease's shoulder, it was adorable. We found out that a lot of the time, the trainers will just let Captain Jack hang on their belt loop sleeping while they go about their responsibilities. (On the next trip, we made it a point to go back and see Captain Jack)

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After the aviary, it was near closing time (time really flew by, it was SUCH a great time). It wasn't until we were leaving that it started to rain. (this first picture is of the lazy river, by the way.. not your usual lazy river, eh?)

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DC was truly incredible. We liked it so much that we ended up going back on trip #2 in January.

Next up... Spoodles for dinner, and some MGM EMH! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27100489&postcount=459)

pl'smama

08-22-2008, 10:15 PM

All I can say is WOW! What a little gem of secret you guys have been keeping. If I had known those photos were coming, well I don't think I could have waited! What a wonderful gift to Lease Code and you can really tell just how much she enjoyed the whole thing. I would love to do that some day, as would my five year old DD. Your day in photos looked magical, even if it wasn't a Disney park. Thanks for sharing...

Suz

Code

08-23-2008, 12:43 AM

This vacation was filled with many awesome highlights, but this night remains as probably THE highlight of the trip. We still think of it often and very fondly.
I am speechless and overwhelmed as I sit here and read your TR. I am overcome with the "warm and fuzzies" as the memories of that magical night come back to me! Thank you so very much for TR update and the pictures.

You made my evening!
It was an amazing night - definitely a life highlight, not just a trip highlight. Thank you both for deciding to trust some Disney crazed strangers offering you a boat ride in the night! :laughing: I think you guys are stuck with us for the duration and I'm quite certain that our paths will cross again down the road.

:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

2) I think this TR and Abbeybeth's ( and the Three Bears)'s TR was made even that much better with the knowledge that you guys were all able to meet up and share your stories together at the Happiest Place on Earth. There is just something so much more personal and heartwarming about all that. Thanks for including us to.

The DIS rocks.

All I can say is WOW! What a little gem of secret you guys have been keeping. If I had known those photos were coming, well I don't think I could have waited! What a wonderful gift to Lease Code and you can really tell just how much she enjoyed the whole thing. I would love to do that some day, as would my five year old DD. Your day in photos looked magical, even if it wasn't a Disney park. Thanks for sharing...

Thanks :) Glad you're still following along all this time later :rolleyes1

travelmel

08-23-2008, 12:53 AM

I think this was the very first TR I started reading when I started reading TR's and that was a LONG time ago! This has been goin awhile??? I'm still not all the way through it :lmao: I remember I made my DH get me a gorillapod but he got me a generic one instead (he's cheap but I love him!)

I just caught your update about the dolphins.. that is SO cool! What a great guy you are!! :hippie:

I wish they had one of those Discovery Cove places out west :rolleyes:

Melissa

Code

08-23-2008, 01:29 AM

I think this was the very first TR I started reading when I started reading TR's and that was a LONG time ago! This has been goin awhile??? I'm still not all the way through it :lmao: I remember I made my DH get me a gorillapod but he got me a generic one instead (he's cheap but I love him!)

Glad you are still following along.. Yes, I am the MASTER OF PROCRASTINATION, but I am determined to not be more than a year behind, so trip #1 TR WILL be finished within the next week or so.

We've only got 2 weeks until the next trip.. wow!

Code

08-23-2008, 01:35 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 6 Part 3 - Spoodles, MGM EMH

Exhausted and happy after Discovery Cove, we made our way back to Disney property to get ready for our dinner at Spoodles. When we got back to the hotel, we found that mousekeeping had broken my CPAP mask somehow (the mask I wear to bed every night for sleep apnea.) It was very lucky that I had actually packed spare parts. Whew! Also they had put queen sized sheets on our king sized bed.. not something an average guest might notice, but my feet hang off the end of a normal king sized bed, so it was very annoying. (sleep on a California king at home, those extra 4" of length make a huge difference!) Ahh well, after our showers, we called mousekeeping and then headed out. During the drive from POFQ to Boardwalk, the rain went from a light drizzle to full-on pouring, and the Boardwalk parking lot is quite a ways away from the entrance. Somehow we didn't have our ponchos, so we both got pretty soaked on the run from the car. We were a bit early for our ADR, though, so had a bit of time to air dry.

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Spoodles was pretty good, not fabulous but good. We didn't write down or take pictures of the appetizers, I think one was a flatbread of some sort?

For the main course, I had the pork chop (pretty good) and Lease had the rigatoni (I tasted it, fairly standard Italian fare). Forgot to take pictures BEFORE we started eating ;)

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For dessert (again not written down, oops) I had a custard flan of some sort, and Lease had a chocolate cake with sorbet on the side.

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After dinner, the waitress snapped a picture for us which we think turned out really well...

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During dinner, the sky had opened up with fury--lightning, rain, and wind. But by the time we finished, it had passed, and the Boardwalk was beautiful with the reflections in the puddles...

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We soaked in the atmosphere for a bit, and I snapped this great picture that I really love...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day6/P9102811_800.jpg

...before we headed back to the car to go to EMH at MGM. Another quick pic on the way out...

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Once we arrived at MGM, we got our EMH wristbands, and Lease called Abby to see if she wanted to come over and run around the park with us. While waiting for her to arrive, we caught the last Little Mermaid show of the night. I thought I remembered this one being cool when I was younger, but it was pretty disappointing as an adult. VERY short. I took quite a few pics but only a few really turned out...

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Next we wandered toward Star Tours, taking pictures along the way...

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Love this one, taken with the Gorillapod sitting on the ground...

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We got on Star Tours with virtually no line, and by the time we got out Abby had arrived. We thought when we invited her that we would have about an hour and a half in the park by the time she arrived, but the park was actually closing an hour earlier than we thought (doh!) so we only had a half an hour left. They had stopped distributing the EMH wristbands, luckily Abby was wearing long sleeves! We made the most of the short time we had, though, riding ToT twice in a row (another first for Abbybeth, woo!). We think, based on Abby's reaction, that we picked the right ride :)

A shot of Hollywood Boulevard taken on the way out of the park...

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Even though it wasn't as long as we had hoped, we both had a great time hanging out with Abby again and even just chatting with her on the way back to the hotel. We dropped her off at her building at POFQ, headed back to ours, and seeing how we skipped taking a nap after an exhausting day at Discovery Cove, we were totally beat. We crashed and slept like babies that night.

Next up.. day 7 starts in Epcot (pics of us trying Beverly for the first time included!)... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27264682&postcount=464)

Abby's Dad

08-23-2008, 09:43 AM

Discovery Cove sounds absolutely wonderful! And the expressions on Lease's face seem to indicate that you made an excellent choice - though I'm not so sure that she was that fond of the bird who looked like he was about to set up housekeeping on her head.

The bird pics are great - wonderful detail in the feathers! I know that I would enjoy the birds part. It is interesting that food and bevy are included in the price, and actually pretty nice - I would rather pay big once and leave the wallet in my pocket.

The Boardwalk pics looked nice, particularly the one of Lease. We need to spend a little more time there in the future, but gee, choices, choices, choices!

Looks like you will have perfect timing for your trip - Fay should finally be out of Florida then, and you should be good to go. Have a great time at the ToT meet, and give Ants a hug for us and tell her we said hi!. She is a real sweetheart.

abbybeth

08-23-2008, 05:58 PM

Great pics from DC - my fave is the one of Lease kissing the dolphin! Looks like the whole day was amazing - and I would LOVE to go down that lazy river. Your report on DC is definitely the most comprehensive I've seen - and you really did a great job - makes me want to go now.
Beautiful pictures of the birds too...

Great pic of you guys from Spoodles and of Lease on the boardwalk - those are keepers for sure.

It was so much fun running around MGM with you guys - I got some weird looks on the way over - I was the only one on the bus going TO the park and Im' pretty sure that the driver thought I was super weird (granted, I didn't know at the time that the hours were shorter than we thought) but I suppose maniacal giggling is indeed a good indicator that ToT was an excellent choice (Again! Again! Again! hehehehehe)

Lease

08-24-2008, 12:36 PM

DC was an amazing day! It was so much fun and a nice break from the hustle of the Disney parks. Of course we were still thrilled to get back to the parks that night.

I was amazed out how not busy MGM was, of course we though it was open for a few more hours than it actually was :rolleyes:

I can't decide what was more fun, riding ToT twice in a row or watching Abbybeth's reaction to it for the first time.

12 days!

Abby's Dad

08-30-2008, 08:46 PM

Code

08-31-2008, 12:58 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 7 Part 1 - We try Beverly

Day 7 started with a quick meal at the food court before we headed for the early extra magic hours at Epcot. We made a beeline for Soarin' and were surprised to find it already had a line. We grabbed fastpasses for later, and jumped in line. A great ride as always! Next we crossed Future World and rode Test Track.

With two headliners under our belt, we decided it was time to check out Innoventions. First up was the Fantastic Plastics exhibit where we did the robot race as a team. Our creation was Zippy Slickster, and with him we won both the race and the style vote :) Go us!

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We each made our free souvenir plastic robot after the race. I was very impressed with the robotic setup they had going to move the freshly molded plastic pieces into the bins. So impressed, I snapped a few photos...

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We did the "Where's the Fire?" exhibit where our team won, then the IBM video game race, and I feel the need to post the results ;)...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/P9112849_800.jpg

We wandered through the "Test the Limits Lab", which was lame, before leaving Innoventions to use our Soarin' fastpasses. We had a bit of a wait while a protein spill in the group before us was cleaned up, and when we got inside, one of the chairs next to us was off limits.... gross. Still an enjoyable flight, and afterward we headed straight back out of The Land to go to Club Cool.

Yes, it was finally time for both of us to try the infamous Beverly. Lease was up first, and I had the camera ready.

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Here she is pondering if spitting or swallowing is a better option...

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And then it was my turn. Here I am contemplating the flavor...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/DSCF0206_800.jpg

... and then deciding that yes indeed, it is gross!...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/DSCF0207_800.jpg

None of the sodas on sample were very good, but we did our best to wash the Beverly taste from our mouths before heading toward World Showcase. Our destination was food, and we decided (for some reason) to eat at the Lotus Blossom Cafe in China. Of course I snapped some pictures along the way...

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Lease described the food as "just barely okay" and I agree. While the food was not that exciting, we did have an interesting conversation about which country we thought should be next added to World Showcase. Our ideas at first included Australia, India, and Egypt, but exhaustion, caffiene and poor food eventually had us degenerate into silliness talking about how Iraq could be added and the main attraction could involve the search for WMDs.

After eating, we continued around World Showcase, finishing up China and heading for Germany...

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Love this shot of Lease posing with the fuzzy ears, such a great smile...

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http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/P9112876_800.jpg

Next up... more World Showcase to finish up our morning in Epcot! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27269535&postcount=466)

Code

08-31-2008, 10:35 AM

:banana: Did I miss the single-digit dance?:banana:

It seems that two people we know and have affection for, are due such a dance.:dance3: Rock On! Safe trip and have a wonderful time. Give Ants, and Lisa and Mum McNeil a hug for us at the ToT meet (Glenda too, if she makes it).:grouphug:

Only 5 days! We're very very excited, just eyeing Tropical Storm Hannah wearily. Current projected path puts her in a very inconvenient place for our flights as we are connecting through Atlanta on Friday at about 8am :scared:

Code

08-31-2008, 11:56 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 7 Part 2 - American Adven....zZzZzZzzzz

Continuing around World Showcase...

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... we arrived at Italy where we wandered through the shops, took a few pictures ...

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http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/P9112883_800.jpg

... and grabbed a pressed penny ...

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... before heading for The American Adventure. Here we stopped to watch these guys perform for a moment ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/P9112884_800.jpg

... and then headed inside (JOYOUS AIR CONDITIONING!!) where we watched the Voices of Liberty perform while waiting for the main show doors to open. They were great, and if you haven't heard them, I would highly recommend showing up a bit early for the main show so you can catch them.

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After the performance, the main show doors opened and we shuffled into the theater. The early morning at the end of a full week of non-stop walking was catching up to us, and we were both struggling to stay awake in the cool, dark theater. It was just too much for Lease.. she ended up power napping through about half the show even though she really wanted to see it. I managed JUST BARELY to stay awake through the whole thing.

Once the nap was over, we quickened our pace a bit through the remaining countries.

Japan...

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Morocco...

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France...

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UK....

hmm, no pics?!?

and finally Canada...

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We had a chance to see the newly updated "O Canada" movie, and we really enjoyed it. Martin Short is a great choice for host, and the movie really makes me want to go visit our neighbors to the north someday. Another bonus, standing for the Circlevision movie meant there was no concern about falling asleep!! :laughing:

With World Showcase behind us, it was time to head back to the hotel for a much needed nap.

Obligatory pics on the way out of the park...

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We decided to check out the Spaceship Earth post-show area that they had just recently opened up even though the ride was still in refurb. We played a few of the games, and I snapped a pic of something I never though I'd see at Disney.. a maintenance worker on-stage! (gasp)

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One last pic, and we were headed back to POFQ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/P9112914_800.jpg

Next up... dinner at Prime Time Cafe, and a night at Downtown Disney and Disney Quest... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27282394&postcount=468)

SwansLoveDisney

08-31-2008, 12:37 PM

Stunning pics!

Makes me want to figure out how to use my camera!

Code

09-01-2008, 01:14 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 7 Part 3 - Past Its Prime Time

We crashed back at the hotel for a much needed nap for about an hour before heading for MGM for our dinner ADR at Prime Time Cafe. Based on stories I had told Lease about my family's great experiences here and the reviews she had read, this was definitely her most anticipated meal.

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I hate to say, it was a sad disappointment for both of us because our waitress, Omni, was just downright awful (doing my best Kevin Klose impression here). We were seated quickly, but weren't waited on until we had been there for 20 minutes. I was looking for the manager when she finally showed up at our table. She wanted our appetizer, entree, and dessert orders right away, and we should have known better than to give them all at once (oops). Appetizers (fried herb cheese for Lease and I forget what I had) came quickly, and the entrees (pot roast for me, meatloaf for Lease) followed far too close behind that.. we hadn't finished our appetizers yet. After that, our waitress disappeared altogether. We finished our entrees, and it was a full half an hour before she made an appearance again. We were joking with the table next to us, who was sharing in her bad service, about just how horrible she was. We did see her earlier interacting and making it a great experience for a large group on the other side of the room, but for some reason in the few times that she made it to our table, she wasn't very friendly. Once again I was looking for the manager when dessert finally arrived (s'mores for both of us, which we were really looking forward to) and it wasn't even remotely warm, to the point that the chocolate had lost its liquid consistency, and it was just gross. We would have complained to our waitress, but she had once again disappeared. We decided we had already wasted enough time (2+ hours in the restaurant), so we signed the check, left a nasty complaint about Omni with the lady at the front counter, and headed out. Besides the dessert, the food was okay.. the fried herb cheese was good and we both liked our entrees, but the whole experience was soured by the service.

With the park closing early and dinner taking so long, we didn't have any time for attractions afterward, so instead we headed for Disney Quest at Downtown Disney. We didn't really know what to expect, but we ended up enjoying it immensely. The Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold game was fun, probably would have been better with a large group, but it was a crazy workout running from gun to gun with just 2 people. Lease handled most of the cannons while I steered the ship trying to pitch in on the guns. The Virtual Jungle Cruise seemed like a cool concept, but we had a very very hard time controlling the boat. Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlaster was pretty fun, though we probably spent most of our time spinning in circles from being hit by others. By the time we left, we had probably tried most of the "attractions" in DQ and maybe a few of the arcade games, and it was generally a very good time. I took a few pics inside...

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After getting our fill of gaming for the night, we headed out to Downtown Disney and made our way toward the World of Disney store. I was, of course, snapping pics along the way (do I even need to say this?)...

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We bought a few souvenirs.. a nice Walt Disney World pin, I bought a stuffed Eeyore. We tried on silly hats (doesn't everyone?) and made our way through pretty much the entire store.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/P9112956_800.jpg

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It's a bit disturbing that the "My First Ears" hat fits Lease's head ;)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day7/P9112961_800.jpg

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By the time we finished, it was very late and we were VERY VERY tired. We staggered to the car, drove back to the hotel, and crashed out for another night of pure Disney-exhaustion sleep.

Next up... day 8 starts at Typhoon Lagoon and then AK! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27303374&postcount=473)

TKDisneylover

09-01-2008, 09:24 AM

Hey Code & Lease,

Another great update on your trip! I will say it again, the pics were all great and so colorful. They definitely brought back some great memories and added in the anticipation for our next trip.

I was just wondering, when you made your ADR's for California Grill what time was your reservation for? We are going back to the World with my BFF & her DH and I made 7:30 ADR's hoping to catch Wishes (8:00), do you think we will have luck being seated before Wishes begins? Also, had you asked for window seating?

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Code

09-01-2008, 09:58 AM

Stunning pics!

Makes me want to figure out how to use my camera!

Thanks!

Hey Code & Lease,

Another great update on your trip! I will say it again, the pics were all great and so colorful. They definitely brought back some great memories and added in the anticipation for our next trip.

I was just wondering, when you made your ADR's for California Grill what time was your reservation for? We are going back to the World with my BFF & her DH and I made 7:30 ADR's hoping to catch Wishes (8:00), do you think we will have luck being seated before Wishes begins? Also, had you asked for window seating?

You can get back up to watch from the observation deck with your receipt from any part of the day, so if we ever go back to Cal Grill, we'll just eat 1.5-2 hours prior and then mozy around the Contemporary until the show.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Thanks also :) And our California Grill ADR was at 9:00 for Wishes at 10:00. I think 30 min prior might be pushing it if they are running behind at all, especially if you want to wait for a window seat. We didn't request a window seat because I wanted to watch it from the outside deck to take pictures. It wasn't a very convenient time as we hadn't finished our entrees yet. Since you can get back up onto the deck with your receipt from ANY part of the day, if we ever went back I'd just make the ADR 1.5-2 hours early then mozy around the Contemporary until show time.

marianas00

09-01-2008, 11:53 AM

Your pictures are fabulous! Thanks for the report.

Code

09-01-2008, 01:04 PM

Your pictures are fabulous! Thanks for the report.

Welcome and thanks for reading and commenting :)

Code

09-02-2008, 12:11 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 8 Part 1 - Buzzed by an Owl

Day 8 was a bit of a sleep in day (and by this point, we needed it) since our plan was another water park.. this time Typhoon Lagoon. (Didn't bring the camera along again).

We arrived just as it was opening, and headed straight for Crush N Gusher and rode it 3 times in a row before any kind of line formed. Then we spent some time in the wave pool and then the lazy river before heading for Humunga Kowabunga (I didn't get to ride Summit Plummet at Blizzard, so I was looking forward to a speed slide of any sort). Lease was apprehensive to go on it, but she did anyway once.. and says it will probably be the last speed slide she ever rides :( She waited at the bottom while I rode it again. We only came to Typhoon to hit the major stuff that doesn't really overlap Blizzard Beach, so we were done within just a couple of hours. Back to the hotel we went to shower and such before heading back to the parks.

Once we had showered off all the chlorine, we were off to AK. First up was Primeval Hurl, err I mean Whirl.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9122970_800.jpg

We had planned on riding just the two of us in a car even though they can fit 4, and Lease ended up alone on her side, but at the last possible second a little boy from the group behind us, maybe 10 years old, jumped in the car with me on my side. His mistake! We weren't really prepared for the violent movement of this ride, even though we've both ridden a wild mouse style coaster at our local amusement park. I unintentionally mashed the little kid sitting next to me several times. Here is a good before/after.

Before...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0216_800.jpg

And after, looking confused, abused, and not very amused...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0218_800.jpg

Next we wandered past Everest...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9122971_800.jpg

Lease had started finding it amusing to take pictures of me taking pictures (a trend that would continue in the January trip). Here I am checking out my camera near Everest...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0220_800.jpg

We headed for the Flights of Wonder bird show next. While we waited we had Mickey bars using our many leftover snack credits, and watched the owl they had brought out front before they let everyone in...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9122978_800.jpg

We got into the theater and the show started. Here I must say that whomever designed this theater did not have photographers in mind. The performers stand in the shade but the background is in full sunlight, so it's very hard to get a shot that isn't very backlit. Oh well. This guy was pretty funny... "I've lost my tour group!"

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9122980_800.jpg

The show was fun, but nothing better than our local zoo has, just more production value. The really fun part came when they called for two adult volunteers with cameras, I was quick to throw my arm up camera in hand, and they selected me as one of two to go on stage and get buzzed by an owl! :) I missed the main shot of the owl right in front of my face, but got some pretty cool ones of him coming down the aisle. Lease had better timing with the point & shoot and captured the owl right in front of me.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0226_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0227_800.jpg

Look at those eyes!!!!!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9122987_800.jpg

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Some other shots from the show...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9122995_800.jpg

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http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123014_800.jpg

We got out of the bird show and made our way toward Finding Nemo: The Musical. We stopped and watched the apes playing for a moment...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123015_800.jpg

Next up.. Finding Nemo: The Musical! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27303385&postcount=474)

Code

09-02-2008, 12:12 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 8 Part 2 - Nemo Show, and Goofy Hug

Along the way to the Finding Nemo show I grabbed an ice cream sandwich to munch on, once again trying to use up some of the snack credits that we had been neglecting to use all week.

We didn't have to wait long to get into the theater, and we sat down near the front to the right of the center stage. We both thought the show was absolutely fantastic. Neither of us really made the connection (though obvious) until the show started that Nemo wasn't originally a musical, but the songs were quite good, and the show is just truly unique with the blend of live acting/singing and puppeteering. I'll just let the photos do the talking on this one...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123022_800.jpg

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After taking in two shows in a row, I was feeling tolerant and let Lease lead me to Camp Minnie Mickey. We had expected lines to meet the characters, but much to our surprise it was so slow (literally only us and one other family there) that after meeting all 4, the characters actually left their pavilions to come out and play with us. It was one of our favorite moments with the characters, we really felt like big kids. Lease even got a shot of Goofy bear hugging me...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0233_800.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0234_800.jpg

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http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0241_800.jpg

Next up.. Dinosaur finishes up AK and we head for MK! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27320670&postcount=476)

Abby's Dad

09-02-2008, 09:50 AM

Code

09-02-2008, 08:41 PM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 8 Part 3 - More AK, MK, DTD, Fauna Focker

After getting our character fix, we decided to do Dinosaur one last time before saying goodbye to AK for the trip...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123054_800.jpg

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Lease calls the last dinosaur the flash-blind-osaurus. This shot cracks us up mainly because of the guy in the front row...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123066_800.jpg

... and this sign is just as funny as disturbing ...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123068_800.jpg

After the ride, we made our way out of the park and headed straight to the Magic Kingdom...

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http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123073_800.jpg

Right as we arrived, the sky opened up. Luckily we came prepared with our dollar store ponchos, so we happily pressed on toward our second meal for the trip at Pecos Bill's... by far the best counter service in MK so we had to do it once more.

Lease snapped this pic without me knowing, and I love it! All the poor unprepared people either hiding out or soaked to the bone, and I'm just trudging along...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/DSCF0244_800.jpg

After our late lunch, we crossed the hub to check out the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor for the first time, and we were both surprised at how good it was considering the somewhat lackluster reviews we'd read or heard on podcasts. We both hoped that the next time we saw it that I could be "that guy".

Staying in Tomorrowland, next was the Carousel of Progress, something Lease had never seen before, and one of my classic favorites. Lease agreed it was a classic after seeing it. Man does that last scene need an update again, though. But what a great song ("There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day!"). Gets stuck in my head worse than It's a Small World. (and now one of these two songs is stuck in your head, too!)

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After CoP, it was starting to get dark and we still had a bunch of leftover glow sticks, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces, so while Lease went to the bathroom, I had a fun time opening and cracking ALL of them. Glowing all over the place, we headed to watch Philharmagic one more time.. great show!

Next, we found ourselves back in Tomorrowland riding Buzz one last time (of course, I won!)...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123097_sRGB_LR_NN_800.jpg

After Buzz and against our better judgement, we decided to give Stitch's Great Escape a shot despite the resoundingly negative things we had heard about it. Hate to say it, but everything we had heard was right. It was the first and last time for Stitch's Great Escape for us... I should have just stuck with my AWESOME memories of Alien Encounter.

Thoroughly grossed out by the smell of fake chili dog (I tried so hard to block the smell I knew was coming but couldn't find the hole to cover in time), we headed out of the park and jumped on the monorail. We were getting on the parking tram right as Wishes started, so we were quick to get back to our car and we headed straight for Downtown Disney. We wandered around for a bit...

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... and found ourselves in Goofy's Candy Company ready to burn off some more snack credits on the crisped rice Mickey heads. Mine was dipped in milk chocolate, covered in white and milk chocolate chips, then drizzled with white and milk chocolate and caramel. Wow was it good!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123105_800.jpg

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We continued to browse the shops, including the Christmas store where we bought a ball ornament for our tree, and had the year added to it. We also found the Pooh and friends stockings and thought they were great. Lease began plotting buying an Eeyore stocking for me.

In the Pooh's Corner store, we found this very unfortunate stuffed Eeyore. Lease said it looked like Kirby ate Eeyore, and that got me laughing out loud, because it's so true...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123123_800.jpg

Lastly we ended up at the World of Disney where we browsed for a very long time, but still didn't buy anything for some reason.

At some point while we were shopping, Abbybeth called and asked if we wanted to meet up with her family at the Scat Cat Club back at the resort. We certainly did, so we headed back for POFQ.

Abby had brought a special guest to meet us: Fauna Focker (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1352416)...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123129_800.jpg

She must have been feeling mischievous, because she tried to steal my delicious Mickey head...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123130_800.jpg

... and then hoarded all our glowies!

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/day8/P9123132_800.jpg

We stayed to chat for a while with Abby, Fred and Lynn and had a great time just relaxing with good conversation. It was around 1:30 in the morning when we said our goodbyes (hopefully "see-you-later"s) and made our way back to the room to pack for check out in the morning.

Next up .. day 9, THE RE-HAUNTING! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27347535&postcount=481)

Abby's Dad

09-03-2008, 08:35 AM

We stayed to chat for a while with Abby, Fred and Lynn and had a great time just relaxing with good conversation. It was around 1:30 in the morning when we said our goodbyes (hopefully "see-you-later"s) and made our way back to the room to pack for check out in the morning.

That Fauna Fokker - she gets into all the best places, and knows everybody that is anybody! Just another fun part of the DISboard! As your TR grows I realize that there are still many places at WDW that I haven't see, and now I know that I want to (other than Stitch - that's always been a no-go for me).

And we have every intention that those goodbyes were only "see-you-laters," and we are going to find some way, some time, to continue the saga.

jessily

09-03-2008, 08:42 AM

Your pictures are amazing! Wow!

Rootskate

09-03-2008, 01:32 PM

Great pictures! Looks like you guys had a great time. I am crossing my fingers that the weather cooperates for you both next week! I must say your review of the 50's Prime Time has me rethinking our ADR there....Im wondering if we should try to switch it to somewhere else. :confused3

pl'smama

09-03-2008, 10:48 PM

Wow, that was great reading all of those posts in one sitting!! Code, your Epcot photos are amazing! With the clouds and the bright, crispness of everything. You should enter some in a contest of some sort. They are great!

We had an awful expereince at Prime Time this past January. Same sort of situation as yours. Un-attentive waiter with zero personality and no "acting" whatsoever. It really ticked me off, but he also took way too long in getting food, dessert and then the bill. We ordered our desserts to go because he took so long and we wanted to get to Fantasmic. He left to get the bill and took 40 minutes! I kid you not. My DH and his brother took the kids out to play and my sister in law and I waited and waited and waited. Our smores looked like yours sounded and they were horrible when we ate them later that night. We missed Fantasmic which really upset me. I had a plan and they messed it up. So, I am not one to complain, but this time I did. At the front desk they were giving me all sorts of excuses. My favorite was that becasue we were one the dining plan it takes longer to pay the bill. Pullllease! So, I got the manager. Long story short he apologized and walked us to customer service. They gave all the kids the Tink pins with two to a set and some stickers. Whoo hoo. They did offer us a fastpass for several rides the next day, but we were doing MK and then leaving on the folloiwng day. So, they set it up that we could pick up the fastpasses at MK. Next morning I picked up the fastpass and it was good for all seven of us on any three rides of our choosing, whether they had FP or not. So, I was happy to get and use that, but I am still sore about missing Fantasmic.

Sorry to be so long winded. Are you all packed? Good luck on this trip and I hope the weather is great!

Suz

Code

09-04-2008, 03:19 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 9 Part 1 - THE RE-HAUNTING!!!

It was time for our last day in the World :sad1:

We packed up the car, checked out of our room, and headed for EMH at MK. It was time for the RE-HAUNTING! (Haunted Mansion reopening from refurbishment). While the park opened at 8, HM didn't open until 9, so we wandered around the castle and Fantasyland for a little bit...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133133_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133134_800.jpg

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http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133140_800.jpg

... before heading to the Fantasyland / Liberty Square rope to wait for the rope drop. We definitely weren't the only ones with this idea, we arrived 30 minutes before 9, and there was already a crowd. I used the Xshot to grab a shot of the crowd, and it turns out that another DISer actually ended up in my photo. And also, we ended up in one of hers! It was 2angelsinheaven, and you can see the thread about the rehaunting with our pics here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1580853).

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/DSCF0247_800.jpg

Pretty soon, the Haunted Mansion butlers came out and started warming up the crowd...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133143_800.jpg

... and right at 9am, they dropped the rope and we walked quickly into the queue. I was snapping photos as I walked ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133145_800.jpg

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Many of the gravesites had fresh roses on them, including several on Master Gracey's...

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The Fantasyland rope drop group was the first to make it to HM, and we were in just the second group to be let in to ride the newly refurbished Haunted Mansion! And it was SOOOOOO GOOOOOOD! Neither of us had ridden HM in over a decade, but even still we could tell the difference in the audio, and thoroughly enjoyed the changes. I kept poking Lease and saying things like "That's new!" or "Wow, so much better!"

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133164_800.jpg

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It was a great experience to feel the excitement, energy, and anticipation while waiting for the rope drop, and being one of the first to see the awesome changes and improvements.

The original plan was to ride it twice, but the line was VERY long after our first ride, so we bought our limited edition "Re-Haunting" pins and left Liberty Square.

A few more pics on the way past the castle...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133190_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133192-2_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133193_800.jpg

Next up... a bit more MK, and Crystal Palace... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27347539&postcount=482)

Code

09-04-2008, 03:20 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 9 Part 2- Soaking up the Magic

It was a hot day and we decided it was time for a Dole Whip, but sadly we got to Aloha Isle only to find it closed. Since we were so close, we jumped in a very short line for Jungle Cruise...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133199_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133204_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133205_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133206_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133207_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133208_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133212_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133218_800.jpg

Still no Aloha Isle after JC, so we wandered towards the hub for some picture taking and just to soak in as much Disney magic as we could before saying goodbye. The Dream Along with Mickey stage show was going on, so we took some time to watch it. The show was fun, but the worst part was the plane writing messages in the sky during the entire performance, it really distracted from the magic...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133223_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133225_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133227_sRGB_LR_NN_PS_800.jpg

Disney needs to install some AA batteries or something (I kid, I kid!)... Thank you Photoshop! (on the previous shots)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133219_800.jpg

A few more shots around the hub...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133230_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133236_800.jpg

Finally our patience was rewarded! It was Dole float time... YUMMMMM. This was one of the few days on the vacation that we felt truly overwhelmed by the heat and the floats really helped cool us down.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133233_800.jpg

We took our time people watching and absorbing more magic while we waited for our Crystal Palace time to come up. Once it did, we had a pretty short wait for lunch. It was a good meal, and we had our pictures with all of the characters and waved our napkins for the parade through the restaurant...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133238_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133239_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133241_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133243_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133245_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/DSCF0249_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133246_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133248_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133250_800.jpg

Next up.. mozying down Main Street for the last time, and hitting DTD one last time...

Code

09-04-2008, 03:21 AM

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z112/xavarri/trip%20report/pretr_bullet.gif Day 9 Part 3 - All good things...

After finishing lunch, as much as we hated to admit it, it was time to head out. We wandered down Main Street, and I wanted one last picture from the train station...

LOOK HAPPY!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133254_800.jpg

now look sad as can be...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133255_800.jpg

As we walked under this sign, I was already plotting for how we could make it back MUCH sooner than we thought we would (and you know what that led to! haha!)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133256_800.jpg

I told Lease to look as depressed as possible for a photo...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133257_800.jpg

and me too...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/DSCF0255_800.jpg

We boarded the ferry...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/DSCF0256_800.jpg

... and I took photos like crazy as we headed across Seven Seas Lagoon ...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133259_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133260_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133262_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133265_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133266_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133269_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133271_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133272_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133273_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133275_800.jpg

One last look at the Magic Kingdom from the ferry dock...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133280_800.jpg

... and of course, Lease took a picture of me taking pictures!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/DSCF0260_800.jpg

And that was it for the Disney theme parks for the trip :(

We still needed to make a stop at DTD to pick up souvenirs we had spotted the previous night. Lease got a t-shirt, I tried to find a shirt that was long enough for me to no avail. We got a stuffed Tigger for our nephew, and went back to Goofy's Candy Company to get another crispy Mickey to go. While I was wandering around Goofy's, Lease made an excuse to leave the store, sneaking over to the Christmas store to buy the Eeyore stocking as a Christmas surprise (and on Christmas, I was surprised!)

Two last pictures from DTD...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133281_800.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/P9133282_800.jpg

We had one last stop at Discovery Cove on the way to the airport to exchange a t-shirt Lease had bought for a better size, and before we knew it, we were falling asleep waiting to board the plane. There is nothing quite like sitting in the airport after a Disney vacation, letting the fact that it is over catch up to you, and all the emotions and exhaustion catching up with it...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc215/xavarri2/day9/DSCF0264_800.jpg

Thank you so much to everyone that has stuck with us on our report. I can almost feel post-Disney sadness again after writing this last entry... it was such an awesome, amazing, magical trip!

How appropriate then, that we are going back in less than 24 hours!!!!! WOOOHOO!!!! We don't even care that the hurricane situation might try to put a damper on our fun.. WE ARE GOING BACK TO DISNEY!!!!

It only took me 364 days to finish the TR for Trip #1 :laughing:

I know I still need to get trip #2 started, but coming up is a LIVE REPORT for trip #3. I am taking my laptop and plan on doing a short blurb with a few photos at the end of each day as I can. Stay tuned everyone!

Hedy

09-04-2008, 07:16 AM

Congrats on finishing.

Have fun!

abbybeth

09-04-2008, 09:14 AM

Great wrap up guys - man those pictures make me feel "homesick" ..

love the owl shots - he looks SO intense! As always, all of the pictures are wonderful. I loved the HM too - I obviously hadn't ridden it before so I didn't have anything to compare it to, but I loved it.

Loved Fauna's cameo too - she is a tricky one though, first the wine at CG, then your Mickey treat ... that croc had a nose for trouble for sure.

1 finish down, 2 to go - can't wait for the live report! Hope you guys have a safe trip there and back and manage to dodge rain drops. Say hi to everyone at the TOT meet ....

and I think we'll have to plan a 3 Bears/ Lease&Code joint adventure at some point down the road ....

Abby's Dad

09-04-2008, 09:19 AM

DONE!:cheer2: :cheer2: The tough part about waiting in between installments has been the fact that this has been such a good TR, with great pictures and interesting commentary from a couple that "gets Disney." Not to mention that we always love hearing from friends :grouphug: . I really like that you got yourself, Lease, or both of you in many pictures - that really adds a lot, now and later on when you are going through this with kid(s) on your knee. We'll be here, anticipating the live updates - almost like being there (well, as close as it gets this year). Be safe, and I don't even have to tell you to enjoy.

pl'smama

09-04-2008, 11:43 AM

Congrats Code and Lease, on the completiong of TR #1!! It was awesome and well worth the wait. Your latest batch of photos are just breath-taking Code. I especially love the Castle ones. The photo of the two of you at the train station with the Castle in the back is lovely. I would have that framed.

I am so happy for you two that you are headed back!! Good luck with everything and have a wonderful time. I am looking forward to the live report!

Suz

Code

09-04-2008, 12:26 PM

Really great updates Code! Among my many thoughts, yes, we do miss WDW!, but also you have confirmed what we already felt, i.e., that we didn't spend near enough time in Epcot, and intend to remedy that in a major way next trip. You also confirmed what I suspected about Primeval Hurl - and I was glad that I had avoided that. And I really need to remember to volunteer at the bird show - and be ready for the owl! Great shots of the owl coming down the aisle.

What in Epcot did you miss? I can't wait for some more Soarin :) and Spaceship Earth. And Test Track. And World Showcase ... and ... and.... and....!!!

We gave Primeval Whirl a second chance on trip #2 and found it sort of fun as long as you keep a DEATH GRIP on the bar so you don't get tossed around. Though we're not too broken up about it being down for refurb on this trip.

I wanted a second chance at the owl on trip #2 so I was ready to jump up and down like a crazy person when they asked for volunteers, but it seems they've removed this from the show. :(

Praying for the weather to work out for you guys. It would be nice if some sort of high pressure system would come along and force Hanna out into the Atlantic, and that Ike will dissipate (though the projected path, at this point, for Ike is south, similar to Gustav). Too early to tell about Josephine. If you haven't got trip insurance, is it too late?

I was worried for the past few days that Hanna was going to give us flight problems but it doesn't look like it, maybe just a bit of rain and clouds on arrival day. Ike has the potential to be a real problem, though. This vacation could be a hurricane trifecta if Josephine heads toward Florida too :scared:

And we have every intention that those goodbyes were only "see-you-laters," and we are going to find some way, some time, to continue the saga.

Hope so :goodvibes

Your pictures are amazing! Wow!

Thanks! Stick around, many more to come from trip #2, and hopefully even more from trip #3!

Great pictures! Looks like you guys had a great time. I am crossing my fingers that the weather cooperates for you both next week! I must say your review of the 50's Prime Time has me rethinking our ADR there....Im wondering if we should try to switch it to somewhere else. :confused3

We're giving Prime Time another try for this trip, hope we don't regret it!

Wow, that was great reading all of those posts in one sitting!! Code, your Epcot photos are amazing! With the clouds and the bright, crispness of everything. You should enter some in a contest of some sort. They are great!

Thanks! Glad you liked them :) I actually just won one of the contests here on the DIS Photo Board here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1931015). No prizes or anything, just a warm fuzzy feeling to win.

We had an awful expereince at Prime Time this past January.

Yikes... I sure hope we don't regret giving them a chance at redemption on this trip.

Congrats on finishing.

Have fun!

Thanks! :wizard:

Great wrap up guys - man those pictures make me feel "homesick" ..

love the owl shots - he looks SO intense! As always, all of the pictures are wonderful. I loved the HM too - I obviously hadn't ridden it before so I didn't have anything to compare it to, but I loved it.

Loved Fauna's cameo too - she is a tricky one though, first the wine at CG, then your Mickey treat ... that croc had a nose for trouble for sure.

1 finish down, 2 to go - can't wait for the live report! Hope you guys have a safe trip there and back and manage to dodge rain drops. Say hi to everyone at the TOT meet ....

and I think we'll have to plan a 3 Bears/ Lease&Code joint adventure at some point down the road ....

Thanks Abby! We'll represent you guys at the ToT meet for sure. And I certainly hope there is a reunion someday.

DONE!:cheer2: :cheer2: The tough part about waiting in between installments has been the fact that this has been such a good TR, with great pictures and interesting commentary from a couple that "gets Disney." Not to mention that we always love hearing from friends :grouphug: . I really like that you got yourself, Lease, or both of you in many pictures - that really adds a lot, now and later on when you are going through this with kid(s) on your knee. We'll be here, anticipating the live updates - almost like being there (well, as close as it gets this year). Be safe, and I don't even have to tell you to enjoy.

Thanks Fred! Sorry it took so long. I hit a groove on photo processing in the last week, hopefully it will carry over after trip #3 so I can get #2 and #3 done in less than a year :rolleyes1

Congrats Code and Lease, on the completiong of TR #1!! It was awesome and well worth the wait. Your latest batch of photos are just breath-taking Code. I especially love the Castle ones. The photo of the two of you at the train station with the Castle in the back is lovely. I would have that framed.

I am so happy for you two that you are headed back!! Good luck with everything and have a wonderful time. I am looking forward to the live report!

Suz

Thanks Suz :) And thanks for the well wishes for this trip!