Braved the Sept humidity in WDW - We're back! (new pics added 12/2/09) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Todd_H

08-17-2009, 06:50 AM

The real TR starts on page 15, post #211

Hi everyone :wave2:

This is my first TR, so I will do the best I can to keep it
1) coherent
2) clean
3) educational (whenever possible) and
4) entertaining

I've read some really great trip reports on the DISboards and I must say it's a little intimidating trying to put one of these together yourself. Anyway, I'll give it my best shot.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Page 1 - Intros - who are we and some background stuff - post#1 (this post actually :))
Page 1 - A little more background, Day 1 plans, and a REALLY COOL PICTURE OF MADAME LEOTA! - post#8
Page 1 - A few pics from our September 07 trip - post#14
Page 2 - More thoughts on Day 1 - post#24
Page 2 - Day 2 - Our Magic Kingdom plans plus some pictures of Peter Pan's Flight and Pirates of the Caribbean from prior trips! - post#26
Page 3 - Some boring technical camera stuff for those interested - post#34 and #38-41
Page 3 - Day 2 (cont.) - some pictures of the Haunted Mansion from prior trips! - post#35
Page 3 - Day 2 (cont.) - still in the MK, evening plans, and some old pictures from Wishes - post#42
Page 3 - Need convincing to try The Plaza? Check out these pictures (not mine, btw)! - post#43
Page 4 - Severely OT - here are our dogs, who will NOT be joining us for the trip! - post#52
Page 6 - Day 3 - Animal Kindgom plans - post#84
Page 7 - Day 4 - Typhoon Lagoon and Epcot - & some Illuminations pictures - post #104
Page 9 - Day 5 - ??? and probably MK - post #125
Page 12 - Slight changes and Final Plans - post #166
Page 12 - Photography gear - post #177 - yes, more boring photography stuff :)

THE CAST:
Me (Todd) - 37 - In the real world, I'm a CPA and the Financial Controller of an international pest control product manufacturer, amateur photographer, and WDW vet. One of my favorite places to photograph is... you guessed it... WDW!

DW (Ali) - forever 25 - Full-time mom of two (well, 3 if you count me :)), avid reader, WDW vet, and my best friend in the whole world

DD(7) and DS(4) - both are WDW amateurs, but we're trying to fix that!

Here we are http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/622181770_t59Qy-S.jpg

Now, somehow in the past two years (our last WDW trip was September 2007), our kids have gone from this:
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/589802598_GeGYc-S.jpg http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/589803046_NBMtk-S.jpg

to this:
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/551919579_NEmer-S.jpg http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/551920432_KF838-S.jpg

You don't really notice how fast they are growing up until you look at some older pictures. It's a little scary :scared1:

Before we get any further into this, I thought I might share our connection to WDW. Well, I was raised a "Disney Kid." I had the good fortune of having a father that loved taking us to WDW every 3-4 years in a travel trailer (this was early 70's - late 80's). We'd stay at Fort Wilderness Campground and those trips gave me some of the happiest memories of life. I love the sights, the sounds, the smells, and that general feeling of excitement you get when you first arrive at WDW. Ali is also a WDW nut (albeit not quite as much as me), but we share the same feelings toward the World and are usually itching to go back about 6 months after we return from a trip. She and I have been down together about 7-8 times and even though that doesn't hold a candle to some other members of this board, we like to think of ourselves as WDW vets. We've had so many great memories throughout our lives at WDW, one of the things we have always promised ourselves we would do is try to give those same kinds of experiences to our children. So far, our DD(7) has been to WDW twice (once when she was 4 and then again when she was 5) and our DS(4) took his first trip when he was 2.

O.K. so enough introductions (you'll get to know us better in the thread), let's get on with it!!!!

The WHEN:
September 19th through the 26th, 2009

The WHERE:
The Villas at Wilderness Lodge

Our GOALS:
To have lots and lots of FUN and build some great memories (and get some great pictures of the whole process ;))

Sometimes we get a little silly, but hey, that's part of the fun, right?
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/589802071_36jt8-S.jpg http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/589802422_StSjj-S.jpg

One question for us this trip is going to be "how brave are our kids?" We made the mistake of taking our DD(7) into the Haunted Mansion when she was 5 (she got really brave and insisted that we go in). Well, that didn't go over very well and she was done before we left the stretching room. However, she still didn't want to leave the ride, so we boarded our doom buggies and she buried her face in my lap for the rest of the ride. I think she might have popped up for the ballroom scene, but that's about it. She really wants to try the HM again this year, so we'll see. I hope she wants to do it when the time comes (it's my favorite ride in the entire resort), but we won't force her to do it.

I really wanted to write more for this first installment, but I've got to get ready to go to work, but please subscribe and I'll get our dinner reservations all posted up in the next installment along with some pictures from prior trips.

Thanks for reading. Please stick around, there's more to come!!!!!!!

annnewjerz

08-17-2009, 08:29 AM

Todd_H

08-17-2009, 09:01 AM

Woohoo! :woohoo:

I found it----and more importantly, you started one. Looking forward to hearing more about the trip and really looking forward to a full-blown photo filled TR when you get home. :thumbsup2

Hey, Ann! Glad you found it! I'll take any pointers you can give me about how to keep this PTR moving.

Don't worry... lots of pictures to come :thumbsup2!

All7OfUs

08-17-2009, 10:56 AM

SilverL

08-17-2009, 01:09 PM

Yet another person who is going at the same time as us! :thumbsup2

When I was a little kid, my parents took me to a theme park in Oregon. There was a haunted house there---the witch's house---and I wouldn't even walk past it without screaming bloody murder. I'd say your kids are pretty brave!

Johnson1220

08-17-2009, 01:26 PM

I'm in ! We will be there the week before you! Can't wait for more pics ... your kids are beautiful :)

Todd_H

08-17-2009, 07:50 PM

Hi Todd,

Nice to meet you :)

Your title intrigued me, so I thought I'd take a peek. I must admit, I am already hooked and am excited to "make the journey" with you. You have a lovely family! and making memories at WDW is a GREAT thing to do!

Looking forward to hearing about your ADRs!

It will be especially fun to see how and why and what you are planning for Sept; I'll be there NEXT Sept, 2010 with maroo- (see our PTR, a link in my siggie) and we're always looking for ideas!

Welcome! Thank you for the compliment! September is a great month to go, but it's very very hot. It actually feels hotter (to me anyway) in September in FL than in August because of the humidity. Those FL afternoon showers feel pretty good sometimes!

Yet another person who is going at the same time as us! :thumbsup2

When I was a little kid, my parents took me to a theme park in Oregon. There was a haunted house there---the witch's house---and I wouldn't even walk past it without screaming bloody murder. I'd say your kids are pretty brave!

Thanks for joining in! I was so proud of my DD during our last trip. She really got her confidence up riding Space Mountain and she got a little cocky wanting to do HM. Against my better judgement, I took her on it while Ali took DS to ride Winnie the Pooh. I'm glad she wants to give it another shot. We'll see what happens when we're standing right in front, the wolf howls and it's go time. Our DS is talking like he's fearless. He wants to do HM, Splash Mtn, BTMRR, and PotC (which happens to be his favorite ride from last trip).

I'm in ! We will be there the week before you! Can't wait for more pics ... your kids are beautiful :)

Aw, thanks very much for the compliment! I'm just glad the kids look more like Ali ;). I'm curious as to what the week before will be like as far as crowds are concerned. September used to be a fantastic month to go to WDW, but free dining has brought the crowds. However, these September crowds, even with free dining, are nothing compared to Spring Break and mid August crowds. Ali and I have been twice during Easter and have vowed never again.

Todd_H

08-17-2009, 08:21 PM

Well, it was kind of rough waiting around until 90 days out to book our ADR's. Throw in free dining and you've got quite a challenge to make everything work according to plan. As a matter of fact, we usually have to scrap our first two plans and plan everything around when we can actually eat in the restaurants we want.

As of now, we're leaving on Saturday, September 19th (from NC) and driving straight to Jacksonville, FL (about a 7 hour drive). We'll stay in a two bedroom hotel that we stayed in during our last trip since that worked out very well for us. That puts us in "striking distance" on Sunday with only about a 2 or 2 1/2 hour drive to WDW. This brings up a funny story (well, funny now... NOT funny when it happened). On our last trip in 07, we drove straight to Jacksonville and we were literally two miles from our exit where our hotel was located. I realized that we had not had to refill our gas tank since we left. I checked our car's fancy computer that told me we had 54 miles left in the tank. "Cool" I said to Ali. "We made it all the way to Jacksonville without..." the car jerked one good time, then another, then appeared to be stalling, so I immediately got all the way over to the right lane as the car completely shut itself off. We coasted to a stop about 2 feet off of the highway (I-95 business on the SW side of Jacksonville, I think). We had run out of gas. We were very fortunate that a car pulled off the road and offered to go get gas for us. While they were getting gas for us, another car pulled up and offered to help me push the car a little more off the road. Someone upstairs was looking out for us that day. That only put us behind a couple of hours and we made it into Jacksonville about 7pm that night. That tought me two lessons: 1) I can't trust our car's electronic gas measurement system and 2) always carry an empty gas can in your car. Anyway, I digress, so on to the ADR's and our tentative schedule for the week.

Day 1
When we arrive at the VWL on Sunday (probably around 10:30 or 11:00 am, we'll get checked in and then head over to DHS (we still call it MGM at our house) where we have an afternoon ADR at the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater. Now, i'm not sure if we'll get a late lunch there or just some milkshakes (I personally LOVE the Sci-Fi, but I know many people who don't). It was a little tough getting an ADR anywhere in DHS that evening, probably because it's a Fantasmic night. Side note, because Fantasmic is playing this first night, we wanted to start our trip right with some Disney nostalgia and kind of "set the mood" for our trip. Fantasmic is perfect for that, IMO (plus the kids have never seen it). Another side note, I think that Mickey's Philharmagic is another attraction that should be visited early in your trip. It's a good mood setter as well. My motive for at least visiting the Sci-Fi is primarily to get some good indoor photos of the restaurant and also to shoot an entire video of the 45 minute old sci-fi movie loop they play while you eat. Not planning on doing anything with it, I just like it.

Next up: where are we going on Day 2 - Monday, our first full day in WDW? I'll give you a hint with a picture below that I took during my last solo trip back in May (I'll also explain why in the world I was down there without my family in May... another AWESOME month to go if you ever get the chance)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3654944709_a76511e6c3_b.jpg

I may post some large size pictures in this thread, but if anyone has problems loading them due to their size, please speak up and I will use smaller versions.

Stay tuned!

annnewjerz

08-17-2009, 08:43 PM

(we still call it MGM at our house) where we have an afternoon ADR at the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater. Now, i'm not sure if we'll get a late lunch there or just some milkshakes (I personally LOVE the Sci-Fi, but I know many people who don't). It was a little tough getting an ADR anywhere in DHS that evening, probably because it's a Fantasmic night. Side note, because Fantasmic is playing this first night, we wanted to start our trip right with some Disney nostalgia and kind of "set the mood" for our trip. Fantasmic is perfect for that, IMO (plus the kids have never seen it). Another side note, I think that Mickey's Philharmagic is another attraction that should be visited early in your trip. It's a good mood setter as well. My motive for at least visiting the Sci-Fi is primarily to get some good indoor photos of the restaurant and also to shoot an entire video of the 45 minute old sci-fi movie loop they play while you eat. Not planning on doing anything with it, I just like it.

We also call it MGM, or I call it "DHS is the new name for MGM" because my Mom looks at me like I have 5 heads if I just say DHS. :rolleyes:

I also LOVE Sci-Fi. It's a must for us......

.........well, a must for me anyway. It's just such a cool atmosphere and like you, I am chomping at the bit to take some pics in here. It seems like there are hardly any "good" ones available, which is odd considering it's such a cool place. :cool2:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3654944709_a76511e6c3_b.jpg

I may post some large size pictures in this thread, but if anyone has problems loading them due to their size, please speak up and I will use smaller versions.

Stay tuned!

What a tease. Never got a chance to fix that spoiler, huh? ;) :upsidedow

I'm speaking up to say I like the larger versions and I hope you don't switch to dinky little thumbnail sized ones.

Staying tuned. :surfweb:

Todd_H

08-17-2009, 09:04 PM

I also LOVE Sci-Fi. It's a must for us......

.........well, a must for me anyway. It's just such a cool atmosphere and like you, I am chomping at the bit to take some pics in here. It seems like there are hardly any "good" ones available, which is odd considering it's such a cool place. :cool2:

I definitely agree.

What a tease. Never got a chance to fix that spoiler, huh? ;) :upsidedow

Hah! I actually keep forgetting to do that. I had one that was spoiler-free, but I can't seem to find it.

All7OfUs

08-17-2009, 10:45 PM

Very cool shot of Madam Leota!! NICE! :thumbsup2

Scary story about the gas... sometimes we all learn lessons the hard way.

We liked the Sci-Fi too, the kids really got a kick out of the old clips. My parents (64 and 67 yrs. old) especially liked the "come to the snack bar" sketches. Kind of their era ya know.

jordanyosh

08-18-2009, 12:42 AM

Anytime a guy decides to write a PTR or TR, I gotta sign on. Great start:thumbsup2

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 06:01 AM

Very cool shot of Madam Leota!! NICE! :thumbsup2

Thanks! That's one of the better ones I've been able to grab of her. If she only had her eyes open, it would be a perfect shot.

Anytime a guy decides to write a PTR or TR, I gotta sign on. Great start:thumbsup2

Welcome! Yeah, I think I'm in the minority. I don't consider myself to be a good writer so we'll have to see where this thing takes us. Anyway, glad you came aboard!

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 06:36 AM

Before I get into Day plans 2 of our upcoming trip, I thought I would share a couple of pictures from our September 07 trip. My parents went with us on our last trip. My Dad pulled his trailer down to Fort Wilderness and they stayed there while we stayed in the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. This was really fun and it really meant a lot to my parents that we invited them to go.

One of the things that we did last trip was Mickey's Backyard BBQ at FW. If you haven't done it (and you have small children), I highly recommend it. The characters get out there and dance with all the kids while the band plays. And this goes on for a loooooooooong time! It's also one of the two places (I think) on WDW where all your beer/wine is all included in your price for the meal (incl refills). Oh yes, it can get quite ugly (and funny). Anyway, in looking through some pictures that we took and some that my Dad took, I came across these that I have never noticed before:
Here's one my Dad took
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/623196547_Ba6Td-M.jpg

and here's the one that my DD took of me and Minnie which actually is the picture that she is taking in the shot above (pretty cool, huh?)
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/623196760_ioxBE-M.jpg

My DD is very interested in photography. I gave her a little inexpensive digital camera that she is going to be taking her own shots with for this trip. I can't wait to see what she's going to do with it.

One thing that captivated DS on our last trip was Pirates of the Caribbean. After taking him through the first time, all he talked about was the pirate up on the bridge with the "dirty foot and dirty leg" and how he thought the pirate was "very sick." We have been laughing about that ever since :lmao:. My son has been obsessed with pirates ever since that trip (still to this day) and I attribute that obsession to PotC.

Here he is meeting Captain Hook and Mr. Smee
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/623204093_KvLZH-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/623203840_s7pH8-M.jpg

Wow, I look at these old pictures and am amazed at how much he has grown in the past two years. This was taken this past weekend at Captain Hook's Golf in Myrtle Beach (Captain Hook... guess who chose this miniature golf course?)
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/623208726_E7rLk-M.jpg

I'll try to get Day 2 plans posted up a little later today.

All7OfUs

08-18-2009, 07:06 AM

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 08:24 AM

I hear so many completely opposing views on the BBQ. Some have said it was absolute chaos, with even adults pushing and shoving for "good" seats when they let people in, and bigger, older kids pushing and shoving little ones to see the characters. Was it like that when you were there?

It was chaos, but it was controlled chaos. I guess it depends on how you look at it and what you're expectations are going in. For us, it was exactly what we thought it would be... a chance for the kids to dance around with a bunch of characters (who made a good attempt to try and dance with everyone when we were there). It was also the most interaction we got with the characters all week, so that was nice. Didn't see any bigger kids pushing little ones to get to the characters, but I can see how that would happen. For us, it was a great experience.

Hope you've planned lots of pirate time for your son this time around. Sounds like he'll need it :)

We thought about doing the Pirate League, but if we do that, we have to do the BBB for our DD and all of the sudden, we've just dropped A WHOLE LOT of $$. But don't worry, he'll be thrilled with seeing Captain Jack, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and doing PotC and Peter Pan's Flight.

Speaking of Peter Pan's Flight, I think this is my favorite scene in all the dark rides in WDW
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3778766613_05434b9c20.jpg

I took the photo above during my last solo trip back in May. Now why was I in WDW (in particularly riding PPF) by myself in May? Well, for the past couple of years, our company has been going through a software conversion. The closest training facility for this software is in Deland, FL (about an hour away from WDW). So what I have been able to do is stay at WDW and commute to class in Deland during the day and then play in the parks at night. This has been good for me because I got into photography about a year and 1/2 ago and I found that I absolutely love shooting the dark rides at WDW. It's not that these pictures of dark rides are worthy of blowing up to display over your fireplace, it's just the challenge to see if I can do it that draws me. That and also the fact that I loved the dark rides as a child and the fact that you never got to see the scenes in a dark ride for very long really peaked my interest. By taking pictures inside dark rides (without a flash, btw), you get to spend a little more time looking at all that great Disney detail. In going by myself, it gave me the chance to do a lot of practicing.

annnewjerz

08-18-2009, 08:52 AM

It's also one of the two places (I think) on WDW where all your beer/wine is all included in your price for the meal (incl refills). Oh yes, it can get quite ugly (and funny).

Sounds like DH's kind of BBQ. Unfortunately, no kids yet---so I think we'll have to wait a few years until we partake in the drunken character fun. :drinking1 :upsidedow

and here's the one that my DD took of me and Minnie which actually is the picture that she is taking in the shot above (pretty cool, huh?)
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/623196760_ioxBE-M.jpg

My DD is very interested in photography. I gave her a little inexpensive digital camera that she is going to be taking her own shots with for this trip. I can't wait to see what she's going to do with it.

So cool that your DD is getting into the whole photography bit. Like Jeff demonstrated in a recent thread, it's nice to have something you and your kids can bond over. With me and my Dad it was always rock n' roll, but obviously photography isn't bad either. ;)

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/623208726_E7rLk-M.jpg

Great shot and you're right---there is an incredible difference between those two shots. Does it make you feel older just looking at them?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3778766613_05434b9c20.jpg

By taking pictures inside dark rides (without a flash, btw)

You are a very smart man for adding this little tidbit of advice along with the photo. If you hadn't, I can only imagine there would be a sudden influx of people on Peter Pan next time with their flashes at the ready thinking that they'd get this photo if they just disobeyed those pesky little rules about flash photography on the rides. :rolleyes1 :rotfl:

scoot241

08-18-2009, 09:08 AM

I'm in on this one. Looking forward to some more great pictures! :thumbsup2

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 10:36 AM

So cool that your DD is getting into the whole photography bit. Like Jeff demonstrated in a recent thread, it's nice to have something you and your kids can bond over. With me and my Dad it was always rock n' roll, but obviously photography isn't bad either. ;)

Yes, absolutely. It's funny you mentioned rock n' roll because we bond over that too. I also play guitar which she has an even bigger interest in. For Christmas this year, I think Santa is going to bring her a youth sized guitar.

Great shot and you're right---there is an incredible difference between those two shots. Does it make you feel older just looking at them?

Uggh... yes it does.

You are a very smart man for adding this little tidbit of advice along with the photo. If you hadn't, I can only imagine there would be a sudden influx of people on Peter Pan next time with their flashes at the ready thinking that they'd get this photo if they just disobeyed those pesky little rules about flash photography on the rides. :rolleyes1 :rotfl:

I know, right? Unfortunately there will always be those who think they can capture a picture of some Disney magic inside a dark ride by using a flash :sad2:. I guess there's really not much Disney can do about it. It's just incredibly rude to your fellow riders and some people just can't understand that.

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 10:37 AM

I'm in on this one. Looking forward to some more great pictures! :thumbsup2

Hey, Scott! Welcome aboard. Great to see another Photography board member over here.

All7OfUs

08-18-2009, 10:52 AM

Wondered if you'd be willing to do a few cyber-tutorial sessions? :confused3

I'll PM you soon, if you think you would want to give a few hints...

annnewjerz

08-18-2009, 11:01 AM

Wondered if you'd be willing to do a few cyber-tutorial sessions? :confused3

I'll PM you soon, if you think you would want to give a few hints...

First, buy a Canon 5D Mark II (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II/dp/B001G5ZTLS) and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. :rolleyes1 :eek: :rotfl2:

In all seriousness, I think Todd can give everyone a few good pointers even if they don't have such an impressive beast of a camera. Your average p&s won't get pictures like that in dark rides, but there are always ways to learn how to use your current gear better!! :thumbsup2

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 01:40 PM

Wondered if you'd be willing to do a few cyber-tutorial sessions? :confused3

I'll PM you soon, if you think you would want to give a few hints...

Sure. I'd be happy to give a few hints. If you have specific questions about pictures that I post, it might be good to ask them in this thread because others may have the same question (but feel free to send me a pm also). For some general ideas and tips on shooting dark rides, there is a great reference thread here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2212739&highlight=dark+rides

First, buy a Canon 5D Mark II (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II/dp/B001G5ZTLS) and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. :rolleyes1 :eek: :rotfl2:

Wow... just for the record, I didn't pay nearly that amount for my 5DM2! That's an insane price at Amazon :scared1:!

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 02:02 PM

I didn't spend much time talking about what we were planning to do on Day 1 at MGM (oops, I mean DHS). The main attractions to hit at DHS would normally be the Tower of Terror (one of the best attractions I have ever been on anywhere) and the Rock 'N Roller Coaster. I think DD is tall enough to ride the RNRC... we'll have to wait and see. She's definitely tall enough for the ToT, but we're also going to play that one by ear. One thing I don't want to do is set her up to be scared of all the rides by throwing her on something too intense right off the bat :lmao:. For that reason, we may skip these two thrill rides the first day and try to hit them again later in the week after she's been "warmed up."

In looking back through my notes, we actually have two ADR's on Sunday afternoon. The first is at 2:30 at Mama Melrose. We have never eaten there, so this is going to be our late lunch, I think. Then we still have the 3:45 ADR at Sci-Fi that I mentioned earlier.

We'll definitely hit Toy Story Mania (we've never done it), Muppets 3-D, Star Tours, and probably the Little Mermaid show. I hope the kids don't want to do the Playhouse Disney show, but we may do that too. I want to do the Indiana Jones Stunt show since we haven't seen that one in about 10 years and I want to take some pictures of it (plus the kids have obviously not seen it... who knows, this might get my son off of the pirate kick and onto Indiana Jones :confused3).

Of all our trips, we still have not seen the Lights, Motor, Action stunt show. With our ADR's I'm not sure we'll get to see it this trip either, but we'll try to make it as it is another show I would love to photograph.

Our day will come to an end with Fantasmic! This should be a perfect end to our first day in WDW.

annnewjerz

08-18-2009, 02:13 PM

Wow... just for the record, I didn't pay nearly that amount for my 5DM2! That's an insane price at Amazon :scared1:!

I didn't think so (or at least I hoped not). I just picked the highest price I could find on Amazon through a third-party vendor and linked to it for added shock value. :rotfl2: I think the normal price is around 1k lower than that through regular places like Adorama and B&H.

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 02:24 PM

Welcome to Day 2
This will be our first full day in WDW and we plan to start it out (not too early) with an ADR Character Breakfast at Chef Mickey's! Woohoo!:woohoo: If Fantasmic didn't get us totally in the WDW spirit the night before, this surely will. This will count for our TS meal for the day (that is, assuming we get the DDP, which we are still undecided about).

After taking the boat launch to the Contemporary for our character breakfast, we'll hop aboard the "highway in the sky" and head over to the Magic Kingdom. We'll hit a few rides like PPF (again, no flash was used for any of these dark ride shots):
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532334556_nRkEE-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/315975505_TKwg5-M.jpg

And this familiar ride that will make DS go completely nuts:
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/534846091_3s7NS-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/516668409_puktA-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/538589969_74bn5-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/538588756_KA35C-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/538595752_8aYQ4-M.jpg

I'm really hoping to get some good shots of DS enjoying PotC. It's going to be really challenging to get a good picture of him on the ride since it's so dark in there, but i have a few ideas (again, NOT using a flash ;))

I'll continue with Day 2 and might throw in some HM pictures for good measure next, so stick around :)

lacrosse_lady72

08-18-2009, 03:14 PM

oregonmommyof2

08-18-2009, 04:58 PM

lacrosse_lady72

08-18-2009, 05:29 PM

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 05:45 PM

I'm in!

I love all those pictures! I'm so jealous that you've been able to take such wonderful pictures without using a flash...

I'll keep an eye out for you guys since we're staying at WL Sept 22-25!

Hi Dayna! Welcome! Maybe we'll run into you while we're at the WL. I checked out your flickr page... wow, that's quite a collection of WDW/DL memorabilia you've got there :thumbsup2. I don't know how you collected all those fast passes (and dream fast passes) without using them! My willpower would never let me do such a thing :lmao:

Todd_H

08-18-2009, 05:50 PM

Hey Todd... I found ya....

Your kids are gorgeous...

We will be at DHS on the 20th all day and watching Fastasmic! also...

So, if you see us... RUN!!! If you are anywhere near us, Terry will be asking you 53 questions...

What lens are you using?
What is your shutter speed?
Is your camera heavy?
Does your flash take batteries?
Is your lens cap on/
Do you like churros?

Okay so that last one was probably me, but you get the idea...

Can't wait to hear the rest of the plans!

Hey Toni! Glad you made it over!

It's o.k., Terry can ask 53 questions, just not 54. That's where I draw the line ;).

Ah yes, the churros. You guys are not WDW novices so you probably already know this, but the best churros we have found on the resort are the ones in the Cantina in the Mexico pavillion (outside the pavillion actually). Every time we've gotten them, they've been really fresh and hot. That's one of our Epcot rituals... to get a fresh churro from Mexico and then a Grey Goose Slushy in France (not necessarily in that order).

disneymomof1

08-18-2009, 06:02 PM

All7OfUs

08-18-2009, 11:19 PM

Well, if you insist... ;)

My basic questions are:

I have a simple, very inexpensive, p&s, (Nikon Coolpix), that generally I'm pretty happy with.

But, EVERY single stinkin' one of my POTC pix, and ZERO of my nighttime parade pix turned out.

I've gone through the owner's manual (you are probably hysterically laughing at these kindergarten-style questions right about now (either that or groaning with pain in your photographer's heart)), and have practiced a ton. I've got macro down, and general day time portraits okay, but, can't get dark room or motion shots AT ALL.

What am I doing wrong. One thing, I think, is that the camera has to be absolutely still when you switch the mode to nighttime shots. Right?? Is that why people try to set up near a trashcan on the parade route, so they can have that as a steady surface??

If there just is no way to photograph, say POTC or IASW, with my cheap POC, then I won't bother, but if you can give my any hints to try out/ practice here at home over the next year, I'd be very much obliged!!! I tried to get a shot of my daughter next to the cannon, but it turned out yellow-ish and blurry.

What mode should I be in?
What techniques do I need to use?

Thanks for whatever advise you can give :worship:

Liesa

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 06:05 AM

Loving your PTR so far, very clear and concise, good job:thumbsup2, I am also not looking forward to the humidity for our trip. We will be there 9/14-9/20. We are having a bit of a heat wave here in NJ this week and I keep telling DD that this is probably how hot and humid it will be when we go to Disney. I forsee lots of afternoons spent at the pool.:)

Hi, Lisa! Welcome! Wow, lots of folks headed down in September.

Well, if you insist... ;)

My basic questions are:

I have a simple, very inexpensive, p&s, (Nikon Coolpix), that generally I'm pretty happy with.

But, EVERY single stinkin' one of my POTC pix, and ZERO of my nighttime parade pix turned out.

I've gone through the owner's manual (you are probably hysterically laughing at these kindergarten-style questions right about now (either that or groaning with pain in your photographer's heart)), and have practiced a ton. I've got macro down, and general day time portraits okay, but, can't get dark room or motion shots AT ALL.

What am I doing wrong. One thing, I think, is that the camera has to be absolutely still when you switch the mode to nighttime shots. Right?? Is that why people try to set up near a trashcan on the parade route, so they can have that as a steady surface??

If there just is no way to photograph, say POTC or IASW, with my cheap POC, then I won't bother, but if you can give my any hints to try out/ practice here at home over the next year, I'd be very much obliged!!! I tried to get a shot of my daughter next to the cannon, but it turned out yellow-ish and blurry.

What mode should I be in?
What techniques do I need to use?

Thanks for whatever advise you can give :worship:

Liesa

Hi Liesa,
There's not an easy answer to the question, but I'll give a quick rundown of what the main issues are. Generally speaking p&s cameras don't do very well in low light conditions. That's not to say they can't take pictures in low light, but pictures are going to be challenging in low light with a p&s camera (you've already figured that out). The reason for this is that the digital sensors in p&s cameras (which is the digital equivalent of film) are usually very tiny. When you press the shutter release button to take a picture, your camera's shutter opens up and light passes through a small hole (aperture) before landing on the sensor (film). The sensor (film) receives the light (which it will translate into the scene you're shooting), but only for the duration of the shutter being open. If you're shooting in brightly lit conditions, it's easy to get a good picture as there will be plenty of light getting into the camera to the sensor to expose your picture properly. On the other hand, if not enough light can get in, your picture will be too dark (underexposed). What you are experiencing is your camera not being able to get enough light to the sensor to create a good exposure (the shutter isn't open long enough for the sensor to "see" and record the scene). There are a couple of possible solutions: 1) find a way to leave the shutter open longer to allow more light to hit the sensor... this is why you see tripods and trash cans being used, so the camera can rest absolutely still while the shutter is open and the sensor is recording the scene 2) find a way in increase the size of the aperture to let more light in so your shutter doesn't have to be open for a longer period of time and 3) raise your ISO settings... however raising ISO will result in a grainy looking picture (called noise). Raising ISO is just making the sensor a little more sensitive to light, allowing it to record a scene in a shorter period of time.

Some p&s cameras have manual controls where you control the aperture, the shutter speed, and the ISO settings. Others have the program modes like "night shot," "fireworks," "portrait," "macro," etc. These program modes are changing the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for you according to the camera's internal metering system, which just measures the amount of available light in the scene you are shooting.

So to answer your question about taking pictures on PotC or of Spectromagic with a p&s, can it be done? Well, it really depends on the camera. I would suggest trying one of the program modes like night shot and maybe even seeing if you can change your camera's metering system to something called "spot metering." The best solution for shooting on dark rides is going to be with a camera that has a larger sensor, high ISO capabilities and a lens that has a very wide aperture.

That's just a quick rundown and I probably left some stuff out, but hopefully that gives you a better understanding of the limitations of a p&s in low light conditions. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll try my best to answer them.

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 06:46 AM

After breaking through the MK entrance, the first thing we're going to do is pick up a Fast Pass for Peter Pan's Flight. It's amazing to me how long the lines are for PPF throughout the day! You hardly ever see it under 30 minutes and most of the time, it's 50-60 minutes! That is completely nuts! After picking up our FP, we'll probably backtrack over to Adventureland to ride PotC, the Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Alladin, see the Enchanted Tiki Room show, and maybe Splash Mtn and BTMRR. From there, we'll probably make our way over to Liberty Square to see if DD wants to ride the HM (DS says he wants to also... hmmm not so sure, but he's not really afraid of anything... yet). I don't know... it's a little scary in there :scared1:

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/535102622_KLZX2-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532101963_kCZSU-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532800263_etvj3-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/515066993_TJKaK-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/424290853_QmkFY-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532720983_jXZi8-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/540909464_uCvkw-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532731181_RoZT4-M.jpg

And one of my favorite shots:
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/535495410_jPV83-M.jpg

If you can't tell, I really love the HM. It's my favorite ride in the entire WDW resort. It's really amazing how this ride has stood the test of time. I think the DL version just celebrated it's 40th anniversary!

day 2 to be continued with evening activities and dinner plans...

All7OfUs

08-19-2009, 06:53 AM

Thanks!!! Your info was actually very helpful, and I'll keep it handy over the next weeks as I get more practice. :thumbsup2

Let me get this straight... I want "Hi ISO"?? It actually has a mode setting that says just that. If I choose this mode, that is the one that MIGHT be helpful for dark or parade photos, right? (Actually, I'm more interested in getting some quality Spectro pix.)

Let me play with that mode for a bit, and see what it does. For those purposes, can you give me some ideas on what kinds of shots/subjects would be helpful for practice? I tried my sleeping baby in a low lit room- how bout some others??

Added on just now... Yes, I see what you mean about "noise" with HI ISO on. No way to fix that, eh, without a bigger better camera? BTW, it is 8.0 megapixels. Does that make a difference with my problems??

Thanks again!!

Liesa

mreid1974

08-19-2009, 07:29 AM

Im in.. Nice to see a guy writing a pre trip report.. Your kids are adorable.. ANd your pics are amazing..

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 08:28 AM

Let me get this straight... I want "Hi ISO"?? It actually has a mode setting that says just that. If I choose this mode, that is the one that MIGHT be helpful for dark or parade photos, right? (Actually, I'm more interested in getting some quality Spectro pix.)

It will help, but your images will be a bit noisier (grainier). Raising ISO is kind of a last resort setting if you still can't get your shots to be properly exposed by the other methods. There are software programs available to help reduce noise, but you also lose a little detail when these noise filters are used.

can you give me some ideas on what kinds of shots/subjects would be helpful for practice? I tried my sleeping baby in a low lit room- how bout some others??

Added on just now... Yes, I see what you mean about "noise" with HI ISO on. No way to fix that, eh, without a bigger better camera?

For subjects in low light, I recommend shooting anything around your house in either dim light or by candlelight. You might just want to set up a nice table setting, lit by candlelight and set your camera to night shot and rest it on a table if you don't have a small tripod and see how that works out. If you're using this method, try to not use the High ISO setting first.

I also recommend taking your camera out with you at night to a restaurant, or any other place that may have some interesting lighting to practice.

BTW, it is 8.0 megapixels. Does that make a difference with my problems??

The # of megapixels really doesn't matter. Generally speaking, megapixels do not directly translate to image quality (a common misconception).

Ann, if you're reading, please feel free to jump in with any other advice/tips!

Im in.. Nice to see a guy writing a pre trip report.. Your kids are adorable.. ANd your pics are amazing..

Thank you very much for the compliments! And welcome aboard!

annnewjerz

08-19-2009, 08:50 AM

Ann, if you're reading, please feel free to jump in with any other advice/tips!

Of course I'm reading, just trying not to have more comments on this PTR than you, since you are the one going on the trip after all. ;)

The only comments I came up with to help with the p&s and dark ride photos were:

1. To clean up the noise if you are shooting in higher ISO modes, you can try running the pictures through noiseware. I'm not sure if this is something most p&s users do, but they can take a photo from absolutely horrible to somewhat acceptable depending on what your expectations are. Google Noise Ninja (and maybe Todd can recommend another) and see what you get. I'm not sure if they offer a free trial or a free version---but I know there is some free noiseware out there.

2. For shooting Spectro (which I haven't yet) so I'm not sure if my advice is 100% sound, but I don't think that using something like a trashcan or travel tripod with a longer shutter speed will help too much since the parade is moving. For all intents and purposes, I think Spectro should be shot more like a dark ride. The higher ISO with the fastest shutter speed possible to avoid motion blur. The tripod comes in handy for the fireworks because you want the fireworks to streak in the shots---but I would think most people trying to shoot Spectro would want the floats as clear as possible.

3. Have the correct expectations for your camera and its capabilities (which it seems you do). I have a "fancier" camera that I will be using in WDW and I still have no expectation that I will come home with great shots of Peter Pan like Todd did. His gear is definitely at least one step above mine and while I expect to come home with "better" shots of Haunted Mansion and Pirates than the average visitor to WDW, I know with almost 100% certainty that won't be getting the Caretaker in HM.

4. Check out the Photography Board and ask lots and lots of questions! Everyone over there is great and more than willing to help. One user in particular has created a series of "How To" shots for everyone to use as a reference. Check out the first post for this (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1450061) thread for topics such as "How to Shoot: Fireworks, Dark Rides, Parades, Indoor Shows, etc."

5. PRACTICE! I know from reading your PTR that you are basically living in the middle of nowhere (or something-stan as I seem to remember reading) but like Todd said, set up some candles, try taking pictures with the room lit up by only one lamp or a tv or something---use what you have to practice now so it's less frustrating when you go on your trip.

Good luck (and sorry for the novel). :thumbsup2

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 09:15 AM

Thanks, Ann. I didn't want to go into that level of detail, but I'm glad you did :lmao:. You just saved me some work :thumbsup2

The main thing is to realize what the limitations of your camera are and have reasonable expectations of it.

To summarize the main points above:
1) when shooting still objects in low light, try to stabilize the camera on something (tripod, table top, trash can, pretty much anything that begins with the letter "T" :)). This is also good for fireworks to get those nice trails
2) when shooting a moving object like Spectro, or if you are moving under low light conditions (i.e. dark rides), you need to be able to stop the motion so the image will come out clear. This has to be done through some combination of faster shutter speed, wider aperture, and higher ISO. If you can't manually control the aperture and shutter speed or if your night shot mode doesn't work like you want it to, setting to High ISO may be your best (and only) option.

Oh, and I use Noise Ninja for my noise reduction program. I've also used Noiseware, which has a free version if I'm not mistaken and works pretty well.

This is getting a little more technical than really should be discussed here (and I'm probably starting to lose the interest of a few readers by this point :lmao:), so let's get back to the PTR!

scoot241

08-19-2009, 09:24 AM

Thanks, Ann. I didn't want to go into that level of detail, but I'm glad you did :lmao:. You just saved me some work :thumbsup2

The main thing is to realize what the limitations of your camera are and have reasonable expectations of it.

To summarize the main points above:
1) when shooting still objects in low light, try to stabilize the camera on something (tripod, table top, trash can, pretty much anything that begins with the letter "T" :)). This is also nice for fireworks to get those nice trails
2) when shooting a moving object like Spectro, or if you are moving under low light conditions (i.e. dark rides), you need to be able to stop the motion so the image will come out clear. This has to be done through some combination of faster shutter speed, wider aperture, and higher ISO. If you can't manually control the aperture and shutter speed or if your night shot mode doesn't work like you want it to, setting to High ISO may be your best (and only) option.

Oh, and I use Noise Ninja for my noise reduction program. I've also used Noiseware, which has a free version if I'm not mistaken and works pretty well.

This is getting a little more technical than really should be discussed here (and I'm probably starting to lose the interest of a few readers by this point :lmao:), so let's get back to the PTR!

:faint:

Just kidding. My biggest suggestion is to read the manual. The manual has more information in it than most people realize. Then, once you've read the manual, take it with you when you practice. Figure out what works and what doesn't. Make sure you know how to work the camera and adjust things as needed.

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 09:32 AM

After trying to ride everything in sight (within reason given the crowd levels), we're probably going to start getting a little hungry. Since we're doing Chef Mickey's for breakfast that morning, we'll probably opt to get a lighter lunch - maybe just a snack and do a late afternoon dinner. Since we used our TS at breakfast, we now have to choose our dinner spot. This we are undecided on... so how about you, dear readers? Where are your favorite CS spots in the MK? We like the Columbia Harbor House (their Tuna Melts are really good).

After dinner, we'll try to hit a couple more rides, then go grab a Dole Whip and put ourselves in good positions to watch Spectro at 8 and then Wishes at 9. I'm definitely going to try to photograph Spectro as I've never tried it. Not sure about Wishes... it depends on if I have lugged my tripod with me (since this is early in the week, chances are good that I will ;)).

Here are some prior attempts at Wishes
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3600500708_b0e5dda2ba.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3606385998_b5da91d894.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3617531173_a2235bd88d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3799919363_d65ab81e80.jpg

After Wishes (a perfect end to the night), we'll probably see how the kids are holding up and either head back to the VWL (via boat, which I absolutely love at night after a long day in the MK), or walk around the MK for some night photography (I'm going to go ahead and predict that this will not happen).

Next up - Day 3 - I'll have to check my notes on where we'll be in the daytime, but our ADR for that night involves some hootin' n' hollerin'!

annnewjerz

08-19-2009, 10:16 AM

This we are undecided on... so how about you, dear readers? Where are your favorite CS spots in the MK? We like the Columbia Harbor House (their Tuna Melts are really good).

Oh we love Columbia Harbour House---fish and chips with malt vinegar. Mmmmmmm. :thumbsup2

Some alternate suggestions for a late lunch in the Magic Kingdom would be:

A. Cosmic Ray's. This is a counter-service place in Tomorrowland (I believe). I've never been, but people seem to love it. You can get rotisserie chicken, ribs, wraps, chicken nuggets, etc. Here is the menu. (http://allears.net/menu/men_cr.htm)

B. The Plaza Restaurant. Right on Main Street, it's a table-service place but for close to counter-service prices. They serve burgers, shakes, reuben sandwiches and icecream sundaes. We haven't been here yet either, but it's supposed to be nice and cold, sometimes the Mayor makes a guest appearance and the food is supposed to be really good. We booked it two times for our trip in October since we're trying to balance eating on the cheap with still getting a nice air conditioned sit-down meal. Oh yeah and here is the menu. (http://allears.net/menu/menu_pr.htm)

Here are some pics I borrowed from Carrie's (Lurkyloo) trip report. (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2173104&highlight=plaza) She has photographer friends in Orlando that took the following pictures (with the same camera as you, none the less).

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Decade%20o%20D%20Jensey/287-1.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Decade%20o%20D%20Jensey/309-1.jpg

This picture alone sold me.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Decade%20o%20D%20Jensey/291.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Decade%20o%20D%20Jensey/296-1.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Decade%20o%20D%20Jensey/302-1.jpg

scoot241

08-19-2009, 10:21 AM

I'm a fan of Cosmic Ray's, mostly because of it's varied selection.

The Plaza does look nice; I've never been there.

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 10:36 AM

Ann, you just sold me on the Plaza. We always pass by it and think that we need to give it a try, but I've honestly never heard that much about it.

Scott, we might also try Cosmic Rays later in the week. We've never eaten there and they do have Sonny Eclipse, the animatronic lounge singer.

We have an ADR at Crystal Palace later in the week, but we don't really want to keep that one (we're not buffet fans... Jimmy Buffett yes, but not the trough line type :))

annnewjerz

08-19-2009, 10:40 AM

Ann, you just sold me on the Plaza. We always pass by it and think that we need to give it a try, but I've honestly never heard that much about it.

I would try to get an ADR if you can, just to be on the safe side because it seems all table-service places these days don't accept walk-ups. However, I have read quite a few reports of people going to the Plaza and asking for a table and being seated within 15 minutes or so. If you guys don't have your heart set on going there and don't want a schedule to adhere to---give it a shot, it never hurts to ask if there is a walk-up available.

All7OfUs

08-19-2009, 11:20 AM

YOu guys are so amazing, I can't even hardly wrap my mind around it!! I am stunned! Thanks! Todd and Ann, going to spend some time over the photog. board before my trip!

Now, where to eat. I"m going to go against the grain and vote Pecos bills. I don't have any food art to convince you, but we really liked it. The condim. bar rocks! But then again, the tuna at Col. HH is pretty (no, really) good too.

mreid1974

08-19-2009, 11:29 AM

I vote for Cosmic Rays.. Im not quite sure what intrigues me to go there.. Maybe the variety or the atmosphere.. I know it can be noisy.. But its one of my must eats.. Along with a few Table service places..

All7OfUs

08-19-2009, 11:43 AM

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Caseys is my go-to place -EVERY time! At least once, I gotta do a dog with loads of onions!! Makes for more personal space in queues. :lmao:

oregondaddyof2

08-19-2009, 12:55 PM

disneygirlinnj

08-19-2009, 02:26 PM

I'm in! Just realized you had a PTR going on..I've been secretly drooling over your photos in the photography board :)

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 02:36 PM

Now, where to eat. I"m going to go against the grain and vote Pecos bills.

We've done Pecos Bill's almost every trip and while we like it most of the time (it seems to be hit and miss when we eat there), I think we're going to try to hit some places we haven't eaten in before.

I vote for Cosmic Rays.. Im not quite sure what intrigues me to go there.. Maybe the variety or the atmosphere.. I know it can be noisy.. But its one of my must eats.. Along with a few Table service places..

Awesome! Another vote for Cosmic Ray's.

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Caseys is my go-to place -EVERY time! At least once, I gotta do a dog with loads of onions!! Makes for more personal space in queues. :lmao:

Oh yes, how could I forget Casey's? That is a must on every trip. We are a dog loving family, that's for sure :lmao:! Speaking of dogs, let me introduce everyone to our "furbabies" who will not be going with us to WDW

This is our 9 year old lab Sadie
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/484401581_FDiHv-M.jpg

and this is our 7 month old Siberian Husky Nali
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/504192765_FQZHm-M.jpg

They play pretty well together, but sometimes it gets ugly
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/537076984_yQ3Rm-M.jpg

We'd love to take them with us, but... not going to happen.

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 02:43 PM

Hey Todd!! I am a fan of your photography and look forward to every post you make in the Photography area of these boards... I am so happy that you made your PTR, and am very anxious to see the shots you get this year... We will be at WDW during the same time frame, so it would be cool to actually meet up if we cross roads at all... Sounds like we will be at DHS the same day and at Fantasmic... We have never seen it, so I am not sure how many pictures I am going to take since I want to really enjoy the show for my first time, but I may try to take a few... I am really hoping to get some good dark ride pics, but not too sure of my abilities yet... Oh well, Just thougt I would say Hi and jump on the PTR for the trip...

Hey Terry! Glad you stopped by! Toni stopped by and said hello yesterday after I posted on your PTR (which is a really good one, btw :thumbsup2). I haven't made it all the way through yours, but I think I read through the first 200 posts last night.

Yep, looks like we'll be in DHS on the same day. We shouldn't be too hard to spot. Just look for the huge camera and the black North Face hat... that will probably be me :). We should try to meet up at Fantasmic that night. As the trip gets closer, let's exchange cell phone #'s (if you'll be carrying your cell with you). Even if it's just a quick meet and greet, we'd love to meet you guys!

kde175

08-19-2009, 02:51 PM

I'm a little late to the party, but can't wait to follow along. I'm generally a lurker, but might pipe in every once in awhile. Just wanted you to know that I'm along for the ride.

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 02:58 PM

I'm in! Just realized you had a PTR going on..I've been secretly drooling over your photos in the photography board :)

Hi disneygirlinnj! Welcome! I think I missed your post while I was introducing our dogs above. I see you will be a September WDW visitor also, but I think you guys will be down there the week after us?

Love your Captain Jack photo shoot, btw :thumbsup2. My DS would absolutely lose his mind if we could do that!

I'm a little late to the party, but can't wait to follow along. I'm generally a lurker, but might pipe in every once in awhile. Just wanted you to know that I'm along for the ride.

Welcome! By all means, please pipe in. The more, the merrier!

disneygirlinnj

08-19-2009, 03:08 PM

I believe you guys are leaving the day we arrive (26th?). Maybe our paths will cross somewhere for a quick second!

If they ever bring back the Pirate & Princess Party, I totally recommend it for your DS! Pirate OVERLOAD! We had a blast but sadly that's the only time you can meet Jack. I'm hoping that they add him to the MNSSHP!

Todd_H

08-19-2009, 03:44 PM

If they ever bring back the Pirate & Princess Party, I totally recommend it for your DS! Pirate OVERLOAD! We had a blast but sadly that's the only time you can meet Jack. I'm hoping that they add him to the MNSSHP!

That would be awesome if they add him to the MNSSHP! We have thought about doing that on our last night (I'm jumping ahead a few days in my PTR here), but haven't decided 100%. One of my WDW rituals is to spend our last night in the MK, which would put us having to attend MNSSHP to do that :confused3. We did MNSSHP back in Sept 07 and the kids really liked it. That Boo To You song really gets in your head!

I noticed you're running the half marathon in January. That's awesome! Ali and I tried to register for it, but it is now closed and the only way to get in is to join Team In Training or some other charity team. Only problem with that is that Team In Training wants you to raise $3,500 to run it :scared1:. We just have too much going on the rest of this year to commit to raising that kind of dough, so we're going to run a different 1/2 marathon a little closer to home in February 2010. Hopefully we can do the WDW 1/2 marathon in 2011.

SilverL

08-19-2009, 03:47 PM

I love the picture of the dogs barking. Looks like my two lunatics :rotfl:

crocko

08-19-2009, 04:10 PM

Just found your PTR.

Fun family you have there!

My family will be down there at the same time. Sep 17-26 at Kidani Village.
Waiting to see the rest of your plans to see if we'll end up at the same places anytime.

By the way....that picture of you on the first post under the Mickey "thing". Where is that?

disneygirlinnj

08-19-2009, 07:03 PM

That would be awesome if they add him to the MNSSHP! We have thought about doing that on our last night (I'm jumping ahead a few days in my PTR here), but haven't decided 100%. One of my WDW rituals is to spend our last night in the MK, which would put us having to attend MNSSHP to do that :confused3. We did MNSSHP back in Sept 07 and the kids really liked it. That Boo To You song really gets in your head!

I noticed you're running the half marathon in January. That's awesome! Ali and I tried to register for it, but it is now closed and the only way to get in is to join Team In Training or some other charity team. Only problem with that is that Team In Training wants you to raise $3,500 to run it :scared1:. We just have too much going on the rest of this year to commit to raising that kind of dough, so we're going to run a different 1/2 marathon a little closer to home in February 2010. Hopefully we can do the WDW 1/2 marathon in 2011.

I still think I've lost my mind whenever I think of 13.1 miles! :scared1: But I know I'll be ready by then! I know last year they reopened the half for a really short period of time so if I hear anything I'll definitely come let you know ASAP. :)

All7OfUs

08-19-2009, 10:40 PM

Love your pictures of the dogs! You really have an eye for it- photog., I mean. I know they have kennels at the Fort, but I've never been sure I understood why people would take their dogs, just to get boarded. :confused3 Maybe if they were on a long road trip??

Anyway, looking forward to the next posts- esp. the MNSSHP one!

jordanyosh

08-19-2009, 10:50 PM

I'm a dog lover and you have beautiful dogs!

oregondaddyof2

08-19-2009, 11:35 PM

Hey Terry! Glad you stopped by! Toni stopped by and said hello yesterday after I posted on your PTR (which is a really good one, btw :thumbsup2). I haven't made it all the way through yours, but I think I read through the first 200 posts last night.

Yep, looks like we'll be in DHS on the same day. We shouldn't be too hard to spot. Just look for the huge camera and the black North Face hat... that will probably be me :). We should try to meet up at Fantasmic that night. As the trip gets closer, let's exchange cell phone #'s (if you'll be carrying your cell with you). Even if it's just a quick meet and greet, we'd love to meet you guys!

Meeting up at Fantasmic sounds like a great idea... Being as you have seen it before, you can lead me to where the best place is to sit :thumbsup2... I will have my cell, so we can def exchange numbers....

lacrosse_lady72

08-20-2009, 12:14 AM

Hi Dayna! Welcome! Maybe we'll run into you while we're at the WL. I checked out your flickr page... wow, that's quite a collection of WDW/DL memorabilia you've got there :thumbsup2. I don't know how you collected all those fast passes (and dream fast passes) without using them! My willpower would never let me do such a thing :lmao:

Maybe we will :)

Thanks... well, in September I hardly ever felt I actually needed the FPs so I just kept them, now I just keep them because I do...

As you can tell from my flickr, I pretty much know nothing about photography other than how to turn the flash on and off and change the settings to the camera's pre-set settings and I therefore get completely overwhelmed by the Photography Board (lol, that sentence was WAY too long). BUT... I was looking at your pictures and WOW! I wish I was able to do that, they're amazing!

Todd_H

08-20-2009, 06:24 AM

I love the picture of the dogs barking. Looks like my two lunatics :rotfl:

Oh they're not barking... they're playing a game of "bitey-face"

Just found your PTR.

Fun family you have there!

My family will be down there at the same time. Sep 17-26 at Kidani Village.
Waiting to see the rest of your plans to see if we'll end up at the same places anytime.

Thanks and welcome! Kidani Village looks awesome. We're going to try to stay there on our next trip, I think (either there or BLT)

By the way....that picture of you on the first post under the Mickey "thing". Where is that?

It's at the Contemporary on the Bay Lake side. It's a great photo spot and we started a tradition on our last trip that we would photograph the kids in that same spot on every trip. Unfortunately, I didn't know much about photography during our last trip, so our first round of pictures turned out awful!

I'm a dog lover and you have beautiful dogs!

Thanks, Jordan! Our Lab is a really sweet dog but our Husky... well... she's sweet too, just MUCH more of a handful (to put it mildly :lmao:).

By the way, your trip report titles caught my eye so I started reading your current one... holy snaps! Really funny stuff! Did I just actually type holy snaps?

This brings up a question I have for all of you: at what point in your PTR do you go ahead and add a table of contents? :confused3

All7OfUs

08-20-2009, 06:42 AM

Hi Todd,

I did right away, mostly because I wanted to learn how, AND because, I am one who, when I join up on late, wants to cut right to the chase. That way I can catch up quickly, and get the major points. Of course, you can't get the "personality" of the thread, but it does make it faster to read. I'd say go for it now; you have what like 4 updates alreardy??

Todd_H

08-20-2009, 08:41 AM

Todd_H

08-20-2009, 09:06 AM

Morning, everyone!

I just realized that exactly one month from today, this very minute, we should be driving under the WDW entrance sign off of exit #67 :woohoo: and then it will be on like Donkey Kong!

There are a few ritualistic (silly/stupid) things we do as a family when we first arrive. First, when we pass under that sign, there is a deafening roar of noise in our car as we all shout jubilantly and give high-fives. I'm going to try to take some pictures of our arrival this year of these various sights that give the "you have arrived in WDW" feeling. In other words, I'm going to make Ali drive us in so I can snap some shots ;).

More sights that give us that feeling are seeing the purple signs, seeing the monorail go by as you drive down World Drive, pulling in to the WL entrance and stopping at the gate to talk to the guard, and finally rounding that corner and seeing the WL suddenly appear! Ah, makes me excited just thinking about all of that!

A second ritual is the kids have to run laps over the bridge inside the lobby of the WL while I get us checked in. Who can blame them, they've just been cooped up in a car for a long time and now they're in WDW! I may join them for a few laps this year and get Ali to get us checked in :lmao:! It's a good thing she doesn't read the disboards very often :rolleyes1.

Another ritual is a little friendly contest of who can spot Cinderella's Castle first. This usually occurs on the boat ride over from the WL to the MK sometime just after you pass by the Contemporary. The winner gets to chant "I see the Castle, I see the Castle" in the incredibly annoying tune of "nanny-nanny-boo-boo."

More of these kinds of silly things to come and I'll also get around to Day 3 shortly.

WVDisGeek

08-20-2009, 11:18 AM

Great PTR so far Todd!

Another late to the party photo board DISer! Your PTR is insiring me to possibly attempt one for our December Trip, possibly.... Also staying at WL.

Reading from work today so just a quick post, but DW and I too have similar arrival rituals. We always stay in Daytona at my in-law's condo the night before our trip and arise at 0 Dark Thirty to make check-in by 7:00am and then rush to MK for rope drop. That is when we are "Officially on World Time" and start to really become happy! :goodvibes

Keep up the good work and I'll keep checking back in! :thumbsup2

jordanyosh

08-20-2009, 12:14 PM

T-Boss,

You did say Holy Snaps. You also just said "it's on like Donkey Kong"

Thanks for reading my Current PTR, you can join in on the fun anytime. We are starting to get more men around these parts and it's nice to talk about something other than purses, shoes and other women type stuff. GO ANAHEIM DUCKS!

As far as adding a Table Of Contents. It's usually a good idea once your PTR/TR goes over 3-4 pages. It's makes it easier for new people to join in without having to read all the banter. It's also good to title each new post that's linked to the TOC so people know it's an official post and not just random ramblings.

If you have any other questions, let me know. Happy to help

oregondaddyof2

08-20-2009, 12:46 PM

We are starting to get more men around these parts and it's nice to talk about something other than purses, shoes and other women type stuff.

Woot Woot!!! :banana::banana::banana: Go Men!!!

jordanyosh

08-20-2009, 12:48 PM

Woot Woot!!! :banana::banana::banana: Go Men!!!

That's right brother!:thumbsup2

Let the talk of sports and beer begin.

oregondaddyof2

08-20-2009, 12:50 PM

As you can tell from my flickr, I pretty much know nothing about photography other than how to turn the flash on and off and change the settings to the camera's pre-set settings and I therefore get completely overwhelmed by the Photography Board (lol, that sentence was WAY too long).

I just looked around your Flickr page, and those pictures are great... There is some creativity involved with those shots you got... I like it! :thumbsup2

Todd_H

08-20-2009, 02:05 PM

Great PTR so far Todd!

Another late to the party photo board DISer! Your PTR is insiring me to possibly attempt one for our December Trip, possibly.... Also staying at WL.

Always great to see my photo board friends over here! Glad you made it! We love the WL. The theming is so incredible there and the boat rides to the MK sure beat the buses.

T-Boss,

You did say Holy Snaps. You also just said "it's on like Donkey Kong"

Wow, I sure did. Not sure which is worse, actually :headache:. Does anyone have any white out for my monitor so I can cover up those quotes where no one else can see them?

Thanks for reading my Current PTR, you can join in on the fun anytime. We are starting to get more men around these parts and it's nice to talk about something other than purses, shoes and other women type stuff. GO ANAHEIM DUCKS!

You talk about purses & shoes? Seriously? :laughing: JK... yep, we are definitely in the minority around here. If I told some of my friends that I was posting a TR over on the DISboards, they would first be confused, then after finding out what it was, they would punch me repeatedly, then laugh at me, then they would go back to punching me.

I like pro hockey, but I'm not a huge fan. We have the Hurricanes, but it still feels strange to go to a hockey game in NC. We used to have a local minor league team in my hometown that was a lot of fun to watch, but they moved after about 6 seasons... it's hard to keep an interest in hockey outside of the major cities in the south. I think it's still relatively new to the indigenous southerner.

However, I love collegiate sports (well, at least the revenue generators like basketball and football). Speaking of... has anyone been following this John Calipari story that is reporting he and Memphis may be stripped of the wins from their 2007-2008 season due to NCAA violations (among which was someone sitting in for a basketball player to take the SATs)? It's funny to me because I graduated from NC State and we almost landed John Calipari as our head basketball coach back in 2006 (instead we got Sidney Lowe :sick:). This will be the SECOND time this has happened under Calipari. And he was signed as the new UK coach a few months ago :rotfl:. Of course, he's laughing all the way to the bank with something like a 3 million/year contract... maybe the highest paid coach in NCAA basketball!

disneygirlinnj

08-20-2009, 02:45 PM

Haha..haven't really kept up with the Calipari stuff but I've been hearing bits and pieces. And yes..he's the highest paid college bball coach... :)

1. John Calipari at Kentucky, $3.96m per year (8 years, $31.6)
2. Billy Donovan at Florida , $3.3m per year
3. Bill Self at Kansas, $3m per year
4. Thad Matta at Ohio State, $2.5m per year
5. Tom Crean at Indiana, $2.36m per year
6. Rick Pitino at Louisville, $2.25m per year

I went to UConn so BIG ncaa fan!

ahhh I and I just found you on flickr earlier...I promise I'm nto stalking you! I think you had commented on one of Burnslands photos :)

lacrosse_lady72

08-20-2009, 05:01 PM

I like that Cinderella Castle contest you guys have!

That latest post of "A few miscellaneous thoughts" made me think of like 5 things I need to do so thanks!!!!

lacrosse_lady72

08-20-2009, 05:02 PM

I just looked around your Flickr page, and those pictures are great... There is some creativity involved with those shots you got... I like it! :thumbsup2

Thanks Terry!

jordanyosh

08-20-2009, 05:07 PM

I just saw a posting on ESPN.com saying that Memphis is getting stripped of their wins....great role model Calipari! Bet the UK fans don't care.

oregonmommyof2

08-20-2009, 10:24 PM

We are starting to get more men around these parts and it's nice to talk about something other than purses, shoes and other women type stuff.

Woot Woot!!! :banana::banana::banana: Go Men!!!

That's right brother!:thumbsup2

Let the talk of sports and beer begin.

I think there may be too much testosterone in here... :eek:

And Jordo... Who said women can't talk about beer and sports??? :confused3

All7OfUs

08-20-2009, 10:48 PM

Men are from Mars- women definitely are NOT. That's okay.... they still seem to get along fine, most of the time....

Just for the record, I couldn't give a frog's big bottom about who's making how much money to tell other guys how to throw a ball, but I do love the fact that you give the nanny-nanny-boo-boo rights to the first castle seer.

We always do the same thing driving under the big welcome sign too, adults included- women AND men. See, there's a lot we do have in common!!!

Do you allow wine drinkers in your club??

oregonmommyof2

08-20-2009, 11:03 PM

Do you allow wine drinkers in your club??

Oooo... How about daiquiris or margaritas??? :lovestruc

We better watch Terry's beer intake or he will look something like this...

:dancer:

All7OfUs

08-20-2009, 11:37 PM

YES, YES, YES!! I am so looking forward to scoring one of those (or 2) next year!!! AND I like my glass of wine with a quality dinner!

Todd_H

08-21-2009, 08:02 AM

....great role model Calipari! Bet the UK fans don't care.

Nope, they don't. I wonder if anything else will come of this. I hope UK had the foresight to put some clauses in his contract that address this kind of thing, but probably not. They're just excited at the prospect of rebuilding their dynasty.

Do you allow wine drinkers in your club??

Absolutely! I like wine too and have only recently started really appreciating wine as not just a means to an end. We went to Bordeaux back in January on a business trip and toured a couple of wine châteaux. The whole wine making process is very interesting and it was the first time in my life I drank red wines that didn't give me a migraine headache :sick:. That was exciting for me because I like reds much more than whites.

Oooo... How about daiquiris or margaritas??? :lovestruc

Absolutely! You are all o.k. in my book :thumbsup2

Todd_H

08-21-2009, 08:28 AM

Our plans for Day 3 take us to Animal Kingdom. The first couple of times I went to AK, I was not very impressed. There wasn't much there and what was there was, well, just not very interesting to me at that time (for the record, that was just after it opened). Walking around, it really looked like a park that was half-baked. As a matter of fact, we would only spend 1/2 day there and then head over to MGM or MK for some more thrilling rides.

That has all changed now. AK has really grown on me and I see it now in a completely new light. It really is a beautiful park with incredible theming throughout. The kids loved the safari back in 07 and DD loved Expedition Everest. We'll definitely be revisiting those attractions and DD and DS are adamant about trying Dinosaur, which IMO is now the scariest ride on the property (since Alien Encounter was rehabbed into Stitch). We saw the Festival of the Lion King show last trip and, due to it's length, we probably won't see it this trip. There are four things in AK that we have never done: 1) Nemo The Musical, 2) the Birds of Flight (or Wonder, can't remember the name) 3) Mickey's Jungle Parade and... can you believe it... 4) Kali River Rapids :scared1:! It seems like every time we started to do the rapids in the past, we just didn't feel like getting soaked from head to toe. This year, we're going to plan for it and bring a change of clothes for everyone.

So, to summarize, I think we'll beat down the doors at opening and head straight for EE to either 1) grab a FP or 2) go ahead and stand in the queue (or maybe grab a FP AND stand in the queue :thumbsup2 <-that's my vote, then tackle Dinosaur (of which I want to attempt to photograph... I say attempt because I have never seen ANY decent pictures from inside Dinosaur so I don't know if it's even possible. I have a couple of strategies I'm anxious to try). This will probably get us close to some show times, Nemo and the Birds of Flight, then it will probably be pushing lunch time... don't know here... maybe Yak & Yeti take out, Pizzafari, or the Flame Tree Barbeque. What are your favorite CS spots in AK? We'll probably then head to Kali and finish our day at AK with Mickey's Jungle Parade.

I would love to try to get some night shots in AK, but it doesn't look like that will happen this trip either. Plus, I'm not sure it stays open late enough to get dark in AK any day we're there :confused3.

Why, do you ask, are we calling it a day in AK after the parade? Well, two reasons really. 1) the park closes at 5 and 2) we have ADR's at the Hoop De Do this night :woohoo:! They're not until 9:30pm, so we have some time to kill at the WL pool (or just have some "rest" time back in our room. Since our kids are still little, we have to be careful not to push them too hard... especially if we need them to put their game faces on for a 9:30pm dinner show).

I haven't done the HDDR in a loooooong time and Ali and the kids have never seen it. I can remember it's a really funny show and the food is pretty good (fried chicken and ribs IIRC, plus all the beer/wine you can consume). It should be a good time and a great way to end Day 3.

disneygirlinnj

08-21-2009, 09:43 AM

scoot241

08-21-2009, 10:19 AM

great plans for day 3! I was the same way with AK. Didn't really care for it but now I love it more than DHS. Did you guys like the Lion King show? I've never seen it but it's SO long and not sure if we want to sit through it. Tried watching some videos of it on youtube and it honestly doesn't seem like much?

My mom LOVES FotLK. It's a good show, but it does get a bit long. The coolest parts are the fire dancer and the tumbling monkeys. There's some crowd participation stuff (each section is an animal and makes that noise).

I'd say see it once and see how much you like it. Personally, I could skip it this September, but I think just about everyone else going with me wants to see it. If nothing else, it'll keep you out of the heat for a while.

Todd, I don't even remember where I ate last time I was at AK, so it must not have been very memorable. This time I think we're going to do Flame Tree BBQ.

Todd_H

08-21-2009, 11:01 AM

My mom LOVES FotLK. It's a good show, but it does get a bit long. The coolest parts are the fire dancer and the tumbling monkeys. There's some crowd participation stuff (each section is an animal and makes that noise).

I'd say see it once and see how much you like it.

Scott sums it up pretty well. That's exactly the way I feel about FotLK.

crocko

08-21-2009, 01:17 PM

Don't remember how long you are staying but AK is open until 8pm on Friday the 25th.

oregonmommyof2

08-21-2009, 01:31 PM

Don't remember how long you are staying but AK is open until 8pm on Friday the 25th.

Yup, we are going this day as well, and hoping to get good AK pictures in the evening...

We are going to try the Picnic in the Park... Either that or Rainforest Cafe...

Todd_H

08-21-2009, 01:58 PM

Don't remember how long you are staying but AK is open until 8pm on Friday the 25th.

I saw that but as of now we're either going to do MNSSHP that night or head over to Epcot in the afternoon for the first day of the F&W festival and stay to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy that night.

There's actually quite a lot happening that Friday night. Usually, when you have one of the parties going on in the MK, the park that has evening EMH will get slammed (which is AK this particular night). However, you also have the first day of the food & wine festival in Epcot, and the only other night that week that Fantasmic is being shown at DHS. So, hopefully the non-MNSSHPartying crowd will be equally pulled between DHS, Epcot, and AK that night and no park will be overcrowded. I'm again jumping ahead in my PTR, but I'll come back to this topic as we are still undecided on what we're going to do that night (our last night).

crocko

08-21-2009, 02:03 PM

Wow!

Hadn't realized that so much was going on that night. That's our last full day at the parks...and thus right now, have no idea of what will actually end up doing that night.

jordanyosh

08-21-2009, 02:17 PM

Flights Of Wonder is a good show. I really like it. Kinda corny, but really cool to see birds doing some cool things. They bring out one or two birds that take your breath away for sure. I won't ruin the surprise.

Finding Nemo the Musical is a great addition. The A/C alone makes this attraction worth it. It's amazing that they capture the spirit of the movie in only 40 minutes. It's my favorite show at WDW. I try not to miss this one when I go.

My choice as far as CS is Flame Tree. If it's unbearably hot and humid, try Pizzafari. The pizza is meh, but they have this Italian Sandwich that's pretty good and the breadsticks are pretty serviceable.

oregondaddyof2

08-22-2009, 12:06 AM

then tackle Dinosaur ([I]of which I want to attempt to photograph... I say attempt because I have never seen ANY decent pictures from inside Dinosaur so I don't know

Good luck bud! I rode this last year, and could barely hold my camera, let alone try to get a picture... I want to see what you end up with... I will try to get a picture or two also, just for laughs :lmao:...

scoot241

08-22-2009, 12:11 AM

disneygirlinnj

08-22-2009, 06:56 AM

Good luck bud! I rode this last year, and could barely hold my camera, let alone try to get a picture... I want to see what you end up with... I will try to get a picture or two also, just for laughs :lmao:...

I'm thinking turn the shutter speed (especially) and the ISO way up and pray. Tv, as fast as you can get it to go while still exposing a decent picture. I remember Dinosaur being very jerky, so that would be my plan.

Haha...you should have seen me trying to get a photo last time I went on! I think I almost stabbed my eye out with all the bouncing. :laughing: I'm attempting it again this year too though so I'm crossing my fingers.

scoot241

08-22-2009, 09:48 AM

Haha...you should have seen me trying to get a photo last time I went on! I think I almost stabbed my eye out with all the bouncing. :laughing: I'm attempting it again this year too though so I'm crossing my fingers.

Just don't stick your crossed fingers in your eye while you're trying to take pictures while bouncing around. :eek:

All7OfUs

08-22-2009, 11:44 AM

Here to second Flame Tree. We loved the food, and the seating areas are delightful.

Nemo is just out of this world- or under this world, depending on how you look at it. Our whole family was mesmorized, especially the little ones. Amazing acting and singing!

Curious to see what your evening plans end up being. Keep it coming!

Todd_H

08-23-2009, 11:44 AM

I'm thinking turn the shutter speed (especially) and the ISO way up and pray. Tv, as fast as you can get it to go while still exposing a decent picture. I remember Dinosaur being very jerky, so that would be my plan.

Definitely shooting in shutter priority (i always do for dark rides) and I'll probably set the ISO to as low as I can get away with (thinking 3200 or 6400). From what I can remember, there are several stops during the ride where you get good looks at the Dinosaurs. Those scenes are what I'm going to shoot for, no pun intended :).

Haha...you should have seen me trying to get a photo last time I went on! I think I almost stabbed my eye out with all the bouncing. :laughing: I'm attempting it again this year too though so I'm crossing my fingers.

That's my biggest fear... getting a black eye from my camera :rotfl:!

Todd_H

08-23-2009, 12:08 PM

O.K.

Ali insisted that I post this tip for anyone who chooses to do Mickey's Backyard BBQ in the future... dress your kids alike or at least in a way that they will stand out to the characters. When Goofy came out during the dancing, he went straight for our kids and pulled them out of the crowd to dance because they were both dressed like tablecloths:

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/627771670_BVcHF-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/627772451_3pDkd-M.jpg

and just a few more:

Here's DS putting the moves on Alice
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/627769752_7D4Mt-M.jpg

DD posing with Brer Fox and Brer Bear
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/627770933_fY2ky-M.jpg

DS wondering where Pluto is and why he didn't take his bone with him
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/624224281_3WRQS-M.jpg

Day 4 plans coming soon so please stay tuned!!

oregondaddyof2

08-23-2009, 08:56 PM

Here's DS putting the moves on Alice
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/627769752_7D4Mt-M.jpg

Very nice! Teaching him young... WTG Todd! :lmao: That is a very cute picture... Great one to bring out around high school time, maybe the meeting of his first girlfriend :laughing:...

All7OfUs

08-24-2009, 05:05 AM

You know what I like about that picture of your son with Alice?? His little bare feet! I know some people might be thinking- EW! But what a fun detail to add. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but I like it.

Todd_H

08-24-2009, 05:38 AM

Very nice! Teaching him young... WTG Todd! :lmao: That is a very cute picture... Great one to bring out around high school time, maybe the meeting of his first girlfriend :laughing:...
Thanks! Yes, we're going to have to keep this one in our minds for future use. My dad liked to embarrass me in front of girls I brought home (saying things like "Gee, son... she's A LOT prettier than you said she was"), so I can't wait to embarrass my son ;).

You know what I like about that picture of your son with Alice?? His little bare feet! I know some people might be thinking- EW! But what a fun detail to add. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but I like it.

Oh yeah... the feet. I forgot to explain that. If you look back to my first post in this thread (the intros), you will my the picture of my DS sitting in front of the Fountain in France taking off his crocs. That's when the shoes came off. At the time, the boy had this thing about taking his shoes off everywhere (he still does, actually... though not quite as bad as he used to be). We got to where we didn't try to fight him on it unless there was real danger or if we were in a restaurant (as a parent, you learn quickly to pick your battles with your children). We did get approached by a CM suggesting that we put his shoes back on (he had evidently seen some horrific things happen to children's bare feet in Epcot), but nothing ever happened (plus we were strolling him around everywhere anyway).

disneygirlinnj

08-24-2009, 08:40 AM

That photo of him and Alice is beautiful! And you can tell that you're a 'seasoned' photographer because you actually got down to their level to take the photo. It wouldn't have had the same effect as if you were standing normally. :)

Todd_H

08-24-2009, 11:37 AM

Don't have too much to write about day 4, however, day 4 should be a really fun and busy day. We'll start out by heading to Typhoon Lagoon for some waterpark action. I'm really excited about TL this year because the kids absolutely love being in the water (the ocean, a pool, whatever). They enjoyed TL last trip, but neither were tall enough to do some (actually MOST) of the slides. I think we'll have some success this year and DD may even be tall enough to do the Crush n Gusher, but not 100% sure (if I'm not mistaken, there was an unusually high height restriction on this one). Anyway, I also got a waterproof shell for my p&s camera that will also make it into the water with us, so we'll see if we can get some creative shots. We'll probably eat lunch there and then head back to the room for some rest time before heading back out to Epcot that night.

At Epcot, we plan to do as much as we can given the short period of time we'll have for rides that evening (we may just have time for Soarin and Test Track). We have an ADR at Teppan-Edo (never eaten there) at 7:50 which should put us getting out just in time for Illuminations. I tried to photograph Illuminations from the Japan Pavillion back in May, but I'm not happy with many of the shots I got. So given the fact that we'll already be right there in the Pavillion, I'll probably try it again. Here are a few from May that came out o.k.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3577939457_f8de72de7d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3578761758_9703676610_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3578759452_850028351d_b.jpg

As I already said, this will be a bit of a short day in Epcot for us, but as of now, I think we're also going to be in Epcot on our last night... more of that later :).

crocko

08-24-2009, 12:39 PM

Went to Teppan Edo this past December....we really liked it.

SilverL

08-24-2009, 12:58 PM

We're going to Teppan Edo as well. I'm really looking forward to it, having never been to that type of restaurant before.

annnewjerz

08-24-2009, 01:17 PM

Teppan Edo is a possibility for us in December---either that, or Tutto Italia, so make sure to let us know what ya think. :surfweb:

After seeing pictures of Jeff's shots from Tokyo Dining it makes me want to try there as well, but from what I understand it's not a Disney owned restaurant, so a lot of the sushi choices aren't on the dining plan. :headache:

PS: I can't believe you're up to like 8 pages already for just your PTR. Your TR is bound to be a DISboards phenom at this rate. :thumbsup2

oregondaddyof2

08-24-2009, 02:09 PM

We are scheduled to do Teppan Edo on one of our Epcot nights... i am sooo looking forward to it... Good choice

scoot241

08-24-2009, 02:32 PM

Another one here doing Teppan Edo. It will also be our first time; should be fun!

jordanyosh

08-24-2009, 11:20 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3577939457_f8de72de7d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3578761758_9703676610_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3578759452_850028351d_b.jpg

These pictures are AWESOME!

All7OfUs

08-25-2009, 12:12 AM

This one is on our short list of places to try in EPCOT next year!! Looks like a fun group thing to do!

As usual your photos are stunning! Kudos!

I"m sure with the Sept. heat, TL will be a welcome thing for everyone!! I really look forward to seeing what you come up with using the waterproof gear!

Todd_H

08-25-2009, 01:58 PM

These pictures are AWESOME!

Thanks, Jordo!

As usual your photos are stunning! Kudos!

I"m sure with the Sept. heat, TL will be a welcome thing for everyone!! I really look forward to seeing what you come up with using the waterproof gear!

Thanks! I'm not hoping for much on the waterproof camera shooting, but we'll see how it goes.

Glad to hear so many positive comments on Teppan Edo. Ali and I have been to Japanese steak houses before but the kids haven't been to one yet. We thought it would be fun and entertaining for them.

After seeing pictures of Jeff's shots from Tokyo Dining it makes me want to try there as well, but from what I understand it's not a Disney owned restaurant, so a lot of the sushi choices aren't on the dining plan. :headache:

That's good to know for future reference. I think we're going to try some sushi from Tokyo Dining before our dinner that night. I'm curious to see if their sushi holds up to the sushi at the California Grill. We're not able to do it this time, but we love to slip up to the CG and sit at the bar for drinks and sushi at some point during our solo trips, but that's not going to happen this trip. Here's a picture of me and Ali when we were down last October (excuse the spilled drink on my shirt... the bartender did it, not me ;)). No really, the bartender did it... drink went flying across the bar and into my lap. First drink of the night too. The bartender was very cool about it and comped us for the drinks.
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/589802807_zXeSn-M.jpg

jordanyosh

08-25-2009, 02:13 PM

First of all, those drinks in front of you look good.

Our family has never been disappointed with Teppan Edo or it's earlier version either and we're Japanese/American so we do know our Japanese food.;)

Can't wait to see all your pix from the upcoming trip!

annnewjerz

08-25-2009, 02:20 PM

Here's a picture of me and Ali when we were down last October (excuse the spilled drink on my shirt... the bartender did it, not me ;)). No really, the bartender did it... drink went flying across the bar and into my lap.

Mhmmmmmmmm, that's what they all do---blame it on the bartender. :drinking1

If you are looking for other sushi options, I know there is a sushi bar in the Polynesian. I doubt it'll be up to par with CG, but it seems to get good reviews, I think we might grab some for lunch during our trip in October.

MRYPPNS

08-25-2009, 02:42 PM

Hi! I followed the link in All7ofUs' report. I'll be in WDW the week after you....Sept 30 to Oct 4.

Love your Haunted Mansion pictures....more please!!

Your kids are adorable!

All7OfUs

08-25-2009, 11:51 PM

Uh, huh, RIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT....

J/K! My kids tell me mine doesn't even have to be a glass of wine, I can even do that trick with water. :confused3

I was actually glad to hear about the good reviews from CG and sushi. That is one our list of "let's think about its", and I keep hearing all kinds of good things about their sushi.

Hey, MRYPPNS! Thanks for the shout out (even if just in name). I didn't know you were following along. :rolleyes1 But I do see you over on Wings and Kathy's PTRs (those are the ones, right?)

For the record...Comped drinks are always good. I'd take one in the lap anytime for a Disney priced drink.

Todd_H

08-26-2009, 05:32 AM

Hi! I followed the link in All7ofUs' report. I'll be in WDW the week after you....Sept 30 to Oct 4.

Love your Haunted Mansion pictures....more please!!

Your kids are adorable!

Hi MRYPPNS! Thanks for joining us! I'll definitely post some more pictures for you shortly.

Uh, huh, RIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT....

J/K! My kids tell me mine doesn't even have to be a glass of wine, I can even do that trick with water. :confused3

It does take some talent, doesn't it ;)

I was actually glad to hear about the good reviews from CG and sushi. That is one our list of "let's think about its", and I keep hearing all kinds of good things about their sushi.

You HAVE to go to the CG! It and Jiko are my favorite restaurants on the entire property (however we have not tried them all... maybe about 1/3 of them). And yes, the sushi is the best I have ever had anywhere.

For the record...Comped drinks are always good. I'd take one in the lap anytime for a Disney priced drink.

:rotfl: Yep, me too! I think I may have another accident on our next trip.

First of all, those drinks in front of you look good.

Our family has never been disappointed with Teppan Edo or it's earlier version either and we're Japanese/American so we do know our Japanese food.;)

This is great to know. Thanks, Jordo :thumbsup2

Mhmmmmmmmm, that's what they all do---blame it on the bartender. :drinking1

If you are looking for other sushi options, I know there is a sushi bar in the Polynesian. I doubt it'll be up to par with CG, but it seems to get good reviews, I think we might grab some for lunch during our trip in October.

Where in the Poly do they serve sushi? For the record, we loooooooove the Polynesian and have only been able to stay there one time a couple of years ago. Ali and I splerged and spent three nights there and had a room that was technically a "garden view" room, but we had an MK view. Here is a picture from our balcony from that trip
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/630773413_bveEp-XL.jpg

We bought into the DVC about 4 years ago with a small 100pt VWL contract that allows us a two bedroom villa in one of the slower seasons every two years. However, we have always said that if the DVC builds a resort at the Polynesian, we will mortgage E-VE-RY-THING to be able to buy in there! It was all I could do to hold off the temptation of buying into Bay Lake Towers!

Side note, I did the math one time of what it would take to buy enough DVC points to be able to live in WDW upon retirement... :scared1: you don't want to know. Plus, it would have to go on record as the absolute WORST investment in history :lmao: (but the thought is kinda cool, isn't it?). Actually, that wouldn't be an investment, it would technically be "buying into a lifestyle."

Todd_H

08-26-2009, 05:43 AM

For MRYPPNS

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532103398_j4TyC-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532099437_snNYC-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532103016_nrEJ3-M.jpg
I'm missing the catwoman in the series above. Hopefully I can capture her on this trip.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532720317_5KqM7-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532796371_Zsxv5-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532721184_b2bAa-M.jpg

see if anyone can tell me what (or where) this is in the HM:
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532720551_CMgVH-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532797815_pYLNG-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/538587058_m2Aa7-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532098847_Tdp6Z-M.jpg

and here's a better one of two of the three hitchhiking ghosts
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/532903668_R9UXu-M.jpg

annnewjerz

08-26-2009, 02:55 PM

Where in the Poly do they serve sushi?

From what I understand, it's right near Kona Cafe in the Poly. It's called Kona Island sushi (I believe).

If you hop over to the restaurant board, you can read all about it. I don't believe they do DDP credits, but you can pay OOP and either take out or eat there, but from what I understand there is limited seating. I've never been, so definitely don't take my word for all of this. If you do check it out in September, let me know how it is so I can avoid it in October if it was cruddy. :thumbsup2

disneygirlinnj

08-26-2009, 03:00 PM

yup annewjerz is right about the sushi bar at the poly. I believe it's RIGHT outside the Kona table service off to the side.. mabye kinda by the coffee kiosk? I remember seeing it but honestly drawing a blank as to exact location!

MRYPPNS

08-26-2009, 03:44 PM

Thanks for the HM pictures Todd! I can see myself riding this over and over again in October just to figure out where you took most of those pictures. It's the one ride I wish I would get stuck on for awhile....in the attic scene would be the best!

The Kona Sushi bar is actually the same location as the Kona Coffee bar, coffee in the am, sushi in the pm. It's located to the left of the entrance to the Kona Cafe.

{Hijacking Note to All7ofUs: you probably see me mostly on Kathy's report and TK's report. In the last week I've read your whole blog, caught up on your PTR and when I have the time will read your TR....and someday I will post on your thread :rotfl2:}

Gabrielsbigtrip

08-26-2009, 03:58 PM

Hopping in for the ride!

Great pictures and BEAUTIFUL children!

All7OfUs

08-27-2009, 04:46 AM

Thanks to all for the sushi bar info!!! I'm dying for some!! But will have to wait a year before there is ANY fresh fish of any kind within 1,000 miles of me. (I was going to say something about the 9-foot tape worm I saw on, oh never mind....) :lmao:

I have absolutely NO guess on the rather eerie picture of the 2 red "eyes". :confused3

Todd_H

08-28-2009, 06:47 AM

Hopping in for the ride!

Great pictures and BEAUTIFUL children!
Thank you and welcome!

I have absolutely NO guess on the rather eerie picture of the 2 red "eyes". :confused3

I had forgotten about that "quiz" that no one else bit on. It's actually right after you pass the bride and go "outside" the house. There are several ghosts flying up toward the sky (just before your doom buggy turns around backwards to head down to the graveyard).

Todd_H

08-28-2009, 07:00 AM

I was sitting in front of my computer last night processing some first day of school shots listening to some WDW park music on my iphone. In particular, the Adventureland Area Loop which is my favorite of all the "land" music loops. If you don't already have some of the park music, google WDW park music and try to grab some... it really helps on those long days if you're in a bad mood, or just miss the parks (or gearing up for a trip!).
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/632314570_yVL6k-L.jpg

For our Day 5 morning, we're going to do something we have never done before... let the kids choose where they want to go (and pray it's the same place, or we can compromise :lmao:). I'm guessing it will be either a water park or the MK, but who knows :confused3. They have been known to surprise us before.

In the afternoon/evening, I think we'll definitely head to the MK and try to get into the Plaza for dinner (couldn't make an ADR, they were full that night). If we can't get into the Plaza, we'll likely shoot for Cosmic Rays.

One thing I wanted to try on this trip was to photograph Wishes from some different locations. This could be the night for doing that. One location I want to set up is on the Polynesian Beach, a second is at the TTC (so you have both the train station and the Castle in the foreground) and the third is from the Contemporary observation deck. Who knows? If we don't have dinner reservations, it could be a good night to slip up to the Contemporary, sit at the bar (with kids? not sure if we can do that... actually probably not now that I think about it) eat some sushi, have a few drinks and try to set up a straight :rotfl: shot from the observation deck.

So after writing this update, it is clear to me that we have absolutely NO plan for Thursday (or, at least nothing in stone). That could be good, or could be disastrous. With us, it can go either way.

scoot241

08-28-2009, 09:11 AM

annnewjerz

08-28-2009, 10:20 AM

crocko

08-28-2009, 10:28 AM

Well, if you DO end up at Magic Kingdom on Thursday, keep your eyes open for the Crocker Family :thumbsup2

We'll be spending most of our Thursday at MK.

scoot241

08-28-2009, 11:08 AM

Alright I'm very interested in this, but have no idea how to do it. I have an iPHONE but am pretty technologically unsavy when it comes to getting music on it. The only way I know how is on iTUNES, but when I searched the iTUNES store, none of the park music came up except the WDW Band.

So, I Google'd "WDW Park Music" and the first site that came up (some geocities site) has a crap load of songs that I would love to have. You can right click to save them---but from there, I have no clue how to get them into my phone, and they are in .MDI format??

If you can explain, it'd be much appreciated. :)

It sounds like those are MIDI files. They won't play on the iPhone.

Look for mp3s. They are compatible with iPhones as well as most other devices. I'm not sure what Todd's source is but I've gotten mine from multiple places over the years but recently I've been using a torrent site (which requires an explanation in itself).

SilverL

08-28-2009, 11:29 AM

I would tell the kids that they get to pick something to do, BUT they have to agree. That is, assuming that might get them to "work together" instead of cause a fight. :rotfl:

Todd_H

08-28-2009, 12:52 PM

TTC sounds like a good place to catch the fireworks from. Probably would need a decently long lens (something I don't have yet).

Yep. Not sure exactly what I'll need. I may just take my 24-70 and my 70-200 and see what I can compose when I get out there. From what I can remember from watching Wishes on the beach at the Poly last year, those fireworks bursts are extremely large so the long telephoto might actually not be necessary to keep everything in frame.

Alright I'm very interested in this, but have no idea how to do it. I have an iPHONE but am pretty technologically unsavy when it comes to getting music on it. The only way I know how is on iTUNES, but when I searched the iTUNES store, none of the park music came up except the WDW Band.

So, I Google'd "WDW Park Music" and the first site that came up (some geocities site) has a crap load of songs that I would love to have. You can right click to save them---but from there, I have no clue how to get them into my phone, and they are in .MDI format??

If you can explain, it'd be much appreciated. :)
Ann, I'll send you a pm on this.

Well, if you DO end up at Magic Kingdom on Thursday, keep your eyes open for the Crocker Family :thumbsup2

Will do! You guys keep an eye out for us too.

I would tell the kids that they get to pick something to do, BUT they have to agree. That is, assuming that might get them to "work together" instead of cause a fight. :rotfl:

That's a great idea. I think we will do it that way :thumbsup2.

Gdad

08-28-2009, 01:59 PM

Great TR Todd- with some awesome photography. :thumbsup2

Todd_H

08-29-2009, 06:13 AM

Great TR Todd- with some awesome photography. :thumbsup2

Thanks, Jeff! Welcome aboard!

lacrosse_lady72

08-30-2009, 12:04 AM

Great, now I'm going to spend time listening to some WDW music... thanks...

:)

All7OfUs

08-31-2009, 01:12 AM

I LOVE the Disney music I"ve managed to find. I have about 3 hours worth on my IPod that I listen to constantly. One thing I've done is find some typical music from World Showcase from Amazon(Mo' Rockin', Off Kilter, French street music, the Mexican group (can't remember the name off the top of my head), etc... and made up a little World Showcase "tour". I listen to it and imagine myself strolling around enjoying all that magical place has to offer.

I"m having a super hard time, though finding the music they play around Future World. Any hints?? I especially love the music from around The Seas area. Anyone know the artist and if it's available??

Todd_H

08-31-2009, 09:10 AM

Great, now I'm going to spend time listening to some WDW music... thanks...

:)

You're welcome :lmao:!

I"m having a super hard time, though finding the music they play around Future World. Any hints?? I especially love the music from around The Seas area. Anyone know the artist and if it's available??

The site I used to pull my park tunes from has been shut down for some time. However, there is a huge amount of Disney park stuff over at mousebits.com and they might have the Seas area music over there :confused3. You will have to sign up for a free account and use a bittorrent program to download it, but it's well worth it (you can google "how to use a bittorrent" if you need an explanation on how bittorrent files work... it's a little more than I want to explain in my PTR... it's very easy though, I promise :)).

scoot241

08-31-2009, 09:16 AM

You're welcome :lmao:!

The site I used to pull my park tunes from has been shut down for some time. However, there is a huge amount of Disney park stuff over at mousebits.com and they might have the Seas area music over there :confused3. You will have to sign up for a free account and use a bittorrent program to download it, but it's well worth it (you can google "how to use a bittorrent" if you need an explanation on how bittorrent files work... it's a little more than I want to explain in my PTR... it's very easy though, I promise :)).

Mousebits was the site I was referring to earlier but didn't want to start a torrent tutorial in your PTR. :) I wouldn't be surprised if they had the entire Seas loop. Pretty sure they have multiple versions of the EPCOT entrance loop depending on the year (and what attractions are in the park).

Todd_H

08-31-2009, 10:27 AM

Welcome to Day 6! This is going to be our last full day in the World and we're still not 100% sure what we're going to do. The last day of your trip is always bittersweet, but this one is going to be tough because we're still torn as to what exactly we're going to do this night. Ali and I both like to spend our last day/night in the Magic Kingdom. To us, it just feels right to end our trip there. However this particular Friday night, the last night of our trip, is MNSSHP. We did MNSSHP two years ago and had a blast, but it's A LOT of money to drop for 4 of us, especially when we've already done it (my inner child voice - "but the rides will have nooooooo waaaaaaaaiiiiiiiitttttttt!). :headache: This is a tough one, but I think we're going to forgo MNSSHP this year and spend the morning and early afternoon in the MK, travel back to our room for one quick break and head over to Epcot to finish out the night. After riding some rides in Future World, we need to figure out dinner plans. This is the other night of our trip that we do not have any ADRs (Thursday was the first). I think we're going to try to get into the Coral Reef, we'll see (we haven't eaten there before and I've heard some good things about it). After dinner (wherever it may be), we'll head over to WS to check out the F&W festival and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, who are playing two shows that night, I think. Also, if we happened to miss Illuminations on Wednesday night for whatever reason, this may be our second chance for it. Otherwise, we may finish out the trip with a last burst of rides (whatever we can get on at this point of the night).

Still to come in the PTR... Day 7 - one final quick a.m. visit to the MK (maybe) and our departure from the World. Also, final thoughts about the trip, last minute changes (and you know there will be some), last minute plans, and probably some minor details like what are we doing for park tickets, how/why we picked the VWL, what we pack (and don't/won't pack), and I'm sure I'll lay out the photo gear I plan to carry and take a picture of it for those who may be interested or need a good shock :scared1:. That should carry us over the next 3 weeks :lmao:.

All7OfUs

08-31-2009, 11:34 PM

Thanks for the hints on music. I'll read up on torrents and do the best I can.

Hmmm.... plans for Day 6...

I really hope you won't miss the party too much, but it sounds like you've talked yourselves out of it, and have some other equally fun plans. I :cloud9: WS! My inner-novice- photographer-self says there are tons of great photo ops. over there.

Coral Reef sounds heavenly!! Someday I'll have to get myself over there and give it a try. I always end up in WS for eats, though.

I'm not a huge fan of Illum. but I like the idea of giving yourselves a second chance for it.

Looking forward to the last day's plans and all the little extras :)

jordanyosh

09-02-2009, 10:26 PM

I was sitting in front of my computer last night processing some first day of school shots listening to some WDW park music on my iphone. In particular, the Adventureland Area Loop which is my favorite of all the "land" music loops. If you don't already have some of the park music, google WDW park music and try to grab some... it really helps on those long days if you're in a bad mood, or just miss the parks (or gearing up for a trip!).
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/632314570_yVL6k-L.jpg

Sometimes the best medicine for a bad day is WDW music! We listened alot of WDW must to and from AZ last week....sooooo relaxing.

For our Day 5 morning, we're going to do something we have never done before... let the kids choose where they want to go (and pray it's the same place, or we can compromise :lmao:). I'm guessing it will be either a water park or the MK, but who knows :confused3. They have been known to surprise us before.

In the afternoon/evening, I think we'll definitely head to the MK and try to get into the Plaza for dinner (couldn't make an ADR, they were full that night). If we can't get into the Plaza, we'll likely shoot for Cosmic Rays.

One thing I wanted to try on this trip was to photograph Wishes from some different locations. This could be the night for doing that. One location I want to set up is on the Polynesian Beach, a second is at the TTC (so you have both the train station and the Castle in the foreground) and the third is from the Contemporary observation deck. Who knows? If we don't have dinner reservations, it could be a good night to slip up to the Contemporary, sit at the bar (with kids? not sure if we can do that... actually probably not now that I think about it) eat some sushi, have a few drinks and try to set up a straight :rotfl: shot from the observation deck.

So after writing this update, it is clear to me that we have absolutely NO plan for Thursday (or, at least nothing in stone). That could be good, or could be disastrous. With us, it can go either way.

I think having some ideas of what you'd like to do will prevent any disasters.

jordanyosh

09-02-2009, 10:33 PM

Todd_H

09-03-2009, 07:55 AM

Your plans, as always, sound great. Coral Reef is a great restaurant, but I went after hearing about 65% of DISers say it was awful and the other 35% loving it. Maybe I went in with low expectations, but it was a good meal. We were in the farthest section from the aquarium windows, but still had a great view of the sea life....

That's interesting. I haven't heard those stats on the Coral Reef. We'll give it a shot (we'll give any WDW restaurant at least one shot) and see how it goes. Hopefully we can get a table by the aquarium, but who knows :confused3. At this point, we'd probably be lucky just to get in.

We still don't have ADR's for Thursday or Friday. We're shooting to get into O'hana on Thursday (or the Plaza if we stay in the MK) and Coral Reef on Friday, but both are going to be last minute if at all. The good thing about Friday is that, worst case scenario, we can fill up on the "street vendor" food of the F&W Festival since we'll be out of TS credits by Friday anyway.

Todd_H

09-03-2009, 08:14 AM

Sorry I don't have another update, but thought I might share a little scare we had yesterday.

About 10:30am, Ali called me at work crying and in the background I could hear the "ding ding" of her car door being opened and her only words were "I'm o.k." I immediately thought she had been in a car accident so I felt that wave of sheer distress come over me. Then she said "I fell down while I was running, but I'm o.k." She had dropped our DS off at preschool and gone for a jog. About a quarter of a mile away from our house, she tripped and fell on the sidewalk. She used her left hand to break her fall and said she got up and brushed herself off and started running home because both her hand/wrist and knee were pretty banged up and she was bleeding pretty bad. When she got about half way home she looked closer at her hand and noticed her engagement ring had broken and the diamond was gone :scared1:. She immediately burst into tears and ran all the way back home and hopped in her car and drove back to the site where she fell. Now, let me tell you how awesome my wife is... she actually found her diamond on the ground! That was when she called me, still shaken up. All is well now, her hand and knee look a little better today and she's going to take her ring to the jeweler to get it fixed.

I honestly can't believe she found the diamond. That could have been like finding a needle in a haystack. Anyway, here are a few pictures of the ring:
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/638314184_c7cUi-XL.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/638314373_yb6zY-L.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/638314610_fUZa3-L.jpg

disneygirlinnj

09-03-2009, 08:58 AM

Wow, glad you wife is OK! And that is amazing that she found the diamond, it's a gorgeous ring!

annnewjerz

09-03-2009, 09:05 AM

I would have been so scared if I got a call like that, I'm glad everything is okay. Ali's ring looks like it got put through a garbage disposal the way the prongs are all bent backwards---but I'm sure she's happy she found the diamond. :eek:

Personally, I don't get too worked up about losing jewelry, but I would be absolutely devastated if I lost my wedding/engagement rings or any component of them. I hardly wear them anymore (just not big on jewelry) but couldn't imagine not having them simply for the sentimental value they hold, not because I'd be worried about losing a few thousand in diamonds.

Anywho, glad all is well and no one has to go to WDW with a broken bone or anything---I'd imagine that might take a litttttle bit of the fun out of it.

oregonmommyof2

09-03-2009, 09:53 AM

Oh poor Ali!!! Ouch!

And never underestimate a woman when it comes to her diamonds... ;)

norybell

09-03-2009, 11:52 PM

Just wanted to say:

(a) Signing on; loving your PTR!

(b) What a beautiful ring! Glad your wife found the diamond...what are the chances?

(c) What amazing photos! I just got a Sony superzoom because I didn't feel quite ready for a "real" camera, and I can only dream of taking photos like yours. Maybe someday? :lmao: (the laughing head is because I know the true chances of this ever happening!)

oregondaddyof2

09-04-2009, 12:02 AM

oregonmommyof2

09-04-2009, 12:07 AM

Wow Todd... That is crazy stuff... Ali is macho woman! I think if I would have fell hard enough to do that kind of damage to my ring, I would have rolled up in the fetal position and cried like a baby... Congrats for finding the diamond... That is awesome...

I am going to vouch for him on the whole fetal position and crying... I have seen him do it... It isn't pretty...

All7OfUs

09-04-2009, 12:10 AM

Simply amazing! First off, I'm so glad she was not hurt badly; when I first started reading I did think that something much more awful had happened.

Did she say how long she looked for her diamond?? I had one friend who lost a diamond on her floor in the house, and it turned up weeks later, I guess near a baseboard.

jordanyosh

09-04-2009, 02:43 AM

Todd_H

09-04-2009, 07:57 AM

Wow, glad you wife is OK! And that is amazing that she found the diamond, it's a gorgeous ring!
Thanks! I picked it out myself (with a little help from her ;))

I would have been so scared if I got a call like that, I'm glad everything is okay. Ali's ring looks like it got put through a garbage disposal the way the prongs are all bent backwards---but I'm sure she's happy she found the diamond. :eek:

Anywho, glad all is well and no one has to go to WDW with a broken bone or anything---I'd imagine that might take a litttttle bit of the fun out of it.

Yeah, the ring is banged up pretty good. She's going to take it in to have it fixed today. Hopefully they can buff out some of the dings as well. I really got lucky because I just took out an IM insurance policy on it (and some other jewelry and my camera gear) about 2 months ago so it's covered. I insured the ring right after I bought it over 10 years ago and had the policy up until about a year and 1/2 ago and then just got lazy and let it lapse. I decided a couple of months ago that wasn't a good idea to have no coverage (actually limited coverage under our homeowner's policy) so I bought a new policy. Whew! Dodged a bullet there.

Oh poor Ali!!! Ouch!

And never underestimate a woman when it comes to her diamonds... ;)

Amen!

Just wanted to say:

(a) Signing on; loving your PTR!

(b) What a beautiful ring! Glad your wife found the diamond...what are the chances?

(c) What amazing photos! I just got a Sony superzoom because I didn't feel quite ready for a "real" camera, and I can only dream of taking photos like yours. Maybe someday? :lmao: (the laughing head is because I know the true chances of this ever happening!)

Hi, norybell! Thanks for your compliments and welcome!

Wow Todd... That is crazy stuff... Ali is macho woman! I think if I would have fell hard enough to do that kind of damage to my ring, I would have rolled up in the fetal position and cried like a baby... Congrats for finding the diamond... That is awesome...

She's my hero... seriously. She is an amazing woman.

I am going to vouch for him on the whole fetal position and crying... I have seen him do it... It isn't pretty...

I almost found myself in that position last night watching my Wolfpack put up an abysmal performance against USC (South Carolina, not Southern Cal) in the ESPN NCAA football opener.

Did she say how long she looked for her diamond??

She didn't say, but I think she actually found it pretty quickly once she drove to the exact spot she fell down. Even still, it is amazing to me that she was able to find it having not seen it fall out or anything.

We are very fortunate. Thanks for everyone's comments and concerns!

annnewjerz

09-10-2009, 08:57 AM

:surfweb:

:)

oregonmommyof2

09-10-2009, 09:34 AM

:surfweb:

:)

I was just thinking the same thing...

popcorn::

Hey Todd... You are in single digits now...

:jumping1:

lacrosse_lady72

09-10-2009, 09:59 AM

I can't believe I'm just reading about that ring now, that's NUTS! I'm so glad she found the diamond :) and even more that she is OK.

Todd_H

09-10-2009, 02:21 PM

Hi everyone! We're on the home stretch now with 9 days until we leave (10 days until our feet are in the park :woohoo:).

Sorry I've been slack on my PTR the past few days, but haven't really had any new developments until last night. I was thinking about our trip yesterday and the few things we had left to take care of like purchase the park tix for the kids, to do the DDP or not, etc., and I started doing some math on the DDP and the park tickets. First, we opted to go for the DDP. Not sure exactly how much we'll save by doing it, but it is convenient and I think worst case scenario it's a break-even. As far as tickets go, we usually buy the MYW + park hopper + water park & more option for the kids (Ali and I both have APs), but after looking at our schedule for the week, there wasn't any day we planned on park hopping and we only planned to spend one day in a water park (TL). Therefore, I figured out our most economical option was to just buy the kids a 7 day MYW base ticket and a separate 1 day admission to Typhoon Lagoon. Since their tickets are going to now cost substantially less, we decided to do MNSSHP on Friday the last night of our trip :woohoo:! This keeps our tradition going of spending our last night in WDW at the MK. Plus the kids love the Boo To You Parade (which is the best parade, IMO), plus all the cool lighting/decorations of the MK during MNSSHP = interesting night photography, plus walk on rides... I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

oregondaddyof2

09-10-2009, 02:44 PM

Speaking of night photography, I had a few questions for you, aka - the photo genius :worship::worship::worship:...

Where is a good place to be to photograph the Parade? Last year I was on the upper level of the train station at the entrance, and it seemed good, but this year I was hoping for a little different angle, and hopefully better pics... Where is your favorite spot? Also, i was planning on standing near Casey's Corner for the Hallowishes fireworks... Is that a good spot you think? Last year I was way to close and nearly had to shot handheld at a 60 degree angle and couldn't get the fireworks and the castle in the same shots...

Todd_H

09-10-2009, 03:41 PM

Where is a good place to be to photograph the Parade? Last year I was on the upper level of the train station at the entrance, and it seemed good, but this year I was hoping for a little different angle, and hopefully better pics... Where is your favorite spot?

Actually, I don't have a favorite spot for the parades as I have only tried to photograph one of the night parades, which was the PPP early last year. But this is how I plan to find a place this year: 1) I'm going to try to find an area that's a little better lit with "normal" ambient lighting (i.e. white or yellow lights vs. red or orange or some other off color that you'll see at MNSSHP) and 2) I'm going to try to shoot with as few people in the background as possible (I may try it with the castle in the background). I think this will work because, if I'm not mistaken, the MNSSHP parade runs in the opposite direction of Spectromagic, so the parade should come down Main Street toward the train station. I might also use a monopod... not sure yet. If I use a monopod, I will likely use a 35mm prime lens so I won't have to zoom in and out while holding the monopod.

Also, i was planning on standing near Casey's Corner for the Hallowishes fireworks... Is that a good spot you think?

That's a great spot. Actually, if you go up toward the castle about 20 yards from Casey's and line up with one of the trash cans on the side there, you'll get this view (which was taken at around 40mm I think):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3618347872_eb0a7b16f7.jpg

annnewjerz

09-10-2009, 03:53 PM

Since their tickets are going to now cost substantially less, we decided to do MNSSHP on Friday the last night of our trip :woohoo:! This keeps our tradition going of spending our last night in WDW at the MK. Plus the kids love the Boo To You Parade (which is the best parade, IMO), plus all the cool lighting/decorations of the MK during MNSSHP = interesting night photography, plus walk on rides... I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

Very exciting news about MNSSHP---although I think seeing BBVD at Epcot would have been fun too. So much to do, so little time!

That being said, now my pictures from MNSSHP are going to be that much less interesting when I eventually post a TR. As you had said previously in this report---it's on like Donkey Kong, Todd. I may not have gear as good as yours, but I don't have any kids to take care of either. ;)

oregondaddyof2

09-10-2009, 04:16 PM

I think this will work because, if I'm not mistaken, the MNSSHP parade runs in the opposite direction of Spectromagic, so the parade should come down Main Street toward the train station. I might also use a monopod... not sure yet. If I use a monopod, I will likely use a 35mm prime lens so I won't have to zoom in and out while holding the monopod.

The parade does end at the entrance of the park on mainstreet... I am assuming it begins on the road between Splash Mountain and the path to Adventure Land... I took the Keys to the Kingdom Tour last year and we toured the float hangar and saw them all up close... It was awesome... I may try to set up near Casey's Corner for this also... i would also like to get the castle in some of the parade shots... Good idea! :thumbsup2

Todd_H

09-10-2009, 09:48 PM

Very exciting news about MNSSHP---although I think seeing BBVD at Epcot would have been fun too. So much to do, so little time!

Yep, BBVD would be awesome to see I'm sure. The reason I seriously considered MNSSHP again is because I read that first night of the F&W Festival in Epcot draws A LOT of the locals and it really gets crazy. We'll still spend our Friday daytime in Epcot to partake in some of the festivities, but this gives us an awesome final night in the MK!

That being said, now my pictures from MNSSHP are going to be that much less interesting when I eventually post a TR. As you had said previously in this report---it's on like Donkey Kong, Todd. I may not have gear as good as yours, but I don't have any kids to take care of either. ;)

:rotfl2:
You know, one thing that's going to be hard for me is to keep reminding myself that this is not a photography trip, but a family trip. Therefore, I can't keep them waiting while I set up shots or venture off on my own to do some shooting. I hope I can get my photography mojo working while I'm there. It's easy to get excited about it beforehand, but once you're there and it's really really hot and humid, all bets are off as to what you find yourself lugging around the parks every day.

I can't wait to see what you capture on your upcoming trips. You've got a great eye and some great camera gear too :thumbsup2! I'm sure you're going to grab some awesome shots in October and then especially in December once you've already been down there once with a DSLR and get really familiar with shooting under the various conditions there. For me, photography really added a new level of enjoyment to the parks.

annnewjerz

09-10-2009, 10:02 PM

Yep, BBVD would be awesome to see I'm sure. The reason I seriously considered MNSSHP again is because I read that first night of the F&W Festival in Epcot draws A LOT of the locals and it really gets crazy. We'll still spend our Friday daytime in Epcot to partake in some of the festivities, but this gives us an awesome final night in the MK!

Bleh! I didn't realize it would be the first day at F&W, for some reason I was thinking that started in October, don't know why. I agree though, I hear it gets pretty nuts over there so it's probably best you steer clear.

:rotfl2:
You know, one thing that's going to be hard for me is to keep reminding myself that this is not a photography trip, but a family trip. Therefore, I can't keep them waiting while I set up shots or venture off on my own to do some shooting. I hope I can get my photography mojo working while I'm there. It's easy to get excited about it beforehand, but once you're there and it's really really hot and humid, all bets are off as to what you find yourself lugging around the parks every day.

Short of going solo for work, are there ever any real "photography trips"? I'll be going with DH and then DH & DM in December and even though they're pretty patient, I doubt they will stand around for 10 minutes while I see which angle is best, etc. I'm just going to have to keep my fingers crossed and shoot. I guess the lack of heat and humidity (hopefully) is another thing I've got going for me since we're going in December. Apparently the normal temp is mid-70's, but we'll see about that. :santa:

I can't wait to see what you capture on your upcoming trips. You've got a great eye and some great camera gear too :thumbsup2! I'm sure you're going to grab some awesome shots in October and then especially in December once you've already been down there once with a DSLR and get really familiar with shooting under the various conditions there. For me, photography really added a new level of enjoyment to the parks.

Geeez, talk about expectations to live up to. :rolleyes1 :laughing:

All7OfUs

09-11-2009, 06:28 AM

Very stoked you added the party! Breaking tradition might be a tough pill to swallow.

Love your reminder to self about this being a family trip, too! That may make all the difference in how you approach your touring, and what you see and what you don't.

Todd_H

09-11-2009, 07:50 AM

Short of going solo for work, are there ever any real "photography trips"?

Good point.

Geeez, talk about expectations to live up to. :rolleyes1 :laughing:

Expectations are high, Ann:thumbsup2! Bring it!

Todd_H

09-11-2009, 07:56 AM

Very stoked you added the party! Breaking tradition might be a tough pill to swallow.

I'm really excited about MNSSHP now. I think that could be the highlight of our trip (if we're not about to drop from exhaustion at that point in our trip). The kids did really well 2 years ago when we went. They made it all the way to midnight (quite a feat for our kids who are used to going to bed by 8pm every night).

Love your reminder to self about this being a family trip, too! That may make all the difference in how you approach your touring, and what you see and what you don't.

Yes, we try to plan everything for them and from their perspective. It's a bit of a balancing act because you don't want to push them so hard they burn out by 3pm, so we usually take the afternoon break and head back to the parks at night. You definitely have to pace yourself with small kids.

Todd_H

09-12-2009, 06:30 AM

Ali and I were talking over our schedule last night and we decided to change it slightly. With our first schedule and the addition of MNSSHP, we figured out that we weren't giving ourselves enough time in Epcot and DHS. Therefore, since we are planning on purchasing base tickets for the kids, we decided to ditch Typhoon Lagoon and use Wednesday all day for Epcot and Friday for DHS. This means that we'll miss the first day of the F&W Festival, but that's o.k. We can't really drink in the daytime and expect to make it for MNSSHP that night anyway ;).

So our final schedule looks like this:
Sunday, September 20th
Arrival at WL around 11:00am
lunch at Roaring Forks
DHS with dinner at Sci-Fi
catch late Fantasmic show

Monday, September 21st
Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
Magic Kingdom a.m.
break
Magic Kingdom p.m.
No ADR's for dinner (Cosmic Ray's maybe)
Spectro
Wishes

Tuesday, September 22nd
Animal Kingdom all day
after parade, back to WL to rest/swim
Hoop Dee Do Revue at 9:30pm

Wednesday, September 23rd
Epcot a.m.
break
Epcot p.m.
Dinner at Teppan-Edo at 7:30pm
Illuminations

Thursday, September 24th
Magic Kingdom a.m.
break
Magic Kingdom p.m.
No ADR's (hopefully we can get into O'hana that night on a last minute cancellation)
photograph Wishes from Poly beach or TTC

Friday, September 25th
DHS a.m.
after lunch, head back to WL for long afternoon break/swim
MNSSHP
No ADR's

Saturday, September 26th
Depending on how we all feel, we may head back over to the MK for one or two last minute rides
around 11:00am - head home :(

We'd love to squeeze in the Fort Wilderness Campfire Movie one night, but not sure if we'll be able to do it.

SilverL

09-12-2009, 11:29 AM

Look for us on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd! We'll be at the same parks.

VVFF

09-14-2009, 09:02 AM

Fantastic pictures. Someday here I'll post the pictures and trip report from my December trip...I started it but never finished it :(

scoot241

09-14-2009, 11:04 AM

Todd, your plans look great!

I hope your kids don't mind getting a DelMonte fruit cup at Teppan Edo, because that's the only dessert they have for kids. Everything else about the restaurant was great, but the fruit cup left a bit a of a bad taste in my mouth. I haven't reached that point on my trip report yet, so I felt the need to point that out.

Our first night (a Sunday) we had reservations for Ohana, and I overheard that it was a two hour wait to get in. Good luck with getting in!

MRYPPNS

09-14-2009, 11:43 AM

If you can't get in to 'Ohana's as a walk-up (I personally wouldn't try that for dinner) may I suggest the Grand Floridian Cafe or the counter service at the Contemporary. Always good to have a back up plan I say!

disneygirlinnj

09-14-2009, 11:44 AM

Great final plans! :)

Scott...did the kids have the option of ice cream at Teppan Edo? Fruit cups are bleh! :(

scoot241

09-14-2009, 11:55 AM

Great final plans! :)

Scott...did the kids have the option of ice cream at Teppan Edo? Fruit cups are bleh! :(

No, the kids must have fruit cups, or at least that was my experience.

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-14-2009, 11:56 AM

Ohana's was a zoo when we arrived for our ADR but we were seated right away. I am not sure about a walk up there but guess what......

while we were waiting to be seated at Le Cellier.....a lady came out with her family proudly saying "I don't know about this Dining Plan stuff but we were seated after 15 minute wait with NO ADR!!!"

:eek:

We were there for 4:30pm ADR's so they must have come right at opening.....it was our first time and oh boy was the filet good....it was our best meal.

Good luck with Ohana's I hope you get in!

All7OfUs

09-15-2009, 12:17 AM

Your plans look great! They look like a nice balance of all the parks and you're hitting some really nice places to eat. I agree, need a back up plan in case O'hana is full.

I'd say your best bet for making the campfire over at the Fort is to try before the Hoop on Tues. You wouldn't make it through all of it, but at least the sing a long and marshmallows and probably Chip and Dale as well.

WOW! Less than week to go!!

annnewjerz

09-15-2009, 06:06 PM

I can't believe you're leaving in 4 days. I'm so jealous, Todd.

Todd_H

09-15-2009, 07:40 PM

Look for us on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd! We'll be at the same parks.

Will do, Shawna! You guys have a great trip.

Fantastic pictures. Someday here I'll post the pictures and trip report from my December trip...I started it but never finished it :(

Thanks!

Todd, your plans look great!

I hope your kids don't mind getting a DelMonte fruit cup at Teppan Edo, because that's the only dessert they have for kids.

Our first night (a Sunday) we had reservations for Ohana, and I overheard that it was a two hour wait to get in. Good luck with getting in!

Well, that's not all bad about the fruit cup. Being on the DDP, there will be puh-lenty of other opportunities for junk. Hopefully we can get them to eat a grape or two ;).

2 hour wait at 'Ohana, huh? Well, that probably won't work out so we'll figure out a backup.

If you can't get in to 'Ohana's as a walk-up (I personally wouldn't try that for dinner) may I suggest the Grand Floridian Cafe or the counter service at the Contemporary. Always good to have a back up plan I say!

We very well could try one of those other options. Thanks for the suggestion!

Great final plans! :)

Thanks!

Your plans look great! They look like a nice balance of all the parks and you're hitting some really nice places to eat. I agree, need a back up plan in case O'hana is full.

I'd say your best bet for making the campfire over at the Fort is to try before the Hoop on Tues. You wouldn't make it through all of it, but at least the sing a long and marshmallows and probably Chip and Dale as well.

I think we're actually going to try to make the GF/Poly beach movie on Thursday night (the night we were going to try to get into 'Ohana or at least somewhere in the MK resort area).

I can't believe you're leaving in 4 days. I'm so jealous, Todd.

Yep. 4 days and counting down :woohoo:!

Todd_H

09-15-2009, 07:47 PM

O.K. for those of you who might be interested, this is the photography gear I'll be lugging down to the World. Note that this is NOT what I plan to carry into the parks every day. I'll probably just have one camera body and two or three lenses. I'll rent a locker to stash my tripod and maybe one of the lenses while we tour in the daytime and retrieve it at night. The rest will accompany me in my gear backpack.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/650869434_E4Pai-XL.jpg

If you're interested in what all this stuff is, here is a link to a thread in the photography board with the rundown: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33596007#post33596007

scoot241

09-15-2009, 08:17 PM

Well, that's not all bad about the fruit cup. Being on the DDP, there will be puh-lenty of other opportunities for junk. Hopefully we can get them to eat a grape or two ;).

2 hour wait at 'Ohana, huh? Well, that probably won't work out so we'll figure out a backup.

Overall I agree, but a $13 kids entree should come with something slighty better I think. I was on DDP also though. The fruit cup was mandarin oranges or something like that.

disneygirlinnj

09-15-2009, 08:55 PM

I think I almost shorted out my laptop by accidentally drooling on the keyboard after seeing the photography gear. You know...if you EVER want to get rid of some stuff... I'm a Canon user tooooooo ;)

annnewjerz

09-15-2009, 08:58 PM

Pec pads, huh? Is that something you use prior to going into the pool or waterparks to make the chesticles look nicer for the viewing public? ;)

The gear looks good (considering it's Canon, since we all known Nikon is far superior). I'm assuming the second body is just for back-up rather than your DW shooting also, right??

scoot241

09-15-2009, 09:23 PM

I think I almost shorted out my laptop by accidentally drooling on the keyboard after seeing the photography gear. You know...if you EVER want to get rid of some stuff... I'm a Canon user tooooooo ;)

LOL I'll join the begging party too. :) I really want a 70-200 L and a speedlight. Those are my next two planned photography purchases eventually.

Todd_H

09-15-2009, 10:02 PM

I think I almost shorted out my laptop by accidentally drooling on the keyboard after seeing the photography gear. You know...if you EVER want to get rid of some stuff... I'm a Canon user tooooooo ;)

Will do :laughing:

Pec pads, huh? Is that something you use prior to going into the pool or waterparks to make the chesticles look nicer for the viewing public? ;)

Exactly ;)

The gear looks good (considering it's Canon, since we all known Nikon is far superior). I'm assuming the second body is just for back-up rather than your DW shooting also, right??

Actually both. The second DSLR body is Ali's. I'm trying to get her off of the auto modes though.

Nikon does a pretty good job of making you THINK that it's superior with those fancy gold boxes and all, but we all know that's a dog & pony show ;)

In truth, I really wanted to go with Nikon when I was looking to purchase my DSLR (I wanted a D300 baaaaaaad), but the Canon's just felt better and their menus were more intuitive to me.

Todd_H

09-15-2009, 10:06 PM

LOL I'll join the begging party too. :) I really want a 70-200 L and a speedlight. Those are my next two planned photography purchases eventually.

Scott, when you get ready to buy the 70-200, make sure you take the f/4 into serious consideration over the f/2.8. The f/4 is at least equally sharp, half the weight, and half the price. If you don't have the need for the additional speed of the 2.8, I would definitely go with the f/4. The 2.8 is a BEAST.

All7OfUs

09-16-2009, 04:27 AM

Holy Lemon-Cake-a-roni!!! do people REALLY buy and use all that!!???

I think I'd probably be able to put my firstborn through etiquette training AND university with all that gear!!

So, you've lost me on what all that stuff does, and I'm particularly curious about that ummm... thing, in the lower right hand corner... It looks vaguely like something grandma might need after having exhausting her more delicate options in the pharmacy's digestive section.

The GF movie option is a good one! Maybe even less chaotic than the campfire deal.

Todd_H

09-16-2009, 06:07 AM

Holy Lemon-Cake-a-roni!!! do people REALLY buy and use all that!!???

Yep.

So, you've lost me on what all that stuff does, and I'm particularly curious about that ummm... thing, in the lower right hand corner... It looks vaguely like something grandma might need after having exhausting her more delicate options in the pharmacy's digestive section.

:laughing: Well, I guess it could be used for that :rolleyes1. Actually, it's called a rocket blower and it's used to blow dust and other debris out of the camera (compressed air can't be used for cleaning camera gear and lenses).

Todd_H

09-16-2009, 08:20 AM

That's a good title for the actual trip report and is a prediction based on events of late. :sick:

Isn't this always how it seems to work out? A few days before a big trip (usually a vacation that you've been looking forward to for months), you get stricken with some illness, or a measly irritating cold? Seems like it happens to us every time. Matter of fact, the only one in our family who is 100% right now is Ali (knock on wood). I've been fighting a bad cough and have been on an antibiotic for about a week, DD is now coughing and sniffling, and DS has perpetual allergies that are really bothering him right now.

Oh well, we're going to go and have fun regardless! It's going to take more than that to keep us down!

4 days to go!!! Or is it 3? I never know if I should count the current day I'm on or not :confused3?

Todd_H

09-17-2009, 09:30 AM

Alright!

According to my trip countdown ticker, we're only 2 days away :banana:!

Also, I just noticed that Cinderella is dancing through my countdown ticker... I have seriously never seen her there. Guess it's too late to change it now, huh? Nothing against Cinderella, but had I paid more attention when I set it up, I would have used Donald.

Every morning for the past week when DS wakes up, he'll come downstairs and the first thing out of his mouth is "how many days til we go to Disney World?" DD is excited too, but she's a little more reserved about it (I suspect that she is a little nervous about some of the rides now that "go-time" is drawing near).

DS told me the other day that he didn't think he wanted to ride the Haunted Mansion because it might be too scary. While we will definitely not make him ride it, I hope he changes his mind.

I think both DS and DD are looking forward to Splash Mtn the most. DD is also gung-ho about the ToT, RnRC, Everest and (*cough*) Dinosaur! I've tried to explain to her how scary Dinosaur is, but she is determined to ride it.

Anyway, we are all packed! We just need to get some last minute things done (car serviced, do a grocery store run, go through what we packed one last time to make sure we haven't forgotten anything, etc).

Gabrielsbigtrip

09-17-2009, 09:54 AM

All7OfUs

09-17-2009, 09:54 AM

Ohhhh, I don't know. The Pretty Princess isn't toooo bad. :lmao:

Too late to change her though...

I'll bet being packed makes it really feel like you're almost there!!! Congrats!

Can't wait to see which rides the kids actually get on and conquer.

annnewjerz

09-17-2009, 11:06 AM

Matter of fact, the only one in our family who is 100% right now is Ali (knock on wood). I've been fighting a bad cough and have been on an antibiotic for about a week, DD is now coughing and sniffling, and DS has perpetual allergies that are really bothering him right now.

Oh no. Hope everyone starts to perk up a bit. It's easy to forget about feeling sick when you're in Disney---so I'm sure you guys will have a fantastic time regardless!

Alright!

According to my trip countdown ticker, we're only 2 days away :banana:!

Yeah, go ahead and rub it in a little more why don't ya?! ;)

DS told me the other day that he didn't think he wanted to ride the Haunted Mansion because it might be too scary. While we will definitely not make him ride it, I hope he changes his mind.

If you don't make him ride it, will Ali sit out with your DS while you ride and/or vice versa? I wouldn't mind missing RnRC, Everest, etc. but HM is something that I've got to do each trip.

I think both DS and DD are looking forward to Splash Mtn the most.

I can totally understand why. This is my all-time favorite ride ever. It's just the best. So fun, nice and long, refreshing on a hot day and a song that's nice and catchy rather than repetitive and mind numbing like Small World.

Anyway, we are all packed! We just need to get some last minute things done (car serviced, do a grocery store run, go through what we packed one last time to make sure we haven't forgotten anything, etc).

If I don't stop in again, have a GREAT trip and I'm looking forward to hearing about it when you get back. Sounds like it's going to be a blast. :yay:

Todd_H

09-17-2009, 12:43 PM

I hope you guys feel better for the trippixiedust:

I can't wait to see your pictures when you return:thumbsup2

We just returned last week and we tried to get our son on Splash Mountain but he wasn't having it. I will only gently push him to a point and can tell when he REALLY can't do it.

He did get on Big Thunder Mountain and Pirates but those were the most adventurous:sad2: His Daddy isn't too pleased when he has to do EE and Dinosaur by himself;) I am not a big coaster fan:rolleyes1 but last year when my MIL came with us - I did do EE with the hubby so he would be happy. It actually wasn't that bad:cool2:

Usually we will switch off and ride alone so we get to do some of the more E ticket rides. This past trip during my chance at Dinosaur there was a family taking their small son on the ride (I would say about 4). He was crying that he didn't want to do it and they were saying..."it's not scary":scared:

I want to cry when I see parents push their kids on the rides like that. I have read some kids LOVE Dinosaur so if your kiddo really wants to try it I would go for it. I just hate to see the crying in the line with the parents yelling at them to do it or else:sad2:

I guess I'm a softy.:flower3:

I hope you guys have a great time!!!!

I agree and thank you!

I'll bet being packed makes it really feel like you're almost there!!! Congrats!

It does. Now if I can just make it through 1 and 1/2 more days of work... whenever I'm going to be out of the office for a long period of time, the couple of days leading up to it are pretty grueling :scared:

Yeah, go ahead and rub it in a little more why don't ya?! ;)

Don't worry, Ann. You'll get your time to gloat :lmao:

If you don't make him ride it, will Ali sit out with your DS while you ride and/or vice versa? I wouldn't mind missing RnRC, Everest, etc. but HM is something that I've got to do each trip.

Ali will probably sit out with him while I ride with DD. Or they can all sit out while I ride it :lmao:.

I can totally understand why. This is my all-time favorite ride ever. It's just the best. So fun, nice and long, refreshing on a hot day and a song that's nice and catchy rather than repetitive and mind numbing like Small World.

Splash is an awesome attraction. What amazes me is how long it is... I think it's like a 7 or 8 minute ride. I've got the waterproof case for my p&s (which, if I had any common sense would be the camera to take on this ride), however, I think I'm going to make one of those ziplock-baggie rain jackets for my 5D tonight so I can take it on Splash... pray for Mojo. (<-that's an obscure Simpsons reference)

If I don't stop in again, have a GREAT trip and I'm looking forward to hearing about it when you get back. Sounds like it's going to be a blast. :yay:

Thanks!

Todd_H

09-17-2009, 12:46 PM

All7OfUs

09-17-2009, 12:55 PM

That's some seriously crappy news!! What a bummer! I guess it could be worse; you could have forgotten to check the weather and showed up with no raingear. That'd be right up there with showing up without Tums and caving to Caseys- again.

scoot241

09-17-2009, 01:15 PM

Well, I just checked the current 10 day weather forecast for Lake Buena Vista and there's about a 40% chance of scattered thunderstorms every single day of our trip except Friday when it jumps to a 60% chance :scared1:. I really hope it changes by Friday since we're now attending the MNSSHP that night.

I've been down there enough to know that scattered thunderstorms in the forecast are pretty much a daily given for central FL in the summertime, but it still doesn't make me feel better about it.

We had 40% chance of rain in our forecast 10 days out, and it rained only a few times the entire trip and didn't mess up our plans at all. Saturday (the day we were leaving) was really the only time we were out in the rain.

Todd_H

09-17-2009, 01:23 PM

That'd be right up there with showing up without Tums and caving to Caseys- again.

Sounds like you could be speaking from experience :lmao:. Caving to Caseys is a given... thanks for the tums reminder :thumbsup2!

We had 40% chance of rain in our forecast 10 days out, and it rained only a few times the entire trip and didn't mess up our plans at all. Saturday (the day we were leaving) was really the only time we were out in the rain.

That's good to hear. Thanks, Scott.

annnewjerz

09-17-2009, 02:38 PM

Splash is an awesome attraction. What amazes me is how long it is... I think it's like a 7 or 8 minute ride. I've got the waterproof case for my p&s (which, if I had any common sense would be the camera to take on this ride), however, I think I'm going to make one of those ziplock-baggie rain jackets for my 5D tonight so I can take it on Splash... pray for Mojo. (<-that's an obscure Simpsons reference)

Actuuuuuually it's just shy of 12 minutes long ;), but you're right, a very long ride indeed.

I'm debating what to do about Splash Mountain camera wise. I have an Olympus waterproof p&s which would be the logical camera to keep out---but I keep getting the urge to try shooting on the way down with the D90. I'll probably regret it, but most times on Splash we barely get sprinkled, so what's the worst that could happen? :rolleyes1

scoot241

09-17-2009, 02:43 PM

Actuuuuuually it's just shy of 12 minutes long ;), but you're right, a very long ride indeed.

I'm debating what to do about Splash Mountain camera wise. I have an Olympus waterproof p&s which would be the logical camera to keep out---but I keep getting the urge to try shooting on the way down with the D90. I'll probably regret it, but most times on Splash we barely get sprinkled, so what's the worst that could happen? :rolleyes1

Put the camera in a ziploc bag and keep everything except the front of the lens in the bag. That's what I've heard works well (will admit that I didn't actually try it though). I actually didn't take my camera on Splash (a first for me) because it was EMH and my sister and I were moving quick to ride the big kid rides.

Todd_H

09-17-2009, 02:56 PM

Actuuuuuually it's just shy of 12 minutes long ;), but you're right, a very long ride indeed.

I'm debating what to do about Splash Mountain camera wise. I have an Olympus waterproof p&s which would be the logical camera to keep out---but I keep getting the urge to try shooting on the way down with the D90. I'll probably regret it, but most times on Splash we barely get sprinkled, so what's the worst that could happen? :rolleyes1

Wow, 12 minutes really?

This is what I think I'm going to try either with my 5D or the XTi (it's the recommendation from WillCad):
http://************/image_cameraponcho.shtml

mousemom23

09-17-2009, 09:31 PM

Pollito916

09-18-2009, 11:57 AM

Well, I just checked the current 10 day weather forecast for Lake Buena Vista and there's about a 40% chance of scattered thunderstorms every single day of our trip except Friday when it jumps to a 60% chance :scared1:. I really hope it changes by Friday since we're now attending the MNSSHP that night.

I've been down there enough to know that scattered thunderstorms in the forecast are pretty much a daily given for central FL in the summertime, but it still doesn't make me feel better about it.

We've been to WDW in Sept many times, and I would say that it has probably rained almost every day of each time we have gone. But it almost never rains for more than an hour (usually only 15-20 min) and it is usually in the late afternoon or evening, so by that time you are so hot from walking around in the humidity all day that the rain feels good. :thumbsup2 It's a good time to see an indoor show!

A little rain won't ruin your fun!

oregondaddyof2

09-18-2009, 04:20 PM

I am sitting in my room at Pop Century right now... The weather has ben great so far, in the late 80's/early 90's most of the time... It has only rained 2 times in the past 4 days, once on the 15th when we got here, and today around 2:00, but both only lasted about 10 minutes as said above... Then the sun came out and we were good to go... The lines are awesome too... Longest wait I have seen is Soarin at Epcot, and that was 30 minutes stand by... Everything else has ben pretty much 5 min or under... I walked onto Kali River Rapids today, 5 min in line for Expedition Everest, and it was a 4 minute wait for the Safari ride....

All7OfUs

09-18-2009, 11:31 PM

By now, things ought to be all zipped up and ready!! So excited for you!

Enjoy everything, and bring back loads of pix for us to share!

Have fun,

Liesa

Todd_H

09-19-2009, 04:51 AM

Hello!,
Our family is arriving Sept. 21st. I'll bet the excitement is unbearable for you as well!!! We are a similar family unit (DH37, Me38, DS10, DD7, DD2). Hope you have a GREAT trip and yes , we are concerned about the humidity too!!! Maybe we will see your beautiful family in the parks.

Wow, you're family unit is very similar to us! If you see us in the parks, please stop and say hello!

We've been to WDW in Sept many times, and I would say that it has probably rained almost every day of each time we have gone. But it almost never rains for more than an hour (usually only 15-20 min) and it is usually in the late afternoon or evening, so by that time you are so hot from walking around in the humidity all day that the rain feels good. :thumbsup2 It's a good time to see an indoor show!

A little rain won't ruin your fun!

We're keeping our fingers crossed, but I think we're going to be fine.

I am sitting in my room at Pop Century right now... The weather has ben great so far, in the late 80's/early 90's most of the time... It has only rained 2 times in the past 4 days, once on the 15th when we got here, and today around 2:00, but both only lasted about 10 minutes as said above... Then the sun came out and we were good to go... The lines are awesome too... Longest wait I have seen is Soarin at Epcot, and that was 30 minutes stand by... Everything else has ben pretty much 5 min or under... I walked onto Kali River Rapids today, 5 min in line for Expedition Everest, and it was a 4 minute wait for the Safari ride....

Sounds great, Terry! Glad to hear you guys are having a good time and we'll see you on Sunday!

By now, things ought to be all zipped up and ready!! So excited for you!

Enjoy everything, and bring back loads of pix for us to share!

Have fun,

Liesa

Thanks, Liesa! Yes, everything is packed and ready to go. We're leaving in a couple of hours... I still have a couple of last minute things to do.

Todd_H

09-19-2009, 04:59 AM

annnewjerz

09-19-2009, 09:41 AM

We're leaving in just a couple of hours so I wanted to hop on and tell everyone thank you for reading!

Wish us luck today as we: 1) try not to run out of gas this time and 2) Try not to keep track of how many times we hear "are we there yet," or "how much further?" :lmao:

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!! I know you aren't flying so I have no idea when you will get there, but regardless it should be sometime today and I'm sure it'll be awesome!!

Now, it's TR time. :thumbsup2 I need something to keep myself entertained over the course of the next 27ish days until it's my time in The World! :yay:

scoot241

09-19-2009, 09:44 AM

disneygirlinnj

09-20-2009, 07:18 PM

have a great time! sorry I missed you before you left :)

jordanyosh

09-21-2009, 10:39 PM

sorry I missed your departure...hoping to see LOTS of pix when you get back.

Sleepingbooty

09-22-2009, 11:30 AM

Okay, so you're gone already, so its a little late to be chiming in. But I just got through your ptr. Anyway - hope you are having a wonderful time. This is our normal week to go every year, so I'm having major depression over not being there. We moved our trip up to May this year - big mistake. Rain all day, every day. I know that you will only have short afternoon showers, if at all. Also wanted to say your photos are amazing - and I REALLY can't wait to see the ones you take on this trip!!:thumbsup2

annnewjerz

09-25-2009, 03:44 PM

Oh boy, Todd. It's your last night in Disney already---I believe. Hope you are having a good time and enjoy MNSSHP tonight. Can't wait to start your TR when you get back! :thumbsup2

Todd_H

09-27-2009, 12:27 PM

Hi everyone! We made it back home about 8pm last night. We left Orlando at 11am and stopped about 4 times, so we actually made great time. We all had a fantastic time and hated to leave the World to return to reality, but that point unfortunately always comes (and always much sooner than seems fair).

I'll be very slowly working on the TR side of this thread over the next several days and I have a ton of pictures to go through, so I'll try to post some as I get them processed to tie in with the TR (as best I can).

This was last Saturday morning just before we pulled out of the driveway. I wanted to take a quick family picture of us all waving goodbye and then post it on this thread, but things were just too crazy around here and by this time, we were all ready to hit the road, so I settled for a quick snap of the kids.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/662508287_XQo9L-L.jpg

Stay tuned!

Todd_H

09-27-2009, 12:28 PM

annnewjerz

09-27-2009, 12:53 PM

Hi everyone! We made it back home about 8pm last night. We left Orlando at 11am and stopped about 4 times, so we actually made great time. We all had a fantastic time and hated to leave the World to return to reality, but that point unfortunately always comes (and always much sooner than seems fair).

I'll be very slowly working on the TR side of this thread over the next several days and I have a ton of pictures to go through, so I'll try to post some as I get them processed to tie in with the TR (as best I can).

Welcome back! Hope you guys had a great trip. I don't blame you at all for not wanting to take the time to do a whole family portrait and then post it here----it was time to get to WDW already!

You going to do your TR within this PTR, or start a new thread? If you do a new TR, make sure to post the link here so none of us miss it! :thumbsup2

Todd_H

09-27-2009, 01:59 PM

Welcome back! Hope you guys had a great trip. I don't blame you at all for not wanting to take the time to do a whole family portrait and then post it here----it was time to get to WDW already!

You going to do your TR within this PTR, or start a new thread? If you do a new TR, make sure to post the link here so none of us miss it! :thumbsup2

Thanks Ann! I'm planning to continue the TR in this thread and just ask the moderator to move it from the PTR to the completed TR section. That way no one will have to search for it.

scoot241

09-27-2009, 02:02 PM

Sleepingbooty

09-27-2009, 02:57 PM

:)Welcome back! Can't wait to read the report:)

Todd_H

09-28-2009, 12:43 PM

O.K., it's TR time!!!!!

We had a great trip... we didn't run out of gas this time and after the first hour of the trip, Leighton (that's DS) started asking "how much further" and that went on for about an hour, but then he stopped and we had a pretty uneventful drive to Jacksonville, FL. We pulled into Jacksonville about 4:30pm and got checked into our hotel. In retrospect, we should have driven all the way to Orlando and just spent the night on property, but we just weren't sure how the kids would react to being in the car that long. The Jacksonville stop was playing it safe.

After getting checked in, we drove out to the mall to look for Halloween costumes for the kids since we now planned to do MNSSHP on our last night. Leighton wanted to be Captain Hook and Caroline (DD) wanted to be a cat. We found the costumes pretty easily (although Caroline changed her mind when she saw a leopard outfit), grabbed some dinner and got out of there. We were all in bed by 8:30pm.

Day 1
Leighton woke up about 6am and wouldn't let any of us sleep in (can you blame him :confused3). We got an early start and were back on the road toward Orlando by 8:30am. Again, the drive was pretty uneventful until Ali started dancing and driving while listening to Miley Cyrus's Party in the USA (I think that's what she was dancing to :scared1:) ). Oh the humanity. Look, Mom... no hands!

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663609118_nan8k-M.jpg

I was snapping pictures of all the WDW exit signs, which now look a little boring... except for this one that we all know and love

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663609408_H8AiA-M.jpg

We arrived about 11am and Ali got us checked in to the Villas at Wilderness Lodge (our room was all ready) while I unloaded the car and helped the bellhop pack the cart (we had A LOT of stuff). After dropping off our luggage, we headed down to Roaring Forks for a quick bite to eat then drove over to DHS. Here we are on the tram at DHS heading for the front gate (this was shot with a super-wide angle lens which distorts objects at close range... for example, Ali's legs are not that freakishly long)

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663609652_dwQfW-M.jpg

What's the first FP we picked up? What's the first ride we hit? Did the kids put their game faces on for ToT and RnRC? Stay tuned to find out...

crocko

09-28-2009, 01:04 PM

Glad you got back safely and had a good trip.

Looking forward to hearing how things went for you during the week (by the way, on Thursday...we were over at WL for a couple hours) :thumbsup2

annnewjerz

09-28-2009, 01:06 PM

Very nice start, Todd---although I've got to say the shot of the Main Gate made me really dizzy, I sort of felt like I was in the car moving. Very odd.

Looking forward to seeing more, even if you didn't get into your photography groove this trip. :thumbsup2

Todd_H

09-28-2009, 10:48 PM

Our plan was to get through the gates and b-line it to TSM to grab fast passes, but when we got there, they were gone! And this was by about 1:30pm!

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/664507465_E4Sso-M.jpg

We decided to go ahead and do the Muppets 4-D which was the first attraction we did during our trip two years ago... tradition? Maybe. It's a great attraction though that still makes me laugh every time I see it. Seriously, who doesn't like the Muppets? Seeing the Muppets 4-D show this year made me want to pick up a couple of seasons of The Muppet Show on DVD.

Shadow self portrait in the Muppets 4-D pre-show
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663867807_b2pCv-M.jpg

Watching Gonzo on one of the multiple TV's in the pre-show area
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663866741_dbApk-M.jpg

And who can forget "Pigs In Space?"
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663869449_bFtuu-M.jpg

After that, we checked out the wait times for RnRC and ToT with the WDW Wait Times application for the iphone (which worked really well while we were there... it was very accurate). The iphone said RnRC was the longer wait, so we headed over there, picked up our FP's and decided to warm the kids up with Star Tours. DS was a little nervous about the ride, so Ali and Caroline were both pepping him up by giving him fives and holding his hand.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663870740_uRiPP-M.jpg

He did great and absolutely loved Star Tours. He liked it so much that he wanted to go ride the ToT next, so we headed over there and literally walked on the ride (no wait whatsoever).

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663871627_mtHvj-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663872919_N9oyV-M.jpg

Well, Caroline loooooooooved the ToT, but Leighton didn't like it at all (I suspect that most 4 year olds probably don't like it). I'm proud of him for braving it, but one time was enough for him. Ali and I felt kind of bad because his whole body was shaking during the drops. Of course, after the ride he said he really liked it, but when asked if he wanted to do it again, he said "well..." and we knew that was a "no." At this point we wondered if we had ruined his taste for the rides the rest of the day or even the week!

annnewjerz

09-29-2009, 10:49 AM

Our plan was to get through the gates and b-line it to TSM to grab fast passes, but when we got there, they were gone! And this was by about 1:30pm!

After that, we checked out the wait times for RnRC and ToT with the WDW Wait Times application for the iphone (which worked really well while we were there... it was very accurate). The iphone said RnRC was the longer wait, so we headed over there, picked up our FP's and decided to warm the kids up with Star Tours. DS was a little nervous about the ride, so Ali and Caroline were both pepping him up by giving him fives and holding his hand.

Well, Caroline loooooooooved the ToT, but Leighton didn't like it at all (I suspect that most 4 year olds probably don't like it). I'm proud of him for braving it, but one time was enough for him. Ali and I felt kind of bad because his whole body was shaking during the drops. Of course, after the ride he said he really liked it, but when asked if he wanted to do it again, he said "well..." and we knew that was a "no." At this point we wondered if we had ruined his taste for the rides the rest of the day or even the week!

Bumping this baby up, I don't think anyone has realized that you updated since it was so close to midnight.

I'm not surprised at all that FPs were gone by 1:30, in fact, it actually makes me quite happy and much less nervous about getting to DHS slightly later than rope drop in case someone decides they want to "sleep in" until 7:30. :rolleyes1

Do you know the exact name of the iPHONE app you have for wait times and how much you paid for it? There were a few on iTUNES last time I checked and I've been hesitant to buy one for fear that it would suck. Since you reported back that the wait times were pretty accurate, I'd like to have it for our trip that's coming up since we'll be entering the parks in the afternoon and trying to jam in as much as possible. :faint:

Your DS is so brave!!! I can't believe a 4 year old went on ToT---my husband won't even go on it. I'm going to have to show him pics of your DS and tell him that if this little cutie can suck it up and try it out, so can DH. :laughing:

Todd_H

09-29-2009, 11:55 AM

I'm not surprised at all that FPs were gone by 1:30, in fact, it actually makes me quite happy and much less nervous about getting to DHS slightly later than rope drop in case someone decides they want to "sleep in" until 7:30. :rolleyes1

If you get there around rope drop or just a little after, you'll have no problems getting FPs and probably getting little to no wait in the standby line too. I noticed that the crowds tend to start showing up in the parks about 10:30am. By 11:00 or 11:30, it's full-on.

Do you know the exact name of the iPHONE app you have for wait times and how much you paid for it? There were a few on iTUNES last time I checked and I've been hesitant to buy one for fear that it would suck. Since you reported back that the wait times were pretty accurate, I'd like to have it for our trip that's coming up since we'll be entering the parks in the afternoon and trying to jam in as much as possible. :faint:

The one I bought is called WDW Wait Times and it was actually free. It has some ads in it that can be avoided if you buy the full version for .99, but the ads don't bother me and never threw me out of the application while I was using it. The little icon for it is a picture of the Astro Orbitor.

Your DS is so brave!!! I can't believe a 4 year old went on ToT---my husband won't even go on it. I'm going to have to show him pics of your DS and tell him that if this little cutie can suck it up and try it out, so can DH. :laughing:

:lmao: Just don't tell him that the little cutie actually had NO IDEA what he was getting ready to experience (nor did he have parents that exercised good judgment in taking him on it that day).

scoot241

09-29-2009, 12:34 PM

The one I bought is called WDW Wait Times and it was actually free. It has some ads in it that can be avoided if you buy the full version for .99, but the ads don't bother me and never threw me out of the application while I was using it. The little icon for it is a picture of the Astro Orbitor.

That's the app I used too. I found it to be quite accurate, and the ads aren't very intrusive. It seemed to get a lot of updates from users around the parks, so it had data to go on. Other wait times apps seemed to only have one (or sometimes no) entries for the day.

lynn71092

09-29-2009, 12:53 PM

Did you post your older pictures a different way? We can't get Photobocket pictures here at work and I can see all your older pictures (awesome) but not the newer ones.:confused3

crocko

09-29-2009, 01:05 PM

We had a similar experience on ToT...as far as the "hardly any info" given....similar response from our son as well. :-)

Todd_H

09-29-2009, 02:09 PM

Did you post your older pictures a different way? We can't get Photobocket pictures here at work and I can see all your older pictures (awesome) but not the newer ones.:confused3

Hmmm... not sure. Sometimes I link pictures from flickr and sometimes I link them from smugmug. All of these newer pictures are linked to smugmug so maybe that's why you're not able to see them :confused3?

Here's the direct link to the gallery in my smugmug account where these pictures are located http://thh.smugmug.com/Family/Trips/WDW-September-2009/9772035_7WVvx#663872919_N9oyV. If you can't get to this page, chances are your IT department has the smugmug site blocked.

lynn71092

09-29-2009, 02:55 PM

I was confused on which TR I was looking at, but I still wan't able to see but I can on your Ficker account.
Thanks!!

jordanyosh

09-30-2009, 01:06 AM

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663871627_mtHvj-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663872919_N9oyV-M.jpg

These 2 pix are absolutely beautiful.

Note to self: Get FP for TSM early! Wow...

Muppets 4-D. Great show. I appreciate it now more than I did a few years ago. Maybe more a nostalgia thing now.

Can't wait to hear and see more.

Todd_H

09-30-2009, 07:08 AM

These 2 pix are absolutely beautiful.

Note to self: Get FP for TSM early! Wow...

Thanks, Jordan! Yes, definitely get a FP for TMS early.

Todd_H

09-30-2009, 07:28 AM

Well, we got lucky because the ToT didn't ruin Leighton's taste for the rides (just THAT ride). After the ToT, Caroline and I used our FPs for RnRC (which she loved as well) and then we headed over to the Great Movie Ride.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665042797_KoR7Q-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665043057_7xdEq-M.jpg

I think Leighton got a little nervous during the shootout
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663873469_ixGAH-M.jpg

Caroline loved the Wizard of Oz section
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665840439_jUZfd-M.jpg

After the GMR, we headed over to the Animation area and met some characters including Mr. & Mrs. Incredible, Sorcerer Mickey, Pinnochio and Gepetto, and Russell and Dug from UP

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665840754_YFXCh-M.jpg

After meeting the characters, it was dinner time so we headed over to the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater where we had an ADR. I set up my camcorder (like a complete dork) and videoed the entire movie loop :teeth:. I love that loop and am surprised that someone hasn't posted the entire thing online yet... I had to take matters into my own hands.

Dinner at Sci-Fi was pretty good (they used to have a barbeque chicken sandwich that I thought was really good, but it's no longer on the menu, or maybe it's on a lunch menu :confused3).

Since DHS added a late Fantasmic show at 9:30 and we got such a late start into the park, we decided to hit that late show and ride some more rides in the meantime. Ali and Caroline headed back to the ToT and Leighton and I headed back to Star Tours. On the way, I happened to look over my shoulder and caught a fantastic sunset over the BAH.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841152_PK2qu-M.jpg

After riding our rides, we caught back up with Ali and Caroline (who had actually ridden the ToT 2 more times). Caroline wanted to ride it one more time, so she and I rode it.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841291_KenyJ-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841481_Y8fLb-M.jpg

Before the drop (I wish I had gotten this one a little more in focus)
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841671_FdTw9-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841749_Av4iK-M.jpg

Todd_H

09-30-2009, 07:34 AM

After a quick stroll around the Hollywood Blvd shops, it was time to head down to the Hollywood Hills for the Fantasmic show. If you've never done Fantasmic let me just warn you now... there are soooooo many people crammed into this area before they open the gates, it must get to 115 degrees :scared:. It was already hot that day, but this was just about unbearable.

At about 9:00pm, they finally opened the gates for us and we found some pretty decent seats on the right side. The show was amazing (as usual), but my pictures from it are not. These were a couple of the better ones.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665842058_huZ7n-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665842244_GGhwB-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665842634_rKYXn-M.jpg

It had been a long (but great) day so we drove back to the VWL after Fantasmic and collapsed in the bed.

annnewjerz

09-30-2009, 08:46 AM

scoot241

09-30-2009, 08:51 AM

Great update, your DD seems to be a real trooper. :thumbsup2

I love the picture of the sign from ToT and the shots from the GMR, but I have to ask---what is BAH? Big Annoying Hat? (and yes, I just made that up)

Hmm, that's a good one for BAH. I've always thought it was slightly different; the first and last words are the same, but the middle word is three letters long and the last two letters of the word are the same letter.

Todd_H

09-30-2009, 09:03 AM

Great update, your DD seems to be a real trooper. :thumbsup2

She did awesome this trip. She walked the entire time with us (and kept up) and never complained about it one bit. I think she had the most fun of all of us and really liked all the thrill rides (like her dad ;)).

---what is BAH? Big Annoying Hat? (and yes, I just made that up)

Hmm, that's a good one for BAH. I've always thought it was slightly different; the first and last words are the same, but the middle word is three letters long and the last two letters of the word are the same letter.

Yep, what Scott said.

crocko

09-30-2009, 10:47 AM

jordanyosh

09-30-2009, 11:50 AM

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841152_PK2qu-M.jpg

After riding our rides, we caught back up with Ali and Caroline (who had Before the drop (I wish I had gotten this one a little more in focus)
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841671_FdTw9-M.jpg

I'm a bit overwhelmed by the quality of the pix you're taking!

I absolutely love them...not only are they great pix, but I can also attach my own emotions to them, if that makes sense.

Todd_H

09-30-2009, 01:36 PM

I'm a bit overwhelmed by the quality of the pix you're taking!

I absolutely love them...not only are they great pix, but I can also attach my own emotions to them, if that makes sense.

Thanks, Jordan! That's quite a compliment (and it makes complete sense). One of the things that photographers (and aspiring photographers like me) do with their pictures is to try to evoke some kind of emotion.

Todd_H

09-30-2009, 01:39 PM

I completely forgot to include this picture in my Day 1 post. These guys are hanging around over in Pixar Place by TSM.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665840917_mhxeM-M.jpg

annnewjerz

09-30-2009, 02:00 PM

I completely forgot to include this picture in my Day 1 post. These guys are hanging around over in Pixar Place by TSM.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665840917_mhxeM-M.jpg

Ahhhhh I love Barrel of Monkeys!!

qcmommy

09-30-2009, 02:20 PM

Enjoying all of your photos. Your family is just too adorable.

jordanyosh

09-30-2009, 02:37 PM

Thanks, Jordan! That's quite a compliment (and it makes complete sense). One of the things that photographers (and aspiring photographers like me) do with their pictures is to try to evoke some kind of emotion.

I guess you can say that you're doing a great job as a photographer then...:thumbsup2

oregondaddyof2

09-30-2009, 06:34 PM

Okay... I have decided that after seeing your first day of pictures, I am not going to post any of mine in my TR... You are going to make my pictures look like a 5 year old with a polaroid camera took them... :lmao:

sdchickie

09-30-2009, 07:15 PM

[QUOTE=annnewjerz;33288806]Teppan Edo is a possibility for us in December---either that, or Tutto Italia, so make sure to let us know what ya think. :surfweb:

We're doing Teppan Edo for the first time in Dec. too so I can't comment on that one, but Tutto Italia we just did in Aug. the food was really good if you like italian food but the service just wasn't there, it took forever for our waiter to come take our drink orders, they brought the wrong food the first time, and when the guy came to clear the table he spilt my drink on me. (Although I also got my drink spilled on me at Whispering Canyon) hhhmmm weird two times in one trip.

Todd_H

10-01-2009, 05:50 AM

That picture of the park from the top of the ToT ride is Amazing. Awesome shot!!

Most of our time at the parks was during morning and afternoon, so I didn't get a whole lot of cool dusk/nighttime pics this time around. You definitely got some nice ones.

Thanks, crocko! Sorry I missed your post earlier. Glad you guys had a great time last week too!

Enjoying all of your photos. Your family is just too adorable.

Thank you!

Okay... I have decided that after seeing your first day of pictures, I am not going to post any of mine in my TR... You are going to make my pictures look like a 5 year old with a polaroid camera took them... :lmao:

:rotfl2: Nah, I know you came back with some good ones. I can't wait to see your pictures! Glad you guys had a great time and made it home safe. Again, sorry we missed each other at DHS... maybe we'll find ourselves back down there at the same time again on the next trip.

Todd_H

10-01-2009, 06:44 AM

Some final thoughts on Day 1 - I think that DHS is currently my least favorite park mainly because I can't stand the layout. I find it incredibly confusing. Also, it's really sad that the Disney Animation branch is not still there. I found that walkthrough (where the character greeting spot is now) to be very entertaining and educational, plus you got to see Disney animators working on real Disney projects. The last time I went through there (10 years ago), we saw the artists working on Tarzan. As a matter of fact, if it weren't for the ToT and RnRC, we would probably skip this park altogether. But I will say that the street performers are fantastic.

It's hard to not go straight to the MK as soon as you get to WDW (at least, it is for us) and I think we're going to change our routine for our next trip to do just that.

Day 2 - The Magic Kingdom

We slept in (well, until about 8am) on Monday because we had a 9:50am ADR at Chef Mickey's. Ali and I thought this would be a great way to spend our first full day and a good prelude to heading over to MK... it definitely was. The only thing I would do different is try to book an earlier ADR because we didn't make it to the MK until about 11:30am, which is a very late start for that park.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666452061_pUN2z-M.jpg

The kids were still waking up
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666451694_c7YVA-M.jpg

As we were heading to our seats, Mickey walked by. He gave Caroline a quick wave.
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666452063_mZeGE-M.jpg

We had to pick up some autograph books in the WL Mercantile before we went to Chef Mickeys. Leighton loved the pin that came with his (it was Goofy's profile on the top).
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666452750_PvTb3-M.jpg

Goofy liked it too
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666454136_eFVHU-M.jpg

We got to meet the fab five (Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy) so we felt like our trip was officially under way!
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666453766_FaLWc-M.jpg

After breakfast, we boarded the monorail and headed for the MK. Now, somewhere during the course of the morning, Caroline had talked us into letting her get into pin trading. Our first stop in the MK was at the Emporium so the kids could pick out a lanyard and a starter pin set. Caroline picked out a Tinkerbell lanyard with some baby character pins and Leighton picked... you guessed it

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666454494_XUvw5-M.jpg
(that's actually not the set he ended up getting, but they were still pirates)

I knew we'd eventually get pulled into the pin trading realm... just didn't realize it would be THIS year. Actually, I found myself trying to search out a cool Haunted Mansion pin the rest of the week to attach to my camera bag, but never found one I liked.

I thought these statues looked neat
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666455120_urAVn-M.jpg

After picking up the pins, we figured we had kept the boy waiting long enough, so we decided to go ride PotC. When we got there, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee were signing autographs. The line was pretty long, so while Ali and the kids waited in line, I ran to get FPs for Splash Mountain.

While there, I ran into these guys. I asked them who they were looking for and they told me annnewjerz.
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666456665_Fw47k-M.jpg

I got back just in time for the character picture
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/666457849_a4Uok-M.jpg

Leighton challenged Captain Hook to a fight later in the week. Will it happen? Stay tuned...

NateNLogansDad

10-01-2009, 08:30 AM

Just found your TR and I must say I'm totally envious of the shots you've taken so far. Can't wait to see more!

scoot241

10-01-2009, 08:50 AM

We're doing Teppan Edo for the first time in Dec. too so I can't comment on that one, but Tutto Italia we just did in Aug. the food was really good if you like italian food but the service just wasn't there, it took forever for our waiter to come take our drink orders, they brought the wrong food the first time, and when the guy came to clear the table he spilt my drink on me. (Although I also got my drink spilled on me at Whispering Canyon) hhhmmm weird two times in one trip.

I'm nowhere near our dinner at Teppan Edo on my trip report yet (and at this rate it might be January before I get there), but it was great. Best hibachi I've ever had.

annnewjerz

10-01-2009, 09:18 AM

There are so many things I love about this update, I have no clue where to start.

First, I agree that MK is the best way to start a trip. Unfortunately, we won't be doing it that way this year either. But out of a 7 day trip, 3 are spent in the MK so I think that makes up for it. :woohoo:

Second, I'm on board with your DS' pin selection. Pirates are awesome, much more so thank Tinkerbell.

Third, OMFG why is everyone getting pictures with Smee?! I love Smee and have never seen him out. I thought he was one of those hard to find characters but apparently not.

Fourth, :rotfl2: :rotfl: I love that Brer Bear, Fox and Rabbit are all looking for me. I sincerely hope that you told them I will be there in two short weeks and that I will be sure to see them time and time again, since Splash Mountain is, as the young kids these days say, "da bomb" :thumbsup2

As always, great photo! Your kids are so stinkin cute it's really hard not to get a good shot if they are in it.

Todd_H

10-01-2009, 09:51 AM

Just found your TR and I must say I'm totally envious of the shots you've taken so far. Can't wait to see more!

Hey Rob! Glad you made it over. I started reading your TR too, but have only made it past thru the first 4 pages. Your photos at the beginning aren't showing up through photobucket, btw.

I'm nowhere near our dinner at Teppan Edo on my trip report yet (and at this rate it might be January before I get there), but it was great. Best hibachi I've ever had.

I'll get to this a little later in the TR, but I agree with Scott. Teppan Edo was really, really good. I definitely recommend it.

Third, OMFG why is everyone getting pictures with Smee?! I love Smee and have never seen him out. I thought he was one of those hard to find characters but apparently not.

I don't remember seeing him too much until we went down 2 years ago. Seems with the PotC movies, Disney really brought on the pirate emphasis. He's there all the time now. He and Hook are usually signing autographs across the street from PotC in a little shady area to the left of El Pirata y el Perico Restaurant.

Fourth, :rotfl2: :rotfl: I love that Brer Bear, Fox and Rabbit are all looking for me. I sincerely hope that you told them I will be there in two short weeks and that I will be sure to see them time and time again, since Splash Mountain is, as the young kids these days say, "da bomb" :thumbsup2

That I did.

As always, great photo! Your kids are so stinkin cute it's really hard not to get a good shot if they are in it.

Thanks! Actually, I've got some not-so-cute ones too. We tend to take less pictures of our kids acting the fool, but trust me it happens :rotfl2:.