The Tweet Repeat: Live Twitter Trip Report Recap - Lots of Photos (Part 31 11/1/09)

[scoot241]

Welcome to the Tweet Repeat (yes, it's an incredibly cheesy name). Over the past week I was reporting live from WDW over Twitter. Many of you followed me on there and got the snippets of what was going on during the trip. In this report, I'm going to repost the Twitter entries (some call them tweets, hence the name of this report) in order and then expound on them and post lots of pictures (I took just over 1800) in order to flesh out the initial Twitter stream.

So, before we begin, let's recap the cast (taken directly from my PTR):

First, the star of the show and the birthday girl:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3766673471_6130966d15.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3766673471/)

She loves the princesses and just about anything fun. princess:

This is also DD's first trip to WDW.

One more:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3744416407_ed8e739f89.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3744416407/)

Second, DW (and company, not visible in this picture):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3641993545_f02b6f0439.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3641993545/)

DW is excited about the trip, although I don't think she's quite as excited as DD and I. She's also pregnant with our son and due in November. DW thinks she'll be fine with walking and such during the trip. Obviously she'll be missing out on some rides, but the only one I think she's bummed out about is KS.

DW's only been to WDW once for a full trip and spent a day there when her and I were both in the LSU Tiger Marching Band (more on this trip later perhaps).

Third, myself:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/scoot0241/P4110022.jpg

I think I started getting a Disney obsession in high school, when the high school band took a trip to Disney World every other year. I've been on 5 full trips to WDW and the one-day trip mentioned above at LSU. One day I want to stay in the Contemporary Tower with an MK view, but we'll see.

I bought a new camera a few months ago, and since then I've been learning how to use it. Hopefully I've been behind it enough now to be able to get some pretty good pictures at WDW. Going to try my luck on the dark rides, and hopefully I can get the fireworks figured out when I'm there. If you'd like, you can take a look through my Flickr account (in signature) to see some of the pictures I've been taking.

Next, DM (DD calls her Grammy):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/scoot0241/062.jpg

DF (DD calls him Pops):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/scoot0241/049.jpg

Finally, DS (DD sometimes calls her Ya-Yas)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/scoot0241/IMG_1694.jpg

When the three of them heard we were going to WDW, they jumped on board. When DS and I were little, we went to WDW with our parents and grandparents, so it makes sense (to me at least) that they're coming too. Besides, we have 5 adults to attempt to corral one little girl. That should be enough, right?

As a quick summary, we spent Sept. 6-12 at Pop Century with 7 day Park Hoppers. We were celebrating my daughter's birthday and were on Free Dining. The real fun begins soon, so grab your popcorn::.

[scoot241]

(Quick format note: the Twitter entries will be in bold)

9/6/2009 6:49 AM CDT: Good morning! We're on our way!

At this point, we've been awake for 49 minutes, have gotten dressed, finished packing, eaten breakfast and are getting ready to get in the car. Our flight is for 8:20 AM and DW, DD and I are stepping out the door.

We're flying out of Hobby Airport in Houston, the Southwest hub. It's not all that far from our house, and on a Sunday morning it's easy driving to get there. However, once we arrive we notice the economy lot is completely full! :scared1: Must have been full because of Labor Day weekend. The regular parking lot is about $16 per day to park, so we instead park in a parking garage across the street. The shuttle takes us from the parking garage to the terminal; we check our bags (boarding passes were printed from home 24 hours in advance in order to obtain A boarding passes) and head to security.

Now, security is bad enough with children. They don't really understand what's going on and why they need to take their shoes off and run their toys (in this case, a plush Lady) through a big metal box. DD was very cooperative though. However, there was a problem...

9/6/2009 8:00 AM CDT: Pal Mickey was causing trouble at airport security. He didn't want to take his shoes off.

You see, Pal Mickey was in my wife's backpack, which was run through the machine just like everything else. However, my wife's bag gets pulled to the side and a TSA agent starts rummaging through it. He pulls out Pal Mickey and runs him through again. Everything was fine, but Pal Mickey was up against a book in her bag which made it "look funny". :rolleyes1

8:20 rolls around and the plane takes off on time! DD has a lot of fun watching the ground get farther and farther away as the plane goes up into the clouds. Two hours or so pass; DD plays with a magnetic princess doll set until the plane lands in Orlando.

DM, DF, and DS land at approximately the same time (11:30 AM EDT) from New Orleans just a few gates from us. We meet in a matter of moments, use the restroom and head down to the DME counter. The six of us were on a bus rather quickly. In a slight oddity (to me at least), it was a Cruise Line bus.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3914834578_488670341c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3914834578/)

9/6/2009 12:12 PM EDT: On the DME bus. Driver is making wisecracks about Jersey and that people in Florida don't know how to vote.

I honestly don't even remember the Jersey jokes, so they must not have been that good. The entire trip, the bus driver was egging the guests on about which hotel he would stop at first (Caribbean Beach or Pop). He would try to take votes or get the guests for each hotel to scream louder, but would never decide. It was obvious he already knew where he was going first but wasn't telling anyone.

9/6/2009 12:38 PM EDT: First DME stop: Carribbean Beach. Boooo. Next stop: Pop!

After dropping off the Caribbean Beach bums off, the bus finally pulls into Pop and we made it!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3913913993_d8842b6918.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913913993/)

Coming up: Checking in (exciting! :faint:) and the first steps into the Magic Kingdom!

[disneygirlinnj]

(Quick format note: the Twitter entries will be in bold)

The regular parking lot is about $16 per day to park, so we instead park in a parking garage across the street.

9/6/2009 8:00 AM CDT: Pal Mickey was causing trouble at airport security. He didn't want to take his shoes off.


Great start so far Scott!! :) I LOVE how you're tying the Twitter updates to the trip report. I might have to steal that. I mean..it's fair...you stole my idea for a Disney Twitter account :rolleyes1

Ugh...is it sad that our ECONOMY parking is $16 or $18 a day and our normal parking lots in the airports are like $25 or $27?! :scared1: I'm jealous!

And um...didn't you know? Pal Mickey is a terrorist mouse. He's on all the watch lists. ;)

[scoot241]

Great start so far Scott!! :) I LOVE how you're tying the Twitter updates to the trip report. I might have to steal that. I mean..it's fair...you stole my idea for a Disney Twitter account :rolleyes1

Ugh...is it sad that our ECONOMY parking is $16 or $18 a day and our normal parking lots in the airports are like $25 or $27?! :scared1: I'm jealous!

And um...didn't you know? Pal Mickey is a terrorist mouse. He's on all the watch lists. ;)

We paid $8 a day to park. I think I would flip out if the economy lot was $16 a day.

Haha yes, you can steal the format. ;) I thought about (and still am thinking) trying to work the replies in, but I think it would ultimately lead to confusion, especially when Twitter names don't necessarily line up with names here (or may be from people not on here).

[PAcpl]

It was a pleasure following your Tweets Scott. Glad you made it home safe!

[annnewjerz]

Welcome back! Looking forward to hearing about (and hopefully seeing pictures from) your trip. :thumbsup2

[scoot241]

Welcome back! Looking forward to hearing about (and hopefully seeing pictures from) your trip. :thumbsup2

The pictures are coming. :) If you're really impatient you can see more on my Flickr.

[scoot241]

Checking into Pop Century was simple; we checked in online. The cast member taking care of us pulled our files, gave DD her birthday button and took our cell phone numbers for a text message with a room number. She told us approximately where our room would be, and confirmed that the rooms would be connecting on the 1st floor. We were in the 50s building with Tramp right across from the bowling pin pool.

After getting our KTTW cards, we got some lunch and our mugs in the Pop food court. Pizza was primarily on the menu; nothing too big as we had 5:00 reservations at Ohana. While we ate, a text came to my phone with one room number. The other room's text hadn't arrived yet.

Once everyone had eaten, we went to the room. Since we knew we had connecting rooms, my parents tried the room that connected and their KTTW cards worked. We unloaded our carry-ons, got packed for the parks and headed out to the bus stop.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3913919787_204bacb2b8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913919787/)

The bus to the Magic Kingdom came rather quickly, and we were on our way! :woohoo:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3913921313_8a43817fda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913921313/)

For a while before the trip, Hailey told us that Pirates would be the first ride we rode at WDW. pirate: As soon as we walked under the train station, however, we saw:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3913926989_c82d56a060.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913926989/)

The Celebrate! A Dream Come True Parade was passing right by the train station! Naturally, we had to stop and watch the parade. I was able to take many nice pictures from where we were standing.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3914713890_d50cfa71d8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3914713890/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3914716448_c9363c3a0c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3914716448/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3917527076_1425f61003.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3917527076/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3914719598_213608c87d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3914719598/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3916740633_1b2e87a923.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3916740633/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3916743309_9ddf2302fd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3916743309/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3913937041_4f8a2d54ca.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913937041/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3914724698_c3f05b47e4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3914724698/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3913942125_816758f41a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913942125/)

Coming up: Will we make it to Pirates? Will we be subjected to 8 million pictures?

P.S. No, there were no Twitter posts in this time range. I apparently was slacking.

[m2j]

Love your trip report & pics!

[disneygirlinnj]

Loving the photos and LOVE the photo of Hailey and...your sister (?) on the bus! She looks so excited! And I know the answer to your questions! (Obviously I stalked your flickr lol)

Sounds like online checkin went perfect. I guess I'll try it in 3 days for my trip! :)

[annnewjerz]

And I know the answer to your questions! (Obviously I stalked your flickr lol)



:rotfl2: Same here, how sad. Maybe it's something in the NJ water that saps us of our patience. ;)

[scoot241]

Loving the photos and LOVE the photo of Hailey and...your sister (?) on the bus! She looks so excited! And I know the answer to your questions! (Obviously I stalked your flickr lol)

:rotfl2: Same here, how sad. Maybe it's something in the NJ water that saps us of our patience. ;)

Ah, but my photostream may not be in the correct order. The last couple of pictures I put up last night certainly aren't (but they are from the same day).

J, yes that's my sister on the bus.

ETA: So I've noticed that almost everyone who's commented so far has been from Jersey. Apparently I'm popular up there and don't even know it.

[disneygirlinnj]

Haha..that could be because of one of a few reasons:

1. Jersey people are awesome and know a good TR and photographer when we come across one.
2. We're all slightly disney crazy...I mean everyone on here knows about Jersey Week at Disney in November, right?
3. Did I mention we're awesome? :)
4. We're all fabulously (ha!) technologically advanced and got sucked into your Tweets?

[scoot241]

My cousin just moved to Jersey... I don't think she's Disney crazy though (just regular crazy). I've never been, so I may have to visit her someday and see all my adoring fans too. ;)

[PAcpl]

Philly gets no love? :confused3

[scoot241]

Philly gets no love? :confused3

I saild almost everyone. :)

Never been to Philly either. This may turn into a NE US tour. :rotfl:

[scoot241]

After the parade, we made our way up Main Street and veered off to the left in front of Casey's. The street was still packed heading into the hub, but the alternate route in front of Crystal Palace turned out not to be much better.

We finally made the left to head into Adventureland. We passed Aladdin's carpets, the Tiki Room, and the Jungle Cruise and made our way to:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3914729122_fcea576401.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3914729122/)

Hailey's excited; this is the ride she wanted to do first!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3913947967_cbb4ec8d96.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913947967/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3917332155_47b402dd97.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3917332155/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/3913950193_88d5d207ee.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913950193/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3913952209_b26ac581f3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3913952209/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/3914737904_65a796a956.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3914737904/)

Afterward, Hailey tells us "I liked it except for the waterfall". At first we thought she meant the drop, but when we kept asking, she meant the mist that Davy Jones shows up in. Overall, success on the first ride!

I need to post more photos before I move on, so part 3 will have to end here.

Coming up: Will we see another Twitter post anytime in the near future?

[PAcpl]

Wow, great shots on Pirates.. What settings did you use on what SLR?

[scoot241]

I have the Canon XSi, and I used the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens. I set it to ISO 1600 and put it in Tv mode and set the shutter speed to 1/50 of a second. I did some sharpening and noise reduction in Lightroom before posting.

The Sigma 30mm is my favorite of the two lenses I own, so it was on the camera for all but two days of the trip. The 18-55 IS is nice but it's not quite as sharp as the 30mm and doesn't do nearly as well when shooting in low light. Next big camera purchase is a nice telephoto.

[scoot241]

9/6/2009 4:02 PM EDT: In MK. Saw the parade, went on pirates and now waiting for aladdin's carpets.

Finally, another Twitter post! They do get more frequent.

As you can read, we're waiting in line now for:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/3923728599_9e9003cbcb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3923728599/)

Hailey's ready to fly on Dum... I mean Aladdin's carpets. (Dumbo comes later, duh.)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/3924516486_11d1ed34e5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3924516486/)

After Aladdin, it's time to start heading out for dinner. On the way out I get a nice shot of the castle.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3924519216_f429bf1cc8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3924519216/)

We also take our first PhotoPass pictures. Apparently I forgot to take my glasses off when she was shooting with my camera.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3924521514_601c50eed1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3924521514/)

And now for a rant about the PhotoPass photographers. Do not hand them a DSLR with a prime lens on it. They do not understand the concept. Every time I handed them my camera, they immediately reached for the focus ring, tried to zoom, and then exclaimed "Where's the zoom?". I eventually stopped giving them my camera and just hoped the pictures they took would be good. Most of them are, so overall I'm pleased with the service, but for people who sit behind a camera all day, you think they would at least have heard of a prime lens.

Anyway, after the PhotoPass pictures, we headed for the exit.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3923736517_d8b7f67481.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3923736517/)

Yes, the Magic Kingdom would see us again real soon.

Coming up: interesting times on the monorail, and where did we eat for dinner?

[disneygirlinnj]

Nice castle shot!

About the photographers... I hate to say it but for the most part they have no idea what they're doing. :( They aren't photographers. They're just people that get handed a camera and are told to go take photos and scan photopass cards. I noticed it a LOT more during night shots. During a sunset shot the pics weren't coming out that great and the photographer said he couldn't change the settings. His excuse is that someone else sets the camera settings or tells them what to put it on and that's what they have to use. I think it's BS and in reality he just had no idea what to change. :) I wish they would at least train these guys a little more!

[scoot241]

Nice castle shot!

About the photographers... I hate to say it but for the most part they have no idea what they're doing. :( They aren't photographers. They're just people that get handed a camera and are told to go take photos and scan photopass cards. I noticed it a LOT more during night shots. During a sunset shot the pics weren't coming out that great and the photographer said he couldn't change the settings. His excuse is that someone else sets the camera settings or tells them what to put it on and that's what they have to use. I think it's BS and in reality he just had no idea what to change. :) I wish they would at least train these guys a little more!

I agree J, and I do have to say that most of the shots that aren't that great are a result of an uncooperative 4 year old rather than poor settings. :) Overall the PhotoPass shots are good and I've been adding borders and changing sizes like crazy to them.

I believe it was later this day where one of the photographers told us "well, you get what you get" when I told him it didn't have a zoom. It's called move around, dude! :sad2:

[disneygirlinnj]

Haha! Yeah...after that little sunset dilemna, I started taking test shots with my camera while on line waiting and getting the perfect settings. Then I would just hand the photographer my camera all ready to go and at least one said that my camera photo came out better than the photopass camera one :)

Can't beat the borders and fun stuff though. No matter how much I complain about the photogs, I still order the CD just for the cool pics! :)

[dax248]

Joining up for the recap.

Sorry I missed following you on Twitter. I love being able to do that, it is just awesome!

[scoot241]

Joining up for the recap.

Sorry I missed following you on Twitter. I love being able to do that, it is just awesome!

Welcome!

I'm really enjoying the Twitter Disney community that's starting to develop. It lets me keep up with others who are enjoying the World when I'm not and vice versa. Plus, I was getting all the D23 updates while I was at WDW last week without searching the web for them. :)

[scoot241]

After leaving the Magic Kingdom, we take a right and head up to the Resort Monorail.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3926582339_a8dd916083.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3926582339/)

It's Hailey's first ride on the monorail and naturally she's enjoying it. However, the monorail stops on the way to the Contemporary.

9/6/2009 4:36 PM EDT En route to ohana. Monorail driver is confused as to where he is. We're sitting on the beam in front of space mtn.

The monorail driver came on and said "Welcome aboard Monorail Lime. We're currently waiting for the monorail in front of us to clear the Polynes... to clear the Transportation and Ticket... you see that big A-frame building in front of us? That's the Contemporary Resort, and once the monorail in front of us clears the station, we'll be heading in there.

Naturally, I'm correcting him every time he says the wrong building even though he can't hear me. From this spot, I did get a nice shot of Space Mountain through the window.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3917654647_53facd388e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3917654647/)

We arrive at the Polynesian. There's a line forming on the left side of the 2nd floor lobby. Naturally, it's the line to check in for 'Ohana, our dinner ADR today. 'Ohana hadn't actually opened for dinner yet (it opens at 5:00 PM). I stand in line while most everyone else scatters for the moment. The line is back to Kona already.

A couple of shots from the lobby looking down:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3927367962_f9a531d0e6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3927367962/)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3927372484_d26fe342e4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3927372484/)

A few minutes after they open, we finally get to the front of the line at:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3926592877_dfaa669cb8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3926592877/)

Here's my mini-review from Twitter:
9/6/2006 6:02 PM EDT Ohana is awesome! Everything I've eaten is good, but my favorite is the pork (and this is coming from a steak person). Dessert coming soon.

(This is the one area I slacked on the whole trip: taking pictures of the food)

We had the usual 'Ohana dinner with all of our cousins. We started with the 'Ohana Welcome Bread and the salad, both quite good. I really liked the honey-lime dressing.

Next came the pork dumplings with sweet & sour sauce, and the chicken wings in honey sauce. Both sweet and delicious. They also brought out the various sauces for the meats.

Soon, the meats start showing up, along with the noodles and stir-fry vegetables. I tried some of each meat, and I still stand by my Twitter post. The pork is the absolute best and easily beats the steak.

Now Hailey loves shrimp, but she's not into spicy food yet. We mentioned this to our server (IIRC, his name is Brandon) and he mentioned it to the chef. After we had started getting our meats, he brought out a bowl full of shrimp just for Hailey that didn't have the spices on it. She did try one of the regular shrimp; at first she said she liked it then she said she didnt :sad2:. But she started devouring the shrimp made just for her; we had to keep peeling them to keep up!

After filling up on the various meats, we were sitting nice and happy until we saw the desserts starting to come out. Wow, that banana bread pudding looks incredible!

However, something else arrived first:

9/6/2009 6:44 PM EDT The birthday treats begin. Hailey got a cupcake with an umbrella in it and a bowl of ice cream; both had Mickey sprinkles on top.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3927378596_da6395e6e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3927378596/)

We sang Happy Birthday, and Hailey blew out the candle.

Our dessert came soon after:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/3926598177_6ebdeef0bc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3926598177/)

9/6/2009 6:44 PM EDT The rest of us had the banana bread pudding; pretty awesome in its own right.

We went to town on the bread pudding, and Hailey went after the cupcake:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/3926731019_5d4eea6eb7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3926731019/)

Overall, 'Ohana was excellent and I highly recommend trying to get a reservation there. The food and the atmosphere are wonderful. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

It was raining a bit when we were done, so we took our time getting back to the Magic Kingdom.

Coming up: something special occurs at the Magic Kingdom.

[disneygirlinnj]

So I'm warning you now that I might tell you Hailey is the most adorable thing ever about a million times. Her curly hair is so adorable :)

Glad you liked Ohana! Still haven't been there yet but that banana bread pudding is totally calling my name.

Did you use long exposure on that Poly waterfall shot? Oh wait...I'll go stalk on flickr and find out lol

[scoot241]

Each picture in the trip report links directly to its Flickr page.

The waterfall was 1/6 of a second. It's a pain to look that up on the iPhone.

Thanks for the Hailey compliments! I'm starting to think she knows how cute she is.

[dax248]

Your pictures are absolutely amazing. Wow! Also, your daughter is too darn cute. I keep showing my DH the pictures and going 'AWWW look at her, I love that hair." :goodvibes

[scoot241]

Your pictures are absolutely amazing. Wow! Also, your daughter is too darn cute. I keep showing my DH the pictures and going 'AWWW look at her, I love that hair." :goodvibes

Thank you so much! Her hair is the #1 thing she gets compliments on.

I realized I still need an avatar picture here. Maybe I'll bring Dr. Teeth over from my Twitter account.

[dax248]

Thank you so much! Her hair is the #1 thing she gets compliments on.

I realized I still need an avatar picture here. Maybe I'll bring Dr. Teeth over from my Twitter account.

That would be an awesome avatar!

[scoot241]

That would be an awesome avatar!

And here he is. :)

Paint is such a primitive image editing program, but that's all I have at work. :rolleyes1

[scoot241]

After finishing at 'Ohana, we rode Monorail Blue back to the Magic Kingdom.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3930564132_3109557185.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930564132/)

Once we got out of the station, here's what we saw:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3930566238_1f26aa1932.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930566238/)

9/6/2009 7:16 PM Rainbow over MK; how cool is that?

We were heading to the Haunted Mansion; Hailey wanted it to be her second ride. Here's a couple of more rainbow shots:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3917687527_989e96ea58.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3917687527/)

We took PhotoPass pictures at the spot above while the rainbow was there.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3929787067_4bd3239ac3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929787067/)

As I said, we were on the way to the Haunted Mansion:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3930570282_7728867063.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930570282/)

While we were walking in the queue outside, Pal Mickey told us about the horseless carriage:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/3929791437_0d3ccaa606.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929791437/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/3930574154_250de96fcd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930574154/)

Haunted Mansion is very tough to photograph, so one of the few usable images from inside that I have is from the stretching room.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3930576206_f36b237719.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930576206/)

Hailey liked most of the Haunted Mansion, but got a little scared at times, especially at the beginning of the ride if I recall correctly. Overall, another success! :yay:

After the Haunted Mansion, we went looking for a spot to set up for Spectromagic and Wishes. I found a trash can to put my Gorillapod and camera on for Wishes in front of Casey's Corner.

9/6/2009 8:23 PM Rode haunted mansion; now waiting on main street for spectro and wishes.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3930578180_b1a73a07ca.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930578180/)

Coming up: Spectromagic after lots of waiting

[thecapells]

Great POTC pics!!

Can't wait to get there ourselves this November!
In the meantime, I'm subscribing to hear your fun!

[scoot241]

Great POTC pics!!

Can't wait to get there ourselves this November!
In the meantime, I'm subscribing to hear your fun!

Welcome! I was starting to look through your last TR. Poor baby! It looked like he was enjoying himself anyway though.

Thanks for the compliments on the photos!

[scoot241]

We're standing just up the street toward Cinderella Castle from Casey's. We've been parked there for a while, and a CM brought out some hula hoops for the kids to play with. Hailey joined in and tried to do the hula hoop:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3929798873_2dbb521a5d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929798873/)

Not long after this, we had a brief scare. However it exactly happened I'm not sure, but I thought Hailey was sitting in her stroller. She wasn't, so I asked where she was. No one knew! :confused3 :scared1: Thankfully, we turned around and she was behind us talking to a CM about her day and how she went on Pirates and HM. I guess the CM started talking to her, but I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one who initiated the conversation. We gave her another talk about wandering off and put her back in her stroller.

Finally, the first part of what we've been waiting on the curb all this time for: Spectromagic!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3930581876_5641230179.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930581876/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3929802037_5f12c06487.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929802037/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3924691288_f908c73ff2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3924691288/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3930549734_0632cb17af.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930549734/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3929764507_76e87f8e3c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929764507/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/3929766103_7c7622e2ec.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929766103/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3930551666_cd7ed4638a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930551666/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3929772097_f009143dc6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929772097/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3930555132_579bf1a339.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3930555132/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3929775397_e7d0414e22.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929775397/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3929777223_d85de901c2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929777223/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3929780263_6c94ba1eae.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929780263/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3929781247_5dc37cdcb3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3929781247/)

These are some of my favorite photos so far. If you'd like to view any of them larger, click on the picture and it will take you to the Flickr page. There should then be a button over the picture that says "All Sizes". Click it and it should come up in a larger size.

Coming up: The Wishes dilemma, EMH and the end of the first day (finally!)

[annnewjerz]

Great Specto shots, Scott!! Quick question---were you right on the curb when shooting these (like front row) and if so, did you get this close to the floats using the 30mm or did you crop some of the dead space around the floats out? I had read recently on some thread that you can use the 50mm if you want a close-up view of the characters in the parade, but these shots look plenty close to me!

Can't wait to read/see more!

PS: I might steal your idea about incorporating the "tweets" into the TR when I eventually come back from The World. :thumbsup2 I recently signed up for a Twitter to win something and have no use for it. I've been thinking about how I will keep track of our day for the TR (a journal, live blogging, twitter, etc.) and I think a combo of twitter/live blogging from my iPHONE is the way to go. Who really wants to carry around a pen and paper to write everything down when you can just record it all electronically and pull it up when you get home?

[We_love_WDW]

Wow those are some really good pictures. What kind of camera do you have and where did you get it? After looking at your specromagic pictures I realized how bad our camera is -

[scoot241]

Thank you Ann!

I'm looking through the pictures now; I'm pretty sure some are cropped and some aren't.

Trumpeters: cropped to take out some extra stuff on the right
Guy on Ball: cropped, some stuff to the right, better composition
Spectro float with Mickey in background: no crop
First Mickey: cropped to make the picture a little tighter
Second Mickey: cropped, had some empty space above his head
Chip and Dale: no crop
Fairy floats and castle: cropped out a dragonfly on the right
Ursula: no crop; she came right in front of us
Ariel: cropped; composition and cut out Flounder
Chernabog: cropped, took out some empty space to the right of him
Cinderella: cropped, mostly to move Cinderella to the right
Prince Charming & Cinderella: no crop
End of parade: cropped, had some empty space

I was right on the curb next to a trash can near Casey's. It was a really good spot to watch the parade. Wishes was another story, however. That'll be for the next installment. Hmm... I may post one of my uncropped Wishes pictures to illustrate.

By the way, if you're wondering who just started following you on Twitter, it's me. :)

[annnewjerz]

Thank you Ann!

I'm looking through the pictures now; I'm pretty sure some are cropped and some aren't.

Trumpeters: cropped to take out some extra stuff on the right
Guy on Ball: cropped, some stuff to the right, better composition
Spectro float with Mickey in background: no crop
First Mickey: cropped to make the picture a little tighter
Second Mickey: cropped, had some empty space above his head
Chip and Dale: no crop
Fairy floats and castle: cropped out a dragonfly on the right
Ursula: no crop; she came right in front of us
Ariel: cropped; composition and cut out Flounder
Chernabog: cropped, took out some empty space to the right of him
Cinderella: cropped, mostly to move Cinderella to the right
Prince Charming & Cinderella: no crop
End of parade: cropped, had some empty space

I was right on the curb next to a trash can near Casey's. It was a really good spot to watch the parade. Wishes was another story, however. That'll be for the next installment. Hmm... I may post one of my uncropped Wishes pictures to illustrate.

By the way, if you're wondering who just started following you on Twitter, it's me. :)

Thanks for the info on the crops. I don't mind cropping a bit at all, just wanted to make sure there wasn't extremely heavy cropping to make up for the 30mm focal length. I've never even watched Spectro before (not into parades really) but plan to in October, so I'm glad to see some pictures using the same lens I'll be shooting with.

I had heard Casey's was a good place for Wishes, although my plan is to get right into the "hub" with my Tokina 11-16 and try to get some neat shots. We'll see how that works.

I wasn't wondering who was following me, I don't know many Scotts---especially not people who are on Twitter with WDW in their username. ;) My first follower, maybe you'll get a special prize when I return from The World.

[scoot241]

I'll get into this more, but I think I would have done better with my full tripod.

The 30mm served me well the entire trip. I only used my 18-55 for two days. Getting some UWA Wishes shots should be very interesting! Getting in the hub would probably be good but I wonder if you might get too close. I'm sure someone would know better than I do though.

[scoot241]

Not long after Spectromagic passed, I reset my camera on the Gorillapod and set it up on the trash can we've been standing next to. Now, I bought the SLR-Zoom Gorillapod, so I'm thinking this thing should be pretty sturdy. Well, it is until you start trying to bend it to meet your needs. After lots of bending and maneuvering, I finally got it into a stable position. Problem solved, right? Wrong!

After Spectromagic, everyone moved into the street (there were tape lines in the street to mark where everyone could stand). So now the crowd shifts and here's what it looks like to the camera:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3934604185_c3ff016550.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3934604185/)

Needless to say, after all this camping and setting up and the Gorillapod issues, I'm fairly aggravated. :mad: Especially with Captain Bald Spot and his video camera who are taking up 1/3 of the frame.

I was also fighting not setting the camera correctly to take the pictures. So between the settings and the tripod, most the frustration was my own fault.

It wasn't a complete waste, however:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3932139437_45573606be.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3932139437/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3932919784_d53983e11e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3932919784/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3932140747_ac2e3fdc99.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3932140747/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/3932142995_84e35b0c13.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3932142995/)

After Wishes, everyone went back to the buses except for my sister and I. Instead, we took advantage of EMH to ride the big rides.

9/6/2009 10:31 PM EDT Sister and I are taking advantage of EMH. Shot Spectro and Wishes; very frustrated with how Wishes went.

I handed my camera to my wife to take back to the room (so no pictures for the rest of this post), and we headed straight for Frontierland. Splash had a standby time of 20 minutes, and BTMRR had a standby time of 30 minutes. We chose Splash first, and it probably took us 5 minutes to get through the queue and then we almost immediately boarded our log. 20 minutes was a severe overestimate.

Splash was great as always; we didn't get very wet. The wettest part for us was when we got caught by the spray shot off when a log goes down the last drop. The people in front of us got most of the big drop's splash I believe. After singing "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Da", we came out, tried to find our picture but never saw it and headed toward BTMRR.

9/6/2009 10:54 PM Did splash. BTMRR is supposedly 40 minutes but I don't think so.

As we're winding through the queue of BTMRR, the people in front of us decide to start taking down the chains that keep people walking back and forth. Now I admit that having those chains up wasn't necessary, but have a little respect people. We followed them only because everyone else would probably start passing us up if we chose to keep winding through the queue.

Needless to say, we probably walked through the queue longer than we waited when we actually got to the line.

9/6/2009 11:21 PM The wildest ride in the wilderness http://twitpic.com/gt1rk

9/6/2001 11:22 PM BTMRR was much shorter than 40 minutes. Now taking a spin with Buzz.

Those are only a minute apart because I couldn't get the post with the picture to upload in the loading area.

That's right, after doing the two big Frontierland attractions, I wasn't quite ready to go yet. My sister and I walked across the entire park to Buzz. Wait time was 20 minutes, and that was probably about right.

While in the queue...

9/6/2009 11:26 PM DD batteries. Disney, can you really tell me there's no double meaning here? http://twitpic.com/gt2g1

You can all tell where my mind was at that point... :rotfl:

After Buzz, we looked around near the Space Mountain construction. Little did we know we would get a much better look at the end of the week.

Finally done for the night, we headed back to the buses. Did I mention that Pop's buses were at #18? All the way at the end of the bus stop.

Even without my camera, I was still thinking about taking pictures:

9/7/2009 12:00 AM Mickey balloon stickers on all the transportation make it difficult to take pics out the windows.

Back at Pop, everyone else was already in bed. It wasn't long before we joined them.

Coming up: A morning at EPCOT

[disneygirlinnj]

Wow I missed a few updates while I was away! :)

Amazing shots of Spectro!! And Wishes even with baldy in your way. Heading to your flickr soon to check out the EXIF data on those spectro shots. And I'm sooooo itching for that 30mm... :D My 50mm works and I do enjoy it but 30mm? That would be awesome!

[scoot241]

Wow I missed a few updates while I was away! :)

Amazing shots of Spectro!! And Wishes even with baldy in your way. Heading to your flickr soon to check out the EXIF data on those spectro shots. And I'm sooooo itching for that 30mm... :D My 50mm works and I do enjoy it but 30mm? That would be awesome!

Glad to see you back! I was checking out some of your flickr photos and it looked like you had a good time despite the nasty weather.

I have to say that I really like the 30mm. The one complaint I have against it is that it will hunt for focus in very low light. But I guess any lens will hunt if it can't catch a spot to focus on. I got a pretty good deal on it on eBay; it wasn't brand new but the guy took some test shots and decided not to keep it. I still paid about $300, but that's better than what B&H wanted.

I believe my Spectro shots were ISO 800, Tv mode set to 1/50 of a second.

Honestly, it was while waiting for Spectro and Wishes that we encountered most of the rude guests that we saw during the trip. And I hate to say it but they were all foreigners. I hate even writing that because it sounds like I'm just generalizing but it's the truth.

Anyway, I think I'm taking a break from writing tonight (so you can catch up ;)). I'll probably write another one tomorrow.

[annnewjerz]

Anyway, I think I'm taking a break from writing tonight

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!! :goodvibes

[scoot241]

Wow those are some really good pictures. What kind of camera do you have and where did you get it? After looking at your specromagic pictures I realized how bad our camera is -

Hi! I somehow skipped right over your post!

I have the Canon Digital Rebel XSi, which is a somewhat entry level digital SLR (the true entry level is the XS). I bought it at Best Buy of all places because they were offering 18 months no interest.

I also bought another lens for the camera: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. This lens has a wider aperture than the "kit lens" (lens included with the camera). The wider aperture allows more light into the camera and makes night shots and other low-light situations easier.

On this trip, I actually felt limited by the XSi for the first time. The XSi has a maximum ISO of 1600, and you need more than that combined with a large aperture lens in order to get decent shots in the Haunted Mansion. The next level up would be the 50D; someone else would have to comment on whether that camera's ISO capabilities are sufficient for a very dark ride like the Haunted Mansion.

I'm definitely still learning how to use the camera (and how to take good photos in general), but I absolutely love the pictures it takes. When something is wrong, it's usually something I did rather than the camera.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

Sorry Ann, you'll just have to wait until tomorrow! :)

[UncleOrville]

Hi Scott,

I haven't had a chance to read your report yet, but I wanted to check in and subscribe! Your daughter is gorgeous! Can't wait to read the report and see your pics!

[disneygirlinnj]

OK why am I a spaz and can't figure out how to direct link to my flickr photos? I've copied and pasted the code from flickr but it's not working :(

[scoot241]

OK why am I a spaz and can't figure out how to direct link to my flickr photos? I've copied and pasted the code from flickr but it's not working :(

You have to do it manually. DIS doesn't allow HTML.

Put your picture in with the IMG tag, then highlight the whole thing (from IMG to /IMG) and then click the globe with the chain link above. Paste the link to the Flickr page into the box that pops up and it will wrap the image code with URL tags which will make the image a link.

[disneygirlinnj]

Thank you! Ok..ignore the same question I asked you on my trip report lol :)

[scoot241]

Thank you! Ok..ignore the same question I asked you on my trip report lol :)

See your PTR for response to this. ;)

[scoot241]

Speaking of pictures, it looks like I need to post a bunch when I get home because the report has caught up with my Flickr. Looks like I have some work to do tonight.

[ProPhotoGA]

Scott,

Great TR. Came over from my PTR. I have you as a flickr contact. I have
been enjoying your images. I will have to look at a smaller camera as my
Canon 1Ds mkIII will not be making this trip. I may pick up a 5D to play with at
Disney. Lovin the report and the photos!.

Gene

[scoot241]

Scott,

Great TR. Came over from my PTR. I have you as a flickr contact. I have
been enjoying your images. I will have to look at a smaller camera as my
Canon 1Ds mkIII will not be making this trip. I may pick up a 5D to play with at
Disney. Lovin the report and the photos!.

Gene

Thanks!

Have you seen the Photography Board yet? That's actually how I found these boards.

I think a 5D would serve you very well in WDW. Of course, I think the 1Ds mkIII would also, but it's probably a bit large for vacation purposes.

[scoot241]

9/7/2009 8:09 AM Good morning! Getting ready to go to EPCOT.

I was already up for a half-hour or so by this point. In fact, Hailey heard us moving in bed and told us to get up. After waking up Mommy and I, she knocked on the connecting door until the rest of the family was up. Just because they were up doesn't mean they were moving though.

After getting dressed I went outside and took a few pictures in the 50s area of Pop.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3943052492_199b73b7f0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3943052492/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/3943054716_d6960762d0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3943054716/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3942278199_601078df5c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3942278199/)

After coming back to the room, surprise surprise, we're still not ready to go.

9/7/2009 9:09 AM My family is sooooo slow in the morning.

After finally pushing them out the door, we're to the bus stop and on our way to EPCOT. (Note that we haven't eaten yet.)

At this point I'd like to present the dedication plaque; one of the few places the park is still referred to as EPCOT Center (and one of two places that I know of where the original logo is still present).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3942282139_fa2f311627.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3942282139/)

I took some pictures of what Wikipedia refers to as a pentakis dodecahedron.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3943062710_a91560b146.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3943062710/)

Of course, we also stopped for some PhotoPass pictures. Here's one the photographer took from my camera. Again I was asked "where's the zoom?"

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3943065116_7a4de7c590.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3943065116/)

Naturally, our first ride of the day was right behind us!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3942288777_b2e426e63b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3942288777/)

I absolutely adore this mural. It's one of my favorite pieces of art in all of Disney World.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3942293497_e53030fd20.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3942293497/)

The ascent is even better than ever thanks to the refurbishment.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3943074872_eff963d159.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3943074872/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3943077078_da36f0dba9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3943077078/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3942300009_00cfa90b5e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3942300009/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3942301635_14bee58fde.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3942301635/)

The new scenes are nice; I haven't seen too many pictures of the Steve Jobs scene:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3942305485_b0cd5e98ff.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3942305485/)

And finally, Hailey's favorite part of the ride. She talked about it for the rest of the week.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3942303167_d10a2c02bf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3942303167/)

The decent, to me, was disappointing. While the program on the screen is somewhat amusing, all that space during the descent except for the first few feet with the lights (which looks great, by the way) is nothing but black curtains. Couldn't they at least have run the lights all the way down if nothing else?

Coming up: a search for breakfast

[FreezinRafiki]

Just stumbled upon your TR. I wish I had know about it while you were there so I could have followed it live, but it's great that you're incorporating your tweets in here. Great pictures!

[scoot241]

Just stumbled upon your TR. I wish I had know about it while you were there so I could have followed it live, but it's great that you're incorporating your tweets in here. Great pictures!

Welcome and thanks! :)

[scoot241]

An aside...

Yesterday after I got home from work, we were sitting around and I had the urge to turn on a video of the original Journey to Imagination (there's a guy named Martin Smith online who does tributes of old WDW attractions; they're very well done). Even though the video was obviously from a VHS camcorder (probably one of those big ones that you had to hold on your shoulder in the 80s), it was easy to see that the original Imagination was much better than the current one, although some parts of it were a bit outdated. Hailey really got excited when she saw the rainbow tunnel. She started talking about how she wanted to go through the rainbow tunnel next time she was there. I told her the rainbow tunnel wasn't there anymore, and she was a bit disappointed and still kept saying she wanted to go through the rainbow tunnel. Why in the world did they ever shut that down? It still looks cool even today. Some of the other stuff was getting outdated, but a lot of it is essentially the same stuff that's there now. The lights where you step on the light and it makes a sound is now where you step on kids with instruments and it makes an instrument sound. An updated version of the conducting thing is still there too.

Watching that video after freshly going through the current Imagination ride really made me realize how much they butchered the pavillion.

Anyway, back to your normally scheduled programming tonight (probably).

ETA: I noticed the Photography Board contest for this week is "Kids of the World". I definitely have something up my sleeve for it (no, you haven't seen it yet).

[disneygirlinnj]

it's sad what they did to the whole Journey pavilion. I really think all of my Epcot memories are from there. Loved the rainbow tunnel, and all the interactive games they had at the end. I can remember trying to paint Figment on the screen and I kept running out of time because I was trying to get it perfect. lol

I also have all of the old rides on VHS tapes from when my dad used to lug his huge camera around on his shoulder. i'm slowly starting to convert them to DVD but it's taking a lot longer than I had planned!

[scoot241]

it's sad what they did to the whole Journey pavilion. I really think all of my Epcot memories are from there. Loved the rainbow tunnel, and all the interactive games they had at the end. I can remember trying to paint Figment on the screen and I kept running out of time because I was trying to get it perfect. lol

I also have all of the old rides on VHS tapes from when my dad used to lug his huge camera around on his shoulder. i'm slowly starting to convert them to DVD but it's taking a lot longer than I had planned!

I have a lot of old tapes that I should convert too, but they're all in New Orleans. My dad lugged a huge VHS camera you had to hold on your shoulder too. It was like carrying a VCR with a lens.

I'm listening to the Inside the Magic podcast, and the audio from the Parks & Resorts presentation at D23 is playing. It's pretty good listening to the announcements instead of just reading them.

[PAcpl]

Scott - Once again, great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[disneygirlinnj]

Inside the Magic actually posted a lot of the videos on youtube. I spent a good amount of time just watching those :)

[scoot241]

Scott - Once again, great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks!

Inside the Magic actually posted a lot of the videos on youtube. I spent a good amount of time just watching those :)

I was in WDW while D23 was going on, so I wasn't really looking for the videos at the time (wasn't really looking for audio either). :) Might go back and watch a few sometime.

[annnewjerz]

popcorn::

[scoot241]

After coming off of Spaceship Earth, we were overdue for some breakfast. In my usually up-to-date Disney memory, I told everyone else to go to Fountain View Café while I ran to Soarin' for FastPasses. On my way there, I notice some prominent ice cream signs, but don't think too much of it at the time.

When I get back, everyone's standing around in front of the fountain. What's the problem?

"Fountain View isn't open." What?!? :scared1:

I go inspect some more. Fountain View has been turned into an ice cream shop! Where in EPCOT are you supposed to get breakfast now? :confused3

After looking around and seeing no sign of breakfast, I broke down and asked someone at Guest Services. He said to go through Innoventions East, and Espresso was on the other side. What in the world is Espresso?

Turns out, Espresso is a cart with coffee and pastries. However, these carts (we noticed others later on around EPCOT and it was the same case at all of them) do not take the DDP!

Meanwhile, it was break time nearby.

9/7/2009 10:29 AM EST BREAK TIME! http://twitpic.com/gufni

The Jammitors came over and played a set just outside Innoventions East.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3946444746_5b123fff57.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3946444746/)

I reiterated my thoughts on "Espresso" on Twitter:

9/7/2009 10:31 AM EST When did Fountain View stop serving breakfast? All they have now is this junky cart outside Energy that doesn't take DDP.

I was especially aggravated about this because I was looking forward to a cinnamon roll. That craving got rectified twice over, however.

After everyone got something to eat, we headed over to:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3946290448_7fb437c917.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3946290448/)

I enjoyed the ride on the Clammobiles. It was refreshing to finally see a ride in The (Living) Seas again.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3945666135_f420a3e036.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3945666135/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/3945667803_935b003bf8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3945667803/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3946453602_e06d915f0d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3946453602/)

After disembarking from our Clammobiles, we headed for Turtle Talk with Crush. Hailey and my sister sat in the front with the kids, while the rest of us sat on a bench. At some point, Crush mentions that he's going to take questions in a few minutes. A minute or two later, we hear "I have a question!" Naturally, it was Hailey. She actually plays this game with us where she says she has a question and then asks something like "What did you have for breakfast?" Then she says she has another question and keeps making up questions (some of which are not actually questions).

We heard her a couple more times, and the last time the CM in Turtle Talk was actually going to let her ask a question, but Crush picked someone else. She still enjoyed the show. The technology behind Turtle Talk is pretty cool; my wife and I had seen it in California and it still amazes me that it can pick out a person and their shirt color and other attributes.

After Turtle Talk, we wandered around the Seas for a few minutes and took some pictures of Hailey outside.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3945676533_299468fb82.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3945676533/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3946462554_e5f6f5bbf3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3946462554/)

Then we headed over to the EPCOT Character Spot. I have to say that although this may not completely fit into Future World, it's a great idea. All five main characters are in one place at one time.

9/7/2009 11:51 AM EST At the EPCOT Character Spot. Line is a little long but not too bad.

This might be the longest line we waited in the entire trip; Hailey enjoyed it, though I think she was warming up to the characters a little bit at first. Each character signed her autograph book, and after she was done taking pictures, she would give each character a kiss on the cheek.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3946464356_43151e9d94.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3946464356/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3945684315_3217f31181.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3945684315/)

When she got to Minnie, she started warming up more.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3945686167_09c90d0c71.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3945686167/)

Donald was when the real fun began.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3946470870_2a70a8e2be.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3946470870/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3946472610_4fa64e1e30.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3946472610/)

9/7/2009 12:18 PM EST Had a blast in the character spot. Getting all five in one spot is very nice.

After getting out the Character Spot, we headed for The Land.

Coming up: will Hailey be tall enough for Soarin'?

[annnewjerz]

Very cute pictures from the Character Spot! I agree---that was the longest line we waited in last time we were in The World.

You know you can get some awesome breakfast in The Land Pavilion at Sunshine Seasons? They're a CS location, they're on the DDP and it seems they aren't usually very busy if you get there when the park opens.

[Sleepingbooty]

Hey there!:wave2:
Loving your TR, and your photos - wow wow WOW! You are a great photographer! Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip:thumbsup2

[scoot241]

Very cute pictures from the Character Spot! I agree---that was the longest line we waited in last time we were in The World.

You know you can get some awesome breakfast in The Land Pavilion at Sunshine Seasons? They're a CS location, they're on the DDP and it seems they aren't usually very busy if you get there when the park opens.

Thanks!

Character Spot was the longest line we were in, but it really wasn't that long.

I'll have to keep Sunshine Seasons in mind for breakfast next time. We were trying to use our snack credits for breakfast.

Hey there!:wave2:
Loving your TR, and your photos - wow wow WOW! You are a great photographer! Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip:thumbsup2

Welcome and thank you so much! :)

[scoot241]

When we left Character Spot, we decided to use our FastPasses I retrieved earlier for Soarin'. This is a ride that only my wife and I had done in the past at DLR and enjoyed it very much.

I didn't get too many pictures of The Land, but here are the signs:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3948624515_7839ae31a0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3948624515/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3949401540_04ab0edcda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3949401540/)

When we got down to the bottom floor and to the Soarin' entrance, the CMs asked Hailey to get measured. Now, this is the first ride with a height requirement we rode the entire trip, so I didn't know how this was going to play out. I did know that Hailey is right near 40", but my measurements said she was just under. When she stands up extra straight, she is extremely close.

Hailey stands under the bar that's there, and she's just under it as I expected. She stands up extra-straight and we're trying to get her head to touch by telling her to do different things like put her finger on the top of her head, take a deep breath, etc. The CMs really did try their best, too, although I do believe she touched the bar at one time. The CMs must have missed it, and they must have seen the tiniest bit of light between the bar and the top of her head. After about five minutes, they decided she wasn't going to be able to ride. Naturally she was disappointed, and she and Grammy (who thought she wouldn't like it because she can get motion sickness sometimes) stayed out while the rest of us rode Soarin'.

In the queue, we started talking about lunch and spoke to a lady behind us who apparently was another big Disney fan. I hadn't made a firm plan; I just knew it would be counter service. She suggested either Sunshine Seasons or Cantina de San Angel.

9/7/2009 1:11 PM EDT Soarin' was fun as usual... Hailey didn't quite make 40" though :(

When we came out, Hailey and Grammy were by the FastPass machines. Turns out that they went to see Circle of Life while we rode. We still had two FastPasses, so we convinced my mom that she would enjoy it, so she and my dad rode again. The rest of us waited at one of the tables by Sunshine Seasons.

After about a half hour, they came out and we talked about lunch. I checked out Sunshine Seasons while they were riding; no one seemed too interested in what they were serving, and my dad was very interested in Cantina de San Angel (unusual because he's usually not a huge Mexican eater) so we decided to head to Mexico for lunch.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3949399744_bef5955c28.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3949399744/)

We headed out and made our way to World Showcase for the first time of the trip.

Coming up: lunch and fun in Mexico

Bonus picture: I was inspired by another Flickr user to work on my picture of the Greeks in Spaceship Earth.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3949467414_43050147cf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3949467414/)

[disneygirlinnj]

So did Grammy like Soarin? :)

[scoot241]

Side note: this will probably be the last update this week. I'm leaving for Louisiana after work tomorrow and coming back Sunday. I know how disappointed everyone is, but think of it as something to look forward to next week (or something like that). :)

[scoot241]

So did Grammy like Soarin? :)

She did indeed like Soarin'.

[VBsHustla]

Yay my sis let me know you have a TR and I was delighted to check out a report from one of our twitter pals! I love the tweet incorporation. Unfortunate that the majority of our tweets were so random and weird or we might have to steal that formatting! I also love all your pics, particularly the Spaceship Earth shots. :thumbsup2

[scoot241]

Yay my sis let me know you have a TR and I was delighted to check out a report from one of our twitter pals! I love the tweet incorporation. Unfortunate that the majority of our tweets were so random and weird or we might have to steal that formatting! I also love all your pics, particularly the Spaceship Earth shots. :thumbsup2

Thanks for joining up! I just read the first part of yall's TR and I have a feeling it's going to be good. :)

I just got back from LA and was delighted to find my PhotoPass CD in the mailbox and somewhat disturbed that my Mad Tea Party poster was left on the porch for an unknown amount of time (more on the poster ordering situation later).

Hopefully I'll have a new update tomorrow.

[scoot241]

Hi everyone. For the first time ever, I entered a photo into the DIS' Photography Board weekly contest. It's a photo that we haven't quite made it to yet in the Trip Report, so if you feel inclined to vote for me click this link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2295449

and vote for letter B. It's a photo of Goofy and Hailey at Chef Mickey's. In exchange, I'll post about more of my trip tonight. :)

Thanks!

[UncleOrville]

I did feel inclined to vote for your photo, so you've got a vote from me! :thumbsup2 That really is a fantastic photo, as are all of the shots you've shared here. Loving the TR - keep up the great work!

[scoot241]

We made the trek from The Land back to Mexico (also known as South Texas). Cantina de San Angel was the restaurant of choice since we were using CS credits. I had the Cantina Burrito, which was fairly tasty. My wife enjoyed the Plato Combonacion. Hailey had the Plato del Nino and ate it up (she likes quesadillas). My parents and sister either had the Cantina Burrito or the Plato Combonacion (can't remember who had what right now). Someone tell Cantina de San Angel they need more creative names for their food.

While we were eating, a flock of birds was hanging out and trying to get any crumb of food dropped:

9/7/2009 2:11 PM EDT Name that bird: http://twitpic.com/gv8s6

Here's the Cantina de San Angel mini-review, with my thoughts on their desserts:

9/7/2009 2:13 PM EDT Had the burrito at Cantina de San Angel. Pretty good; churro would be better if it was hot. The other dessert is ok.

The other dessert was Bunuelos. They came pre-packaged like you would buy in a store. Hollow with some sugar on top, they weren't much to remember.

After lunch, we went inside the Mexico pavillion.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/3961600848_547140e9c1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3961600848/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3960806249_1a9f5b9145_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3960806249/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/3961586082_f2e7616b64.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3961586082/)

9/7/2009 2:33 PM About to take the Gran Fiesta Tour.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3960820497_056230891d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3960820497/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3960815329_6e0a9fb68e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3960815329/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3961597852_ca4536a3e6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3961597852/)

Hailey certainly enjoyed the Gran Fiesta Tour, and I thought it was pretty good too. It had been a long time since I had ridden, and I thought the updates worked well.

Coming up: The Senses... I mean Imagination Pavillion

[Kurby]

wow just found this thread - wish i had known about the live tweets :(

time to read TR

[scoot241]

wow just found this thread - wish i had known about the live tweets :(

time to read TR

Thanks for joining. I posted about the live tweets in a couple of places; we need a place where all the Twitter people can see who's live tweeting.

[scoot241]

After telling Donald and the two parrots (I don't know their names, and I don't feel like looking it up, so we'll call them Combinacion and Cantina Burrito, in honor of the very creative names for the food at Cantina de San Angel), we headed for the Imagination Pavilion.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3963747595_0f9fa7970d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3963747595/)

I've always liked the reverse waterfall. Maybe I just have a strange liking for things to go in reverse, but that doesn't make sense because one of the few things that can give me motion sickness is riding backward.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3964518120_f562105e9e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3964518120/)

A little setup for this next picture: we have watched The Muppets in Walt Disney World about 1,000 times. For those of you who haven't seen it, there's a scene by the jumping fountains where Bean Bunny and Scooter are conversing and Bean hits one of the streams of water with his lollipop. So naturally once Hailey saw the jumping fountains she was very excited and started running around saying "Bean hits the water with a lollipop!"

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3963740113_dca729aa80.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3963740113/)

Thankfully, she didn't take a liking to the scene where Gonzo enjoys the "used paper cup exhibit" (sticks his head in a trash can).

After enjoying the jumping fountains, we rode Journey Into Imagination.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3966989495_24f3114310.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3966989495/)

I already had my JIY rant, so I'm not going to repeat myself here. If for some strange reason you want to read it again, click here: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33671495&postcount=58

We had 5:30 PM dinner reservations at Chef Mickey's, so after we got off of Imagination, we started heading for the monorail. I checked Twitter and saw a message from @DisneyParks which I immediately re-tweeted because I wanted that pin.

9/7/2009 4:07 PM EDT RT @DisneyParks Unique limited edition 9/9/9 pin available this week at WDW http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/pin?id=46265 - let me know if you see this please!

Now I'm not a pin collector/trader, but that's a pin I had to have. I don't even know what it looks like, because that link doesn't work properly on my iPhone. The search begins...

Coming up: the search for the 9/9/9 pin and a diversion on the way to the monorail

[Sleepingbooty]

Oh, a cliffhanger! Does he find the pin or not? What does it look like? I hope you took a pic of it!

Great updates and pictures, can't wait for more:thumbsup2

[scoot241]

Oh, a cliffhanger! Does he find the pin or not? What does it look like? I hope you took a pic of it!

Great updates and pictures, can't wait for more:thumbsup2

Should I tell you that you can see the pin if you click the link in the Twitter post? ;)

I couldn't at the time on my iPhone though. I think it's because the page uses Flash. So at this point, I have no clue what the pin looks like, and all I know is that it will be released "this week".

[scoot241]

On our way out of Imagination, we had to go through ImageWorks. Hailey had fun doing the little games and activities. The lady at the Kodak demo area was looking for a volunteer. Naturally, Hailey walked up there without her even saying it was alright. The lady took her picture, connected the camera to the printer and printed a copy for her. She enjoyed being up there, and was very interested in all the props.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3969601097_ab5cf8161b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969601097/)

We finally got out of ImageWorks and started heading for the monorail. On the way back, we saw Chip and Dale signing autographs. Everyone except my mom stopped to wait in line, while my mom went to the pin trading area to see if she could find the 9/9/9 pin. After waiting in line for a few minutes, Hailey got to meet Chip and Dale...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3969610303_b28dd121f6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969610303/)

Hailey wasn't actually wearing her hat at the moment, so the CM accompanying Chip and Dale borrowed it and put it on Dale's head while Chip was signing her book.

It didn't take long before Hailey noticed her hat was on Dale's head.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3969607017_e500db5b05.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969607017/)

She snatched it back and put it on her head.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/3969603931_9614b45891.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969603931/)

9/7/2009 4:12 PM EDT Character sigs so far: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto, Chip & Dale

Grammy returned without much luck at the pin area. The CM there told her the new pins come out on Thursdays, which doesn't make much sense in this case because 9/9/2009 is a Wednesday. We take a side trip to Mouse Gear where a very helpful CM tries to find the pin for us in the computer. I showed her the Twitter post on my phone and she and another CM tried to look it up any way they could think of in the computer, but it was unavailable. They knew of a CM-exclusive pin for 9/9/9 but it was Haunted Mansion themed. We also found out at some point that Haunted Mansion special pins were being released on Wednesday because of the 999 ghosts in the Mansion.

After thanking the CMs at Mouse Gear, we finally headed for the monorail station.

9/7/2009 4:53 PM EDT Heading to Chef Mickey's for dinner.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3970383590_17561e17bf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3970383590/)

We took the monorail to the TTC, then transferred to the resort line which circled around the Seven Seas Lagoon until it stopped at the Contemporary. We had 5:30 ADRs at:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3969625943_db3351c60e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969625943/)

After being seated fairly quickly, Pluto was in our area of the restaurant. However, he passed us by on his way to visit other tables. A little while later, the first one to visit was:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3949322488_31775c7291.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3949322488/)

Thank you all who have voted for this picture in the current Photography Board contest!

Hailey really enjoyed Goofy's visit, as you can see. She was laughing and giggling the entire time.

Next up was:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/3969627431_e67866f51a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969627431/)

I think Hailey was a bit surprised Donald was sneaking up behind her; right after I snapped this picture, she smacked him on the bill!

Donald initially acted offended and we told her to apologize, which she did. Afterward, they hugged and she gave him a kiss:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3970399824_e58a11a9ab.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3970399824/)

Yes, we are actually eating too. :) The food was standard fare, nothing really stood out as absolutely delicious.

The chef joined us:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3969631087_c1eba96126.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969631087/)

He was followed by the head waitress:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3970458482_36629a5d6c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3970458482/)

Not long after Mickey and Minnie came around, the waitress brought Hailey a birthday cupcake, lit the candle and told us they were going to do a special celebration announcement.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3970403366_30b51e4959.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3970403366/)

The announcement played, and everyone spun their napkins in the air.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3969634713_b7e792349b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969634713/)

Hailey blew out her candle after the announcement ended.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3969636681_af85f7130c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3969636681/)

The rest of us ate from the normal dessert bar; this is the reason to go to Chef Mickey's. I especially enjoyed the Oreo chocolate mousse Mickey ears.

After waiting a few more minutes, we finally had our last visitor.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3970409916_c3e7c31808.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3970409916/)

Hailey wanted to play with his tongue.

Quick review of Chef Mickey's from Twitter:

9/7/2009 6:44 PM EDT Chef Mickey's is fun. Characters are quite interactive with the kids. Another birthday cupcake too.

After leaving Chef Mickey's, we spent some time browsing the concourse before getting on the resort monorail and headed to the Magic Kingdom.

On the monorail, I avoided the balloons stuck on the window and got a beautiful shot of the Grand Floridian.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3970425816_a4219b2d2e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3970425816/)

Coming up: some more fun in the Magic Kingdom and the search for the 9/9/9 pin continues

[Sleepingbooty]

I'm sorry, I hate to keep gushing, but your photos are absolutely beautiful. You've really only been into photography for a couple years? You must be a quick study!

[scoot241]

I'm sorry, I hate to keep gushing, but your photos are absolutely beautiful. You've really only been into photography for a couple years? You must be a quick study!

Thank you again!

I've been taking pictures for a long time, and digital pictures since 2004. I finally bought a digital SLR and got serious about it earlier this year though.

I still have tons to learn and figure out; shooting and processing the pictures from this trip has taught me a lot about how to get the most out of the pictures. The Photography Board regulars really shoot incredible pictures, so it's a good place to learn and get ideas on both Disney and non-Disney subjects.

[VBsHustla]

Wow! That last pic of the GF is completely amazing!

[Todd_H]

Jumping on...

Great TR so far, Scott and great pictures :thumbsup2! You had an awesome background for Spectro! Mine was horrible (the shooting arcade in Frontierland that I didn't even notice until I was reviewing them later in the room).

[scoot241]

Jumping on...

Great TR so far, Scott and great pictures :thumbsup2! You had an awesome background for Spectro! Mine was horrible (the shooting arcade in Frontierland that I didn't even notice until I was reviewing them later in the room).

Thanks! I've really been enjoying your report and pictures too!

I'm glad we were on Main Street for Spectro. RideMax suggested watching Spectro in Frontierland or Liberty Square, and I thought "why would I want Frontierland in the background?" It also made more sense to be there and stick around for Wishes than to move from somewhere else to Main Street/hub area. We definitely sat and held that spot for a good long while, but our goal that night was to see Spectro and Wishes and then we wouldn't have it hanging over our heads for the rest of the week.

[scoot241]

Bonus Picture:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3973301860_74519c8773.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3973301860/)

After getting back into the Magic Kingdom, we decided we would ride two rides this evening. We let Hailey choose, and first she chose Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

We walked up Main Street, took a right at the hub, and headed up toward Rocket Tower. Buzz was less crowded this evening than it was when my sister and I rode it the night before.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3972529419_7e7a1a0158.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3972529419/)

The orange robot wasn't moving, and it made it nearly impossible to hit the back of its hand. Overall, a fun ride, but I still don't like that it locks you into place in the last room to take your picture.

Afterward, Hailey got to choose her second ride of the evening; she picked "it's a small world". We took the long way up past the Speedway and took a left at the Mad Tea Party to walk all the way through Fantasyland to get to IASW.

The WDW rendition of the DL facade:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3972545047_0238ef2d02.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3972545047/)

Personally, after seeing DL's IASW, the clock facade didn't impress me very much.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3972569835_07fd323b73.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3972569835/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3973316748_0b59d04aa1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3973316748/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3973319844_b0c6822ba4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3973319844/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3972552941_f349ea501f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3972552941/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3972554633_751cb6c00c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3972554633/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3972556801_477e6bd428.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3972556801/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3972559515_43f921b155.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3972559515/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3972561569_785dbfc7cd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3972561569/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3973332168_7c3f213760.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3973332168/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/3973335482_b6a8289e54.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3973335482/)

Here's the Twitter post:

9/7/2009 8:55 PM EDT Got in a couple of quick rides at MK before heading out before Spectro: Buzz and IASW.

We were definitely getting out of there before Spectro forced us to squeeze through the Main Street sidewalks with all the suckers that sat on the curb for hours (oh wait, that was us last night). However, that wasn't quite the full story. On our way out, we stopped at Uptown Jewelers in search of the 9/9/9 pin once again. The CM there wasn't all that helpful, and had never heard of the pin. She asked another CM who also had never heard of it. We also glanced at a few things in the store but didn't purchase anything yet.

Back at Pop Century, we relaxed in the food court with our mugs. My mom decided to go look in the gift shop. After being gone for a little while, she returns and has all the details about the pin. A CM from New Orleans was working in the shop, and he had just updated the pin binder. Included in the update was the 9/9/9 pin. It will be out on Wednesday morning at 9AM at the main pin location for each park as well as the Downtown Disney pin location. There are only 2000 pins, so we needed to be at one of the pin locations that morning because there may not be any later on. Chip and Dale are on top of the 999.

Well, at least we had the information. Now we needed to figure out how we would get a pin when we had 8:20AM reservations at CRT Wednesday morning!

Finally, we went back to our rooms, cleaned up and went to bed. (Yes, we are just now ending the first full day in the parks. Yes, this trip report might be going until sometime in 2010. :eek:)

Coming up: Animal Kingdom, where Hailey fits right in *rimshot*

[annnewjerz]

I love the 999 pin. I was looking at them on e-bay, but I think I should work on trading some that I have first before I go buying more. Chip and Dale are my faves!

So Scott, what side of the boat were you on for IASW? The hippo and Taj Mahal were two IASW shots I really wanted to make sure I got and I see you got them both. So right side, or left side?

[scoot241]

I love the 999 pin. I was looking at them on e-bay, but I think I should work on trading some that I have first before I go buying more. Chip and Dale are my faves!

So Scott, what side of the boat were you on for IASW? The hippo and Taj Mahal were two IASW shots I really wanted to make sure I got and I see you got them both. So right side, or left side?

I believe I was sitting in the front left of the boat with Hailey sitting next to me, so I had a sight line all around. IIRC, the Taj Majal is on the left and the hippo was on the right.

[dax248]

Wow! Again, your pictures are just amazing. I am posting my TR now, and I am almost ashamed of the pictures compared to yours. :worship:

[scoot241]

Wow! Again, your pictures are just amazing. I am posting my TR now, and I am almost ashamed of the pictures compared to yours. :worship:

I just looked at your pictures and they're great. They really capture the moment.

[VBsHustla]

Great small world shots! The one of the Mexico scene is awesome. I agree that the exterior of the DL version is highly superior. Especially with the colored lights during Christmas!

[scoot241]

Great small world shots! The one of the Mexico scene is awesome. I agree that the exterior of the DL version is highly superior. Especially with the colored lights during Christmas!

Thank you! :)

WDW's exterior doesn't even compare, even with the new "mini-DL" facade. The real one is enormous; they would have to tear down and rebuild IASW in another location to fit it. Oh well, it's just one more reason to go back to DL (maybe in a few years).

[scoot241]

9/8/2009 7:59 AM Good morning! Heading out to Animal Kingdom after getting dressed.

Hailey was once again the first one out of bed and knocking on the connecting door. My parents and sister were a bit more prompt this morning, and we were out at a good time.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3975247167_7d2dd7c164.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3975247167/)

Upon entering, we tried to get a bunch of FastPasses from the consolidated FastPass area in front of It's Tough to be a Bug. However, the consolidated FastPass machines had closed only a few days earlier. Bummer.

Instead, we headed to Africa and everyone except my wife rode Kilimanjaro Safaris. Since she's quite the preggers, she walked around the Pangani Trail. This was the one ride she was bummed about not riding, but the truck was rather bumpy.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3975249129_9a9954fd3e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3975249129/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3975252203_9107fe9842.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3975252203/)

Photography note: Seriously people, bring a long lens; 18-55mm wasn't nearly enough for me. A lot of my shots were very far away and I couldn't really use them because I would have to crop too much out.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3976016852_b1121a46a6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3976016852/)

We passed these African cattle very close:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3975257715_a95b9231bb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3975257715/)

Not too far along later, we pass the:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3975259627_e90d371cf4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3975259627/)

Hailey exclaims "Those flamingos are stinky!!" :rotfl: I knew exactly what she meant, and after being asked she said "The flamingos at the zoo are stinky!" Last time we went to the zoo, I spent some time taking pictures of the flamingos, and yes, they were quite odorous. If these flamingos had an odor, we were far enough away not to smell it.

After returning from our safari, my wife met us at the exit, and we noticed a crowd gathering off to the side. We went over there and saw this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3976025110_6273166e95.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3976025110/)

Apparently the gorilla thought his breakfast made a better hat than a meal! He did decide to eat eventually.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3975265581_770e36a956.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3975265581/)

9/8/2009 10:29 AM EDT Rode Kilimanjaro. The poachers story is still lame, but the animals are fun. Eating the cinnamon roll I didn't get yesterday.

We stopped at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery for breakfast. Yes, I got a cinnamon roll. Little did I know I would probably turn my nose up at this cinnamon roll if I came across it again after eating at Main Street Bakery (yes, I've had a Main Street Bakery cinnamon roll before, but I didn't remember there being as big a difference between MSB and the other baked goods locations).

Hailey had a bagel with cream cheese (one of her favorite items for breakfast actually), and everyone else had other assorted baked goods. Afterward, we started heading in the direction of Expedition Everest.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/3976030292_8f26839c38.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3976030292/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/3975269457_427a09b1e1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3975269457/)

Coming up: who will survive the evil mountain? :scared1:

[scoot241]

We saw the Toy Story double feature in 3D this morning, and it was quite good. 3D previews for A Christmas Carol and Toy Story 3 (both look good).

It's not "in your face" 3D like the 3D shows at WDW can be. It looks much more like you're looking through a window or something. I think Hailey was expecting things floating in front of her face or something; she was getting a little restless during Toy Story 2.

Being on the big screen lets you see all the little details, too. One example being that when Woody is having the staff meeting at the beginning of Toy Story, there's a book called "Tin Man" by Lasetter.

So, if you have a chance to (it's a long time to sit in a movie theater), go see the Toy Story double feature.

[Kurby]

we saw it last night and loved it. i agree its a long time and i'm not sure what i was expecting (maybe a little in your face 3d effects but that wasn't the vibe of original film)

i cant wait to see TS3 and a christmas story

[scoot241]

Heading towards Expedition Everest, we figure out who's going to ride. Obviously my wife and Hailey won't, and my mother doesn't want to either. On our way over there we start hearing people say that Everest is down. Sure enough, when we get there, Everest is indeed 101. Instead, we get three FastPasses and move on.

9/8/2009 11:05 AM EDT Waiting for Finding Nemo the Musical. Everest is temporarily 101 so we grabbed fastpasses and will come back later.

We were standing outside the Nemo theater for a little while, and it was hot. However, we were almost the first people in line. They let us in, and we got awesome seats to the left of the catwalk.

9/8/2009 11:30 AM EDT Waiting... http://twitpic.com/gz26e

I sat right next to the catwalk and took some great photos during the show.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3978754580_67482eb3f3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978754580/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3978756196_5616299a20.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978756196/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3978759116_4e91f1b7cf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978759116/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3977999967_7ce3f4dcab.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3977999967/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3978002961_15a96f600b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978002961/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3978766228_2f9ccfe9b8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978766228/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3978008411_7439fe6fa7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978008411/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3978010265_cfba7998b6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978010265/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3978013295_f32e7a79c1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978013295/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3978015203_b15b814432.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978015203/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3978016665_d9ed9b574f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978016665/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3978779858_6c157120de.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978779858/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3978782088_8c753b6647.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3978782088/)

I'm going to let my tweet after the show speak for itself.

9/8/2009 12:25 PM EDT Finding Nemo the Musical: incredible!

Seriously, this is the best show in the parks; in my opinion better than even Festival of the Lion King. The only show that comes close as far as theme park entertainment is Aladdin in California Adventure.

Afterward, we decided to see if Everest was running again.

Coming up: do we get on Everest this time?

[scoot241]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3980721855_9539e27b15.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3980721855/)

We went back over to Expedition Everest and it was running again! However, we were about 10 minutes early for our FastPass time. DW, DM, and Hailey went to the Maharajah Jungle Trek and DF, DS and I looked in the Everest gift shop for a few minutes. Finally, our time came around and we went in. The FastPass taker saw my dad's LSU hat and asked if we were all LSU fans. We responded that we were, and he told me to hold on to the FastPasses to come back again later!

9/8/2009 12:45 PM EDT About to board Everest http://twitpic.com/gzami

Everest was a whole lot of fun. During the backwards motion part, I knew I didn't but it sure felt like I went upside down. To me, it seemed like a bigger, better version of the Matterhorn (not that the Matterhorn is bad at all).

I must have had trouble posting this tweet because it was much later than it should have been.
9/8/2009 2:26 PM Time to go through everest with fastpass: 9 minutes. Great ride; yeti seems to be in B mode FYI.

After the 9 minutes it took to go from the FastPass entrance to exiting the ride vehicles, we called the rest of the group who were in the Jungle Trek. They stopped where they were to wait for us, and also told us that a friend of my wife's and mine from college, Tommy, was working in the bat house. We saw him briefly, then caught up to the rest of the group. The tigers were all sleeping, and overall it just wasn't the best time of the day to go through the trek.

After the jungle trek, we took the trek to Camp Minnie-Mickey to catch the Festival of the Lion King. My mother thinks this is the greatest show on property, and I agree that it's good, but come on, Nemo's better.

Again, I would have liked a longer lens. We were in the back of the elephant section, and it was a bit difficult to get good shots.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3981486034_d77a016fe5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3981486034/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/3980726573_85139ab657.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3980726573/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3981489358_2c4bf3718c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3981489358/)

Hailey really liked the show, and so did everyone else. By this time all our stomachs were growling though, so we headed to Flame Tree BBQ.

9/8/2009 2:27 PM EDT Late lunch at flame tree BBQ. Looks yummy.

Wife and I got ribs, Hailey got a hot dog, and my mother got a salad. My dad and sister decided they were going to Pizzafari instead. Ribs were slightly dry but still pretty good. Hailey wasn't as thrilled with her hot dog, but my sister gave her a piece of pizza. We had chocolate cake for dessert, which was okay.

9/8/2009 2:53 PM EDT Same birds that were at EPCOT are here begging for food along with some ducks.

After Flame Tree, we realized we had done everything we set out to do today, so we took some PhotoPass pictures near the Tree of Life and headed back to the hotel.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3981505788_86552c9a66.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3981505788/)

We pretty much knew we were going to go to Downtown Disney around dinner time. Now our favorite there is Earl of Sandwich, but I was wondering if there were anything else we might want to eat instead, so I decided to get interactive with the Tweeple (Twitter people).

9/8/2009 3:13 PM Hey followers: do you have CS suggestions for DD? We're fans of Earl of Sandwich and will probably go there unless you have a better idea.

Back at Pop, Hailey and my wife took a nap, and the rest of us watched TV or wandered around. I did a bit of random tweeting and walked over to the main building for a mug refill.

9/8/2009 4:37 PM EDT Forgot to mention... Hailey has it in her mind that Aurora flew in from CA to see her. The pressure will be on to see her tomorrow.

This all started from telling Hailey that Sleeping Beauty Castle is in Disneyland in CA. Since Sleeping Beauty Castle is in DL, then Sleeping Beauty must be there too, right?

9/8/2009 4:44 PM EDT Raining at Pop. First real rain we have had all week. Had a sprinkle in MK.

On my way to the main hall, it started raining. It got worse after I got there, so I hung out there for a little while and wandered around the gift shop.

After resting up, we got back on the bus and headed to Downtown Disney; once we got there, the rain came back.

9/8/2009 6:21 PM EDT Waiting out the rain and getting princess my little pony stuff at once upon a toy.

One of Hailey's favorite things are her My Little Pony toys. When we found out they had Princess My Little Pony stuff, of course we had to get it. We also found out that as long as the lid of the box closes, they really don't care what kind of condition the box is in otherwise. We stuffed every outfit, every accessory, and two ponies into the box; it was bulging and a bit torn on one side, but the top closed! :rotfl: My sister also got Hailey a set of Toy Story figurines.

After the rain let up, we headed over to the World of Disney. We spent a long time in here, but didn't buy a whole lot. My sister bought one thing that she sent back to the hotel, and I bought the navy photo album with the pewter-colored medallion in it and sent it back to the hotel also.

Hailey wanted pictures with the Princess statues outside of the WoD.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3981745288_0cf2267b34.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3981745288/)

Walk like an Egyptian?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3980988537_1291e85435.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3980988537/)

Finally, it was time for dinner.

9/8/2009 7:43 PM EDT By popular tweeting, we are eating at wolfgang puck express for dinner.

The tweets say about all I have to say about WPE. I thought it was decent, but I would have rathered Earl of Sandwich.

9/8/2009 8:22 PM EDT WPE: pretty good, had a rotieressie beef focaccia. Wife had Cali. turkey hero,

9/8/2009 8:24 PM EDT Everyone else had spaghetti. Except for the kids portion, it didn't have enough sauce. Requested & received more. Creme brûlée was decent.

I don't have many good pictures of Downtown Disney because my camera lens kept fogging up and I didn't have any lens tissues to wipe it with.

After dinner, we walked through the Christmas Shop and the Art of Disney. My wife and I also decided to go back to Once Upon a Toy and get some Potato Head parts. Hailey already has a Potato Head, and we were getting a big kick out of the various parts they had. We got ears, the hands that let you hold, Cinderella parts, Tinker Bell parts, Minnie Mouse parts, and some other random stuff (including a Mickey Bar). There was absolutely no room left in this box and it looked destroyed, but once again the top closed! :lmao:

9/8/2009 9:28 PM EDT Heading back to Pop. Picked up some Potato Head parts and stared at the art inside Art of Disney. CRT in the morning!

The Art of Disney is one of my favorite stores, but I can't afford most of the stuff in it I would want. We saw the Precious Moments piece that was premiering Friday and my wife wasn't interested, so we scratched those plans. Instead, we saw the Dumbo and the Tea Cups pieces and she was going to think about which one she wanted.

Coming up: Cinderella's Royal Table, the search for Aurora, and will we get the 9/9/9 pin?

[annnewjerz]

Hey Scott! I was a little behind, but I'm all caught up now. Great AK updates---love the pictures from Nemo. I've never seen any show in WDW (unless you count the Indy Jones show in MGM). Everyone swears that Nemo and FotLK are two of the best, but I just can't seem to wrap my head around taking time from our busy schedule to sit down and see it! :rolleyes1 Maybe in December I'll try to make time for Nemo, but it's doubtful.

I'm glad to hear you guys like EOS better than WPE. I was so torn between the two for our DTD day during our October trip and finally settled on EOS. We have never been to EOS, there aren't any around us in NJ and I saw the pictures of the Thanksgiving sandwich and the jerk chicken sandwich and both looked soooooo good. What do ya recommend?

ALSO---do you remember how much the My Little Pony box was to fill? I have a neighbor with a 3 year old girl who loves My Little Pony---we got her one for her birthday and I know she'd be thrilled to get a whole box.

Looking forward to hearing more! :hyper:

[scoot241]

Hey Scott! I was a little behind, but I'm all caught up now. Great AK updates---love the pictures from Nemo. I've never seen any show in WDW (unless you count the Indy Jones show in MGM). Everyone swears that Nemo and FotLK are two of the best, but I just can't seem to wrap my head around taking time from our busy schedule to sit down and see it! :rolleyes1 Maybe in December I'll try to make time for Nemo, but it's doubtful.

I'm glad to hear you guys like EOS better than WPE. I was so torn between the two for our DTD day during our October trip and finally settled on EOS. We have never been to EOS, there aren't any around us in NJ and I saw the pictures of the Thanksgiving sandwich and the jerk chicken sandwich and both looked soooooo good. What do ya recommend?

ALSO---do you remember how much the My Little Pony box was to fill? I have a neighbor with a 3 year old girl who loves My Little Pony---we got her one for her birthday and I know she'd be thrilled to get a whole box.

Looking forward to hearing more! :hyper:

Both the My Little Pony and the Potato Head box were about $20. You could get a Potato Head as part of your box, but it would have filled most of it. Of course, you can put parts inside it.

Give Nemo a shot when you're in AK. It's incredible.

I usually get either the Meatballs (used to be called Cannonballs! but it was changed this trip; not sure what it's called at the one nearby) and the All-American (the Thanksgiving sandwich). Never had the jerk chicken but it's probably pretty good.

Nemo was also one of my favorite photography experiences of the trip. Another reason to go see it. ;)

[Todd_H]

Great update, Scott! I too love the AK pictures.

Glad we didn't go to DTD and see the My Little Pony princess stuff. DD would have lost her mind.

[scoot241]

Great update, Scott! I too love the AK pictures.

Glad we didn't go to DTD and see the My Little Pony princess stuff. DD would have lost her mind.

Hahaha... Hailey didn't actually get (or even see) the pony stuff until she got home. We figured it was easier that way.

[scoot241]

9/9/2009 6:31 AM EDT Up bright and early. Getting ready to leave extra early for CRT before the park opens!

At 6:30 this morning, Stitch and Mickey called and woke us up. Hailey was excited to hear them on the phone; of course, she knew where we were going today. We had breakfast reservations at Cinderella's Royal Table!

She started knocking on the connecting door; everyone else got up and started getting dressed. I wanted to get out extra early so we had time to be on Main Street without many other people.

Now as I alluded to before, it was going to be Sleeping Beauty or bust today. Hopefully she would be at CRT so we wouldn't spend more time looking for her.

We were dressed and out the door by about 7:00 AM. I believe we arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 7:20-7:30 and had wonderful, almost completely unobstructed views.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3984827009_6f0fa4dafc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3984827009/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3985588274_6277097fb9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3985588274/)

PhotoPass photographers were out, so as we slowly made our way up Main Street, we stopped and tried to get Hailey to do the Tinkerbell pose. We got a decent one, but she was a little uncooperative. Strolling up Main Street further, another PhotoPass photographer took some more general pictures of her.

Once in the hub, I took pictures of all the bronze statues.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3984867205_0d7a7a7c25.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3984867205/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3985590402_4845f68565.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3985590402/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/3985616038_e9067e8405.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3985616038/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3985592344_10790be333.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3985592344/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3984836703_272e25db31.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3984836703/)

My personal favorite:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3964975534_a050112e9f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3964975534/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3985582984_0415efb9db.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3985582984/)

Oh, I forgot to mention one little thing; Hailey was decked out in her Sleeping Beauty gown (more pictures to come, I forgot to upload one).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3984821189_2c6ba21360.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3984821189/)

After really soaking in Main Street and the hub, we made our way up to the castle from the front since there's no show going on before the park opens. I would really like that show to disappear actually. The castle was meant to be walked through.

Something that's supposed to be in this picture is not there...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3981870469_c77644c4f8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3981870469/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3985599010_6f59836614.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3985599010/)

Coming up: we enter the castle, the search for Aurora continues, and will the 9/9/2009 pin be ours? (you're correct, this trip report entry answered exactly zero questions)

[Sleepingbooty]

Great updates! I don't think I knew they had pony parts at WOD? We've done the potato head thing, though - the cashier actually encouraged us to stuff more into the box! That's one of the best values at DTD:thumbsup2

[scoot241]

Great updates! I don't think I knew they had pony parts at WOD? We've done the potato head thing, though - the cashier actually encouraged us to stuff more into the box! That's one of the best values at DTD:thumbsup2

Thank you! :)

Just to clarify, the Ponies are at Once Upon a Toy.

Both of these are very good values, but there's really no repeatability with the Pony stuff because you can fit every piece in the box. The Potato Head stuff you could do at least 4 times probably.

[disneygirlinnj]

Whew! finally caught up! I was so far behind and didnt even get to catch up on your flickr stream yet.

The more I see your photos, I'm getting sad i didn't take as many as I wanted! lol I'll make sure I do in January, lol.

[scoot241]

Whew! finally caught up! I was so far behind and didnt even get to catch up on your flickr stream yet.

The more I see your photos, I'm getting sad i didn't take as many as I wanted! lol I'll make sure I do in January, lol.

I'm sure you will. ;)

I have a couple of photos that are almost exactly the same as a couple of yours that I haven't posted. Your Figment and your floating Leota head are two that come to mind immediately.

I like the focal length your 50mm gives you on the dark rides with the crop sensor. I don't think I'll be running out and getting one anytime soon though; not sure when I'm going to be heading back to WDW and I probably wouldn't use it much otherwise.

[Todd_H]

My personal favorite:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3964975534_a050112e9f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3964975534/)



^^Awesome!

Gotta love Main Street before official opening.

[scoot241]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3987976617_e528b857fe.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3987976617/)

Just inside the castle, we take some time to admire the mosaics. Hailey thinks they're awesome, and let's face it, they are. We finally park the stroller and make our way to check in at the CRT desk. The lady at the desk hands us a number and we go inside and wait in line for pictures with Cinderella. The number tells them how many photo packages we are getting (2; one package for every 3 people).

At this point, you would probably expect photos of Cinderella. Well, I didn't take any with my camera and I haven't uploaded any of the PhotoPass ones, so we might see some later. She looked like she came right out of the movie though; very beautiful.

After pictures, we climbed the staircase up to the banquet room.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3988735368_fc2ee9dfc6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3988735368/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/3988738976_556bdc55e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3988738976/)

We were still getting settled when the waiter arrived, so we were less than attentive to him for a minute. My sister finally got our attention to take drink orders, so the waiter deemed her the translator. :rotfl:

The wishing ceremony started just after this; Hailey and Ashley both got wands, and my wife was given a sword for the baby.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3988741504_6b94fb56e6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3988741504/)

The princesses were being announced one by one over the speakers. First one out was Snow White. We were actually right by where they came out; however, they have a route they take through the room, so we were actually one of the last tables the princesses came to.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3987988003_b40e2a4a2f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3987988003/)

Next to come out:

9/9/2009 8:31 AM EDT Score! Sleeping Beauty at CRT!

:banana::banana::banana::yay::yay::yay:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3988747584_e6fa7441aa.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3988747584/)

It was at this point that it hit me that all the planning and all the work just paid off. :woohoo: I think something also got in my eye right then. ;)

My sister also took a picture with Aurora.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3988750634_9c95db81d3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3988750634/)

At some point they brought out Hailey's birthday treat. It was a chocolate donut-like cake with white icing.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3987997477_ac1b243c73.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3987997477/)

Belle and Jasmine also joined us for breakfast.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/3988000609_962fd2623c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3988000609/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/3988003819_24e2e3ae1e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3988003819/)

I wrote this entry later, but I'm going to move it up because it applies now.

9/9/2009 9:52 AM EDT I know people complain about CRT's price and food, but the experience we had this morning was definitely worth the two TS credits we used.

Let's face it, this is all about being in the castle and meeting the princesses. In an hour or so, we had breakfast and took pictures/got autographs from six princesses. The food is standard breakfast: eggs, bacon, pastries and french toast sticks for Hailey with milk and orange juice. The whole experience was worth the 2 TS per person to me.

At the end of our meal, my sister left a little early and headed to Uptown Jewelers to try for the 9/9/09 pin. The rest of us lingered a few minutes longer, then headed down the circular staircase and back out to the castle archway. At that point, we waited for my sister to come back as it was right around 9:00 and the Magic Kingdom had just officially opened...

Coming up: does my sister obtain the pin?

[disneygirlinnj]

I'm sure you will. ;)

I have a couple of photos that are almost exactly the same as a couple of yours that I haven't posted. Your Figment and your floating Leota head are two that come to mind immediately.

I like the focal length your 50mm gives you on the dark rides with the crop sensor. I don't think I'll be running out and getting one anytime soon though; not sure when I'm going to be heading back to WDW and I probably wouldn't use it much otherwise.

The 50mm def has some advantages but the 30mm i think totally wins the competition! I'm still eying getting one before January. :rolleyes1

Love that Hailey finally got to meet Sleeping Beauty! Was she shy around her or completely jumping out of her skin? haha! I'd think after all that anticipation I would be shy... it's like meeting my favorite celebrity!

[scoot241]

The 50mm def has some advantages but the 30mm i think totally wins the competition! I'm still eying getting one before January. :rolleyes1

Love that Hailey finally got to meet Sleeping Beauty! Was she shy around her or completely jumping out of her skin? haha! I'd think after all that anticipation I would be shy... it's like meeting my favorite celebrity!

Hailey? Shy? :rotfl:

Unless something's scary, she's not shy at all and talks to everyone.

The only thing about the 30mm is that some copies have focus issues, but I've heard less and less reports of them recently. Make sure you get one that focuses correctly. It will hunt in low light too; the focal point needs to be on a contrasting spot in order to get it to lock in. It's still the lens that's on my camera most of the time, though.

[scoot241]

Earlier I told everyone about the "Kids of the World" Contest on the Photography Board. Well, it's moved into the final round and my photo was selected! :banana:

So, feel free to head over here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2302020

and look at the final eight entries. My photo is letter C (but you probably would have known from looking at them).

[disneygirlinnj]

Hailey? Shy? :rotfl:

Unless something's scary, she's not shy at all and talks to everyone.

The only thing about the 30mm is that some copies have focus issues, but I've heard less and less reports of them recently. Make sure you get one that focuses correctly. It will hunt in low light too; the focal point needs to be on a contrasting spot in order to get it to lock in. It's still the lens that's on my camera most of the time, though.

The 50mm does the same low light hunting too. I wanted to chuck the stupid thing against a wall during Peter Pan, HM, some Snow White scenes, etc. :rotfl: I've heard about the focus issues with the 30mm... I'll be sure to thoroughly test it out when I get it though!

[scoot241]

The 50mm does the same low light hunting too. I wanted to chuck the stupid thing against a wall during Peter Pan, HM, some Snow White scenes, etc. :rotfl: I've heard about the focus issues with the 30mm... I'll be sure to thoroughly test it out when I get it though!

I didn't shoot Peter Pan or Snow White because I had my 18-55mm when we rode those (coming up soon in the TR). No way was I going to get anything on those rides with that lens. I really wasn't thinking when I left that morning; should have taken both lenses. I did like having the 18-55 for Main Street and a few other things (the Dumbo shot on Flickr right now is at 18mm), but later on I should have swapped to the 30mm for dark rides.

[scoot241]

First, a couple of bonus photos (aka I forgot to upload them earlier):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3990981489_8db960d4d4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3990981489/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3991739978_02c7eb7534.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991739978/)

Right out of Cinderella's Royal Table, my sister catches up with us again. She is carrying a bag with two 9/9/09 pins inside! :banana:

At this point, we head out of the castle into Fantasyland. We don't get far, however, because to the left is the Fairy Godmother.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3991154589_fed50a721e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991154589/)

Is it just me, or does the Fairy Godmother not seem all that happy in this picture?

Hailey has been wanting to ride the carousel for quite a while on this trip, so the first ride of the day is Cinderella's Golden Carousel. Wait time: non-existant

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3991914294_af29f12b28.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991914294/)

Ashley rode Cinderella's horse. I didn't really know where it was, so I was a bit surprised that it was on the 2nd row instead of the outside. Hailey said she rode Prince Charming's horse because we told her my sister was riding Cinderella's.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3991159473_3fe5c75a14.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991159473/)

After the carousel, we went to the true Disney World rite of passage ride:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/3988773406_1dee4f780e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3988773406/)

The wait was only 5 or 10 minutes.

As we were boarding, my mom and I were in the elephant in front of Hailey and my sister. A CM saw us looking back at her and told us that we couldn't look back during the ride. Really? No looking backward?

Needless to say, I didn't exactly listen...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3991918666_c4114c3ec9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991918666/)

But come on, how could I not get a picture of that?

Next up:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3991923644_6ea407fe40.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991923644/)

Here's where the ride pictures start to slack because I didn't bring my dark ride lens. I wasn't exactly thinking when we left the hotel because it was so early.

Hailey generally liked it, although I think she was saying it was scary just because of the name of the ride.

9/9/2009 9:50 AM Knocked out Carousel, Dumbo and Snow White in around 45 minutes. Now waiting for Philharmagic.

That's right, it's time for our favorite 3D movie:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/3991925074_e520ff142a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991925074/)

Hailey's definitely ready to see it :3dglasses:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3991164267_3fc652a498.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991164267/)

Again, we only waited 5-10 minutes (are you noticing a pattern here?).

Of course, she absolutely loved it. I did notice that the "baked goods" smell has seemed to permeate the theater though, even when it's not supposed to smell like that. Maybe they should Febreeze the place every once in a while.

Right afterward, we headed next door:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3991169515_e796186a47.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991169515/)

We all know how the line for Peter Pan can get. However, we still only waited 10 minutes at most.

This was another ride Hailey liked a lot because she was flying through everything.

At this point, the west side of Fantasyland was pretty much done thanks to the short lines. We stopped at Ariel's Grotto to complete the princess collection. I think we waited about 20 minutes, including a break, to see Ariel.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3991937386_e415fabf85.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991937386/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3991929278_384d9ab729.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991929278/)

I think Hailey really liked seeing Ariel as a mermaid; probably better than if she had seen Ariel in human form.

This is where Hailey really belongs:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3991176381_1f1260a951.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991176381/)

Continuing east in Fantasyland, it's time to ride the ride for the character my mother likes the least:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3991939862_031b46260b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991939862/)

I don't know why my mom doesn't like Pooh, but she doesn't. Hailey does, of course. Again, 5 minute wait at most. Hailey really liked when the honey pot started bouncing.

We were about to finish out Fantasyland with the Mad Tea Party, but it was temporarily closed! Time for a detour:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3991188675_3d37f1fd27.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991188675/)

Again, 10 minutes at most to get in a car. The wait times today were amazing. My mom and wife didn't ride this one; mom took pictures instead and my wife didn't ride for obvious reasons.

Hailey got to "steer" (of course steering doesn't matter on the speedway, you'll bounce off that metal divider anyway). I pushed the gas pedal for her.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3991948596_466f5a3a4b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991948596/)

We rode all the way around the speedway, and I got my first look at the Tomorrowland Skyway demolition. When we got near the end of the Speedway, we stopped and sat there for a few minutes. A CM came up and started waving people out of the cars to walk to the exit. At first I thought a car stopped or something. I wish it had been that. An older lady must have tripped on the way out of her car and fell and hit her head on the concrete. When we passed she was laying where you get into the car with a pool of blood. She was conscious, but obviously dazed. I really hope she wasn't hurt too badly. It had just happened, and I don't think the medical staff had quite gotten there yet. We left the speedway a bit quicker than we might have otherwise to make sure we weren't in the way.

Back to the Mad Tea Party. Hailey loved it, of course. I don't think there's been a ride she didn't like. I'm not the biggest fan of spinning rides, but I sucked it up. Again, wait time: 5 minutes.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3991185061_d42a1a03ed.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991185061/)

9/9/2009 11:43 AM EDT We knocked out everything we still needed to do in fantasyland and the speedway in less than 3 hours.

It was at this point where we started asking Hailey if she was ready to get out of her dress and put on some regular clothes. Let's face it, it was hot and we were sure she wasn't comfortable. She kept saying she was fine though. It was at this point we saw Tigger doing a meet and greet. We hopped in line and tried our best to stay in the shade of the umbrellas. It wasn't long before Tigger had to take a break, but we stayed in line because he would be back in a minute. Sure enough, we see Tigger on his way back and he brought Pooh with him!

As we're getting up to the front of the line, my mom says "they must be hot in those costumes." :scared1: To try to cover, I asked her "what costumes?" Sometimes my mom can't keep her mouth shut. I don't think any little kids heard her, but come on!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/3991950724_d38c785805.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991950724/)

After meeting Tigger and Pooh, Hailey ran over to Pooh's Playful Spot. We had a tough time getting her out and we knew she was starting to reach her limit, though you wouldn't be able to tell from this picture:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3991196461_faae371213.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991196461/)

We finally corralled her and headed to Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café, one of my favorite places. However, I wasn't hungry at all yet. My wife went to change Hailey's clothes and the rest of us sat in there and I went and ordered lunch for Hailey and a drink for my wife and myself. We were sitting near Sonny Eclipse.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3991234867_fb5fba39c2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991234867/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3991236823_883495a0b7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991236823/)

9/9/2009 12:15 PM EDT Listening to Bright Little Star in Cosmic Ray's.

And just for continuity's sake:

9/9/2009 12:42 PM EDT Oh by the way we got the 9/9/09 pin. Sister ran to Uptown Jewelers when we were leaving CRT. Has Chip & Dale on the pin.

Coming up: how much longer do we stay in MK?

[UncleOrville]

Looks like you guys had a great morning! And it definitely seems like the breakfast at CRT was worth it. We haven't done it since I was probably 3 or 4 (so I'm told - I don't remember), so we might have to try it out sometime soon!

[scoot241]

Looks like you guys had a great morning! And it definitely seems like the breakfast at CRT was worth it. We haven't done it since I was probably 3 or 4 (so I'm told - I don't remember), so we might have to try it out sometime soon!

We really did have an awesome morning all-around. Y'all might want to try CRT sometime as long as you're interested in meeting all the princesses. princess:

[MyMuse]

I finally got here! :woohoo: I did read your TR from links on Twitter, but I reread the entire thread, so I can get the complete picture in my head.

Wow! what a fun time so far! So much to comment on, be prepared. :lmao:

And let me repeat what others have been saying: Hailey is GORGEOUS princess: and your pictures are AMAZING.

I thought I loved my camera (cool digital point & shoot), but those photos are WOW! I haven't gone to the SLR world yet. :) So crisp & clear.

The Spectro pics are my favorite (other than Hailey of course :cutie:). Spectro is on the top of my list of things to do on my trip. I'll have to keep in mind to stay near Casey's.

I totally get meeting Sleeping Beauty as that was the main topic for my niece's bday trip in May. I'm glad it happened, though she wasn't at Akershaus. :rolleyes:

The bronze statues in front of the Castle are the coolest. I thought I took more pics of them on my last trip, but could only find one. I must have been capitvated by Walt & Mickey statue and the Castle. It's one of my missions for December to take pics of them.

Oooh, the murals are awesome. I like your pics way better than mine, but I'm going to try to take better pics of them next time. I do have a CRT for December and I do feel a little odd about going without a child in tow, but I'm going to do it anyway. I always wanted to eat at the Castle. princess:

To round up MK...I love Philarmagic!! :3dglasses I thought it was great. I can't wait to do it again....multiple times. :laughing:


I totally agree with you about Nemo. The show is just brillant; way better than FOTLK! I don't even think I need to see FOTLK again. I'm going to see Nemo though. I also sat to the left side of the catwalk and it was a perfect place to sit. I love everything about the show; everything meshes together so well - actors, costumes, puppets, the singing.....wonderful! :goodvibes

For DTD, I'm definitely going to get a Potatoe Head parts. I have never done since I always think "how am I going to get this home?" I have a car and therefore I will stop at a post office and mail myself a big 'o box. Problem solved. :wizard: I did get the small box from the NYC store when I was there a few months back. But, somehow, it doesn't compare.

Ok, I think I exhausted all my topics. :rotfl:

I look forward to more!

[scoot241]

I finally got here! :woohoo: I did read your TR from links on Twitter, but I reread the entire thread, so I can get the complete picture in my head.

Wow! what a fun time so far! So much to comment on, be prepared. :lmao:

And let me repeat what others have been saying: Hailey is GORGEOUS princess: and your pictures are AMAZING.

I thought I loved my camera (cool digital point & shoot), but those photos are WOW! I haven't gone to the SLR world yet. :) So crisp & clear.

The Spectro pics are my favorite (other than Hailey of course :cutie:). Spectro is on the top of my list of things to do on my trip. I'll have to keep in mind to stay near Casey's.

I totally get meeting Sleeping Beauty as that was the main topic for my niece's bday trip in May. I'm glad it happened, though she wasn't at Akershaus. :rolleyes:

The bronze statues in front of the Castle are the coolest. I thought I took more pics of them on my last trip, but could only find one. I must have been capitvated by Walt & Mickey statue and the Castle. It's one of my missions for December to take pics of them.

Oooh, the murals are awesome. I like your pics way better than mine, but I'm going to try to take better pics of them next time. I do have a CRT for December and I do feel a little odd about going without a child in tow, but I'm going to do it anyway. I always wanted to eat at the Castle. princess:

To round up MK...I love Philarmagic!! :3dglasses I thought it was great. I can't wait to do it again....multiple times. :laughing:


I totally agree with you about Nemo. The show is just brillant; way better than FOTLK! I don't even think I need to see FOTLK again. I'm going to see Nemo though. I also sat to the left side of the catwalk and it was a perfect place to sit. I love everything about the show; everything meshes together so well - actors, costumes, puppets, the singing.....wonderful! :goodvibes

For DTD, I'm definitely going to get a Potatoe Head parts. I have never done since I always think "how am I going to get this home?" I have a car and therefore I will stop at a post office and mail myself a big 'o box. Problem solved. :wizard: I did get the small box from the NYC store when I was there a few months back. But, somehow, it doesn't compare.

Ok, I think I exhausted all my topics. :rotfl:

I look forward to more!

Thank you!

Spectro is by far my favorite parade; these new "block party" parades aren't too bad though. The normal day parades, to me, seem like they could use something fresh.

If Sleeping Beauty hadn't been at CRT, we would have gone to Toontown and waited in the princess meet and greet line. Having her at CRT took the princess meet and greet off of our things to do list.

I actually have a small version of the B'rer Rabbit bronze statue that's about eight inches tall with the base. Found it on eBay, but they used to sell it at the Art of Disney. Always thought they were really cool, and I'm very glad the pictures I took came out so well.

I have pictures from all the parts of the mosaic inside the castle, but the first one was the one that came out the best since it was next to the opening on the Main Street side.

We are big Philharmagic fans. :3dglasses Had we had time, we probably would have done it a 3rd time.

I'm with you; FotLK is something I would only need to do every once in a while. Nemo is on a completely different level. Aladdin in DCA is on a similar level.

We bought the $20 Potato Head box (as opposed to the $60 or so Potato Head plastic case) and just left it all in the box and left the box in the bag and stuffed it somewhere in our luggage. It wasn't very difficult to bring home. The box idea is a good one too.

Time to take a shot at an update. :)

[scoot241]

Coming out of Cosmic Ray's, my mom really wants to ride the train. Yes, of all the things to do in the Magic Kingdom, my mother's favorite might be the train that you can't see anything from for half the ride. Well, the nearest train station is in Toontown, so we head over there.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3991240225_b9be124048.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991240225/)

Toontown is all decorated for Halloween. Before getting to the station, we take a walk through Minnie's house, then Mickey's house. Hailey really likes Minnie's house because you can play with the stove and other things. Both houses were rather crowded, so it was tough taking pictures.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3992001246_47cee8c3f9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3992001246/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3991245395_6d858b229e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991245395/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3991248015_4eb747451a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991248015/)

After visiting their houses, we went to the train station and rode the train one and one-third times around the park. Why one and one-third? We wanted to get off at Main Street, but also wanted to ride the entire way around the park.

9/9/2009 1:46 PM EDT When did they start playing Pocahontas on the train between Frontierland and Toontown?

I really don't remember hearing it, but apparently Pocahontas has been playing on the train for quite some time.

Now that we're on Main Street, it's time to take Hailey back for a nap. Mom wants to stay and watch the parade because she knows one of the girls dancing in it, so she does. Dad wants to go find a photo frame he saw at the Contemporary and didn't see anywhere else so far. My sister goes with my dad. So my wife and I head back to Pop with Hailey. But first, we had to do one thing.

9/9/2009 2:13 PM EDT Got Hailey's birthday fun card! Quite simple, especially at 2pm

For some reason, the woman at the window thought we were rolling up at 2 in the afternoon to get free admission. Nice try, but no thanks.

We went back to Pop, put Hailey to bed, and hung around for a while. Eventually, everyone else showed back up. My mom's trip was rather uneventful. She saw the girl she knew in the parade, then came back. My dad and sister, on the other hand, were a different story. When they left, the monorail was not running. So they walked over to the Contemporary. When they got there, they found out the monorail was not running because they were doing work involving scaffolding in the Contemporary. Fantasia had the frame my dad was looking for; however, they only had one left and it was broken. He asked the CM there if they had any more; they didn't, but after searching inventory across the entire property, the Poly did. According to the system, the frame is discontinued. Since the monorail isn't running, my dad and sister found a temporary bus to the Poly. At the Poly, they found the frame and bought it. Finally, the monorail was up and running again, so they hopped on, headed back to MK and rode the bus back to Pop.

We hung out for a while at Pop while Hailey got a nice long nap. I switched back to my 30mm lens.

9/9/2009 4:24 PM EDT Wife got the tie-dye cheesecake. Tried a bite: it's rather good.

9/9/2009 4:54 PM EDT 9/9/09 pin: http://twitpic.com/h493b

Finally, Hailey got up and we gathered everything and headed back to MK.

Right as we're walking into MK, the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It Party is going on in the hub. We head down and get a nice spot.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3992015930_8e2e0c6c84.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3992015930/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/3992011856_92aee56cc2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3992011856/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3991255563_c58582e428.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991255563/)

Woody keeps showing up everywhere.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3991259157_93d3c31520.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991259157/)

We had a few rides in mind; on the way to the first, we stopped by Cinderella's Wishing Well. Hailey wasn't very interested in taking pictures, however.

After the wishing well, we headed back to Toontown for:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3992021136_a9f45a30bd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3992021136/)

Hailey LOVED the Barnstormer. We rode it twice because there was such a short line. After the second time, it looked like the line was starting to build up.

9/9/2009 6:32 PM EDT Back in MK. Stopped by the wishing well and rode the Barnstormer so far.

Next up on the "doing things we haven't gotten to yet in MK" tour, the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. It was decent, but I'm not sure how often I need to do this in the future. I tried to text a joke in but it didn't go through. Maybe it was because it was a joke Pal Mickey told me a few minutes prior.

Following the Laugh Floor, we made our way across the hub and back into Adventureland for the Jungle Cruise. I know it's corny, but I'm always amused by the Jungle Cruise. This barrel can be found on end of the dock.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3992070356_af701d9f97.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3992070356/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/3992032422_b2462bdbc8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3992032422/)

The best part was when my dad got involved, though. Near the end of the cruise, Megan (our skipper) started going into a routine about how to become a skipper (get a degree in nutrition) and how proud her parents were... of her sister... she's a doctor. She then started talking about needing vaccines. My dad added "which you could get from your sister?" and Megan just busted out laughing. It was pretty funny.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/3991251175_e9ec1e8740.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991251175/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3991277885_8694027cc3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991277885/)

9/9/2009 7:35 PM EDT Monsters Inc. and Jungle Cruise. Had a great skipper named Megan. Time for dinner.

Dinner tonight was at Pecos Bill's. We sat on the stools with the backs cut off of them. Not all that comfortable. We all had the standard burgers and fries. Nothing to write home about, but not bad either.

We must have been talking about Hollywood Studios at some point (we'll be going there tomorrow), because I posted this randomly on Twitter:

9/9/2009 8:23 PM EDT Still can't completely get MGM out of my Disney vocabulary.

Once finished, we planned to see the Tiki Room. Along the way, I took a picture of the Pirates sign at night:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3991232219_55f452dcaa.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991232219/)

However, Tiki Room closed at 8:00 PM. We'll just have to save it for Friday. At this point, we wanted...

9/9/2009 8:34 PM EDT One more thing tonight: Mickey bar.

You'd think this would be easy in the Magic Kingdom, right? Wrong. All the carts were closed at this point, and they don't sell them in any of the stores.

My wife remembered seeing Mickey Bars at the hotel. So...

9/9/2009 9:00 PM EDT Looks like we are getting Mickey bars at the hotel. Kinda lame; MK packs every Mickey bar location up at night.

While waiting for the bus, we watched some of Wishes from the bus stop. It finally arrived, and we headed back to Pop Century. Upon arriving, we got Mickey Bars from the food court, refilled our mugs and settled down at a table. We gave Hailey her bar:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3992024004_0e0111d8f3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3992024004/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3991271165_3e6e948b60.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991271165/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3991268395_a9855fb477.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991268395/)

I think you can tell how she liked it. We finished up and headed out.

9/9/2009 10:31 PM EDT Back in the room for the night. Hollywood Studios tomorrow.

Coming up: shows, shows, and more shows

[VBsHustla]

Love the updates! I love the photos of your daughter eating the Mickey bar! :thumbsup2 Excellent shots. The one of Mickey and Donald at that great dance party is also an awesome pic.

[scoot241]

Love the updates! I love the photos of your daughter eating the Mickey bar! :thumbsup2 Excellent shots. The one of Mickey and Donald at that great dance party is also an awesome pic.

The dance parties are pretty cool; something different at least. I did notice CMs picking the streamers out of the trees in the hub afterward though. They may not appreciate the dance party as much. :)

[Sleepingbooty]

Great updates! But wait, you got the pin - I want to see it! Picture please:)

[scoot241]

9/9/09 pin linked here: http://twitpic.com/h493b

That's from my iPhone camera. Didn't take one with my other one. The link in a post earlier linked to Disney's pin site with a picture too.

[scoot241]

9/10/2009 8:20 AM EDT Getting ready to go to MG... Hollywood Studios.

When I'm talking and not thinking about it, I still call the Studios "MGM". Will I ever stop calling it that? :confused3

The entrance makes sure I know what the park is called today.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4003125858_5ca678fcd1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003125858/)

We got to the park a little after 9:00, delayed breakfast yet again and headed straight for Toy Story Mania.

9/10/2009 9:33 AM EDT 30 minute wait for Toy Story. Not my idea.

I wanted to FastPass TSM because of the 30 minute wait; everyone else wanted to wait in the standby line. Good thing they did, because the standby line is very well decorated, and you don't even get to see Mr. Potato Head unless you are in the standby line.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/4003128818_2c16503c56.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003128818/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/4002369125_feef43e07b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002369125/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/4000190780_b6665e6c62.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4000190780/)

Toy Story Mania was a whole lot of fun and everyone really enjoyed it. I tried looking for all the triggers for the high-value targets for each scene. I probably was looking a little too hard, because my wife beat me by 100 points. :scared1:

Coming out of TSM, we were planning to go get some breakfast until we passed by Voyage of the Little Mermaid and it was seating.

9/10/2009 10:04 AM EDT Don't think the TSM wait was actually 30 minutes. Really cool ride; we got fastpasses to ride again later. Little Mermaid is about to start.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/4002372585_6e88d507ed.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002372585/)

I don't think any of us had actually watched this before Of course, Hailey enjoyed it. I didn't really appreciate going "under water" with my camera in my lap, and the lasers are very dated now. The actors were quite good, however. Overall, this isn't something I need to do every trip. :rolleyes1

Now can we get breakfast? No! Playhouse Disney Live on Stage is now seating! :rotfl:

Hailey watches Playhouse Disney all the time, so this show is right up her alley. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Little Einsteins, and Tigger and Pooh.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/4002377311_0a3e54e637.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002377311/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/4003143742_49ac3928b6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003143742/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/4002386185_587e02a468.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002386185/)

At this point, it's after 11:00 AM. We are definitely stopping to eat, but...

9/10/2009 11:26 AM EDT Early lunch at ABC Comissary. We always seem to eat lunch here, probably because it's inside. Selection isn't all that great though.

9/10/2009 11:33 AM EDT Oh and before this, we walked right out of Little Mermaid and right into Playhouse Disney. It was alright, but Hailey really liked it.

Hollywood Studios needs some better dining overall. I know lots of people complain about Magic Kingdom's dining, but I think Hollywood Studios is worse. We had trouble finding something to eat for lunch, period. We didn't want pizza because we're eating at Mama Melrose for dinner. We didn't want burgers and such. I think everyone ended up getting the chicken cordon bleu, but removed various parts of it. I ate it as is, but I think everyone else got it without ham. It was either this or curry (not really something to eat before going to walk around a theme park for hours again), fried fish, or a burger. We ate until we were full, but we were really looking forward to dinner after this meal hoping we would be eating something better.

9/10/2009 11:36 AM EDT I think people believe DDP is so much food because they've been walking around all the time and their body isn't as hungry.

Coming up: more shows!

[scoot241]

After leaving the ABC Commissary, we headed back toward Sunset Boulevard.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4003158324_a9849e1a1c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003158324/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4002390269_be357ce69d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002390269/)

My dad, my sister, and I grabbed FastPasses for Tower of Terror, then:

9/10/2009 12:31 PM EDT I do believe Fantasmic has made an impact on the crowds today. Waiting for the 12:45 Beauty and the Beast.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2672/4003161780_5c5c48027b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003161780/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/4003171132_642b084fe1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003171132/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/4003173318_bafea83daa.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003173318/)

It was a decent show, but another dated one in my opinion. Hailey really liked it, especially when Gaston poked his head out from stage right at the end and waved. Again, the performers were really good, but the large characters (Cogsworth, Lumiere, etc.) look outdated.

Afterward, we split up for a little while.

9/10/2009 1:32 PM EDT 3 of us fastpassed Tower of Terror while the rest went to HISTK playground.

We really flew through the line, so I hardly got any pictures at all. Best one of the bunch:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4003166436_02a5408a2b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003166436/)

Tower remains my favorite ride in DHS. :woohoo: The theming here is top notch, and the attraction is extremely immersive. And I absolutely love when the elevator moves horizontal. It's a shame that the other parks with ToT don't have the horizontal part. Instead, you drop right after the window scene. Still a good ride, but not as good as the original right here in DHS.

Getting through Tower was really quick, even with spending a few minutes in the gift shop. My sister got a couple of shot glasses, then she, my dad and I headed back to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground to meet the rest of the group.

When we got there, my mom was sitting in the shade and my wife and Hailey were in the playground. Hailey didn't want to come out! To us, it's the HISTK playground (yuck), but to her I guess it's just a bunch of gigantic things which must look like a lot of fun.

Once we finally got Hailey out of the playground, we walked over to MuppetVision!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/4002413059_0f707f3333.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002413059/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/4002418579_c921de2f7a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002418579/)

Until Philharmagic came along, this was my favorite of the 3D movies. It's still quite excellent. Hailey knows the Muppets thanks to a video I found online of The Muppets at Walt Disney World. This video is probably 15 years old now, but it was a good way to show her WDW and the Muppets. Needless to say, she really liked it. Of course, the rest of us did too. :yay: However, I did have one complaint:

9/10/2009 2:42 PM EDT MuppetVision was great as always, but can we please get a new print of the film? The number of marks were extremely distracting.

Fortunately, the D23 Expo answered my plea!

We really zig-zagged around the park today; we headed back up front for Block Party Bash.

9/10/2009 11:50 AM EDT Just when you thought the sorceror's hat couldn't get any worse... http://twitpic.com/h7ufm

The block party took up all of Hollywood Boulevard from the Crossroads up to the BAH. Very fun, although I'd imagine it would be extremely difficult to leave the park while this is going on. Hailey danced in a group with one of the CMs.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/4002422493_68fc058e44.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002422493/)

Woody and Jesse are everywhere in WDW. Seems like you can't get away from them sometimes!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/4002429529_9f03e3a7ee.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002429529/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4002425699_e0d592b509.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002425699/)

Coming up: a repeat visit and One Man's Dream

[annnewjerz]

Great updates, Scott! ToT is my favorite ride (only in DHS, of course---remember the official 1 per park rule? ;)) I've got to say though, it doesn't look like you really needed the CP filter for your trip after all, so I'm sure you are glad you didn't bother getting one. All of your skies look nice and blue, not blown out at all.

Can't wait to read more!! :hyper:

[scoot241]

Great updates, Scott! ToT is my favorite ride (only in DHS, of course---remember the official 1 per park rule? ;)) I've got to say though, it doesn't look like you really needed the CP filter for your trip after all, so I'm sure you are glad you didn't bother getting one. All of your skies look nice and blue, not blown out at all.

Can't wait to read more!! :hyper:

I did pretty well without the CP; I'll also admit to adjusting the blue saturation level in Lightroom where I could without affecting the rest of the picture though. ;)

We don't have too much left here; the rest of DHS day, one more full day and departure day.

[VBsHustla]

Yay! So pleased to see that my fav place, MGM, is the star of this update. :thumbsup2 However, I'm now desperately craving TSM, the Tower (completely agree on the horizontal motion - love hearing those doors at the top whooshing open!), and Muppets 3D. :lovestruc

[scoot241]

Yay! So pleased to see that my fav place, MGM, is the star of this update. :thumbsup2 However, I'm now desperately craving TSM, the Tower (completely agree on the horizontal motion - love hearing those doors at the top whooshing open!), and Muppets 3D. :lovestruc

Maybe it was the amount of back and forth around the park that we did, but MGM is really lacking in the shade department. I think we were the hottest we were all week at the Studios.

[UncleOrville]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3991268395_a9855fb477.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3991268395/)


Love all the recent updates! This is such a great photo! You'll have to submit it to the baby photo section of her high school yearbook!

[Kurby]

what kind of camera do you use? you're pics are always so clear and great

[scoot241]

what kind of camera do you use? you're pics are always so clear and great

It's a Canon XSi digital SLR.

[disneygirlinnj]

Loved the last two updates. The Mickey Bar series had me giggling! The DOF on all your shots are just perfect. I still kept calling DHS MGM too. I still will...don't think I'll ever stop. I still call the TTA the Wedway People Mover too :)

[scoot241]

Loved the last two updates. The Mickey Bar series had me giggling! The DOF on all your shots are just perfect. I still kept calling DHS MGM too. I still will...don't think I'll ever stop. I still call the TTA the Wedway People Mover too :)

For some reason, WEDWay People Mover never stuck in my mind. I don't really remember calling it that even though I'm sure I was there when it was called that. The 2nd trip I took was in 1991 or so, and I have one of those "pictorial souvenir" books from the trip and it's old Tomorrowland and even says WEDWay People Mover. I've bought one of those books every time since (well, this time it was a 5 book box set). Who knows...

I'm working on processing the last day of pictures. A few of the best ones have shown up on Flickr already. On departure day I didn't even pull out the camera. Wouldn't have been much to take photos of anyway; it was raining most of the time.

[scoot241]

9/10/2009 3:28 PM EDT Block Party Bash was different but good. Fastpassing TSM for a 2nd time. Fastpass line is quite different than the regular one.

That's right, we're back at Toy Story Mania, because it's just that great of a ride. We FastPassed it this time, and the queue actually isn't quite as good, because you don't see a lot of it including Mr. Potato Head. However, we were breaking plates pretty quickly.

After Toy Story Mania, we headed over to One Man's Dream. I think this attraction is excellent; the models and all the other paraphernalia throughout the years are wonderful. My favorites are the models of the park attractions.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/4003196494_231a607bff.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003196494/)

This Sleeping Beauty Castle is a reproduction; I saw the original in Disneyland in 2005. From what I heard, the original was just in storage somewhere and someone happened to come across it one day.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/4003200378_71dbf64710.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003200378/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/4002442933_be53e5732e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002442933/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/4002447597_a24876af6e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002447597/)

We made it up to the movie, but looking at the time, it was getting close to 4:45 PM and we wanted to see Lights, Motors, Action!

9/10/2009 4:31 PM EDT Went through One Man's Dream but skipped the movie because we had to get to Lights Motors Action.

I'll be honest here; LMA didn't hold anyone's interest. Each stunt sequence was really cool, but then there's a ton of downtime between the stunts. I know they need to setup and such, and a couple of the things they do between the stunts such as the backwards car and the car where the guy drives on the side were cool, but there's only so much you can do when you need 10-15 minutes to get everything ready.

Bring the longest lens you have, and get here early to get a better seat than I did.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/4003213106_70d98ca43b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003213106/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/4002452969_240f301b47.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002452969/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4003219646_527386eae8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003219646/)

9/10/2009 5:22 PM EDT Lights Motors Action was pretty good but there is a lot of downtime between each "shot". Dinner is at Mama Melrose.

Coming up: dinner and Fantasmic!

[scoot241]

It's not a very long walk from Lights, Motors, Action over to near MuppetVision where Mama Melrose is located. However, with the crowd coming out of LMA, it took a little while to make the walk over there. We made it just before our ADR time, and it was fairly crowded. I checked us in and they told us it would be about 10 minutes. While standing around I overheard:

9/10/2009 5:29 PM EDT Note: Mama Melrose is completely booked tonight, probably because of Fantasmic.

We booked this 90 days out and couldn't even get the Fantasmic Package, so I wasn't very surprised that the restaurant was booked.

A few minutes pass, and the pager buzzes. One of the hostesses brings us to our table, and a minute or two later the waitress comes. She explains how the dining plan works (which we know back and front by now) and then disappears. A good 10 minutes pass at least and we are wondering where she is.

9/10/2009 5:49 PM EDT Service is SLOW. Waitress told us what the dining plan entitled us to and then left and hasn't returned. Nevermind, she just got here.

Literally as I was typing that tweet, she showed up. We ordered, and from this point on the meal went fairly smooth.

9/10/2009 6:23 PM EDT Had the spaghetti fra diavolo. Pretty good; however I would prefer not to be pulling the meat out of clams and mussels.

The spaghetti fra diavolo was quite good. I just don't want spaghetti sauce-covered hands while I'm trying to get the meat out of the clams and mussels. Decor in here is alright; I guess it's supposed to be like a local Hollywood establishment where a lot of famous people ate. I know Hailey had the spaghetti, but I'm having trouble remembering what everyone else ate. A lack of pictures isn't helping here. :) Overall I think everyone enjoyed the dinner, though.

Dessert time: most of us had the Warm Chocolate Truffle Cake. Don't be fooled by the fancy name; it's a chocolate lava cake. It was quite good, but it's nothing more than that. My mom got the tiramisu; we weren't sure it was tiramisu at first, but she enjoyed it. Hailey had ice cream, and of course she enjoyed that.

This dinner lasted a good while, and after we were done, we meandered back over to Sunset Blvd. to get in line for Fantasmic. The line wasn't there, as they had already let people into the theater. We took the long walk off Sunset to the theater, dropped the stroller off, and found seats to the left of center down near the bottom.

When I posted this, we had an hour to go:
9/10/2009 7:33 PM EDT Arrived way early for Fantasmic at 8:30. Pretty good seats but it's getting crowded. http://twitpic.com/h8yf2

The theater is filling up quick. One problem: there were swarms of gnats everywhere. Everyone is swatting at them, which of course doesn't really do much good because they're so small.

At this point I start posting random things:
9/10/2009 7:49 PM EDT I've only brought one lens each day. 30mm every day except AK and yesterday at MK (had the 18-55 IS for those).

Finally getting closer to showtime; the CMs are trying to keep the crowd under control by doing the wave. Personally, I am not a fan of the wave. Never really have been.

9/10/2009 8:14 PM EDT 15 minutes until Fantasmic.

At last, the show starts! This was the first time my wife and Hailey saw the show. Everyone else had seen it once before. Unfortunately, my wife and I didn't get to see the DL version when we were there because it was being refurbished.

Picture time:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/4002458493_b695c0869d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002458493/)

There's really quite a bit of randomness at the beginning of this show.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/4002461133_3765c84882.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002461133/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/4002463629_9c70cf0aa0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002463629/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4003228558_90ea9aff2a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003228558/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/4002467065_12c093c582.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002467065/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/4002468671_4349579f66.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002468671/)

Some imagination, huh?

9/10/2009 9:03 PM EDT Fantasmic was wonderful as usual. Smoke really burned my eyes at the end though.

Seriously, the fuel in the lake and the smoke did a number on my eyes. I was having major trouble shooting pictures and eventually I was just lining it up where I thought it should be and clicked. I had the wrong lens to shoot with anyway; on the other hand, the 18-55 IS may not have been fast enough. Another reason why I should get a nice long lens. :)

We take the long walk back down and the path that veers off toward Tower of Terror. I saw the Fantasmic billboard and took a photo:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/4003168594_6ef990bb00.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4003168594/)

One last thing left to do tonight: Rock 'n Rollercoaster! This was another ride just for my sister, dad and I. My wife, mom and Hailey hung out outside even though we suggested they head back to the room instead.

We thought this was pretty funny: :rotfl:
9/10/2009 9:16 PM EDT Since when has RnRC been sponsored by Hanes? Is that in case you ruin your underwear on launch?

We picked up FastPasses much earlier in the day and used them now. The line was quick and we were in the studio in no time.

9/10/2009 9:22 PM EDT Automated announcement system in the studio isn't working. Someone please fix that.

Some poor CM was sitting in a booth somewhere talking to "Aerosmith" on the screen because the automated one wasn't working. Come on Disney, how hard is it to fix this?

Finally we boarded our super-stretch. I really like Aerosmith and saw them live in August; great show by the way. The car we rode in had my favorite soundtrack:

9/10/2009 9:34 PM EDT RnRC soundtrack: Young Lust, F.I.N.E. and Love in an Elevator with love in a rollercoaster ending.

RnRC, once again, was a ton of fun. I could run back and forth between Tower of Terror and RnRC and I'd be fine with doing just that for a while. Anyway, we met back up with the others and started heading for the exit. Took a few PhotoPass pictures, and Hailey saw a horse she wanted to ride outside of a shop on Hollywood Blvd. After letting her ride for a few minutes, we left the park and headed back to Pop.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3996918834_c64f018037.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3996918834/)

9/10/2009 10:30 PM EDT General DHS thought: not as much shade as the other parks. We're back at Pop drinking from our mugs and about to bathe and call it a night.

End of Day 5

Unrelated note in the present: We saw the Imagination Movers in concert today! They put on a great show with an "idea emergency" for the kids so that it's similar to the TV show. Warehouse Mouse was in charge of lights and mixing. The Movers are from New Orleans (like us), and off stage left, someone was holding up a chalkboard with the Saints game score written on it. Rich even announced the score once during the show; speaking of which, we also met Scott (Hailey's favorite) and Rich after the show.

Coming up: our last full day :(

[VBsHustla]

Firstly, :rotfl: at the Hanes comment

Secondly, OMG! Gnats + Fantasmic = :scared1: Sounds like my biggest nightmare. I'm terrified of both bugs and Fantasmic! :laughing:

I LOVE your pics from One Man's Dream. :lovestruc Such a lovely attraction, and I'm really loving the photo of the little Emporium model. It's making me nostalgic for the America I certainly never even experienced! Plus, I spy an HSM3 poster behind that Parisian castle model! :woohoo:

[scoot241]

Firstly, :rotfl: at the Hanes comment

Secondly, OMG! Gnats + Fantasmic = :scared1: Sounds like my biggest nightmare. I'm terrified of both bugs and Fantasmic! :laughing:

I LOVE your pics from One Man's Dream. :lovestruc Such a lovely attraction, and I'm really loving the photo of the little Emporium model. It's making me nostalgic for the America I certainly never even experienced! Plus, I spy an HSM3 poster behind that Parisian castle model! :woohoo:

I would have never noticed that HSM3 poster had you not pointed it out. The models are my favorite part of One Man's Dream.

And yes, scary scary gnats that don't do anything except annoy you while sitting and waiting for Fantasmic! The horror! :rotfl:

[scoot241]

9/11/2009 8:38 AM EDT Taking it a bit slow this morning; heading to MK once we get ready. Haven't done Tiki Room yet and then we'll be repeating a few things.

A bit slow was an understatement. We did the usual mug refill before leaving, and finally we were heading to the bus around 9:30 AM. This is inset into the floor outside Everything Pop in the main building.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/4006123381_5c247c683d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4006123381/)

Finally, we get to the Magic Kingdom, head through the bag check line, and then I look up at the train station and it hits me: today is September 11.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3994951830_36e3925855.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/3994951830/)

Needless to say, the flag at half mast was quite moving. After getting a bunch of photos of the train station, we head for the turnstiles.

9/11/2009 10:09 AM EDT MK ticket scanning machines just went down. Big crowd piling up behind the gates. http://twitpic.com/hb3rz

Every single machine went down; no one was going into the park. After a couple of minutes, they started stamping tickets with the date, but soon after the scanners came back up. Finally, we entered the park with the intention of going to the Tiki Room.

9/11/2009 10:15 AM EDT Detour on the way to Tiki Room. Daisy is at the front of the park.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4020406777_1fd9c39116.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020406777/)

9/11/2009 10:22 AM EDT Flag on top the train station and the flag in town square are both at half mast.

We enjoyed the sights a bit on Main Street, but I was antsy to get to the Tiki Room because MK was closing at 6 PM tonight for MNSSHP.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4020408545_7e86823b5f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020408545/)

9/11/2009 10:38 AM EDT Never tell my family they can sleep in. It's 10:40 and we haven't done anything besides see Daisy and now we are in the Main Street Bakery.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/4021188254_a7e8edf14e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021188254/)

Of course, I got the cinnamon roll. The verdict:

9/11/2009 10:50 AM EDT Main Street cinnamon roll is 10x better than the one at AK.

It's soooooo good. :thumbsup2 This is a must-have for me, and I'm no longer going to be fooled into getting lesser cinnamon rolls at other parks.

As we're leaving the Main Street Bakery, the Move It Shake It Celebrate It party is coming down the street.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4020431469_d493941382.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020431469/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/4020421585_4788184eb9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020421585/)

As the parade passes, we realize one of the stilt walkers is a friend of my wife and mine from college. We talk to him for a moment as he passes, but instead of heading to the hub for the party, we head off to the Tiki Room instead.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4020411577_47d55ef1f4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020411577/)

There were only a couple of people waiting when we got there, and it wasn't long before we were let inside. As far as I know, this is the first time any of us have watched the "Under New Management" show. The preshow didn't give me very high hopes, though.

The bright spot in the show was the Tiki Goddess animatronic. This one is pretty cool and moves quite well.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4002653907_0d5b6c5076.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4002653907/)

Now, my wife and I had seen the original Tiki Room in Disneyland when we went in 2005, so we had a fairly fresh memory of the original. My mom liked Under New Management, and Hailey enjoyed it of course (she's enjoying just about everything). My opinion:

9/11/2009 11:34 AM "Under New Management" is not nearly as good as the original Tiki Room.

Coming up: repeating some rides at the MK before moving to EPCOT

[Todd_H]

Just got caught up, Scott. Great update and your pictures are top notch. Love your train station composition with the flag at half-mast.

We seem to share similar thoughts on WDW things... I still call DHS "MGM" and probably always will, I also find the beginning of the Fantasmic show to be kind of random, I think MGM needs more lunch options, I now agree with your suggestion of why Haynes sponsors the RnRC :lmao:, and I also hate it when we arrive in the MK and don't accomplish anything within the first hour and 1/2.

It also looks like you guys had some of those great dramatic FL skies when you were there. Really helps make the pictures even more interesting, huh?

[scoot241]

Just got caught up, Scott. Great update and your pictures are top notch. Love your train station composition with the flag at half-mast.

We seem to share similar thoughts on WDW things... I still call DHS "MGM" and probably always will, I also find the beginning of the Fantasmic show to be kind of random, I think MGM needs more lunch options, I now agree with your suggestion of why Haynes sponsors the RnRC :lmao:, and I also hate it when we arrive in the MK and don't accomplish anything within the first hour and 1/2.

It also looks like you guys had some of those great dramatic FL skies when you were there. Really helps make the pictures even more interesting, huh?

Thanks Todd!

The thing about the Florida sky is it can either look really good or really mess up your picture. Especially on our last day, the cloud cover really came in and I had to quasi-HDR a couple of shots (from the one RAW file I shot) to get it to look decent. Those are on Flickr but not posted here yet (probably will be included in the next post).

[scoot241]

After the Tiki Room, we headed through Liberty Square towards Fantasyland. In the continued tribute to September 11, the colony flags surrounding the Liberty Bell in the square were also at half mast.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/4018576620_c2bc754ef8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4018576620/)

Hailey started misbehaving, so we put her in the stockade!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/4021178628_43fcbbf5cc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021178628/)

We're back in Fantasyland, and the crowds were still pretty light. I guess people were visiting other parks since MNSSHP was tonight. Also, Night of Joy was tonight at the Studios, so two parks were closing early.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/4021222076_9ec224254c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021222076/)

We were moving at a fairly quick pace. First was a ride on Cinderella's Golden Carousel. Afterward, we took Hailey into Sir Mickey's for a pair of ears. She picked the pink ears with three princesses on them. Naturally, we had her name embroidered on the back. She already has a pair of traditional pink ears from when my wife and I went to Disneyland, so we were looking for something different this time. We also got one of the special fonts instead of the traditional script.

After finally getting these ears, we went back to our favorite 3D movie, Philharmagic. And of course, the valuable lesson we all learn at the end is "don't upset the instruments... they will get you."

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/4015630698_ac61c6e542.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4015630698/)

9/11/2009 12:49 PM EDT Did the carousel, got Hailey some ears, and watched Philharmagic again. Now waiting in line for Pooh. 10 minute wait.

As usual, I don't think this line was actually 10 minutes long. Maybe 5.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/4013026598_420131f6da.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4013026598/)

After Pooh, we headed back to Toontown, but made a quick detour first:

9/11/2009 1:03 PM EDT Stopping at the Tea Cups on the way to the Barnstormer.

Everyone got nice and dizzy again, and we stumbled our way into Toontown looking like we snuck booze into the park. Hailey rode the Barnstormer two more times. The second time, I decided not to ride and try to get a shot of her on it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/4020433447_b370fb9c8a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020433447/)

The next time we're in WDW, the Barnstormer probably won't be known as the Barnstormer anymore. I think I can deal with that when I weigh it against what the Fantasyland expansion is bringing though.

After finally getting Hailey to decide to move on, we headed down the "Concourse to Tomorrowland". I don't understand why this is the Concourse to Tomorrowland. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Tomorrowland begin just past the Tea Cups? So, in my esteemed opinion, this walkway should be the Concourse IN Tomorrowland.

Anyway, as we're heading down the Concourse in Tomorrowland, I start to hear a sound. It's a familiar sound, but not one I've heard in a while. As we get closer, I can make out what it is...

"Now approaching... Mickey's Star Traders!"

:scared1::scared1::scared1::eek::eek::eek:

I look up to see a familiar blue vehicle moving on the track overhead. At this point, I naturally have to yank out my iPhone and post an immediate tweet:

9/11/2009 1:40 PM EDT TTA IS OPEN!!!!

:woohoo::yay::banana::thumbsup2

The refurbishment was scheduled to end tomorrow. The TTA is not only open, but it's open a day early! I really thought we were going to just miss it, so naturally we immediately head for it.

The next set of thoughts runs through my mind: what is Space Mountain going to look like? Well, here's my thoughts right after the ride:

9/11/2009 1:56 PM EDT Lights are on in Space Mountain. Can't see much other than the big ship on the lift hill and the roof. Construction walls everywhere.

9/11/2009 2:08 PM EDT As far as I can tell, TTA is exactly the same but the sound system seems improved. EPCOT is still there as well as the hairdresser scene.

9/11/2009 2:09 PM EDT Skyway station demolition is easy to see. The whole area in front of Space Mountain is a mess.

After the ride on the TTA, we headed over to ride Buzz Lightyear one more time. We're not quite sure what happened, but my wife somehow scored over 700,000 points. When we came out of Buzz, Stitch was having a somewhat impromptu meet and greet by the Carousel of Progress.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4021195476_84ddd064ca.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021195476/)

While in line for Stitch, we also noticed that Buzz was set up at a meet and greet right next to the Carousel with his own background. This is when my memory card filled up, so I didn't really get pictures of Buzz. Fortunately, the Photopass CD, my parents' camera, and my sister's camera made up for that.

When we were leaving the line for Buzz, we had a CM ask us if he could ask us a few questions about our character experience. My dad ended up answering most of them as I was fooling with swapping cards. Once the CM was done, we decided on a second ride on the TTA.

This time, I got some better shots because I had a ballpark idea where my settings should be. Of course, by now you've all seen the demolition and the inside of Space Mountain, so I won't drag you through those again. Here's the lift hill with the astronauts though.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4021198418_f1575052d3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021198418/)

9/11/2009 2:26 PM EDT Got plenty of shots inside space mountain. Will be posting after I get home.

Turns out I wasn't so quick on posting those shots.

We hung out in Tomorrowland a bit longer, and while we were just taking in Tomorrowland, there was a loud clap of thunder. Immediately afterward, the entire Magic Kingdom groaned in unison, and naturally I thought it was hilarious.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/4020440711_e7a55c9779.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020440711/)

Finally, we decided to split up. My wife and I were going to head back to the room to pick up my tripod. Everyone else was going to go ride Aladdin one more time and then take the monorail to EPCOT. We would all meet back up at EPCOT.

On the way down Main Street, my wife and I stopped in Uptown Jewelers again. The other night we had looked at the Precious Moments figurines, and she decided she wanted the one of Minnie and a girl in a tea cup, called "You Are My Cup of Tea"

http://as7.disneystore.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/400156258049?$full$

Since we were headed back to the room, we picked it up in order to bring it back with us.

Coming up: the final evening of the trip at EPCOT and Illuminations

[Sleepingbooty]

Great updates, Scott. So the TTA soundtrack seemed to be same except for updated audio? Or by updated audio do you mean that the soundtrack WAS changed? I had read that they changed it, that there was no longer the "now approaching..." or the "paging Mr. Morrow..." bits? I was so disappointed when I read that because we love the TTA soundtrack, and quote it all the time. Can you put my fears to rest, please?

[scoot241]

Great updates, Scott. So the TTA soundtrack seemed to be same except for updated audio? Or by updated audio do you mean that the soundtrack WAS changed? I had read that they changed it, that there was no longer the "now approaching..." or the "paging Mr. Morrow..." bits? I was so disappointed when I read that because we love the TTA soundtrack, and quote it all the time. Can you put my fears to rest, please?

Unfortunately, what you've heard is true. The soundtrack was changed recently. However, when the TTA first reopened on September 11, they were playing the older soundtrack with "now approaching..." and the "paging Tom Morrow" lines. It still even talked about Space Mountain like it was open and running. I listened to the new one and it's not bad, but it's quite different. Some parts are a bit more informative even. I still like the older one better.

When I rode that day, it was playing the older soundtrack, but I thought the speakers and such might have been changed out or something; it seemed clearer than I remember.

[disneygirlinnj]

I have YET to try a cinammon roll at the bakery! :( And as for the TTA new audio? I must have been so excited to just ride it that I didn't notice. But now that I think about it...I didn't hear the page for Mr. Morrow!

[scoot241]

I have YET to try a cinammon roll at the bakery! :( And as for the TTA new audio? I must have been so excited to just ride it that I didn't notice. But now that I think about it...I didn't hear the page for Mr. Morrow!

According to Wikipedia, the new audio started playing October 2. I also heard that it was back and forth between the old and the new version at first. So, you may not have heard the new version at all.

And you must try a Main Street Bakery cinnamon roll. I think you can fit it in sometime in your next two trips. ;)

[scoot241]

On the way back to Pop, the sky opened up for a few minutes. By the time my wife and I got there, the rain stopped. We grabbed the tripod, got a mug refill and headed back to the bus stop.

We're waiting, and waiting, and waiting...

9/11/2009 3:47 PM EDT Went back to the room to get my tripod for Illuminations. The bus to EPCOT is taking forever to get here.

After two buses for all of the other stops passed, we decided we had enough and made a change of plan.

9/11/2009 3:53 PM EDT Taking the DHS bus and then taking the boat to EPCOT because the bus wait was getting ridiculous.

Was this actually a smart move? Who knows, but we were tired of standing in front of Pop Century.

When we reach DHS, we head for the Friendship dock only to see the boat leaving. I look at my wife, and she says she wants to walk to EPCOT. I ask her if she's sure, and she says yes, so here we go down the walking path from DHS through the Boardwalk to EPCOT. We were moving quick since we had a 5:30 PM ADR at Teppan Edo.

On our way into the International Gateway, a man leaving the park handed us a pair of FastPasses for Test Track. Wasn't part of our plan for this evening, but we kept them and maybe we'll find someone who will use them. Finally, we're in EPCOT and heading for the Fountain of Nations. Everyone else is in The Electric Umbrella grabbing a snack.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/4021203326_9aa78c2740.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021203326/)

After meeting up with everyone, we spend some time in Mouse Gear because I saw an old-school blue EPCOT Center t-shirt that I wanted last time we were in there but waited on it. It was nowhere to be found anywhere else we went on property, so I made sure to pick it up this time. Here's a picture I found online:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_afttIa6Eltk/SmzyGOZs31I/AAAAAAAABqs/py_9A33Afkc/s400/IMG_4862.JPG

We then took the walk over to World Showcase going around from Canada to Japan.

9/11/2009 5:13 PM EDT The stands for Food & Wine are going up.

Once getting to Japan, there's no real direction on where to go for Teppan Edo. We finally ask someone in the main store, and we're directed upstairs to the Teppan Edo/Tokyo Dining area.

9/11/2009 5:32 PM EDT At Teppan Edo. Just sat down at the hibachi.

First impression:

9/11/2009 5:58 PM EDT Fairly formal here. Waiting for the chef to come cook.

I've been to local hibachi bars before, but none of them were very formal. This was bowing and everything. Really interesting actually and gave more of an insight into Japanese culture than a normal sushi restaurant.

Finally, the chef came over, and it's a woman. I've never seen a woman chef at a hibachi before. She was very good and quite entertaining.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/4021205464_8e45fb6e86.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021205464/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/4021207690_9ee9b21db4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021207690/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/4020449705_a6844b54a8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020449705/)

After the meal, I was feeling pretty good.

9/11/2009 6:42 PM EDT Just finished the entree. Everyone had surf and turf. Server should be by soon to take dessert orders.

Slight correction to that; everyone had the steak and shrimp combo except Hailey, who had just shrimp. Everything tasted very good. Then the server came by to take dessert orders. I ordered the chocolate ginger cake; my wife got the green tea pudding, my sister got soft serve, and my parents also got the chocolate ginger cake.

The server didn't ask what Hailey wanted for dessert, so I asked what was available for her...

9/11/2009 6:55 PM EDT Just got dessert. You mean to tell me that a $13 kids entree comes with a DelMonte fruit cup that's like a dollar for a pack of six?!

I'm sorry, but this left a bad taste in my mouth, especially when one of the regular dessert choices is soft serve ice cream. It literally was a DelMonte fruit cup; not even fresh fruit or anything. Very frustrating and I mentioned it to the server but didn't seem to get through to her.

Had it not been for the fruit cup incident, this would have been my favorite restaurant of the trip. Very good food, but how much money are they really saving by giving a child a fruit cup instead of a small bowl of ice cream? :sad2:

Coming up: Illuminations!

[annnewjerz]

Hey Scott, all caught up.

Really like those shots of Fantasmic! We don't plan on seeing it in December, I've seen it before and now that they limited the amount of shows per week we really don't feel like waiting an hour and a half in line to get in for a seat (you know, I don't like shows).

I totally feel you on the last minute decision to go to DHS and get the boat to Epcot. That was like us with trying to get to the Magic Kingdom, saw like 2 busses for every other resort. At some point, you just don't feel like standing around---even if it means taking longer to get there than taking the direct bus.

Del Monte fruit cup for dessert? CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAP. Not to mention, even fresh fruit as a dessert option would be kind of a stretch, let alone a fruit cup. Looks like a good meal otherwise, though.

[scoot241]

Hey Scott, all caught up.

Really like those shots of Fantasmic! We don't plan on seeing it in December, I've seen it before and now that they limited the amount of shows per week we really don't feel like waiting an hour and a half in line to get in for a seat (you know, I don't like shows).

I totally feel you on the last minute decision to go to DHS and get the boat to Epcot. That was like us with trying to get to the Magic Kingdom, saw like 2 busses for every other resort. At some point, you just don't feel like standing around---even if it means taking longer to get there than taking the direct bus.

Del Monte fruit cup for dessert? CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAP. Not to mention, even fresh fruit as a dessert option would be kind of a stretch, let alone a fruit cup. Looks like a good meal otherwise, though.

I really like Fantasmic, but I don't blame you on that one. It's gotten a bit ridiculous to have to sit there for over an hour because of the limited showings. They did have two showings the night we went, but as we were walking out there was a huge crowd waiting for the next one. Fantasmic, IMO, definitely affects crowds at MGM. If it's showing that day, stay away unless you want to see it. It wasn't crowded enough that it really affected what we were doing (it was September after all), but it was more crowded than our days in other parks. What I'd probably do in the future is go to another park for the day (maybe EPCOT) and then show up just for Fantasmic that night. The good thing, though, is that we really didn't wait in line; we just waited in the seats forever.

The fruit cup really bothered me. Hailey didn't really notice so I tried not to make too big of a deal out of it, and it wouldn't be bad for her to get some fruit. It just felt really cheap, especially considering the prices on the menu (I know, we were on DDP so we didn't pay those prices, but still).

[disneygirlinnj]

I totally agree on the fruit cup!!! You'd think soft serve is actually cheaper....isn't it? At least in bulk like they have it? Crazy!!!

[scoot241]

I totally agree on the fruit cup!!! You'd think soft serve is actually cheaper....isn't it? At least in bulk like they have it? Crazy!!!

It's cheap enough that restaurants have soft serve machines just sitting out with cones and bowls for people to go get, like the Tex-Mex restaurant not far from my house and Jason's Deli. At Teppan Edo, it's $4.50 for a bowl of soft-serve. And no, Disney does not somehow have better soft serve.

[annnewjerz]

And no, Disney does not somehow have better soft serve.



Everything tastes better in Disney, it's just a fact of life Scott. ;)

[scoot241]

Everything tastes better in Disney, it's just a fact of life Scott. ;)

To an extent I will agree with this, but not with that soft serve! :rotfl:

[scoot241]

Yes Ann, we're not quite done yet. After leaving Teppan Edo, we headed out and watched the Japanese drummers play for a few minutes before walking in the direction of the American Adventure.

9/11/2009 7:29 PM EDT Taking a stroll around the world.

We didn't really stop anywhere; we just kept walking all the way around the lagoon, taking in all the architecture. Once we circled the lagoon, I started eyeing a spot for Illuminations. A few minutes later, I saw a nice spot:

9/11/2009 7:58 PM EDT Set up for Illuminations between Mexico and Norway. I'm the putz with the tripod (yes, the only one).

While I set up, everyone else decided to go elsewhere. Hailey and my wife went to Spaceship Earth. My dad and sister went to Test Track. My mom sat on a bench behind me. So, the only things I have to protect the tripod are myself and the stroller (Hailey wanted to walk). So I park the stroller next to the tripod and stand there, and stand there, and stand there...

9/11/2009 8:38 PM EDT Standing guard over the tripod...

At some point, a nice couple stood to the left of my tripod and decided to help me out. His son was also into photography and just got the Canon T1i. A not-so-nice group to the right decided to stand in front the stroller, so I had to reposition it so it was up against the wall between them and the tripod. Finally, my family started returning. First back were Hailey and my wife; Hailey took her seat in the stroller and my wife went and sat with my mom for a little while. Next, my dad returned. My sister decided to ride Mission Space Orange and wasn't concerned if she didn't make it back for Illuminations. Not long before the show, my wife came up and joined us.

At 8:50, the torches light up, and at 9:00, the screaming firework goes off.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4021213330_ec2b635ed7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021213330/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/4020456383_6736382ee1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020456383/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/4020455095_973cbcb3a0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020455095/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/4007507244_d3251c5d53.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4007507244/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4021219828_53693827a6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4021219828/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4020426007_8fdab2f5a8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020426007/)

9/11/2009 9:22 PM EDT Illuminations went 100x better than wishes. Lots of nice pics.

I have trouble deciding whether Wishes or Illuminations is my favorite nighttime show. I think Wishes edges out because Illuminations has those parts where hardly anything is going on.

After Illuminations, we start making a slow walk to the front. Once again, we stop at Mouse Gear. This time, we make some purchases for Hailey. She wanted a Tinker Bell Barbie-like doll and a stuffed Pegasus. We used about half of her birthday gift card to get those. We also looked in the Art of Disney again, but didn't come out with anything. Hailey wanted to ride Spaceship Earth with me, so Hailey and I went on the ride and everyone else waited outside.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4020423717_98ae0cc185.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4020423717/)

9/11/2009 10:40 PM EDT Did Spaceship Earth with Hailey one more time. Probably the last ride of the trip. Waiting for the bus back to Pop for our last night.

The bus took a little while to get there, but we eventually got back to Pop. I just started tweeting a bunch of stuff at this point.

9/11/2009 11:10 PM EDT Back at Pop drinking some Powerade in the food court. Hailey's asleep in the stroller. She's been a trooper this trip.

9/11/2009 11:27 PM EDT Bounceback offer in case anyone is interested: http://twitpic.com/hek9w

9/11/2009 11:29 PM EDT It's been a very busy & very fun week. Tomorrow we are planning to get our bags taken care of early & go to DtD for last minute shopping.

We packed most of our stuff and went to bed, knowing we'd be leaving for the real world tomorrow. :(

Coming up: Ann glares at me through her monitor as I try to stretch this report out more, and a rainy romp through Downtown Disney

[MyMuse]

Ok, first things first! WOW on the Illumination pics!! Holy Buckets, Scott!

The last time with the bro & niece, my bro staked out a spot in front of American Adventure and it was perfect. No one stood to the right of us because it was a blocked view, so we had air and personal space. I really enoy Illuminations, but I think I had my fill unless they change it. I may concentrate more on seeing Wishes.

Re: Teppan Edo, definitely on the list for next time. Though, there is alot of good hibachi places around me, there is something about eating at Disney....;)
It sounds like you had a great time, other than the fruit cup. That is mighty weird. Maybe they didn't want more dishes? Sometimes, there is no rhyme or reason for things.

Re: One Man's Dream, I loved the pic of the park models. I've got to see if I can do that with my schmucky point & shoot. lol

Re: TSM, I don't get this ride at all. I don't have a plan to go on it, but maybe I should. I love Mr Potato Head. :thumbsup2

And I never have to do RnRC again. Holy Buckets, I almost passed out after the ride. I felt really queasy. Hmmm...do you think it'll help me out with touring plans? :rotfl:

Re: Fantasmic, I really enjoyed the show. Thankfully, I've had the dinner package the 2 times I saw it. Once for Hollywood & Vine (which was very decent!) and once for Mama Melrose (it was ok). I think I can skip it next time. Your pics came out beauitfully and now I have to go back and check mine out!

I'm sorry your time is almost at an end.

How do you feel about Pop Century? Other than the recent bus escapade, how was the transportation?

[scoot241]

Ok, first things first! WOW on the Illumination pics!! Holy Buckets, Scott!

The last time with the bro & niece, my bro staked out a spot in front of American Adventure and it was perfect. No one stood to the right of us because it was a blocked view, so we had air and personal space. I really enoy Illuminations, but I think I had my fill unless they change it. I may concentrate more on seeing Wishes.

Re: Teppan Edo, definitely on the list for next time. Though, there is alot of good hibachi places around me, there is something about eating at Disney....;)
It sounds like you had a great time, other than the fruit cup. That is mighty weird. Maybe they didn't want more dishes? Sometimes, there is no rhyme or reason for things.

Re: One Man's Dream, I loved the pic of the park models. I've got to see if I can do that with my schmucky point & shoot. lol

Re: TSM, I don't get this ride at all. I don't have a plan to go on it, but maybe I should. I love Mr Potato Head. :thumbsup2

And I never have to do RnRC again. Holy Buckets, I almost passed out after the ride. I felt really queasy. Hmmm...do you think it'll help me out with touring plans? :rotfl:

Re: Fantasmic, I really enjoyed the show. Thankfully, I've had the dinner package the 2 times I saw it. Once for Hollywood & Vine (which was very decent!) and once for Mama Melrose (it was ok). I think I can skip it next time. Your pics came out beauitfully and now I have to go back and check mine out!

I'm sorry your time is almost at an end.

How do you feel about Pop Century? Other than the recent bus escapade, how was the transportation?

Thank you! :)

I might have to check out the American Adventure next time I shoot Illuminations. I also think I'll use a wider lens; I wasn't getting any of the high bursts in my pictures.

Teppan Edo really was a great meal. Best hibachi I've had.

In One Man's Dream with a P&S, try shooting without a flash. You'll have to hold the camera extra steady, but the flash won't reflect off the glass cases.

The Mr. Potato Head animatronic is really well-done. He even pulls one of his ears out. If you don't like Buzz Lightyear, you won't like TSM. One could argue that Buzz is actually better because you're not just in front of screens shooting, but overall I liked TSM a bit better. TSM also sprays you with water and shoots compressed air at you if you hit certain targets (like the 3D movies).

If you didn't like RnRC, skip it. When I was young, I used to really dislike roller coasters, except for the ones at Disney. I think it was mostly height-related. I rode the Batman coaster and the Mega Zeph at Six Flags New Orleans over and over again for a couple of summers at the end of high school and beginning of college and got over that. SFNO has been closed since Katrina though (and wasn't a very good park honestly; we stopped renewing our season passes a year or two before Katrina). I still don't like the drop rides that aren't Tower of Terror where you're just sitting in a seat attached to a column that shoots you up and down.

I really like Fantasmic, but the reduced showings have made the crowds ridiculous. The dining package isn't what it used to be either, which is why I wasn't too aggravated when I couldn't get one at Mama Melrose (yes, I called on my 90 day mark). The dining package doesn't have its own entrance anymore and you wait in line with everyone else. I've also heard that they only reserve the seats until 30 minutes before, so they're up for grabs by anyone after that.

I've really enjoyed writing this. It's not very often that I can sit down and just write a story, even if I am long-winded. ;)

I think Pop's a great place to stay. That transporation incident was the only one. I was a little surprised at how many people were waiting for the bus at park closing, and it would take a couple of buses to come before we got on one, but that's expected. The rooms are a little small (the only other WDW resort I've stayed at is Coronado), but the food court and grounds are fairly nice, especially if you like huge icons. One other ugly thing is the bridge to nowhere and the incomplete abandoned buildings on the other side of the lake that was supposed to be the Legendary Years. Next time (whenever that may be) I'm tempted to do another moderate (I doubt we'll be doing deluxe unless there's an insanely good deal); maybe Caribbean Beach or POFQ.

[scoot241]

(Note: SSE at night was the last picture. Because of the rain I left my camera in its bag.

9/12/2009 8:04 AM EDT Up and getting ready. Going to check our bags once ready and head to Downtown Disney for a little while. Need to be at DME by 1:15.

We gathered up what was still out and finished packing our bags. At this point, I think we could start feeling the clock ticking.

9/12/2009 8:45 AM EDT Hailey says her favorite ride is "the big ball".

Once my wife, Hailey and I were packed we went ahead and went to check our bags. The line was much larger than I expected; maybe because it was a Saturday. However, cast members were walking up the line, and when one asked us what airline we were flying (Southwest) he took our bags from us right there and we didn't have to wait until we got to the front of the line.

Next stop: breakfast. My parents and sister are still packing. :sad2: We headed over to Everything Pop.

9/12/2009 9:23 AM EDT Eating Pop waffles, then heading to DtD. It's a little rainy.

Yep, we're finally getting the rain that we managed to miss all week. I also double-checked our dining plan count.

9/12/2009 9:26 AM EDT Still have 1CS per person and 6 snacks.

That's almost perfect, because we still need lunch for today. We'll have to burn the snack credits on stuff to take home.

My parents finally caught up with us after checking their bags, and they grabbed some breakfast too. A little while later we were on a bus to Downtown Disney.

At Downtown Disney, the first place we headed was the Art of Disney. After agonizing for a while on what I wanted to buy, I chose a Mad Tea Party attraction poster. Now here's something strange. When my wife and I went to Disneyland in 2005, I bought a Space Mountain poster (that still hasn't been framed because it's ridiculously gigantic... what was I thinking?). Disneyland has a similar "art on demand" system; the prints are ready in about an hour. At WDW though, you must have the print shipped home. Grudgingly I accepted, but liked being able to buy it and pick it up better.

Next was the Christmas shop, where we bought a Baby's 1st Christmas and a silver ornament that's tough to describe; it's a bunch of cocentric circles.

We ended up back at Once Upon a Toy next to finish up Hailey's birthday gift card. She wanted Bullseye and Nala plushes. This didn't quite finish the card, so I threw in a Figment too. Meanwhile, my dad and sister went over to the World of Disney, and my mom went to do "something". We eventually got everyone back together at the Earl of Sandwich.

9/12/2009 11:51 AM EDT Spent the rest of our Disney rewards card and birthday fun card and then some. Getting Earl of Sandwich and heading back to Pop.

We took our EoS to go since it's already almost noon. However, the only other bus problem we had the entire trip is about to happen.

9/12/2009 12:20 PM EDT Waiting for Pop bus at Marketplace. Bus that stopped here first was "just dropping off".

That wouldn't have been so bad if another bus had come soon. However, it didn't and it was at least 20 minutes before a Pop bus showed up.

We finally got back to the resort and sat down at the first table we found. I went to get a mug refill and came back to my sandwich still wrapped at my seat. I pick it up and look at the label: it's the club. Wait a minute, I ordered the All-American.

"Who ordered the club?"
While eating, my wife says "I did, why?"
"Well this is your sandwich."
I then look at her sandwich and see the purple cranberry sauce. She's eating my All-American! I showed her the sticker on the side of the unopened sandwich. She didn't realize the stickers said which sandwich was which. :sad2: So I ended up eating the club, which was still good, but not as good as the All-American I ordered.

I also used our snack credits at Everything Pop on various junk food; mostly Minnie's Bake Shop stuff (which I haven't been all that thrilled with when eating them).

Finally the time came to head over to the DME stop. My parents and sister didn't have to be there until 1:45 because their flight was a little later. Once on the bus I started tweeting furiously.

9/12/2009 1:30 PM EDT On the DME bus back to the airport :( cleaned out the snack credits at the Pop gift shop. One Little Spark playing on the bus.

9/12/2009 1:32 PM EDT Do have to say that DME is insanely easy. Unless you're planning on going elsewhere there's no need to rent a car.

Here's where the idea for this report originated:
9/12/2009 1:33 PM EDT Full trip report will be coming after getting home. Thinking it's going to be a "Twitter recap" where I expound on the tweets.

9/12/2009 1:35 PM EDT Just passed the WDW entrance. We are officially off-property. :(

The video on the way back, while one long advertisement for WDW and DVC and DCL was still nice.

9/12/2009 2:11 PM EDT Main st electrical parade playing as we pull up to the terminal. Going to wait to go through security until my parents & sister get here.

9/12/2009 2:11 PM EDT They didn't have to be at DME until 1:45.

During all of this, I was also checking various sources to see what was going on at the D23 Expo. The big news:

9/12/2009 2:22 PM EDT RT @loumongello Jay Rasulo at D23Expo: Fantastlyland in WDW expansion is TRUE!!

Hailey and I were wandering around the airport lobby and the WDW Earport while my wife sat with our carry-ons (she wanted to sit and relax).

9/12/2009 2:32 PM EDT At the airport... http://twitpic.com/hgxn3

My parents eventually showed up, and I went with my mom to the Earport to find a last minute souvenir for my grandmother while my dad went to the Kennedy Space Center shop to find something for his brother.

Finally, we gathered our stuff and headed through security. No problems this time, just a big hassle as security usually is.

9/12/2009 3:44 PM EDT Sitting by the gate waiting to board the plane; flight leaves at 4:25.

Apparently I tweeted about the print; it was bothering me a bit at the time:
9/12/2009 3:51 PM EDT Strange thing: at art of Disney you can order prints "on demand"; at DL they're ready in about an hour but at WDW they must be shipped home.

9/12/2009 3:54 PM EDT Didn't see the refurbed hall of presidents; I would have liked to but interest was lacking in the rest of the family. Maybe next time.

My interest wasn't lacking, but everyone else's was.

Finally, they call for boarding and we say goodbye to my parents. We once again had A boarding passes, so we got nice seats.

9/12/2009 4:18 PM EDT Sitting in the plane at the gate. Switching to airplane mode.

The flight was uneventful, and in an hour and a half or so we were back in Houston

Coming up: Issues on the way home and epilogue (no Ann, I'm not done! *evil laugh*)

[disneygirlinnj]

Awww so sad the TR is coming to an end! :( Great photos of Illuminations Scott!

[scoot241]

Awww so sad the TR is coming to an end! :( Great photos of Illuminations Scott!

Thanks! I actually got my setting from the fireworks thread on the Photography Board, which worked well. f/8.0, 1 second, ISO 200. I think in the future I might try ISO 100 and 2 seconds, or keep ISO 200 and go to f/11. Either way, I want to take longer exposures next time. I also want to use a wider lens; I couldn't get any of the high bursts with the 30mm and the way I was set up. If I'm feeling brave I might use bulb mode.

Yep, the TR is almost over. I'm 90% sure the next entry is going to be the last one. I still need to do a table of contents.

[annnewjerz]

Yes Ann, we're not quite done yet.

Coming up: Ann glares at me through her monitor as I try to stretch this report out more, and a rainy romp through Downtown Disney


:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

You crack me up. I'm really enjoying your TR---no need to cut it short on my behalf!

Great shots of Illuminations. I haven't decided if I'll try to get shots of the show during our trip in December. As you know, we aren't huge on fireworks, parades, etc. so seeing Wishes may be enough for our group.

[scoot241]

:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

You crack me up. I'm really enjoying your TR---no need to cut it short on my behalf!

Great shots of Illuminations. I haven't decided if I'll try to get shots of the show during our trip in December. As you know, we aren't huge on fireworks, parades, etc. so seeing Wishes may be enough for our group.

I'm not cutting it short. I just thought I'd get a few zings in after our discussion on your photo trip report.

I have a couple of photos that I went back and decided I could do something with them that I'll post next time. So the next post is probably just what happened when we got back to Houston, a few more random pictures and some closing thoughts, and that'll be the end...



or is it? (I really need some sort of laughing vampire animation to make this complete)

[DiningPlanDevastator]

Just went through your entire Trip Report. Great photos!

I recently went to a DLSR (Canon XS?-the ten MP). I really enjoy it and debating whether I want to haul it around when I return to WDW in July...

What kind of carrying case do you take to the parks?

I only have the 'kit' lense. What would you suggest being my next lense purchase? A prime 30mm?

Thanks for your TR - enjoyed it all!

[scoot241]

Just went through your entire Trip Report. Great photos!

I recently went to a DLSR (Canon XS?-the ten MP). I really enjoy it and debating whether I want to haul it around when I return to WDW in July...

What kind of carrying case do you take to the parks?

I only have the 'kit' lense. What would you suggest being my next lense purchase? A prime 30mm?

Thanks for your TR - enjoyed it all!

Thank you!

I have a case made by Lowepro. I can't recall the model number off-hand; it was part of the deal when I bought the XSi from Best Buy earlier this year. It's nice because I can fit all of my stuff in there; however, when I went to the parks, I attached one lens and stuck with it at least until I returned to the hotel room. Most of the time I had the 30mm on; at Animal Kingdom and one morning at MK I had the 18-55mm IS kit lens on. I didn't take the bag out to the parks; instead I stuck my spare battery and a memory card in one of my pockets, put the camera around my neck and left the bag.

If you want to shoot dark rides, get either the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ($300 or so) or the Canon 50mm f/1.8 ($100) or f/1.4 ($300-400). If you want an idea of how the Canon 50mm f/1.8 performs, take a look at disneygirlinnj's pictures in her trip report. Her dark ride shots were taken with the Canon 50mm f/1.8 on a Rebel XTi.

I really want a long lens next. I've been eyeing the 70-200mm lenses, both Canon and Sigma ($$$). 55mm definitely isn't long enough on Kilimanjaro Safaris, and I could have benefited from the reach at some of the shows also (Beauty and the Beast, Fantasmic, Festival of the Lion King to name a few).

[Sleepingbooty]

Aww, I hate it when a TR is about to come to an end. Its like the feeling you get on the second to last day of your trip. Okay, not that bad, since I'm not actually ON the trip - but a letdown nonetheless.

Bummer about the fruitcup at Teppan Edo - that is pretty cheesy. We've never been there, because I figured it would be so similar to all the hibachi places we've been to at home. There are just so many great TS places at Epcot that its never made our list, but maybe we'll have to give it a try.

So I'm curious how you are going to display your Art of Disney print. I am so tempted to get one every time I go there. I LOVE those "vintage" park attraction posters. I'm just not sure where I'd put them. As much as I love Disney, I don't think it would fit with my general decor. I've considered having a Disney themed guest room, and getting a couple to put in there. Also might be good in a basement rec room, I guess.

[scoot241]

Aww, I hate it when a TR is about to come to an end. Its like the feeling you get on the second to last day of your trip. Okay, not that bad, since I'm not actually ON the trip - but a letdown nonetheless.

Bummer about the fruitcup at Teppan Edo - that is pretty cheesy. We've never been there, because I figured it would be so similar to all the hibachi places we've been to at home. There are just so many great TS places at Epcot that its never made our list, but maybe we'll have to give it a try.

So I'm curious how you are going to display your Art of Disney print. I am so tempted to get one every time I go there. I LOVE those "vintage" park attraction posters. I'm just not sure where I'd put them. As much as I love Disney, I don't think it would fit with my general decor. I've considered having a Disney themed guest room, and getting a couple to put in there. Also might be good in a basement rec room, I guess.

I had the Mad Tea Party poster framed and I hung it in our study. It came out very nice with a purple mat around it that matches one of the colors in the print. When the posters are printed, they are printed with a lot of white space around them, so we were able to fit it into a 24x36" frame off the shelf which saved a lot of money. Hobby Lobby was also having a 50% off frames sale.

Yesterday I bought a few frames and pre-cut mats for some 8x10s I had printed and I'm working on getting those hung in the playroom.

[scoot241]

Yes, I'm borrowing a title from a movie I have no intention of seeing.

Back at Houston' Hobby Airport, we retrieve our bags from baggage claim and carry them out to the shuttle that takes us to the parking garage across the street from the airport. We get up to our car, put the bags in, get ready to go and...

9/12/2009 6:01 PM CDT Naturally we got to the car and it didn't start. Got it jumped off and we are grabbing dinner on the way home.

Fortunately, the parking office had a portable battery to hook up to mine in order to get it jump-started. It turned out that my car's battery was old and needed replacing, but it took sitting unused for a week for the problem to show up.

We picked up some Chick-Fil-A on the way home, then finally got back to the house and relaxed for the rest of the night. One of the first things I did was hook the camera up to the computer and unload all four memory cards.

9/12/2009 8:23 PM CDT We are home. Watching the LSU game, unpacking and loading photos on the computer.

By the end of the night, I had started the trip report, and by posting this tweet the thread will go into an infinite loop.

9/13/2009 12:30 AM CDT ladies and gentlemen, announcing the start of the trip report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2283004

Epilogue:

Today marks 8 weeks since we left for WDW. Since then, I've gone through all the photos, posted a bunch, gotten the Mad Tea Party print framed, printed photos to fill the album as well as a few to hang on the wall, filled Hailey's autograph book with pictures (I printed those on my printer), and wrote a 31 chapter trip report. As you probably have caught on, we had an amazing time.

Here's a couple of pictures I just recently posted:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/4045234784_e8dfd13a9d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4045234784/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2597/4044492283_415ac2d479.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4044492283/)

In addition to Hailey deciding that Pirates was going to be her first ride at WDW (which it was), she also decided some time ago that she wanted to be a pirate for Halloween (she decided this before the trip).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/4062909348_88b63bdab7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4062909348/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4062912230_a586ed2a44.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4062912230/)

She had a blast last night and really enjoyed the costume.

I guess the last question is "when are you going back?" I have no idea! With the baby coming soon, it probably won't be for a while. I've had a thought brewing of Disneyland/Southern California in 2012, but we'll see. All can say right now is "eventually".

To quote one of the masters of the spoken word, Porky Pig, that's all folks!

[annnewjerz]

It's over?! :faint:

Really great TR Scott. I've enjoyed all of the photos and the commentary and even though I pick on you about stretching it out---I think you did it right. I hate TRs that are all posted and done in a matter of a week or weekend and yours gave me something to look forward to reading every day or two.

Good luck with the new baby, be sure to post some pics over on the Photo Board when he/she is eventually born and most importantly---I hope you follow along on my December TR. ;) Having some readers who can appreciate whatever photo-related jibberish I may write about is nice. :thumbsup2

Catch ya later!
Ann

[scoot241]

It's over?! :faint:

Really great TR Scott. I've enjoyed all of the photos and the commentary and even though I pick on you about stretching it out---I think you did it right. I hate TRs that are all posted and done in a matter of a week or weekend and yours gave me something to look forward to reading every day or two.

Good luck with the new baby, be sure to post some pics over on the Photo Board when he/she is eventually born and most importantly---I hope you follow along on my December TR. ;) Having some readers who can appreciate whatever photo-related jibberish I may write about is nice. :thumbsup2

Catch ya later!
Ann

Thanks Ann! :)

I'll definitely be following along in December. And there will definitely be photos of the baby, if not on here then at least on Flickr, but I'll try to post some on the Photo Board too.

[Todd_H]

Hey, Scott! Finally got all caught up. Great job on the TR! It was well written and your pictures were fantastic.

Good luck with the baby! Looking forward to seeing lots of pictures when the time comes :thumbsup2!

[scoot241]

Hey, Scott! Finally got all caught up. Great job on the TR! It was well written and your pictures were fantastic.

Good luck with the baby! Looking forward to seeing lots of pictures when the time comes :thumbsup2!

Thanks Todd!

We're hoping the baby will be here this Friday, but that all depends on what the doctor says Thursday. Whenever it is, there will be lots of pictures. :)

[MyMuse]

Ahhhh, what a great TR to end.

I enjoying following. I'm seriously thinking about POP in the future. I'm glad you had a good time there.

Sorry about your EoS sandwhich! Maybe you can make your own at home to make up for it. LOL!!

Good luck on the baby!! Congrats!!! :wizard:

[scoot241]

Ahhhh, what a great TR to end.

I enjoying following. I'm seriously thinking about POP in the future. I'm glad you had a good time there.

Sorry about your EoS sandwhich! Maybe you can make your own at home to make up for it. LOL!!

Good luck on the baby!! Congrats!!! :wizard:

Thanks Michele!

I actually got my All-American the next Friday when my wife was near their location in Sugar Land, TX. So it all worked out. The club wasn't bad, just not what I wanted.

Pop was great and I'd definitely stay there again. Next time we visit, right now I'm thinking we might stay at a moderate just because I'd like to stay at a different resort but you never know.

[Sleepingbooty]

Awww, what an adorable pirate!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us - I really enjoyed your report and especially your fantastic photos! Glad you had a great time:thumbsup2

[scoot241]

Awww, what an adorable pirate!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us - I really enjoyed your report and especially your fantastic photos! Glad you had a great time:thumbsup2

Thank you! I really enjoyed writing it.

[VBsHustla]

Just realized that I somehow missed this great TR's completion! I'm very saddened that it's over and insist that you take another trip immediately. Your photos are the best! :thumbsup2

[annnewjerz]

Just realized that I somehow missed this great TR's completion! I'm very saddened that it's over and insist that you take another trip immediately. Your photos are the best! :thumbsup2

Since I know Scott just had a new baby and has no trip planned in the near future, I am fully taking advantage of this opportunity to direct you to my October TR and December PTR (both listed in my signature).

I took lots of pictures in October and will be taking loads of purdy ones in December----including lots of food porn since we're on the DxDDP, pictures of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, pictures of the Behind the Seeds tour in Epcot, etc. So come on over and join in the fun, the more readers the merrier!! ;) :santa:

Ann

[scoot241]

Just realized that I somehow missed this great TR's completion! I'm very saddened that it's over and insist that you take another trip immediately. Your photos are the best! :thumbsup2

Ann pretty much already said it. My wife had our baby about two weeks ago, so no Disney trips for a while. We don't have any planned at all right now; it'll probably be at least a couple of years before we get back unfortunately. Plus, once we're ready to go back we'll have to start planning around school since Hailey will at least be in kindergarten by then.

Here's a couple of baby pictures:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/4087316485_0ae516f7e9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4087316485/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4087323713_13ab391e16.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottoliver/4087323713/)

William was 9lb 13oz and 22 in. long at birth, so yes, he's a big baby.

Ann's October TR is full of great pictures, and I expect her December one will have even more since she'll be there for more than 3 days. ;)

[UncleOrville]

I also somehow missed that you finished the TR! :confused: We must have been absent from Twitter the day you posted the last link. :laughing: Anyway, thanks for a great trip report and sharing your awesome photos with us! :thumbsup2

[annnewjerz]

Ann's October TR is full of great pictures, and I expect her December one will have even more since she'll be there for more than 3 days. ;)

Awwww how sweet (your compliments of my TR, of course ;)). Just kidding!

Little William is adorable and like I said in your flickr comments---that's a big baby! Even though you don't have another trip in the works, I'm sure we'll get to enjoy some wonderful photos of the new addition to the family via your flickr once you all get settled into a new routine. Congrats again, Scott and I really enjoyed reading/viewing your TR!

[scoot241]

I also somehow missed that you finished the TR! :confused: We must have been absent from Twitter the day you posted the last link. :laughing: Anyway, thanks for a great trip report and sharing your awesome photos with us! :thumbsup2

Awwww how sweet (your compliments of my TR, of course ;)). Just kidding!

Little William is adorable and like I said in your flickr comments---that's a big baby! Even though you don't have another trip in the works, I'm sure we'll get to enjoy some wonderful photos of the new addition to the family via your flickr once you all get settled into a new routine. Congrats again, Scott and I really enjoyed reading/viewing your TR!

Thanks :)

I have pictures at home that need posting; William of course and Hailey was the flower girl in my cousin's wedding this past weekend. The wedding ones need a little work; dim church, no flash for the most part, white balance is off (which I usually just set to Auto anyway and worry about later), so out of the camera they didn't come out the best. The ones I've fooled with look very nice though. Gotta love the Sigma 30mm.