Back to the West 2014

Awesome parade shots, Janet!!! I love the snowmen, too! I'm sure because you don't seem them in the WDW holiday parade. You had a totally awesome location to photograph the parade!!! I'll need to find out just where you were. I always end up in a spot in front that seems like it would be a great location, that is until people start shoving and poking me, and they end up with their elbows, etc in front of me! For the most part, I've stopped going to parades because of that.

If you haven't been to DLR during the Halloween celebration, you should go. It's awesome and there are great character opportunities. I love the Cadaver Dans, too, etc.

It's about a 4 hour flight from here to LAX non-stop (Chicago). There are so many more flights into there compared to SNA, so I always fly in to LAX. I would assume it's maybe around the same distance, maybe a little less for you? It is so much less expensive, too, from here to LAX for the most part.

Are you going to be able to get away and stop at WDW in June for a day or two? Hard to pass it by on your way south, huh?

Loving your trip report!
 
My oldest is a sophomore in College and my twins are Juniors in High School this year.
 
wow you got some fabulous parade shots! I wish my money tree would start growing so I could plan a Christmas time trip!!!!
 
Those shots are too good! So good you should start watermarking them before they start showing up on others websites!

You've really captured how "in to it" the performers are. Is it just me or is casting that much better in Cali? I know there are a lot more "hopefuls" trying to make out there, but everyone in each of the parades you shot is absolutely perfect for their roles and really playing the part, it seems....
 


December 6, 2014: Departure Day


There really are too many choices figuring out how to get to Disneyland. Which airport, direct or indirect flights, how to get to the hotel once we arrive. Katie really wanted to fly into LAX, and since that offered us the option of a direct flight, I decided to give it a try. I was a little concerned about how big the airport is and how hard it would be to find our shuttle.

With a direct flight, at least we didn't have to leave at the crack of dawn. Our flight was at 10:40 so I think we left home around 8.

IMG_0823 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


Vacation officially started when we got our bags checked and headed to Burger King for breakfast and Katie's first stop at Starbucks for the trip.

IMG_0829 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Better let the friends know you're having Starbucks...... It's a pretty big deal when you're 14.

IMG_0832 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Now that we're settled in at the airport, it's time for both of us to play a bit with our cameras.

Selfie Fun by mom2rtk, on Flickr


The flight itself was uneventful. We were in the B boarding group and had no trouble finding an empty row. I knew Katie would not want to sit by a stranger, so I would be stuck in the middle seat. I've had some odd seat neighbors through the years, so thankfully this one wasn't one of the worst. He did keep trying to steal my foot space and arm rest, but I think that's par for the course these days. The flight was 3 hours 40 minutes long. I loved getting to LA in the quickest way possible, but in some ways prefer changing planes so I can get up and stretch my legs to break things up. I really wanted to sleep on the flight but wasn't surprised that I couldn't. Katie and I did watch "The Aristocats" on her Ipad and I really enjoyed that. Our Disney love really started with that movie, and I love that she still likes watching it.

IMG_0857 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0846 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to retrieve our bags and catch our Shuttle at LAX. It was actually easier than when we flew into SNA last year. The Super Shuttle pick up spot was just outside the doors near the luggage carousel.

IMG_0863 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0865 by mom2rtk, on Flickr



We were scheduled to land at 12:20 local time and were mostly on time. By then my stomach thought it was 2:20 and more than ready to eat. But Katie had her heart set on Earl of Sandwich. And all food options at the airport looked really busy with nowhere to sit. So I grabbed a cookie from LaBrea Bakery (which stunk, so ended up in the trash) and we moved on.

The entire process was much less hassle than I expected, and was pleasantly surprised when I saw our first stop was Paradise Pier Hotel. So far so good. We walked in and I got in line to check in. Then I reached in my pocket for my phone. And it wasn't there. After furiously checking my bag, I had to step out of line, convinced I had just left my phone on the shuttle. After asking Guest Services to call Super Shuttle, I dug around some more and found that I had stuffed my phone in a compartment of my bag I never put it in. OK, false alarm. Back in line, where I was happy to find out they could keep us in the same room for both parts of our reservation. She even checked us in for the second half so we wouldn't have to worry about it later. I swapped our vouchers for park tickets and we were on our way to room 1237, our home away from home for the next 8 nights.

IMG_0870 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


I was more than ready to eat, so we dropped our things and headed for Earl of Sandwich. We had reservations for a nice dinner, but I was starving. So I ditched the "share a sandwich" plan and we each got our own. Katie of course went for the Italian and I got the Holiday sandwich. Both were as good as we remembered and we headed back to our room to rest for a while before heading to the park.

This is one very happy camper:

IMG_0872 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0875 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


Our reservation at Carthay Circle was at 5:30. We entered the park at 4:45 then immediately exited and headed for the Ticket Booth. We needed to use our Park Hopper tickets before upgrading to annual passes to get the most value out of them. It was a busy night at the parks because of Candlelight Processional going on at DL. But we got through the Guest Services line fairly quickly. They computed the price of the upgrade and all looked well. Then I paid part of the balance with an Amex rebate card I got when I bought my new camera. Then I asked if I could also use the rebate card I got with my lens. Sure, they said that was fine. That's when we hit the problem. For some reason it added the rebate amount on the card to the total instead of taking it off. Our poor CM at the window tried everything to fix it. After spending close to half an hour at the window I started worrying about making our ADR time at Carthay Circle. I mentioned it to the CM working on the transaction. She said she'd make sure we were ok. And that's just what she did. She consulted with a variety of people trying to straighten it out, but could not come up with a quick fix. Eventually, she called to let the restaurant know what was up, then gave us $60 in dining vouchers and had someone from guest services walk us through the gates and back to the restaurant. We sat down to eat around 5:45, so not too bad considering all delays.

It was a fixed price menu because it was a World of Color package. Katie ordered the steak and I went with the pork chop. While neither of us was crazy about our salads, the entrees more than made up for it. Seriously, it was the best steak and pork chop we have ever had (yes, I did get to sample the steak!). I was disappointed in the dessert options since they had replaced the chocolate creme brule with a peppermint creme brule and had no substitution available. But did I mention how great the steak and pork chop were? Although we did not yet posses our AP's, our server offered us not only the 10% discount we were due, but bumped it up to 15% for our trouble. She also showed us around the restaurant before we left and let me take my time taking some photos. It was a great experience.

IMG_0884 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0897 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

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IMG_0908 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


Carthay Circle Wishing Well Room by mom2rtk, on Flickr

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When dinner was over, we headed back out of the park to guest services. I asked the CM at the front of the line if we had to wait again, and she asked if we were the ones they closed the window for. Huh? I had no idea, but when we left they had just suspended the transaction and closed the window until we were done with dinner. When we got there, she had it all worked out and we were soon on our way. She even gave let us choose 2 attractions for fastpasses that night and 2 the next day at Disneyland. Color me impressed, although I did feel bad for everyone standing in line with one less ticket window open.

Once we got back in the park, I decided to try and pick up our Photopass Plus before getting in line for WOC. The line was short, but moved very very slowly. We had the same experience at the photoshop in Disneyland last year. It really doesn't take much to slow down a line there with people looking over all their trip photos on the monitors. We got to the WOC around 90 minutes early, and I was surprised at how long the line was.

I believe this Christmas tree was in the photo center:
IMG_0930 by mom2rtk, on Flickr
Just love all your pictures are you a professional photographer. If not, you should be!
 
Saturday December 6th: Continued


I had been told on the DIS not to actually line up in the CC line, as the viewing there was actually not as good as the viewing in the other restaurant area. So we waited there until right around 9 when they opened the viewing areas. The first CM checking fastpasses then told me I was in the wrong line and I needed to go to the back of the CC line. We had been there for 45 minutes at that point and after all the problems so far that night, I was in no mood for nonsense. So I just told her I wasn't going. Thankfully she let it go and we got a great spot right at the rail in the center. We enjoyed the show, although I didn't enjoy the part where someone on the level right below stood their child up on top of a trashcan putting a head right in the middle of a bunch of my shots. (None of the heads pictured here are the offending head. I didn't bother editing those shots). I'd still like to see the regular (non holiday version) WOC still one day though.

IMG_0942 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_0948 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1090 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1099 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1112 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1120 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1135 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

World of Color - Winter Dreams by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1237 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1271 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1322 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Christmas Wheel by mom2rtk, on Flickr



I was pretty tired when it was done, but we had fastpasses for Tower of Terror and Soarin to still use. If you had told me we would close the park down that night after traveling half way across the country that day, I would have never believed it. But we didn't exit Soarin until about 11:10, just after the park closed.


IMG_1559 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_1564 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Soarin was so slow a bit before park closing at 11 they didn't even want our fastpass. Here's a sight you won't see very often...... an empty queue for Soarin.


Empty Soarin Line by mom2rtk, on Flickr
That Soarin' picture cracks me up especially when you compare it Epcot. The only time that queue is empty is when the ride malfunctions!
 
I just noticed the link to your new trip report, so thought 'd follow along. I love your photography! I'm giving real thought to going FF soon, as soon as I can convince myself that I can spend the money, Probably won't be until this summer at the soonest. I may rent one first to see what I prefer. Did you have to replace all your lenses? That's what would kill me.

BTW, I'm another that will go on California Screamin' over and over but you can't get me onto the Wheel of Doom for anything, even in the fixed cars. I don't do Ferris Wheels!
 


Your daughter looks like such a sweet spirited soul. :) Also your photos are so crisp and fantastically shot this is a lovely trip report. :)
 
Beautiful shots! Hope to see a Christmas parade someday. :) We actually prefer to watch parades right next to Small World. You can get a good spot so much later in the game!

Thanks Jaina! I loved this spot. Having the Matterhorn in the background in some of my shots really gave it a great DL feel. And there's no way we could have gotten a spot on Main Street that late in the game.

Awesome parade shots, Janet!!! I love the snowmen, too! I'm sure because you don't seem them in the WDW holiday parade. You had a totally awesome location to photograph the parade!!! I'll need to find out just where you were. I always end up in a spot in front that seems like it would be a great location, that is until people start shoving and poking me, and they end up with their elbows, etc in front of me! For the most part, I've stopped going to parades because of that.

If you haven't been to DLR during the Halloween celebration, you should go. It's awesome and there are great character opportunities. I love the Cadaver Dans, too, etc.

It's about a 4 hour flight from here to LAX non-stop (Chicago). There are so many more flights into there compared to SNA, so I always fly in to LAX. I would assume it's maybe around the same distance, maybe a little less for you? It is so much less expensive, too, from here to LAX for the most part.

Are you going to be able to get away and stop at WDW in June for a day or two? Hard to pass it by on your way south, huh?

Loving your trip report!

Hey Karen! :wave:

Have you finalized your plans yet on where to stay on your upcoming trip?

The snowmen are Katie's favorite. One of the things I love about them is that they are not in the WDW parade, so once again a definite DL touch.

There really weren't many spots left when we got there. We were near a popcorn cart (I think it was popcorn) along the street. There was some open space because it was a corner near a walkway. So I asked a CM in the area where I could sit that I wouldn't have to move and nobody would sit in front of me. They pointed to a spot and we sat. It was perfect! I wish I could remember more of an identifier to tell you where to go. But don't hesitate to ask the CMs standing around.

We really are leaning toward Halloween. That's sort of our working plan right now. But that could change based on Katie's school schedule or what DL does with holiday celebrations this year. If this is the year they add a Christmas party, I might consider November. I'm betting that will happen in 2016 though.

Our direct flight into LAX was 3 hours 40 minutes, so not too different. The prices don't seem to vary too much between SNA and LAX for us, so it's a matter of balancing our desire for a direct flight with our desire to land closer to the parks.

We are booked at WDW for our quick stop after Sanibel! :cool1: Our priority is to focus on the things we can't do at DL. I'm really looking forward to it! I just can't get that close and miss a chance to get a little dose of Disney. And it will be just enough that we'll continue being happy with taking our longer trips at DLR.

My oldest is a sophomore in College and my twins are Juniors in High School this year.

So you probably have 3 graduations in the next 2 years? :faint:

Do the twins have ideas on where they'd like to go for school?


wow you got some fabulous parade shots! I wish my money tree would start growing so I could plan a Christmas time trip!!!!

I think you promised me a cutting off of that money tree some time ago, so go water it, would you? :p

I hope you get to make some plans for SOMETHING really soon! :cool1:


Those shots are too good! So good you should start watermarking them before they start showing up on others websites!

You've really captured how "in to it" the performers are. Is it just me or is casting that much better in Cali? I know there are a lot more "hopefuls" trying to make out there, but everyone in each of the parades you shot is absolutely perfect for their roles and really playing the part, it seems....

Thanks clsteve! I've actually considered watermarking, and it wouldn't be hard in LR5, but I just have so much out there already it seems pointless.

I've always heard that bit about DLR having more to work with because of all the wanna be actors, and over time I've really started to believe it.

The interesting thing though is that I'm starting to recognize some of the performers from year to year. I guess it must take a while to really "make it" out there. ;) Or maybe Disney counts a "making it"? :)
 
Just love all your pictures are you a professional photographer. If not, you should be!

You are very kind. Thank you! and :welcome:

What an adorable avatar!

That Soarin' picture cracks me up especially when you compare it Epcot. The only time that queue is empty is when the ride malfunctions!

::yes:: That is indeed why I took it!

I just noticed the link to your new trip report, so thought 'd follow along. I love your photography! I'm giving real thought to going FF soon, as soon as I can convince myself that I can spend the money, Probably won't be until this summer at the soonest. I may rent one first to see what I prefer. Did you have to replace all your lenses? That's what would kill me.

BTW, I'm another that will go on California Screamin' over and over but you can't get me onto the Wheel of Doom for anything, even in the fixed cars. I don't do Ferris Wheels!

Thank you so much for the kind words! :welcome: I'm glad you found us.

There have been some awesome deals on the 6D. If you are considering that as an alternative, subscribe to Canonpricewatch.com and you'll get notice on all the deals.

The lenses were indeed an issue for me. That part was really hard to swallow. But I had some decent EF-S lenses and was able to sell some. Good glass holds its value pretty well.

What camera do you have now?

Your daughter looks like such a sweet spirited soul. :) Also your photos are so crisp and fantastically shot this is a lovely trip report. :)

I see you found the new trip report! Now I can give you the official :welcome:

What an incredibly nice thing for you to say. I would say she absolutely does have a very sweet spirit. :flower3: Thank you.

I have lots more ground to cover and should have a new installment very soon. I just edited a new batch last night.
 
Funny you should ask.
The twins just got back today from a College visit in Maryville. They both came back disappointed. Not in the school but in hearing about how tough it is to get a spot in their career choices. My daughter wants to go into Radiology and only two of about 30 in her projected class will make it to be accepted if she chose this school. On the other side my son would have to compete to be in the top four for his instrument to make it there. The competition is steep and its something we haven't put on our radar. It's only the first college visit for them but its hard to get it all right. Their career choice, the school, the money, the investment and the return on it. My son came away thinking of giving up and maybe doing something else. It is his passion in life and now its up to me to make sure he doesn't let this one hurdle keep him down.

I remember with my first daughter she found the school of her dreams but the cost wasn't feasible. It's never an easy road I guess.
 
Funny you should ask.
The twins just got back today from a College visit in Maryville. They both came back disappointed. Not in the school but in hearing about how tough it is to get a spot in their career choices. My daughter wants to go into Radiology and only two of about 30 in her projected class will make it to be accepted if she chose this school. On the other side my son would have to compete to be in the top four for his instrument to make it there. The competition is steep and its something we haven't put on our radar. It's only the first college visit for them but its hard to get it all right. Their career choice, the school, the money, the investment and the return on it. My son came away thinking of giving up and maybe doing something else. It is his passion in life and now its up to me to make sure he doesn't let this one hurdle keep him down.

I remember with my first daughter she found the school of her dreams but the cost wasn't feasible. It's never an easy road I guess.


Man, I don't envy you the process of getting 2 of them through the college selection process at the same time. I guess there are some economies of doing 2 at once, but knowing how stressful it was doing just one at a time, I can't even imagine doubling up. :faint: Never mind the finances of it!

At least you have the trip this summer to regroup and give you strength to pull from next fall when things really rev up on the college front.

I hope you'll keep me updated next year on how it's all going. I'm always interested in where high performing kids from our area end up going.
 
Sunday December 7, 2014 Continued:


All we really had to do that night was the Fantasmic Dessert Package. I wasn't sure if we'd do that again this time, but when Disney changed it over to a FP only show starting mid-way through our trip, I decided we should take this one last opportunity to have a seat for the show.

We had plans to eat at Cafe Orleans the following day, but decided to check and see if we could get in that day instead. We were there early (around 4:30) so got lucky and were seated pretty quickly. We ordered the gumbo we both liked so much and I added a basket of the parmesan fries I had heard about. Both were quite good, although we couldn't finish either.

We still had 2 fastpasses to use before checking in for Fantasmic. One was for the Matterhorn, the other for Peter Pan. It was quite awesome to get right on 2 headline attractions in the park on such a busy night (second night of the Candlelight Processional). We had also pulled FPs for HMH when we were over in New Orleans Square, so headed back to use those right before checking in for Fantasmic. It was great to get so much done on such a busy night.


Some decorations around New Orleans Square:


IMG_2594 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2595 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2596 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2597 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

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IMG_2601 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

On to Peter Pan to use the first of our other fastpass:

IMG_2627 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Off to Neverland!

IMG_2628-2 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

And in spite of the new camera, I still have not conquered photographing Peter Pan. This was my only usable shot:

IMG_2651 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

We loved the window outside the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

IMG_2653 by mom2rtk, on Flickr
IMG_2656 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2662 by mom2rtk, on Flickr







Our gumbo and parmesan fries at Café Orleans:

IMG_2602 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2603 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Ready for takeoff on the Matterhorn:

IMG_2610 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

A good friend told be about the cool bathrooms in Fantasyland with the playing card doors. I couldn't believe we completely missed these last year:

IMG_2621 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Isn't she a beauty? If we go during Halloween next year, I'm really going to miss seeing the castle decked out for the holidays:

IMG_2624 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Fantasyland is so pretty once the sun goes down:
 
Wow, I love those bathroom stall doors. I can't believe you weren't arrested for photographing a bathroom!:thanks: Now it time for me to whine: I miss that little courtyard in New Orleans Square. :sad:
 
Hey Karen! :wave:

Have you finalized your plans yet on where to stay on your upcoming trip?

The snowmen are Katie's favorite. One of the things I love about them is that they are not in the WDW parade, so once again a definite DL touch.

There really weren't many spots left when we got there. We were near a popcorn cart (I think it was popcorn) along the street. There was some open space because it was a corner near a walkway. So I asked a CM in the area where I could sit that I wouldn't have to move and nobody would sit in front of me. They pointed to a spot and we sat. It was perfect! I wish I could remember more of an identifier to tell you where to go. But don't hesitate to ask the CMs standing around.

We really are leaning toward Halloween. That's sort of our working plan right now. But that could change based on Katie's school schedule or what DL does with holiday celebrations this year. If this is the year they add a Christmas party, I might consider November. I'm betting that will happen in 2016 though.

Our direct flight into LAX was 3 hours 40 minutes, so not too different. The prices don't seem to vary too much between SNA and LAX for us, so it's a matter of balancing our desire for a direct flight with our desire to land closer to the parks.

We are booked at WDW for our quick stop after Sanibel! :cool1: Our priority is to focus on the things we can't do at DL. I'm really looking forward to it! I just can't get that close and miss a chance to get a little dose of Disney. And it will be just enough that we'll continue being happy with taking our longer trips at DLR.

Janet, I was looking through some photos from the Magic Kingdom's 2001 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade yesterday, which also ran during the afternoon for the last couple of weeks of December back then, in addition to the Party nights. The snowmen in the exact same costumes as the ones you photographed at the DLR holiday parade where in the 2001 MK parade!!! Also, the snowflake dancers were with them. My photos aren't the greatest due to the light, etc, but there they were!!! LOL!!! I had forgotten that.

Yes, I made reservations for the hotel part of my trip to DLR for Expo in August. Decided on the Anaheim Hilton for all of the days, at least for now, since 3 of the days will be right there for the Expo. Haven't made plane reservations yet. Right now, I'm planning a trip in June for Costa Rica.

Loving your report!!! Glad you'll get to stop for a day at MK this summer!
 
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Wow, I love those bathroom stall doors. I can't believe you weren't arrested for photographing a bathroom!:thanks: Now it time for me to whine: I miss that little courtyard in New Orleans Square. :sad:

:welcome: Astridia! So nice to see you posting over here. :)

Aren't those doors just the best! I did feel a bit self-conscious photographing in the bathroom, but I had to prove to my friend that I actually went in and tried them out!

You're not alone in missing the Court of Angels. Lots of complaints about that on the DL forum. I photographed Katie in a Tiana gown there back on our 2010 trip. I need to upload those photos so I can share. :)

Janet, I was looking through some photos from the Magic Kingdom's 2001 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade yesterday, which also ran during the afternoon for the last couple of weeks of December back then, in addition to the Party nights. The snowmen in the exact same costumes as the ones you photographed at the DLR holiday parade where in the 2001 MK parade!!! Also, the snowflake dancers were with them. My photos aren't the greatest due to the light, etc, but there they were!!! LOL!!! I had forgotten that.

Yes, I made reservations for the hotel part of my trip to DLR for Expo in August. Decided on the Anaheim Hilton for all of the days, at least for now, since 3 of the days will be right there for the Expo. Haven't made plane reservations yet. Right now, I'm planning a trip in June for Costa Rica.

Loving your report!!! Glad you'll get to stop for a day at MK this summer!

Thanks for recon on our snowmen! LOL. Katie just walked past my computer so I shared. That's a fun bit of trivia. I really wish we had seen the parade back in the day at the MK! We loved the snowflake dancers and would have enjoyed seeing them there as well.

Yeah for getting your plans set for August. I'll be anxious to hear how it all goes. And Costa Rica sounds awesome. I hope I'll see some scrapbook pages from you on that adventure somewhere down the line.
 

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