Sharing the Disney Magic with Family & Friends-DL Diamond Anniversary-DCA F&W Fest Kiosks & The End!

[rentayenta]

@franandaj We are totally open so what ever works best for you.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I was going to ask you what $$$ was to see if we were on the same page, and then I just googled it. We are on the same page. It is $$$. I don't mind spending $500 on a lens, even $750-900 could be justifiable, but when you're talking over $1200 that starts to get into the "how bad do I really want it?" realm, and the prices I found on the Canon 24mmf/1.4 are like, "I'm only going to get this if Fran can find it on a killer sale!"

ETA: I just looked on eBay and found some at half the price! Now I have to figure out why and if anything is wrong with them. That's a job for Fran!

Keep an eye on that Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and the Canon 35 mm f/1.4. There are rumours that Canon will release the 35mm f/1.4 Mark II. I noticed that as soon as those rumours came out, there was an immediate deal on the Sigma 35 mm. It dropped by about $100 - $150...so I think you might find it around that $750 mark on Amazon. If Canon do release a Mark II, the Mark I might drop in price.


You or Fran might want to sign up to CanonPriceWatch.com. They send out regular alerts when there are deals and they do issue regular street price alerts as well....for Canon equipment and any other lenses that would fit on Canon bodies.

 

[dizneeat]

We are back from vacation and I am all caught up again. Took me quite a while being 5 pages behind and there is just TOO much to comment on, so I'll keep my mouth shut for once.

 

[afwdwfan]

Once we got off the ride everyone was starving. We had been going for quite some time and only Elwood had a pretzel so the rest of us were ready for lunch. We ended up at the French Market. It was hot out and I was trying to be good, so I went for the Chicken Caesar Salad.

Ok, I'm not typically one to want a salad, but that actually doesn't look too bad.

Elwood had the Mac-n-cheese

Forget that... I'll take some grapes and mac & cheese. That looks awesome!

We all tried this cobbler and it wasn’t nearly as good as it looked, and it doesn’t look all that good. So it was a wash out.

That's always a disappointment. Nothing worse than a dessert that looks delicious and only ends up being a disappointment.

 

[franandaj]

(Still on reading about DL at Halloween time!)
We are arriving on the 18th and leaving on the 25th. I would love to meet up if you have some time during that week- I feel like I know you both from reading your TR's, they are in my group of favourites (along with Dizneet, Diznee Luver, danimaroo, and IheartDDuck- you guys kept me from going insane when I was stuck on my back from surgery)

Well that's a bummer. You are there the week that I am on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera! I'm glad that my TRs could help through your recovery!

My last 2 park days have been from a wheelchair as we did MK before a RCL cruise last summer just after I got hurt (just the DH and I), and then we did MK after our fantasy cruise this past May with DD11 when I was still getting over surgery and just started walking...
I have read/showed them both parts of your TRs and they enjoyed your fireworks pictures especially, and DH enjoys especially the specialty dinners at C33 and Napa and that.

I hope that you're able to walk a little more on this trip. Taking it slow isn't a bad thing though. Sometimes you can even enjoy things more that way.

@franandaj We are totally open so what ever works best for you.

I'll work it out with you and Jill! "thumbsup2

Keep an eye on that Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and the Canon 35 mm f/1.4. There are rumours that Canon will release the 35mm f/1.4 Mark II. I noticed that as soon as those rumours came out, there was an immediate deal on the Sigma 35 mm. It dropped by about $100 - $150...so I think you might find it around that $750 mark on Amazon. If Canon do release a Mark II, the Mark I might drop in price.

Fran has got robot searches going, looking for various lenses. I think Canon already did release the Mark II. I just need to have the new lens before my trip in December, but it would be nice to have it before Corinna arrives in September.

You or Fran might want to sign up to CanonPriceWatch.com. They send out regular alerts when there are deals and they do issue regular street price alerts as well....for Canon equipment and any other lenses that would fit on Canon bodies.

I sent her the link. Hopefully she subscribed to it.

We are back from vacation and I am all caught up again. Took me quite a while being 5 pages behind and there is just TOO much to comment on, so I'll keep my mouth shut for once.

I hope you had a great trip to Italy and I will look forward to the Mini TR in your TR.

Ok, I'm not typically one to want a salad, but that actually doesn't look too bad.

Forget that... I'll take some grapes and mac & cheese. That looks awesome!

The salad was good, but I bet the Mac and Cheese was better!

That's always a disappointment. Nothing worse than a dessert that looks delicious and only ends up being a disappointment.

A lot of the Disney desserts are that way. I find the stuff from the Candy stores and the Ice Cream are usually the safest bets.

 

[franandaj]

OK, it’s been a little while, but I really want to finish up this day, because I have a whole lot more days to report on, I’ve just gotten behind. This is a pretty picture heavy update so feel free to scroll fast if you want. At least I won’t make you sing “It’s a Small World” in this update!

We hopped on over to California Adventure and made a beeline for TSMM. I suck at this ride and am forever destined to be a beaver.



Then we headed over to Radiator Springs Racers. This is another ride that I would love to get pictures inside!



























After that, John, Suzie and Elwood rode Mader’s Junkyard Jamboree. That ride spins a little too much for me so instead I went looking in the shops. I had dropped one of my iced coffee sippy cups on the ground and it cracked, so I was looking to replace it, but no luck today. So I just met up with them after the ride.

Around that time a friend of mine sent me a text that he was in the park and did we want to join him at 1901. We said, “sure!” and headed over there.

I like my Carthy Martini, but they don’t do the ice sphere any more. Now they do a Diamond Ice Sphere (which you can’t see), but I guess it doesn’t give off as much water as the other one.

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Unfortunately I have no idea what these drinks that John and Suzie ordered were, but they look good!

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We were again starving so we ordered the queso fundido, and it was awesome!

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I think these things were called Arepos. They had pulled pork and some other veggies. I was skeptical about this one, but I liked the half I ate very much.

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This was some kind of flatbread. It was very good and we liked it quite a bit.

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These are the Vietnamese tacos. They are very good, but spicy. I have to watch my intake on these as they can cause “problems”. Evidently eating one is OK.

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This was the Chicken Spring Roll and this thing was loaded with cilantro. I took one bite and that was my last!

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We had ordered an order of these pigs in a blanket for Elwood at the beginning, but decided we needed another order since none of the adults got any of the first order!




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By the time we polished off all these appetizers, we were pretty full and considered this as dinner. We had one more destination. John and Suzie had never seen WoC and I had not seen this incarnation of WoC. In the end I was sad this was their first WoC, while I enjoyed it I heard some very bad reviews like it “was a marketing ploy on behalf of the WDC and nothing more than an advertisement for the WDC that included Neal Patrick Harris and ended with a Frozen cap off”. I’m not sure I agree, but I can see this point.

We did stop at the Golden Vine Winery to get a nightcap to tide us over until the show started, and then we were set. I began trying to take pictures using the Manual mode on my camera. I had the ISO set fairly high, but the camera wouldn’t allow me to take one picture. I tried adjusting all sorts of things, the shutter speed, making the ISO smaller, changing the aperture. Finally I just gave up, and put the camera on Auto, no flash, and that’s how I got these pictures.

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The show is a tribute to Walt Disney’s accomplishments, or a big giant commercial about Disney, depending on how you look at it.

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It began with Snow White.

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I suppose this was part of the montage of Disney films. Many of the pictures I took in between these two (15 to be exact) did not come out well.

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It was neat how they used the Mickey overlay for extra projections.

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Continued in next Post

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[franandaj]

Here come the obligatory “Frozen” scenes.













After a reminiscing about the movies the Disney studios have produced, Neil Patrick Harris is back to talk about accomplishments at Disneyland.



Recognize that castle?



The Dreamer himself



Opening day.



Then they showed the various attractions that Walt worked on at Disneyland.







And then some attractions that Walt had not seen coming.





And some of the last that he had some input.











And where he had a great deal of influence.



And then this came out of the blue. Now that I try and go back and explain it to you, my good readers, it does seem pretty all over the place and just one big marketing commercial.












Continued in Next Post

 

[franandaj]

And then we are reminded that it was all started with a mouse.







And Snow White.





And this man.













Wow! This does go on and on!







And now Walt walks off into the sunset with Mickey Mouse.





The End.



And with that we made our way slowly out of the park. We had intended to get a picture of the group of us, but it never happened. Next time, I guess.

 

[dolphingirl47]

We hopped on over to California Adventure and made a beeline for TSMM. I suck at this ride and am forever destined to be a beaver.

You did much better then I can ever hope to do. I can't wait to getting to practise again though.

I like my Carthy Martini, but they don’t do the ice sphere any more.

What a shame. This was so special.

In the end I was sad this was their first WoC, while I enjoyed it I heard some very bad reviews like it “was a marketing ploy on behalf of the WDC and nothing more than an advertisement for the WDC that included Neal Patrick Harris and ended with a Frozen cap off”. I’m not sure I agree, but I can see this point.

I really cannot understand why this is getting such bad reviews. I watched a video when it first came out and found it very moving. I can't wait to see it for myself.

Corinna

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Your 1901 Meal looks great! Diamond Ice sounds cool especially if it doesn't overly melt.

I see why that World of Color gets that type of review. I never got to see the old version either as it was down last year.

 

[Flossbolna]

I am back! And up to date on your thread now!

I have to say that I belong into the category of people who give the current WoC a bad review. We nearly did not see it because we kept wanting to go back to Disneyland for Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever - they are just so wonderful. But then we lucked out with a bonus evening and saw it and we're so disappointed. To me it felt like a bad TV documentary. To me it was lacking emotion and heart. The technology is still amazing and fun to look at, but I was even a bit bored at times...

 

[afwdwfan]

Ok, I can see how it seems like a marketing ploy. But I also think it seems like a really cool show. I'm all about the history of the company and seeing Walt's influence on things. I think a tribute to Walt would be an incredible show to see. And I guess I really don't care what version it is, I just want to see WoC.

 

[dhorner233]

Great pictures Alison! I'm sorry you didn't get the round ice cube at 1901. That was cool. Such a nice quiet oasis right in the middle of Calif. Adventure! And those "pigs in a blanket" look very tasty!!

I think you did a great job of the pictures of WoC! I always have a hard time getting a decent shot of pictures on water. I like that they have that little screen and I think I'm going to like the new WoC better than the old one. You had a great view point but, that light thing on the right was distracting. Were you in a reserved or handicapped area? I have never gotten good shots of WoC and I think yours came out great!

Can't wait to see it all myself in just a little over 2 weeks!!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Sorry to hear that you didn't get your round ice cube at 1901. The food look very appetizing.

Very nice pics from WoC - Celebrate that night. There have been a lot of reviews about WoC - Celebrate getting bad reviews. Since I have seen it plenty of times, I have enjoyed it a lot and like the song "Forever Young". I understand why those people criticized this show over the original WoC which doesn't have that story telling show like WoC where WoC - Celebrate talks about the history of Walt Disney and his famous work. Trying to surpass the original WoC is going to be very difficult where WoC: Winter Dreams during the holiday season is a nice addition. I remember Winter Dreams when it debut in 2013 got criticized heavily over Celebrate. The way it is, the original WoC will be better over the others.

 

[Pinkocto]

I thoroughly enjoyed all your WoC pictures, they came out great. And a tribute to Walt and his accomplishments sounds very fitting.

Your medley of appetizers looks scrumptious!!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Say hello to that friend of yours!
Looks like interesting food options. Cilantro? So sorry for you.
Your WoC pictures look great.

 

[dvc at last !]

Catching up and saying Hi !
Always love your posts and pics !

 

[Leshaface]

I believe that next we went on the Matterhorn. I didn’t take any pictures because it was too jarring. In fact it was so jarring that I decided that I didn’t need to go on it again for quite some time. This is terrible because I used to love the Matterhorn, but since they replaced the cars it became so much more jarring that I can’t stand it.

I was going to say, you used to love this ride! I've always 'liked' this ride but have always thought it had been jerky even before the new cars got put in. Still fun to ride every once in a while.

Then we decided to go on It’s a Small World. I’m not sure who made this decision, but when I go with friends, I’m OK with all their decision.

Yeah, with friends, i'm down to ride it.

A world of tears

And a world of fears.

Many tears and fears.

Sing it again! It’s a small world afterall

Agh No thanks!!!

Whew! Bet you’re glad that’s over!

You were able to get this dark shot, wonder why you couldn't get any others.

It was hot out and I was trying to be good, so I went for the Chicken Caesar Salad.

Boo to being good at Disneyland!

I was craving this a few weeks ago so made my own version. They do it better though!

At least I won’t make you sing “It’s a Small World” in this update!

Thank goodness!

Cool perspective shot!

I recognize that lady in the front seat. Well you of course, but the other one

Woah what kind of drink is that?

It was neat how they used the Mickey overlay for extra projections.

I could not figure out how Andy's picture was there, I had missed your quote before the picture

Love all these with Walt, but the last one is amazing!

 

[franandaj]

You did much better then I can ever hope to do. I can't wait to getting to practise again though.

I know. I'm looking forward to it too!

What a shame. This was so special.

I used to really enjoy watching the ice cube get made, I hope they start it again once the Diamond Anniversary is over.

I really cannot understand why this is getting such bad reviews. I watched a video when it first came out and found it very moving. I can't wait to see it for myself.

I have mixed feelings. I liked the show, but I really can't stand the song Forever Young. Not sure if they wrote the song for the show, but it's used in the commercials as well, and it really grates on me every time that I hear it.

Your 1901 Meal looks great! Diamond Ice sounds cool especially if it doesn't overly melt.

I see why that World of Color gets that type of review. I never got to see the old version either as it was down last year.

Sometimes it's great to make a meal of just appetizers. I'm still trying to work out if I think it's mostly marketing or a nice tribute to Walt. Sorry you never got to see it. Are you hitting the parks in your whirlwind trip to CA?

I am back! And up to date on your thread now!

Welcome home! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

I have to say that I belong into the category of people who give the current WoC a bad review. We nearly did not see it because we kept wanting to go back to Disneyland for Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever - they are just so wonderful. But then we lucked out with a bonus evening and saw it and we're so disappointed. To me it felt like a bad TV documentary. To me it was lacking emotion and heart. The technology is still amazing and fun to look at, but I was even a bit bored at times...

It was you and Michael who really got me rethinking my thoughts on this show, although Michael's friend (whose name now escapes me) started my doubts.

Ok, I can see how it seems like a marketing ploy. But I also think it seems like a really cool show. I'm all about the history of the company and seeing Walt's influence on things. I think a tribute to Walt would be an incredible show to see. And I guess I really don't care what version it is, I just want to see WoC.

I keep going back and forth on this. I had some teary moments, so it definitely moved me, but it was also kind of all over the place. Maybe I need to see it again, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Fran doesn't really like the show.

Great pictures Alison! I'm sorry you didn't get the round ice cube at 1901. That was cool. Such a nice quiet oasis right in the middle of Calif. Adventure! And those "pigs in a blanket" look very tasty!!

Thanks! It is a nice place to stop and relax in the middle of a hectic park. The pigs in a blanket were very tasty, that was puff pastry that they were wrapped in!

I think you did a great job of the pictures of WoC! I always have a hard time getting a decent shot of pictures on water. I like that they have that little screen and I think I'm going to like the new WoC better than the old one. You had a great view point but, that light thing on the right was distracting. Were you in a reserved or handicapped area? I have never gotten good shots of WoC and I think yours came out great!

Thanks, I'm hoping when I finally get a new lens, I can get some even better ones.

Can't wait to see it all myself in just a little over 2 weeks!!

Sorry to hear that you didn't get your round ice cube at 1901. The food look very appetizing.

Yeah, I hope that they bring back the round ice cube. The food was good, except for the one that was full of cilantro.

Very nice pics from WoC - Celebrate that night. There have been a lot of reviews about WoC - Celebrate getting bad reviews. Since I have seen it plenty of times, I have enjoyed it a lot and like the song "Forever Young". I understand why those people criticized this show over the original WoC which doesn't have that story telling show like WoC where WoC - Celebrate talks about the history of Walt Disney and his famous work. Trying to surpass the original WoC is going to be very difficult where WoC: Winter Dreams during the holiday season is a nice addition. I remember Winter Dreams when it debut in 2013 got criticized heavily over Celebrate. The way it is, the original WoC will be better over the others.

You reminded me about the song. it really grates on my nerves, but I'm glad that you like it. You're right, it's not a storytelling show, it's showing all the great things that Walt and Disney has done. I never saw Winter Dreams, so I can't say much about it. I am glad I got to see the original one over my birthday.

 

[franandaj]

I thoroughly enjoyed all your WoC pictures, they came out great. And a tribute to Walt and his accomplishments sounds very fitting.

Your medley of appetizers looks scrumptious!!!

The reason the pictures came out great is because I only showed you the ones that were decent. There are five times as many that were blurry and horrible!

Say hello to that friend of yours!
Looks like interesting food options. Cilantro? So sorry for you.
Your WoC pictures look great.

Tons of cilantro! Thanks!

Catching up and saying Hi !
Always love your posts and pics !

back atcha!

I was going to say, you used to love this ride! I've always 'liked' this ride but have always thought it had been jerky even before the new cars got put in. Still fun to ride every once in a while.

Like I said, I'm probably good for a year or so....

Yeah, with friends, i'm down to ride it.

Many tears and fears.

Agh No thanks!!!

You were able to get this dark shot, wonder why you couldn't get any others.

Comparatively it's pretty light in this room. I've been noticing more and more that the Mansion is really really dark inside.

Boo to being good at Disneyland!

I've got 50 pounds to lose! I can't afford to totally blow caution to the wind! But an occasional splurge is OK, which I did that night.

I was craving this a few weeks ago so made my own version. They do it better though!

I'll have to try this sometime, it looks pretty good, and I remember you liked it a lot.

Thank goodness!

Cool perspective shot!

I recognize that lady in the front seat. Well you of course, but the other one

Woah what kind of drink is that?

I have no idea! I think it had gin in it though.

I could not figure out how Andy's picture was there, I had missed your quote before the picture

They did quite a bit with that Mickey head. I saw it up there a few weeks before and didn't quite understand why they were covering up the logo there, but now I get it.

Love all these with Walt, but the last one is amazing!

I think this was part of the show that I thought was especially hard to hold back tears.