mom2rtk
Invented the term "Characterpalooza"
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2008
Helllllooooooo, Janet!
I didn't realize that you had started a TR, but I must have sensed that my name was written because somehow I was drawn to the TR section today -- and I found you!
Since you mentioned that I wasn't a fan of the PPH tree, I should clarify (to anyone out there who hasn't followed along with my DLR Christmas/Holiday Season Superthreads and read my comments) that I, too, absolutely love the color of the tree. That warm, blue-greenish glow has me transfixed every time I see the tree in person. I literally stand there and stare at it, hypnotized. I prefer the PPH tree over all of the other trees at the other hotels, specifically because of that color.
But, alas, you're correct -- I don't like the changes that were made to the PPH tree in 2013. I think there are a few of us PPH tree vets who don't like the changes (Cheshirecatty included), but I can totally understand how someone who is seeing it in person for the first time would love it! It went from being a fairly uncluttered tree to a cluttered tree. All of that stuff around the bottom of it cuts its length down (visually), and the assorted oceanic trinkets dangling from the branches make it busier than it had been.
I just think that in the case of the PPH tree, the actual lights and color were the stars of the show. As for ornaments, they (the hotel decorators) probably should have gone with a 'less is more' approach. I am curious what the tree will look like this year -- and you know I will be inspecting it closely!
Anyway, on to your TR... Your photos are so wonderful! They're so crisp, bright and clear -- every single one of them! The pictures from the plane are breathtaking. Your Goofy's Kitchen pictures made me realize how much I miss eating there (I used to eat there on every DLR trip).
And I have a feeling you didn't overlook nearly as many details as you think you might have overlooked during your trip -- you captured the close-up of the wacky, pointy ornament on the Goofy's Kitchen tree, and that has always been one of my personal favorite details about that tree!
Even if it turns out -- for some reason -- that you didn't capture details that you wish you had captured, it's okay! There will be another holiday trip. Everyone tours DLR differently -- and some folks are more prone to stop and photograph every little detail (to the point of skipping rides and other activities), while others have a nice mix of activities and photo-taking on their trips. Some folks are just not detail-hunters when it comes to photos in the first place. Some folks are just not photo-driven at all. Everyone is different, and everyone's priorities are different on trips.
I saw a mention of a Sanibel TR? I have never been there, but one of my close friends makes -- or used to make -- a yearly sojourn to Sanibel because she fell in love with it. I have a feeling I would love it too!
When I finally update the Trip Reports/Reviews post on page 1 of the Superthread, I will surely add a link to this TR so folks planning their holiday trips can enjoy it and all of the stunning images you have shared/will be sharing!
Hey Sherry!
I was going to send you a note or post in the thread to give you a heads up on my TR. I just hadn't gotten it marked off my list yet. Thanks for taking care of it for me!
You did such a better job of describing the issue with the PPH tree. You are right though..... those colors are absolutely mesmerizing. We did our entire house and yard in blue and green one year. You know.... back when I was younger and there were more hours in the day! So that tree is particularly appealing to me.
Thanks for the kind words on my photos. I know I took a lot. I'm just not sure yet if I have hundreds each of a few things or a few each of hundreds of things! You are the other person here on the DIS that I aspire to be like with my photography. Just like Jen, you are so good at seeing all those details and taking photos of them all. What an amazing archive of all things holiday at Disney you have put together!
My Sanibel TR was sort of a "TR within a TR" on my 2012 WDW TR linked in my signature. Here's where the Sanibel part of it started though. It would sure be a long trek for you to visit, but I still bet you'd love it. We've actually driven there from Missouri many times, and that's a much longer trek than flying from the west coast!
I really did love that tree at Goofy's Kitchen. We have been to Goofy's Kitchen on every DLR trip we have made, but this is the first time to visit over the holidays. Of course since we are limited to 5 days in the parks (without an AP) it's nice to have some character fun without having to use a park ticket. It's sort of an arrival day tradition for us.
And I'd be honored to be included in the TR section of the holiday superthread!