A Photo Safari Halloween Solo Trip for Oct'13: Trip Report Started!

[khertz]

I can't wait until our party night! I think you have a really great plan going in.

I was really leaning towards the Woody & Jessie dance party for DS, but once I found out BOO was going to be at the Monsters Inc one in Tomorrowland, now I really want to go to that one too! Maybe we will stop over there towards the end of the night just for a few pictures. Seeing George Sanderson (complete with sock) sounds like a lot of fun.

Hopefully you can accomplish everything you set out to do!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I was really leaning towards the Woody & Jessie dance party for DS, but once I found out BOO was going to be at the Monsters Inc one in Tomorrowland, now I really want to go to that one too! Maybe we will stop over there towards the end of the night just for a few pictures. Seeing George Sanderson (complete with sock) sounds like a lot of fun.

Oh, I forgot about Boo!! Yes, she's a must see as well. I briefly contemplated going to the Diamond Horseshoe Dance Party but since I have time for just one decided that the Tomorrow Land version would have more interesting characters.

 

[SAT887]

We liked the Monsters Inc dance party better. While the music was not our first choice at either something about the monsters dancing was sooo much cooler!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Dave! I saw your potty emergency post on FB this weekend and thought, gee, been there as a parent!! Sorry that didn't work out but Chuck E Cheese sounds like it pleased the kids. Great photo of baggage claim by the way!!!

Love the plans for the MNSSHP! The headless horseman with Sleepy Hollow in the back ground would be awesome. I can picture a shot looking back up a deserted Main Street if your plans fall into place. That will be incredible.

One advantage to hitting up the candy later in the evening is not having to lug it around. Of course, if you are like me, it may not last long!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

We liked the Monsters Inc dance party better. While the music was not our first choice at either something about the monsters dancing was sooo much cooler!!

Were you able to get any good pictures of the Monsters dance party?

Hi Dave! I saw your potty emergency post on FB this weekend and thought, gee, been there as a parent!! Sorry that didn't work out but Chuck E Cheese sounds like it pleased the kids. Great photo of baggage claim by the way!!!

Love the plans for the MNSSHP! The headless horseman with Sleepy Hollow in the back ground would be awesome. I can picture a shot looking back up a deserted Main Street if your plans fall into place. That will be incredible.

One advantage to hitting up the candy later in the evening is not having to lug it around. Of course, if you are like me, it may not last long!

I long for the day when emergency potty stops are no longer needed. Probably in another 3-4 years. I figured people were dying to see what Baggage Claim #12 looked like at Washington Dulles Airport. Happy to oblige!

I'm hoping to get lucky with the horseman's shot. The headless horseman shot with the Sleepy Hollow sign background is going to be a very difficult picture since the he will be trotting along without stopping. I have no idea what the available lighting will be like. Can you tell that I've been obsessing over the logistics of some of these specific pictures on my safari list?

Didn't think about my the timing of my candy collection that way but you're absolutely right! Less for me to tow for the night.

 

[SAT887]

Nope! I was wrangling a wild 2 year old who seems to love dance music hehe....

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Nope! I was wrangling a wild 2 year old who seems to love dance music hehe....

Fun! Our kids get too shy to really get into the various dance parties at Disney. They have no problem dancing like crazy in the privacy of their homes or among a small group of friends at school.

 

[SAT887]

Fun! Our kids get too shy to really get into the various dance parties at Disney. They have no problem dancing like crazy in the privacy of their homes or among a small group of friends at school.

We are a bit reserved and have that issue with my 4 year old so - so we sorta force us and her in the situation. My 2 year old though - an absolute nut and loves music!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Wishes Medley of Pictures

This particular idea came to me earlier in the evening as I was watching a Youtube video of Wishes and began wondering what the view would be like from behind the castle in Fantasyland. Then I started imagining how Wishes would look like from the Tangled rest area. Then in New Fantasyland. Can you tell how fast my mind was spinning?

The problem? I only have one evening to watch Wishes not counting Hallowishes. I've already decided that I want to watch Hallowishes from the Crystal Palace fencing area since I've never seen it before. But with Wishes I'm willing to try out different vantage points. So I've come up with an ambitious solution that will require a lot of huffing and puffing but might just work. And you know I just had to come up with a touring plan for this! I know this is going waaaaaaay beyond being type A so I wouldn't blame ya if you decided to stop reading with the roll of your eyes.

When Wishes begins I will be in the Tangled rest area with my camera mounted on the tripod ready to go. During the first 4 minutes I will get these pictures.

1. Fireworks with Rapunzel's tower as a backdrop.
2. Fireworks with the Tangled buildings and lanterns as a backdrop.

Right as everybody finishes making their wishes and Aladdin wishes the Genie free, I pick up my tripod and camera and start trotting over New Fantasyland. The goal is to get through the New FL castle walls then turn around and put down my tripod before the Beauty and the Beast musical sequence kicks in. Based on the videos I have seen, I have a little over 2 minutes to make this "walk." This is the picture I want.

3. The "fire columns" shooting up on both sides during Beauty and the Beast sequence with the backside of the Castle and the New FL castle walls as the backdrop.

Now I have some time to take a breather as I pick things up and walk over to BOG area and set up the tripod. Hopefully right around the time Genie makes his appearance I'll be set for

4. Fireworks with the Beast's Castle in the mountains as the backdrop.

Finally, while the Evil Queen is doing her thing I walk over to my final spot in front of Prince Eric's castle and hopefully ready to take pictures by the time the Blue Fairy comes to the rescue.

5. The final minutes and finale fireworks with Prince Eric's Castle and Ariel's sculpture on the prow of the ship as backdrop.

Whew. That sounds like a lot. But I think I can pull it off. Based on the videos I've seen from various vantage points in FL and New FL it looks like these areas are not roped off and I should be able to make my way across like I planned. If not, then this will be a very short lived experiment.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

We are a bit reserved and have that issue with my 4 year old so - so we sorta force us and her in the situation. My 2 year old though - an absolute nut and loves music!

We're sort of the same way when it comes to dancing at Disney. I get verrrrrry awkward during Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!

 

[chattadisser]

Wishes Medley of Pictures

I know this is going waaaaaaay beyond being type A so I wouldn't blame ya if you decided to stop reading with the roll of your eyes.

Ummm...you do know who your readers are don't you??? I think beyond type A might describe us all, we're a little over the top in the planning dept. We're the type of people that this sounds perfectly natural to plan.

Wishes Medley of Pictures

When Wishes begins I will be in the Tangled rest area with my camera mounted on the tripod ready to go. During the first 4 minutes I will get these pictures.

1. Fireworks with Rapunzel's tower as a backdrop.
2. Fireworks with the Tangled buildings and lanterns as a backdrop.

Right as everybody finishes making their wishes and Aladdin wishes the Genie free, I pick up my tripod and camera and start trotting over New Fantasyland. The goal is to get through the New FL castle walls then turn around and put down my tripod before the Beauty and the Beast musical sequence kicks in. Based on the videos I have seen, I have a little over 2 minutes to make this "walk." This is the picture I want.

3. The "fire columns" shooting up on both sides during Beauty and the Beast sequence with the backside of the Castle and the New FL castle walls as the backdrop.

Now I have some time to take a breather as I pick things up and walk over to BOG area and set up the tripod. Hopefully right around the time Genie makes his appearance I'll be set for

4. Fireworks with the Beast's Castle in the mountains as the backdrop.

Finally, while the Evil Queen is doing her thing I walk over to my final spot in front of Prince Eric's castle and hopefully ready to take pictures by the time the Blue Fairy comes to the rescue.

5. The final minutes and finale fireworks with Prince Eric's Castle and Ariel's sculpture on the prow of the ship as backdrop.

Whew. That sounds like a lot. But I think I can pull it off. Based on the videos I've seen from various vantage points in FL and New FL it looks like these areas are not roped off and I should be able to make my way across like I planned. If not, then this will be a very short lived experiment.

I think this sounds like a very interesting plan. I've never thought about shooting the fireworks against the other attractions. It sounds very doable especially being on your own and I bet will make for some wonderful pictures.

Silly side note: I took some pictures last week at my youngest, Sarah's, soccer game, and was looking at them on the computer. They actually came out very good if I do say so myself. My husband told me that they looked good and then asked if this camera still takes good pictures why do I need a new one? Umm...'cause a new one has more gadgets on it and ummm...Really no good reason..I'll hold off a little longer I guess. But, if the software on it goes down one more time then all bets are off!

Christine

 

[afwdwfan]

Dave, that is definitely some Type A planning for sure! I think it is a great idea though. I look forward to seeing the results. Good luck, I hope nobody gets in your way as you're scrambling around Fantasyland.

 

[abbybeth]

Some might say you're crazy, I happen to think you're a genius! I hope this all works out, because that is going to be a spectacular series of pictures!!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Ummm...you do know who your readers are don't you??? I think beyond type A might describe us all, we're a little over the top in the planning dept. We're the type of people that this sounds perfectly natural to plan.

It's the reason why I came here to post this idea. If I brought it up with, say DW, she would be looking at me like I had three eyes.

Silly side note: I took some pictures last week at my youngest, Sarah's, soccer game, and was looking at them on the computer. They actually came out very good if I do say so myself. My husband told me that they looked good and then asked if this camera still takes good pictures why do I need a new one? Umm...'cause a new one has more gadgets on it and ummm...Really no good reason..I'll hold off a little longer I guess. But, if the software on it goes down one more time then all bets are off!

Christine

New gadgets and gizmos on the new camera is enough of a good reason in my book to upgrade I'm really hoping I can start making some side money here soon from my photography because I'm starting to feel the upgrade itch again.

Dave, that is definitely some Type A planning for sure! I think it is a great idea though. I look forward to seeing the results. Good luck, I hope nobody gets in your way as you're scrambling around Fantasyland.

I could use the tripod as a tool to clear the crowds in front of me as I make my way through Fantasyland and New Fantasyland. On second thought since my camera will still be attached to the tripod when I move, probably shouldn't.

Some might say you're crazy, I happen to think you're a genius! I hope this all works out, because that is going to be a spectacular series of pictures!!!

I think most probably would say I'm nuts but that proportion diminishes quite a bit on DIS. I'm hoping it'll work out and it's not too crowded back there behind the castle that I can move about freely without worrying about whacking someone in the head by accident with my gear.

 

[abbybeth]

I think most probably would say I'm nuts but that proportion diminishes quite a bit on DIS. I'm hoping it'll work out and it's not too crowded back there behind the castle that I can move about freely without worrying about whacking someone in the head by accident with my gear.

Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good of the cause. Perhaps their heads shouldn't be in the way of your traveling camera gear?


I kid, I kid .... maybe.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good of the cause. Perhaps their heads shouldn't be in the way of your traveling camera gear?


I kid, I kid .... maybe.

Exactly! If people could just stay out of my way! I feel like there's a Homer Simpson example I could use but am coming up empty on a specific scene.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Another week in the books. I'm now exactly 5 weeks away! Although it's going to feel like 10 weeks as I have a very busy stretch of work coming up at the hospital that will last for 3 weeks but I'm trying not to think about that until it actually begins.

Sitting at Starbucks right now while waiting for DD to finish her dance classes. Just finished making arrangements for next weekend's Snore and Roar Campout/ Sleepover at the National Zoo for DD and DW. I took DD last year and had a blast so it was DW's turn. DS is still too young for the age requirement. It's extremely popular and I reserved our spots back in March. This year I made reservations for two additional spots and two of DD's friends are coming as well.

Had a fairly productive week in terms of prep work for all things photography. Had a consultation with our tax accounting firm and have all of the steps lined up local/state/fed regulatory and tax requirements. Now I just have to come with a name for the business which is driving me nuts. I have a practice family portrait photo shoot coming up in two weeks. My friend who I did the practice shoot last month was so happy with her pictures that she basically advertised for me. One of her friends called me up and asked if I was still looking for subjects and I was happy to take up on her offer. This will be a very good real world simulation since I don't know the family at all and they have three young children! I have one more practice family shoot arranged for November with a friend of mine and his family. I also have three evening classes lined up for the next month. One of them is called "Starting a second career in Photography". I'm very excited and nervous about where all of this will take me. Hopefully someplace good

Finally, I have to mention at least one thing about my Disney plans. I've been watching all of my fellow October DISers of the FP page signing up for Magic Bands and arranging FP+. Even though I'm staying at Beach Club which is one of the test resorts, I haven't been able to opt in with these testings because the reservation was made through the conference and it's booking agency. This is pretty standard fare for conferences where the booking agency basically buys out a big block of rooms and handles all of the reservations internally until about 2 weeks before the conference when they finalize everything and hand all of the names and reservations to Disney. So until then I'm not in the Disney's system and hence don't have a Disney reservation number to link on My Disney Experience.

What I am thinking of doing is calling Disney right after the reservation has been transferred to them to see if I can get my Disney ressie number and see if I can sign up for MB and some FP+. With only 2 weeks remaining, I'll have to pick up my MB at the resort but hopefully there will be some FP+s options available for me to use. This would be especially helpful since I'm going to be at the conference sessions during the day and spending park time in the evenings. So would be nice to have a FP+ for something like Soarin which will run out of regular FPs by mid afternoon while I'm still at the convention center.

Ok, I think I rambled on long enough and oh lookie time for me to head back to pick up DD. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Dave. I wish you all the success with your second career venture! Your awesome talent behind the lens speaks for itself!! I just want to say that I knew you "when" you were taking foggy morning photos of touring cars on Main Street. (still an iconic photo to me!) So yes, I'm a huge fan of yours.

As far as the MBs go..... good idea to see what you can arrange even 2 weeks before your trip for FP+ reservations. They did offer us 4 timing options including late evening return times for some attractions. I think most people plan the core of their day with FP+ so you may actually be in luck with wanting later times - less competitive.

I'm so looking forward to all the exciting photo ops on your list!!

 

[teekathepony]

I wish you all the best with the photography business venture! I will admit it's a very tough business, I did it all on my own for 4 years before retiring from it! You are definitely going about it the smart way, doing all the research and planning beforehand and you're so talented that I know you're going to be a success.
Sounds like a plan for the Magic Bands! Hope it works out really well for you!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Hi Dave. I wish you all the success with your second career venture! Your awesome talent behind the lens speaks for itself!! I just want to say that I knew you "when" you were taking foggy morning photos of touring cars on Main Street. (still an iconic photo to me!) So yes, I'm a huge fan of yours.

As far as the MBs go..... good idea to see what you can arrange even 2 weeks before your trip for FP+ reservations. They did offer us 4 timing options including late evening return times for some attractions. I think most people plan the core of their day with FP+ so you may actually be in luck with wanting later times - less competitive.

I'm so looking forward to all the exciting photo ops on your list!!

Thanks Brenda!! I've always appreciated your kind words! I'll have to send you the original copy of that foggy Main Street picture. And if I get a foggy morning the one and only rope drop morning I have during this entire trip, I'll try to get you a better one

I wish you all the best with the photography business venture! I will admit it's a very tough business, I did it all on my own for 4 years before retiring from it! You are definitely going about it the smart way, doing all the research and planning beforehand and you're so talented that I know you're going to be a success.
Sounds like a plan for the Magic Bands! Hope it works out really well for you!

Thanks Wendy!! Really appreciate the positive thoughts I have some ways to go with my skills which I hope to keep improving upon. I also appreciate how tough the market and business of photography is. Which is why I'm not ditching my day job yet. But I do want to give it my best effort so that I can get an honest assessment of how realistic it would be to be make an income from photography.