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

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Bruce the Shark from the Finding Nemo Musical

This is more about Bruce than it is about the musical. Watching the show without the kids will be a lot less fun but I love this shark from the movie! Here's my previous attempt at it which came out not-well focused. Will be adjusting my settings to compensate this time.


IMG_5764 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

My current iPhone cover is him and a couple of fish.


Untitled by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

That he was named after the famous animatronic shark that was used in Spielberg's Jaws only adds to my affection. Part of it also has to do with DD. During one of our visits to the Baltimore Aquarium when she was about three years old, I took her down to the shark tank which is a pretty impressive display with many sharks swimming by the large display windows. DD was a bit afraid of the whole exhibit partly because of how dark it was and how big the sharks were up close. I thought I would try to make her feel a little better by imitating (with my poor attempt at an Australian accent) Bruce from one of her favorite movies at the time as one of the Great Whites swam by -"Hello, my name is Bruce. Fish are Friends!" Unfortunately, that completely backfired. She got even more scared and we had to vacate the premises. For the first following year or so, she avoided the shark tank like the plague whenever we visited the aquarium. She stopped watching Finding Nemo as well, poor thing. Then for the next couple of years as she got little older, she approached Bruce with half curiosity and half trepidation. I would every now and then tease her (like fathers do with their daughters) by imitating Bruce again and she would give me the sideways glare and say "stoppp it" Now she's perfectly fine and loves it when I imitate Bruce. I'm sure I have just another couple of years before my act turns into a source of annoyance for her so I'm enjoying it while it lasts!

 

[afwdwfan]

I don't know if I will be able to find time to go Universal unless I miss out on my conference activities. I'll have to see how things go but really wish there was a way to do this.

I understand. And for such a short trip, even if you were to miss some conference activities, I know it would be hard to leave Disney property.

I've been debating whether to rent a car or not but with the conference located at Orange County Convention Center and the shuttle service being "limited" per the conference brochure, I decided to go ahead and rent one to save me some time and gain more flexibility with my scheduling.

Great idea! You're only there for a few days, so it would be awful to waste a lot of time waiting on a shuttle.

After another day of conference, I'll be attending my very first MNSSHP! Can't wait to see the parade, shows, and fireworks! And looking forward to soaking up the Halloween atmosphere at the Haunted Mansion!

That looks like a lot of fun!

I'm interested to see what you think of the Indiana Jones show. I won't spoil it for you since you've been avoiding finding out details about it, but I think you might be a little bit surprised by what it is exactly.

Monday, 10/28/2013: AK EMH AM + MK at night

I'd skip the conference sessions part...

Tuesday, October 29th: MK and Epcot

Looks like a great day!!!

Wednesday, October 30th: Departure Day, so I don't have anything planned other than a breakfast and then heading out to the airport in the morning.

You should have scheduled a later flight! You're missing out on some potential park time... or maybe a quick stop by Universal.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Great idea! You're only there for a few days, so it would be awful to waste a lot of time waiting on a shuttle.

Knowing how antsy I get while waiting for shuttles/buses, I could picture myself grabbing a cab between locations and I figured that would end up being a lot more expensive than renting a car.

I'd skip the conference sessions part...

Yeah, the thought crosses my mind every time I pull up the schedule. I can also foresee myself setting foot in AK in the morning and going "Nope, not leaving the park."

You should have scheduled a later flight! You're missing out on some potential park time... or maybe a quick stop by Universal.

The flight schedule is reflecting my guilt on a solo trip without the family. I didn't want to leave DW solo again with the kids' after-school and after-work stuff so decided to arrive in time so I could pick up the kids myself from their schools.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Voices of Liberty

I think I already mentioned how the World Showcase has been neglected by our family during our past trips mostly due to lack of time. There are a number of pavilions that we have barely set foot in mostly due to the lack of time, including Italy, Germany, Mexico, and The American Adventure. So for this trip, I’m making an effort to visit parts of the World Showcase that I haven’t before and make some time to take in the sights and sounds of each pavilion. I also always enjoy a good a cappella performance. As an added bonus, the performers appear to be in period clothing as well and look great in the pictures I've seen set in the middle of the rotunda. Can’t wait to take a break and listen to their performance!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'm going to try to go on Maelstrom and the Gran Fiesta and need some ideas for my Safari list from either of these attractions. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm going to try to go on Maelstrom and the Gran Fiesta and need some ideas for my Safari list from either of these attractions. Any ideas or suggestions?

A shot looking back towards San Angel / the Marketplace and the fireworks on Gran Fiesta.

The troll on Maelstrom.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

A shot looking back towards San Angel / the Marketplace and the fireworks on Gran Fiesta.

The troll on Maelstrom.

Thanks!! Adding them to the list!

It's been about 11-12 years since I went on Maelstrom. The troll - is it the three-headed creature that I've seen in pictures?

 

[afwdwfan]

Thanks!! Adding them to the list!

It's been about 11-12 years since I went on Maelstrom. The troll - is it the three-headed creature that I've seen in pictures?

Well, there's a couple of "troll" apperances on the ride. I left it open ended to make it easier, but if you want specifics, I'm kind of partial to this guy.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Well, there's a couple of "troll" apperances on the ride. I left it open ended to make it easier, but if you want specifics, I'm kind of partial to this guy.

Oooh. Yes, that troll does give a good "stink-eye", doesn't he?

This ride is suppose to make people want to visit Norway, riiiight?

I'll definitely be on the look out for all trolls on this ride!

 

[emilyindisney]

Hi, Dave! I admit, I'm a little jealous you're going back so soon! Don't you love it when work works out for ya'?

I love the idea of your photo safari! As a PP said, the contrast in your photos in incredibly striking so I'm excited to see your shots of what's on the list so far. Of course, I've got a few things to add too!

Call me a sucker, but I love the balloons on Mainstreet pictures. Maybe one of those? Seeing as you're staying at BC I can't resist asking for SAB pictures, too!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi there Dave. Loving the plans! Having that rental car may also give you more Disney time as well! No waiting on a shuttle when you can hop in your car.

It looks like many photo ops are the result of finding a nice place to enjoy the quiet and not seek adventure. Although, that's why we go to the parks I love to build in some time to relax in a quiet place. Disney is never lacking on the theming or scenery so every moment is a photo op!

Your list is going to be ginormous!! This is going to be so fun I'm going to love seeing your photos.

I don't think you could ever re-create that foggy morning on Main Street at MK but that is one of my all time favorites!

Have a great day!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Hi, Dave! I admit, I'm a little jealous you're going back so soon! Don't you love it when work works out for ya'?

I love the idea of your photo safari! As a PP said, the contrast in your photos in incredibly striking so I'm excited to see your shots of what's on the list so far. Of course, I've got a few things to add too!

Call me a sucker, but I love the balloons on Mainstreet pictures. Maybe one of those? Seeing as you're staying at BC I can't resist asking for SAB pictures, too!

Good ideas! I love the balloons on Main Street as well!

Anything specific in Stormalong Bay that you're partial to? The shipwreck would make a cool photo but not having been in YC/BC resort I don't know much else about SAB.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Hi there Dave. Loving the plans! Having that rental car may also give you more Disney time as well! No waiting on a shuttle when you can hop in your car.

It looks like many photo ops are the result of finding a nice place to enjoy the quiet and not seek adventure. Although, that's why we go to the parks I love to build in some time to relax in a quiet place. Disney is never lacking on the theming or scenery so every moment is a photo op!

Your list is going to be ginormous!! This is going to be so fun I'm going to love seeing your photos.

I don't think you could ever re-create that foggy morning on Main Street at MK but that is one of my all time favorites!

Have a great day!

Hi Brenda!

In addition to the quiet scenery moments, I would also like to mix it up a little and go for some of the more adventurous ones which probably means me holding up my camera during a thrill ride! I've already got a couple of ideas for Space Mountain, BTMRR, and EE which I'll share in the upcoming weeks. Thought long about whether I was crazy enough to attempt any shots while on RnRC and decided against it - don't think my camera would last long. If you have any ideas, let me know!

I love the idea of creating a ginormous list for this. What I think will end up happening for this particular trip is that I will be devising touring plans pretty much based on what's on my safari list rather than based on the rides. And I think this will be a LOT of fun and may take me to places I seldom or never have visited in WDW.

I'll keep an eye out for a foggy morning at MK although I think we're already past the 180 day window for fog requests along Main Street. Although, FastPass+ could make it happen.

In all seriousness, I really do wish I could get another foggy Main Street attempt. I was so busy booking it to Crystal Palace that morning that I didn't take enough time for more than a couple of shots. In the mean time, here it is again:


IMG_7263 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

 

[emilyindisney]

Good ideas! I love the balloons on Main Street as well!

Anything specific in Stormalong Bay that you're partial to? The shipwreck would make a cool photo but not having been in YC/BC resort I don't know much else about SAB.

I'll have to do a little research and get back to you. I've never visited either but I've heard awesome things about SAB. That was the reason we almost booked BCVs for our next trip!

 

[emilyindisney]

Hi Brenda!

In addition to the quiet scenery moments, I would also like to mix it up a little and go for some of the more adventurous ones which probably means me holding up my camera during a thrill ride! I've already got a couple of ideas for Space Mountain, BTMRR, and EE which I'll share in the upcoming weeks. Thought long about whether I was crazy enough to attempt any shots while on RnRC and decided against it - don't think my camera would last long. If you have any ideas, let me know!

I love the idea of creating a ginormous list for this. What I think will end up happening for this particular trip is that I will be devising touring plans pretty much based on what's on my safari list rather than based on the rides. And I think this will be a LOT of fun and may take me to places I seldom or never have visited in WDW.

I'll keep an eye out for a foggy morning at MK although I think we're already past the 180 day window for fog requests along Main Street. Although, FastPass+ could make it happen.

I'm sure there's an option to add that to your Magic Band!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'll have to do a little research and get back to you. I've never visited either but I've heard awesome things about SAB. That was the reason we almost booked BCVs for our next trip!

I'll explore SAB as much as I can and try to come up with interesting pictures and details of the place. You're right - that whole area looks simply awesome.

 

[abbybeth]

I'm so glad you found my pre-TR so I could then in turn find yours!

Your photos are incredible and I think your photo scavenger hunt is such a fun twist on touring.

Here would be some of my adds:

The stained glass & story book of Beauty and the Beast in France (Epcot, by the perfume shop)

The lanterns at the Tangled bathrooms lit up at night

The Headless Horseman (MNSSHP Boo to You)

The Haunted Mansion Gravediggers (MNSSHP Boo to You)

Haunted Mansion Stretching room portraits (particularly Lilian Gracey - the tightrope girl!)

 

[teekathepony]

Hello from a new follower! I heard from a little birdie (emmysmommy) that this is the place to be if you enjoy fantastic disney photos so I'm very much in!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'm so glad you found my pre-TR so I could then in turn find yours!

Your photos are incredible and I think your photo scavenger hunt is such a fun twist on touring.

Here would be some of my adds:

The stained glass & story book of Beauty and the Beast in France (Epcot, by the perfume shop)

The lanterns at the Tangled bathrooms lit up at night

The Headless Horseman (MNSSHP Boo to You)

The Haunted Mansion Gravediggers (MNSSHP Boo to You)

Haunted Mansion Stretching room portraits (particularly Lilian Gracey - the tightrope girl!)

Very happy that you found my PTR and thanks for joining in!! Love your suggestions! I saw the pictures of the stained glass on your PTR and was thinking I should try to find it myself since I've never seen it in person.

I'm also excited about visiting one of the most beautiful restrooms every built! Will absolutely look for the lanterns!

I've seen the gravediggers in some of the pictures on here and can't wait to meet them in person!

I'm glad you added that Lilian Gracey was the tightrope girl because I have very little knowledge of the names and faces of HM even though I absolutely love this attraction, so I would have struggled finding out who she was!

If you think of any more, please keep posting them! In the mean time, I will be waiting by your PTR to find out what your costumes for MNSSHP will be!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Hello from a new follower! I heard from a little birdie (emmysmommy) that this is the place to be if you enjoy fantastic disney photos so I'm very much in!

and thank you for joining! Emmysmommy is too kind and generous when she talks about my photos I am happy that you've made it here! Just started reading your PTR and I see I have a lot of reading to do for your TR but am looking forward to it.

If you think of any ideas for the safari list, please let me know!