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

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Here are my less than stellar pictures ...
And here's the outside:

I've found this blog to be excellent at delving in to tons of details for HM:
http://longforgottenhauntedmansion.blogspot.com/

He did a series of looking at the evolution in the styles and portrayals of the stretching portraits that was just fascinating! He has also delved quite a bit into Constance as well.

This one also has lots of great info:
http://www.doombuggies.com/

Thanks so much for posting the pictures - they look great and the windows look very beautiful especially from the inside! Now I have a better idea of what I'm looking for.

And thanks for the links to the HM related sites. It looks like I know what I'll be reading in my free time the next couple of days.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I arrived in Kansas City yesterday for a two day conference that starts this afternoon. Spent most of the night up preparing for a talk I'm giving today - nothing like putting things off until the last minute! Tonight, the conference is hosting a dinner catered by Oklahoma Joe's BBQ which I've heard most KC folks consider to be their favorite so excited to be trying it for the first time. Anyway, here's another item added for my photo safari list.

Anticipation of a Parade

I got this idea at the end of our last trip when DD and I were sitting on the curbside of Main Street waiting for the afternoon Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade to start. I noticed with about 5 minutes to go before the parade, the route was cleared out by the cast members. The only exception was a couple of Photopass photogs who were still set up but about to move out of the way. I thought it was a very cool sight to see a completely clear path all the way down to the Hub. Then I saw something even better when the music queued up for the parade and everybody sitting or standing along Main Street turned their heads towards the Train Station some of them leaning in. And the best part was the look of anticipation almost everyone had. At that moment, I had wished I could have stood in the middle of Main Street and take a picture looking towards the castle and capturing the visitors expressions. But of course, I couldn't since a CM would have intercepted me moving in front of the parade path.

I think this time I will position myself in front of the flag pole facing the Castle with my zoom lens and wait for this moment of anticipation to arrive in the crowds and try to take as many shots as I can. Here's what I got from the curbside just to give you an idea of what I'm trying to go for.


IMG_7643 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

 

[afwdwfan]

I like that photo idea! Kind of a different perspective.

Enjoy KC. Definitely plenty of good BBQ and steak places there to choose from. Best steak I've ever had was at the Hereford House in KC... you know, just in case you need to find someplace to grab another meal. It was so tender I didn't even need a knife.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Enjoy KC. Definitely plenty of good BBQ and steak places there to choose from. Best steak I've ever had was at the Hereford House in KC... you know, just in case you need to find someplace to grab another meal. It was so tender I didn't even need a knife.

Thanks for the tip! May have to use it if my return flight gets cancelled. Tropical Storm Andrea is projected currently to take a swipe at the DC area when my flight is suppose to arrive at home but so far they're not predicting severe storm conditions so hopefully it will hold.

 

[khertz]

What a great idea for the parade photo! I am loving this photo safari idea!!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Hopefully weather will not be a problem for your return We got hit pretty hard here yesterday from middle of the night before until the afternoon, tornado watch and everything Rain was as bas as TS Debbie last June then by afternoon POOF gone, don't know where but not here Been gorgeous weather since then

LOVE your parade idea Dave, someone else on Dis (who can remember so many ?? ) did a TR and had been on one side of the street and photographed their kids reactions that were on the other side of the street PRICELESS and same line of thinking Candid shots are so much better

RnRC think you can pull that one off near exit/gift shop when they take off ..what am amazing idea !

Ruthie

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Dave! That Beach Club rates is awesome! Now I can't wait to see what view you get.

I just read a review where someone was on the monorail through Epcot during the Illuminations finale. That would be hard to time yet amazing! Speaking of fireworks, have you seen Wishes from the Poly? I may try to hang out there during Wishes next trip and check out the view from there.

There's so many great ideas being tossed your way here.

Hoping Andrea doesn't create too many problems for you!

 

[teekathepony]

I love that idea! I love getting more than just the actual buildings or attractions, but the people interacting with them. Fantastic! I love the shot you already got, can't wait to see what you do with the idea next.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

What a great idea for the parade photo! I am loving this photo safari idea!!

I love that idea! I love getting more than just the actual buildings or attractions, but the people interacting with them. Fantastic! I love the shot you already got, can't wait to see what you do with the idea next.

Thanks! This is one of the shots I'm really looking forward to trying out and see how it turns out!

LOVE your parade idea Dave, someone else on Dis (who can remember so many ?? ) did a TR and had been on one side of the street and photographed their kids reactions that were on the other side of the street PRICELESS and same line of thinking Candid shots are so much better

Ruthie

That's a really good idea! Especially now that I have a telezoom lens, I think I could pull that off for our trip in January. Thanks Ruthie!

Hi Dave! That Beach Club rates is awesome! Now I can't wait to see what view you get.

I just read a review where someone was on the monorail through Epcot during the Illuminations finale. That would be hard to time yet amazing! Speaking of fireworks, have you seen Wishes from the Poly? I may try to hang out there during Wishes next trip and check out the view from there.

There's so many great ideas being tossed your way here.

Hi Brenda! Love those ideas and I'll have to see if I can try them out either this time or in January when I'll have a little more flexibility with touring times. I did see Wishes from the Poly beach last year and thought it was very good giving it a different perspective. And the idea of trying to catch a glimpse of Illuminations from the monorail is awesome! Although, you're right in that it will require really perfect timing especially since there are lulls during the show.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Fortunately, Tropical Storm Andrea turned out to be very mild for us with no wind issues and mostly just rain. My flight arrived at Dulles on time and no major dramas from this year's Kansas City trip unlike last year which led to the one-year boycott of United. I would have gone longer without United but it turned out they were the only ones who had non-stop flights to KC from here soooo.

Enjoyed the conference quite a bit and the Oklahoma Joe's BBQ was as good as advertised. Yesterday morning while the first speaker was being introduced, I happened to look to the side of the auditorium we were in and saw this decorative cloth on the side panels. Figured my DIS friends would have appreciated it in the same way I did so took a picture of it in my iphone. One of my colleagues who was sitting next to me gave me a very puzzled look and asked why I was taking a picture of THAT. Hope everyone has a great weekend!


Untitled by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

 

[Luvchefmic]

Your colleague obviously has no imagination and goes through life seeing a "flat world" poor thing so sad ...hope he's not in a creative work position...nah couldn't be WE get it

have a wonderful weekend everybody !!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Your colleague obviously has no imagination and goes through life seeing a "flat world" poor thing so sad ...hope he's not in a creative work position...nah couldn't be WE get it

have a wonderful weekend everybody !!

She's definitely a non-Disney person and likes to give good-natured ribbing about my Disney obsessions and fandom. So when I explained to her what I saw, she couldn't resist.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Got a big and fun Sunday planned today. DW's brother is visiting us from Ohio to see the kids for a week which just happens to coincide with a week-long lapse in child care for DS. Anyway, one of the things I promised him was to take him to a ballgame so today the whole family is going to Nationals Park to watch the Nationals play the Twins. Kids are excited that they will be getting a baseball cap and t-shirt. I'm excited about being able to try the halfsmokes from Ben's Chili Bowl again. I think we're all excited about being able to do something fun again as a whole family for two weekends in a row! And for myself, I have the season 3 finale of Game of Thrones to look forward to tonight. Life is good.

I'm reeeeeally struggling trying to come up with safari ideas for DHS probably because it's the park I'm least familiar with. Would love to get some help on some ideas.

RX-24 aka "Rex" from Star Tours

I only got to ride the original Star Tours just once back in 2008. DW and DD(then 2) were strolling through one of the near by shops so I decided to make a run for it while they were shopping. Really don't remember much about it but I do remember Rex, the robot who piloted our cruiser through the adventure. Apparently, there is a Rex model on display in the ride queue for the current Star Tours with a decal/label that says its defective and needs to be returned to factory. So hoping to find it for a picture.

One of the things I'm always amazed at is the level of detail and back story available for pretty much every single Star Wars character. And Rex is no exception. If you've got time, try reading http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/RX-24 I have to tell you, that he has a fully fleshed out biography got me chuckling.

And for your Star Wars Fan Dads out there. I just bought these two book which I thought were hilarious and cute. They chronicle the challenges and rewards of fatherhood for Vader who is trying to raise Luke and Leia. I think they would make a good Father's Day gift.


Untitled by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

 

[khertz]

It's so funny you mention GoT because I have become OBSESSED with this show! I don't have HBO so I haven't watched from the beginning, but we had all of Season 1 on the computer and all my shows were ending, so I figured what the heck? Now would be a good time to watch! Then, I finished all of season 1 in 3 days. Luckily, just as the last episode ended I checked my account at the library and the hold I had put on the season 2 DVD's had just come through! So I've been cruising through season 2 and trying not to think about how long it will be before I can get my hands on season 3. I'm officially hooked! And I started reading the book, so maybe that can tide me over until season 3 is out on DVD. It will definitely take awhile, those books are HUGE!!! Anyway, that was more than I intended to write about GoT.

I think I have spotted Rex in the queue, and that's a great idea for a photo to add to your list! Although the new Star Tours is better with the randomized sequences, I did still enjoy the original version with Rex. I still have the music from the first ST on my phone complete with Rex dialogue! Although both DH and I have seen all of the movies, we are nowhere near Star Wars fandom, but those books still look REALLY cute!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Ah those books are ADORABLE...no little ones in our life anymore & no SW fans but what a great idea this author had

 

[afwdwfan]

Souds like a fun time at the ballpark... and definitely a nice bonus that your wife's brother is coming the week that you could use an extra hand.

I've got a few things for you to get at DHS.

The upside down limo at the entrance of Rock n Rollercoaster (since somebody doesn't want to risk losing their camera on the ride itself.) It is something pretty common to get a picture of, but there are so many ways to get different angles and it looks different based on lighting. I'm interested to see what you'll do with it.

A picture of some interesting bag contents in the X-Ray machine in the Star Tours queue. Just something random and fun.

The Muppets fountain. Just because I love the Muppets.

Props from the Indiana Jones queue area.

I'm sure I can come up with more, but those are just a few quick ones.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

It's so funny you mention GoT because I have become OBSESSED with this show! I don't have HBO so I haven't watched from the beginning, but we had all of Season 1 on the computer and all my shows were ending, so I figured what the heck? Now would be a good time to watch! Then, I finished all of season 1 in 3 days. Luckily, just as the last episode ended I checked my account at the library and the hold I had put on the season 2 DVD's had just come through! So I've been cruising through season 2 and trying not to think about how long it will be before I can get my hands on season 3. I'm officially hooked! And I started reading the book, so maybe that can tide me over until season 3 is out on DVD. It will definitely take awhile, those books are HUGE!!! Anyway, that was more than I intended to write about GoT.

I've gotten in the habit of "binge watching" lately with some of the TV shows where I waited until the entire show series was completed and then watch them in its entirety over a couple of months. I did that with the four seasons of Battlestar Galactica and five seasons worth of The Wire. Unfortunately, I couldn't wait another 4-5 years before GoT supposedly ends its run so now I'm suffering between seasons wondering what will happen next.

I've avoided reading the books because the TV show has been so good and I didn't want to ruin the suspense and surprise. All I can say is that it paid off BIG time this season. Let me know when you finish Season 2 - I may be able to help you out with Season 3 if you're still interested.

I think I have spotted Rex in the queue, and that's a great idea for a photo to add to your list! Although the new Star Tours is better with the randomized sequences, I did still enjoy the original version with Rex. I still have the music from the first ST on my phone complete with Rex dialogue! Although both DH and I have seen all of the movies, we are nowhere near Star Wars fandom, but those books still look REALLY cute !

Ah those books are ADORABLE...no little ones in our life anymore & no SW fans but what a great idea this author had

There are so many good gems in these two books. DD who has not seen any of the Star Wars movies got a hold of them over the weekend and read through the princess one. I've been trying to keep them away from the kids mostly because it would ruin one of the biggest cinematic surprises when Vader reveals to Luke who he really is but oh well. She thinks its cute.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Souds like a fun time at the ballpark... and definitely a nice bonus that your wife's brother is coming the week that you could use an extra hand.

I've got a few things for you to get at DHS.

The upside down limo at the entrance of Rock n Rollercoaster (since somebody doesn't want to risk losing their camera on the ride itself.) It is something pretty common to get a picture of, but there are so many ways to get different angles and it looks different based on lighting. I'm interested to see what you'll do with it.

A picture of some interesting bag contents in the X-Ray machine in the Star Tours queue. Just something random and fun.

The Muppets fountain. Just because I love the Muppets.

Props from the Indiana Jones queue area.

I'm sure I can come up with more, but those are just a few quick ones.

Thank you!! These are all great ideas! Will add them to the list.

For the upside down limo, I attempted one during our last trip but I had the same thoughts as you did as I was reviewing it at home that there are so many angles and lighting options to try out. I'm looking forward to seeing what my options will be at night since I will be there for the private event. I'll also have my tripod as well so this should give me more flexibility! Here's what I got last time:


IMG_6069 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I read about some of the easter eggs in the baggage x-ray images at Star Tours in the queue so hopefully I'll able to capture at least one of them if not more.

The muppets fountain is always a fun place to shoot with many different ways to take pictures. And now I know to pay better attention to the props lined up in the queue for the Indiana Jones Stunt show.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe

With our usual ridecentric touring plans, it's been sometimes difficult to stop and enjoy some of the interesting atmosphere the Animal Kingdom has to offer. This is even more so for the street performances and entertainment. For this upcoming solo trip, I'm going to try to build some time in so I can see and hear some of the acts that I've been wanting to experience for awhile now. The Tam Tam Drummers are one of them even though it's a short experience. Hopefully I'll also be able to see some of the other street band performances as well.

 

[khertz]

I've gotten in the habit of "binge watching" lately with some of the TV shows where I waited until the entire show series was completed and then watch them in its entirety over a couple of months. I did that with the four seasons of Battlestar Galactica and five seasons worth of The Wire. Unfortunately, I couldn't wait another 4-5 years before GoT supposedly ends its run so now I'm suffering between seasons wondering what will happen next.

I've avoided reading the books because the TV show has been so good and I didn't want to ruin the suspense and surprise. All I can say is that it paid off BIG time this season. Let me know when you finish Season 2 - I may be able to help you out with Season 3 if you're still interested.

Absolutely interested! I'm completely addicted now, and I just finished season 2 this morning.

I totally understand "binge watching." I did that with Grey's Anatomy when it was airing its 4th or 5th season and I just suddenly decided I wanted to watch. So I had a LOT to catch up on at the time! The good thing about GoT for me while I'm playing catch up is that there are only 10 episodes in a season, so it wasn't too difficult to watch them all. But I can imagine that is a not so good thing for people watching in real time that there are ONLY 10 episodes a season!

Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe

With our usual ridecentric touring plans, it's been sometimes difficult to stop and enjoy some of the interesting atmosphere the Animal Kingdom has to offer. This is even more so for the street performances and entertainment. For this upcoming solo trip, I'm going to try to build some time in so I can see and hear some of the acts that I've been wanting to experience for awhile now. The Tam Tam Drummers are one of them even though it's a short experience. Hopefully I'll also be able to see some of the other street band performances as well.

That's a great idea! We have never come across these guys in AK, but I think DS would get a kick out of seeing drummers!