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

[DaveinFallsChurch]

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!

And I think it's only 15 minutes long so perfect for the attention span of a toddler

 

[teekathepony]

Those Vader books look so funny!
Hmmm DHS photos... I've always loved all the amazing costumes in the Great Movie Ride queue, they would be pretty cool to get some pictures of. As well the theming and decor in there is pretty cool. I have a terrible picture of an awesome light fixture in that queue, so pretty!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Those Vader books look so funny!
Hmmm DHS photos... I've always loved all the amazing costumes in the Great Movie Ride queue, they would be pretty cool to get some pictures of. As well the theming and decor in there is pretty cool. I have a terrible picture of an awesome light fixture in that queue, so pretty!

Cool ideas! It will also help me break from my usual Disney routines because I've never been on this ride! Which reminds me of this hilarious clip if you haven't seen it yet: http://youtu.be/iO1emb3M7s8

The kids so far have not been interested in this one mostly because DD's been apprehensive about the Alien. I have a feeling though that we'll be breaking all kinds of records with DD next January with trying out new attractions. She has so far agreed to go on Expedition Everest, and have tentatively agreed on Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror. I mean if she can do ToT, then the Alien should be a piece of cake! And I've seen pictures of the light fixtures in the queue so think they will make great pictures especially from certain angles. Any favorites among the costumes they have in there?

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Space Mountain Launch Tunnel

The launch tunnel at the beginning of space mountain has been photographed plenty by a lot of people so this won't be all that new. It's just one of those images I've always wanted to capture for awhile. You know the tunnel I'm talking about, the one that makes you it feel like you're about to jump into Hyperspace or Warp which ever scifi franchise you're into. It's probably the only thing that's photographable for the entire ride. Just like RnR, the indoor dark coaster set up doesn't really lend photo ops. What I would like to do is find a way to brace my camera to minimize shake, focus on a fixed point either on the coaster itself or the back of the head of the person sitting in front of me, and take a picture with a long exposure as we make our way through the tunnel to really give the hyperspace feel. Then quickly tuck my camera into my backpack before we really go crazy.

 

[emilyindisney]

Love your RnR shot. Maybe a shot of the limo facing into the ride area? It might be cool if you can capture the limo in the foreground with all the twisting track/music behind it in the background!

 

[blklotus]

Late the party, but joining in! Looks like you're going to have a blast! I wish I were brave enough to do Disney solo, though I guess if I had a reason (i.e. a conference) I wouldn't be able to resist. Also, are you from Falls Church, VA? If so, small world! I'm in Burke!

 

[teekathepony]

Space Mountain Launch Tunnel

The launch tunnel at the beginning of space mountain has been photographed plenty by a lot of people so this won't be all that new. It's just one of those images I've always wanted to capture for awhile. You know the tunnel I'm talking about, the one that makes you it feel like you're about to jump into Hyperspace or Warp which ever scifi franchise you're into. It's probably the only thing that's photographable for the entire ride. Just like RnR, the indoor dark coaster set up doesn't really lend photo ops. What I would like to do is find a way to brace my camera to minimize shake, focus on a fixed point either on the coaster itself or the back of the head of the person sitting in front of me, and take a picture with a long exposure as we make our way through the tunnel to really give the hyperspace feel. Then quickly tuck my camera into my backpack before we really go crazy.

I really like the idea of having the coaster vehicle in the shot as well as the lights, to give it the hyper jump look. I got my first space mountain launch pic last year, but it wasn't great, I've been wanting to try again.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Love your RnR shot. Maybe a shot of the limo facing into the ride area? It might be cool if you can capture the limo in the foreground with all the twisting track/music behind it in the background!

That's one angle I was considering! I think I'm going to see how things look from across the way where the restrooms (across from ToT FP machines) and see if I can zoom up. That way the limo might appear more eye level rather than having to look up. With a night time shot, I'll have to lug my tripod with me.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Late the party, but joining in! Looks like you're going to have a blast! I wish I were brave enough to do Disney solo, though I guess if I had a reason (i.e. a conference) I wouldn't be able to resist. Also, are you from Falls Church, VA? If so, small world! I'm in Burke!

Thanks for joining!! And yes, I'm in Falls Church, VA. Always happy to see another fellow Northern Virginian! Hope the weather wasn't too severe on your side of town today.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I really like the idea of having the coaster vehicle in the shot as well as the lights, to give it the hyper jump look. I got my first space mountain launch pic last year, but it wasn't great, I've been wanting to try again.

I suspect that it's going to take me at least 3-4 rides before I can get it close to what I want. Not even sure if the image I have in my head is feasible in a shaky/bumpy vehicle. We shall see!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Rides on Wheels along Asia and Africa

I'm always amazed how detailed theming is in Animal Kingdom especially along the paths of Africa and Asia. And I'm pretty sure I have paid attention to only about 10% of them in person. I continuously come across pictures of AK that not only have I not seen in person at the park but I have absolutely no clue where they were taken from. I have vague recollections of seeing pictures of bikes, rickshaws, and other wheeled modes of transportation lining and decorating the pathways of AK. I'm going to make a concerted effort this time to find these along with other small details that make up the streets of Animal Kingdom.

 

[emilyindisney]

That's one angle I was considering! I think I'm going to see how things look from across the way where the restrooms (across from ToT FP machines) and see if I can zoom up. That way the limo might appear more eye level rather than having to look up. With a night time shot, I'll have to lug my tripod with me.

Eye level would be very cool. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Rides on Wheels along Asia and Africa

I'm always amazed how detailed theming is in Animal Kingdom especially along the paths of Africa and Asia. And I'm pretty sure I have paid attention to only about 10% of them in person. I continuously come across pictures of AK that not only have I not seen in person at the park but I have absolutely no clue where they were taken from. I have vague recollections of seeing pictures of bikes, rickshaws, and other wheeled modes of transportation lining and decorating the pathways of AK. I'm going to make a concerted effort this time to find these along with other small details that make up the streets of Animal Kingdom.

This is just ONE of the reasons Dave that AK is my favorite park I was one of "those" people in a car on line at 3 or 4 am back in April 1998 for opening day I STILL find new things to discover all these years later The intricate detailing is mind blowing I also always seek out CMs usually here on international CP they'll show you on a map where they are from and tell you all about culture, everything It truly saddens me when people downgrade this park or simply walk past the CMs in a bubble to get to EE There is a world of info & experiences at AK

Oh in case we don't "talk" by then Happy Father's Day to You !
Ruthie

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

This is just ONE of the reasons Dave that AK is my favorite park I was one of "those" people in a car on line at 3 or 4 am back in April 1998 for opening day I STILL find new things to discover all these years later The intricate detailing is mind blowing I also always seek out CMs usually here on international CP they'll show you on a map where they are from and tell you all about culture, everything It truly saddens me when people downgrade this park or simply walk past the CMs in a bubble to get to EE There is a world of info & experiences at AK

Oh in case we don't "talk" by then Happy Father's Day to You !
Ruthie

I'm hoping to start up a few conversations with the CMs especially in AK and Epcot WS for this trip. And thank you for the Father's Day wishes!

 

[Luvchefmic]

I'm hoping to start up a few conversations with the CMs especially in AK and Epcot WS for this trip. And thank you for the Father's Day wishes!

You won't be sorry they have so much to say and oft times they are homesick, lonely, overwhelmed by it all and to watch their faces light up when someone has a genuine interest we give THEM a magical experience

and for staying with the AK theme you're welcome re-Father's Day



Ruthie

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Rumors about DHS getting an expansion for "Star Wars Land" in addition to "Cars Land" just went up another notch in the past few days and the idea of combining two of my favorite things has got me all giddy. I know this is just still at rumor stage and a supposedly intel from a CM in the park is always a crapshoot but am really hoping that this particular rumor comes to fruition.

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201306/3524/

Here's another article from disneyfoodblog.com about one specific aspect of the rumor: a Star Wars themed restaurant.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/06/14/why-disney-world-needs-a-star-wars-cantina-restaurant/

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader Cast Member

A couple of weeks ago, Disney unveiled this new interactive game in Animal Kingdom based on the Pixar movie Up. Up and Wall-E are my favorite Pixar films. Up also holds a special place for me because it was the first movie I took DD to see in the theater although I think I ended up enjoying the movie a lot more than DD (three years old at the time) who did not enjoy the scenes with Alpha and his friends. I just saw some pictures of the CMs for these numerous stations scattered throughout AK here:

http://blog.touringplans.com/2013/06/02/wilderness-explorers-opens-at-animal-kingdom/

I just love how they replicated the WE uniforms true to what Russel was wearing in the movie and would love to take some pictures of the CMs and their badges! I doubt that they will have the "Ellie Badge" though.

 

[afwdwfan]

Rumors about DHS getting an expansion for "Star Wars Land" in addition to "Cars Land" just went up another notch in the past few days and the idea of combining two of my favorite things has got me all giddy. I know this is just still at rumor stage and a supposedly intel from a CM in the park is always a crapshoot but am really hoping that this particular rumor comes to fruition.

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201306/3524/

Here's another article from disneyfoodblog.com about one specific aspect of the rumor: a Star Wars themed restaurant.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/06/14/why-disney-world-needs-a-star-wars-cantina-restaurant/

Isn't that just awesome!!!! I really do hope that this is one of those rumors that comes to fruition! Carsland and more of a Star Wars presence are 2 things I've wanted to see in the Studios for a long, long time!!!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Isn't that just awesome!!!! I really do hope that this is one of those rumors that comes to fruition! Carsland and more of a Star Wars presence are 2 things I've wanted to see in the Studios for a long, long time!!!!

Possibilities are endless for a Star Wars Land. The Star Wars Land of my dreams would include a second thrill or coaster ride in addition to Star Tours and a character meal with Star Wars characters.

 

[khertz]

I'm not a huge Star Wars fan, but I am just excited about the possibility of a DHS expansion. That park needs more, that's for sure! Cars Land would be great too, but I hope it won't be a carbon copy of the one at DCA.