ABD 2010: Disers Go West - Let the Fun Begin

[DisneyTaylors]

Jennifer: Fingers cross for your nephew!

Camera place I found from rec on the Dis photography board!

http://www.lensrentals.com/

Very easy to deal with. Keep in mind, though, that I already shoot with a big camera and have taken classes at the local community college to learn how to use it. I just wanted bigger and better for our magical trip. I just don't want you to rent this thing and go off on vacation because you might not be able to use it! It's so worth learning though! You can do it! Plus you have Bill to help carry it. Or, as I like to call Jeri, "Pepe, my little mule." Name that old as heck movie!

I am willing to be called a mule if we can try a better camera sometime. Perhaps we need to wait until the kids get a little older so we would be more free to lug it around. Thanks for the link though Lauren as this gives us something to look into.

In terms of the movie quote, I admit I had to cheat and had to Bing the quote. Would it be "Romancing the Stone"?

- Bill

 

[stenogoddess]

Bill gets all the points!

The other nice thing about a super cool DSLR is the really awesome Mickey camera strap I found for it at Mouse Gear!

One thing to consider is it's really worth it for some things and kind of eh a PNS would be fine here with others. If you know in advance what you want to be doing, then less lugging. e.g. Any kind of inside show or It's a Small World, fireworks, hotel rooms, really anything at night, anything around the Christmas tree, inside churchs, sporting events, all better with DSLR. Just outside around the parks, it's easier with the PNS. On a normal trip to the World I sort of have a mental shot list of things I want to try to get, and once that's done I leave it in the hotel room and try to go more with the flow. Hope that helps!

 

[stenogoddess]

 

[spokanemom]

Jennifer, I am so sorry that you missed the news that I get to go on the cruise! I am very glad that I will get to see you all again!

Anyway about that camera... I debated about an DSLR too, but I like to carry my camera in my purse at all times. You NEVER know when that perfect shot is going to happen. Carrying a bunch of lenses and a big camera is not something that I want to do. I bought an Olympus that is kind of a hybrid point & shoot/SLR (SP-550UZ; it was a couple of years ago & there are newer models and different brands now) . I can just take pics with the preset functions, or I can adjust everything that a SLR can. I have awesome zoom that does not require an additional lens, but there are lenses that you can buy if you want extra stuff. Three days ago, while looking over our Sept cruise pics, my husband actually commented that he is really glad that I bought it. The pics are super clear and show amazing detail. I had a professional photographer take a look at it and he was really impressed with all the things it could do and not be an actual DSLR.

Now, I am honestly not pushing *my* camera, but I did want to let you know that there are options out there where you can still get the portability, the good shots, and the functionality that you might need.

And now back to your regularly scheduled program...

 

[Circusgirl]

Lauren - That last page is gorgeous! It makes it look like the castle was your honeymoon suite.

Alissa - I am SO GLAD you are coming on the cruise!

Jennifer - It is so worth getting a camera that performs the way you need it to, and as Alissa said, there are very sophisticated non-SLRs.

I am at Disneyland RIGHT NOW and missing you all VERY MUCH!!!!! It ain't the same without the posse...If only I had that transporter, we'd all be going to the premiere of World of Color together. I've got a view room at the Paradise Pier and I am looking down at the preparations for the big press event which is to be followed by a party in Paradise Pier which will also be in view. If only I had thought to bring my binoculars...The red carpet for the event is actually blue. The studios area is all decorated for "Glow Fest" (I keep imagining a congregation of fireflies) and the California letters in front of the park have vivid new colors.

There was a 4 am running of the show today for coverage on the east coast morning TV shows. I didn't try to get up to see it although I was awakened by an explosive "sploosh" sound right at 4 am. When I did get up this morning, the fountains and lights were doing what looked like WoC calisthenics which was a lovely accompaniment to coffee and cereal. I'm going to get room service and watch the back side of colored water tonight when they run the press show. I've got a dinner package tomorrow night at Ariel's grotto and will be attending the very first public show.

I've been trying to upload some photos to share, but the crappy hotel internet isn't up to that right now, so I'll try again later and hopefully be back with visuals.

Wish you were here!!!!!

 

[corky441]

Heather, I don't know about anyone else from the group, but right now I am sooooo envious of you.
Missing you and looking forward getting back in touch on the cruise

 

[Carolinagal]

Oh my gosh, Heather, how wonderful!!!

I so look forward to your pictures - it sounds amazing and I would love to see it through your camera lens!

Have a wonderful time!!

Lynne

 

[Carolinagal]

http://www.ustream.tv/worldofcolor

 

[tmli]

I miss you all SOOOO much!!! I am having serious vacation depression since our incredible trip!

I was thinking about the podcast cruise and wondering who is going to be in Disneyworld before the cruise?

Also I was thinking maybe we could link our reservations for dining so that we can sit together. What do you all think?

 

[corky441]

Hi Tracey -

I think we're all in the same boat ( no pun intended ) in missing each other.

I don't know that I've been "depressed" but I am constantly checking out the boards to see who's around.
Dino & I won't be in WDW pre-cruise, but we are staying 3 nights post-cruise.

I believe a lot of us from the ABD trip are going on the cruise - We'll have to set up a time for a mini-ABD meet and photo op on the ship as soon as we find out when all the onboard activities are planned.

I talked to ASKTracey about dining and she said that the cruise line will have the DISers pretty much sitting with each other during both dinner rotations. If we want to get more specfic with our tablemates - I'm sure we'll be able to work that out with Tracey as the date gets closer.

It is going to be sooooooo wonderful to see everyone again

I think we're just going to have to plan an adventure together every year

 

[Dodie]

I miss you all SOOOO much!!! I am having serious vacation depression since our incredible trip!

I was thinking about the podcast cruise and wondering who is going to be in Disneyworld before the cruise?

Also I was thinking maybe we could link our reservations for dining so that we can sit together. What do you all think?

For PCC 1.0, Tracy did a big seating chart where she linked people so they could choose who they sat with. It was such a horrible undertaking that I think she said that wouldn't happen again this time.

However, if they change their mind, or since Tracy (winotracy) is "one of us," maybe they'll make an exception!

 

[DisneyTaylors]

How did I miss this great news?!?!?!?!

Glad to have you aboard Alissa!!!!!

Jennifer

- Bill

 

[macman752]

I miss you all SOOOO much!!! I am having serious vacation depression since our incredible trip!

I was thinking about the podcast cruise and wondering who is going to be in Disneyworld before the cruise?

Also I was thinking maybe we could link our reservations for dining so that we can sit together. What do you all think?

Hi Tracey

We will be at the World for 3 days before the cruise and then for another 3 days post cruise. We don't have much planned yet for the pre-cruise days. I did get an ADR for breakfast at Boma on Friday the 10th. Post cruise, we will be attending MVMCP on the 16th and DATW the following day.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone again...before, during and after the cruise!

 

[Circusgirl]

WoC (Short version) - gasps, goosebumps, involuntary shrieks of delight, shivers, sighs, more shrieking, more goosebumps, tears. What a show! Everyone in my vicinity agreed that it surpassed high expectations.

The organizational end of the dining package thing was non-existent (even suits with radios couldn't tell me where I was supposed to go, and I received many different answers from many different people as I tried to find out where to go) but I ended up smack dab in the center on a level just above the level closest to the water so it worked out. The Ariel's Grotto dinner was uneven but overall very good, and the dessert alone was amazing (macaroons, chocolate cake, three little fruit custards, chocolate cup (literally an adorable espresso sized cup made of chocolate, handle and all) with coffee flavored mousse like filling, fresh fruit and an amazing white chocolate decorated banner. There will be pictures when I have decent internet once home.

I hope to be in the World for about four days prior to the cruise. I'm wishing I could be there for a few days after, but will probably have to get home on the 16th.

 

[klam_chowder]

Allison - great to hear you'll be on the cruise too!

Tracey You & Chris were such good folks to meet! Pre-cruise we're coming in on Thursday nite. Friday at WWoHP, Saturday at AK with Boma for dinner, then onto the Boardwalk pre-cruise meet. Feel free to join DH & I for any of this

Linking cruise dining with ABDers would be fun!

Heather - wonderful to hear it was such an awesome time!

Have a fab weekend folks!

cheers,

 

[DisneyKevin]

I think we need an ABD reunion...either on the ship or prior to the cruise.

I miss y'all.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I just met up with Heather and she made me ride Tower of Terror. ;-)

 

[Circusgirl]

I just met up with Heather and she made me ride Tower of Terror. ;-)

He was very brave.

 

[tardis1029]

I think we need an ABD reunion...either on the ship or prior to the cruise.

I miss y'all.

Great Idea ! Maybe we can all meet on the ship - have a ABD Reunion sign - and get the ship photographer take a picture or a couple of hundred with our camera's !

 

[corky441]

Great Idea ! Maybe we can all meet on the ship - have a ABD Reunion sign - and get the ship photographer take a picture or a couple of hundred with our camera's !

That is one of my "laugh" memories. . . Watching them go crazy taking all those group pictures with all of our individual cameras. Bet they look forward to smaller groups now