Anyone Game? 2 Castles and a Road Trip TR! Last Day and TR Wrap Up! #2796; 10/01

[PrincessInOz]

Love the update... The Photos of HM are amazing. I love them, I still have not mastered that shot, The speed of the moving attraction the focus and the opening requirement for light... But this new camera (D7000) has better low light so I might just be able to do this now!

You guys were so busy for one day... You all got a lot done.

Oooh! Congrats on the new camera. Looks like you'll be taking lots of pictures on your trip.

 

[PrincessInOz]

From Here to Infinity



Alison’s comment reminded me that we hit Indiana Jones on the way from Pirates to Peter Pan. I had forgotten that we had made the minor detour as I didn’t have any photographic record of heading that way. DS didn’t want to get on; so it was really just Alison, Fran and myself on this ride. You know....I need to ask DS why he didn’t want to get on this ride.




Meanwhile, Tim was still ticking off rides for us. We followed him from here….






….to infinity.






I find this version much more comfortable and enjoyable. The ride seat is much the same but the way you hold the blasters are totally different to the one at WDW. In here, you can remove the blasters from the holding cup and determine how best to hold them so as to maximise your shooting angle.






Not that it bothered me much….my laser blaster mostly sat in the holding cup for this ride.






After all, I would need 4 arms in order to hold that blaster and my camera in this attraction.







But I was still having a blast in here.






You could say that I was grinning from ear to ear in here.






With so much target practice available....







....and opportunities popping up everywhere.






And much like a chain reaction,






when you're shooting with different equipment, you'll end up collecting and attracting a different sort of result.






I do end up picking up the oddest things in my collection!








I think that Tim liked this attraction. He actually got on the ride with me. No prizes for guessing who’s score is who’s.







But I figured I might have distracted him a little on this ride. I did catch him taking a peak at my kind of shooting from time to time; and towards the end, he was just looking at me strange (and I think it was because I barely picked up the blaster during this ride). But that's okay. Afterall I’m the one that totally scored with the laser beam with this shot!








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[PrincessInOz]

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From Infinity to Space




It kinda made sense for us to hit Star Tours after Buzz Lightyear AstroBlasters; ST was right opposite to BLAB. And that’s exactly what we did.

I know that Fran was tired at this stage as she decided that she didn't want to go on the ride; but wanted to chill in the shops and wait for us. The rest of us got on and whilst I don’t remember the exact sequence of what we got, I know that 2 of the sequences were new for me. At least I got to see more of the Star Tours v2.0 today. No pictures; I just enjoyed the ride.





Something else new for me was the Ghost Galaxy overlay to Space Mountain. I believe that Disney has a similar overlay at the HKDL version during Halloween; but I had never experienced the overlay at DLR nor at HKDL before. I think they started with the overlay at DL in 2009 or so.



The queue for this had been pretty long the day before when we looked at it from Innoventions. I think we entered through the FP entry and it seemed reasonably quick to me.







We boarded pretty quick.






Given the intermittent issues I was experiencing with the camera and lens, I decided to just enjoy this ride and packed my camera away.

Yes….it was great to enjoy this ride with Alison.






The overlay added a lot more colour to this ride. And there were ghosts that popped up from time to time. It's funny how DS was absolutely thrilled with this ride and LOVED it......yet he was still a little freaked out by HM. *sigh*



For the record, the smoothest Space Mountain ride I've been on to date is in Hong Kong. The WDW is very jerky; and the DLR version is somewhere in between. I have yet to get on the Paris nor Tokyo version.





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[PrincessInOz]

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Passing some time in Carsland




By this stage, we were coming up to the end of day for our Human Fast Pass. We still had one more thing to do in DCA to close out the day and we headed on over that way.



DS was a little hungry at this stage; so we stopped for a snack. Dinner was going to have to wait until after the parks closed today.

DS had originally wanted a Mickey icecream. I think we've already agreed that I will be up for some therapist fees for DS at some stage; so here’s one more to add to the list. I didn't indulge him with a Mickey icecream. This is what he had to settle for instead.






We said our goodbyes to Tim and thanked him for his time. He might have spent his time with us today; but we had benefited with the gift of time to enjoy the park and the rides. We did get through quite a list of attractions today. I would also like to add my thanks here to our benefactor who so graciously gave this gift to us. Alison – Please pass on my thanks again.



But I was still anxious to maximise my time at DCA; so I excused myself from the rest as I had something else on my to-do list that Tim could not help me with.



In 2012, I had the pleasure of spending a day at DLR with Alison. Then; as now, I had to choose where I head to for a little night time shooting. Given the relative ‘newness’ of the area, the natural spot for me was Carsland. However, with the park closing at 8 pm tonight as it did in 2012, there was only so much time that I had to capture some night shots. And I had aimed for the Pacific Wharf side the last time.



Then, as now, I headed over to Carsland. This time, I took the standard entry into Main Street, Radiator Springs. I wasn't about to move for anyone.....but I did make way for the locals.







Seems like the Photopass Photographer knows where the main interest is as well.






The neon lights are bright in Carsland.







And when you add the Cadillac Mountain Range illuminated in the background….







….it’s an amazing sight to see and capture.






I spent a bit of time setting up the tripod and shooting the area.




















I need to come spend a full week here at some stage!

 

[ejud]

Nice shots of Carsland at night!

Interesting thing- at WDW, Splash is side by side, and Space is single file: at DL, flip that around!



Jud

 

[dolphingirl47]

It was nice to see one of my favourite rides (Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters). I prefer the version at Disneyland as well, but most certainly won't turn it down at Walt Disney World.

Spacemountain at Disneyland Paris is a completely different proposition. You are "shot" out of a cannon and it has a loop.

I love the night time photos of Cars Land. They look so pretty.

Corinna

 

[ACDSNY]

Welcome back. Hope you had a great holiday. And you used that 4-letter word on this thread!!!!

What was I thinking???


I think you picked up some hitchhiking ghost in this picture...

 

[zanzibar138]

Buzz is so much fun! Having experienced it in 3 countries now, I always forget which ones you can just hold your finger down, and which ones you need to keep pressing to shoot

I can't wait to experience Ghost Mountain Hopefully it will be up in time on my next visit. Space Mountain in Paris is so different to the others, it's almost like a whole different rollercoaster. I would compare it more to RNR (assuming the one at WDW is fairly similar to the one in Paris). I personally LOVE it (possibly my favourite Disney coaster), but a lot of people think it's too jerky.

I love your night time Carsland shots. Good on you for making time for it

 

[Leshaface]

I really dislike SM at WDW because of the jerkiness, but it doesn't stop us from riding it every single time So HK is smoother than DLR's?! I thought DLR's was very nice and smooth, I couldn't imagine it being better at HK!

Wow. Your shots of CL are incredible!

 

[mvf-m11c]

It is so fun to see pictures of BLAB. Tim had a nice score on BLAB and I can tell he knows where to shoot at what targets.

SMGG is a nice ride for the Halloween season at DL and it has been a long time since I have ridden it.

On your pictures of CL, did you try to do a long exposure on the pictures since I see that the people are a little blurry. I can't wait to leave next week when the DLR is all decorated for the Holiday season including Cars Land.

 

[dgbg100106]

Oooh! Congrats on the new camera. Looks like you'll be taking lots of pictures on your trip.

Hopefully!

 

[dgbg100106]

The night shots are beautiful... Did you carry the tri-pod all day with you? Does it telescope? I find that I hate carrying mine around with me, it reminds me of an umbrella.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Nice shots of Carsland at night!

Interesting thing- at WDW, Splash is side by side, and Space is single file: at DL, flip that around!



Jud

It's very interesting to see the differences of the various rides in the parks. Someday, I'll get to all Disney parks around the world. It's on my bucket list.

It was nice to see one of my favourite rides (Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters). I prefer the version at Disneyland as well, but most certainly won't turn it down at Walt Disney World.

Spacemountain at Disneyland Paris is a completely different proposition. You are "shot" out of a cannon and it has a loop.

I love the night time photos of Cars Land. They look so pretty.

Corinna

I think Zanzibar pointed it out....but that SM ride in DLP sounds like Rock n Roller Coaster.

What was I thinking???


I think you picked up some hitchhiking ghost in this picture...

Yes, I did.

Buzz is so much fun! Having experienced it in 3 countries now, I always forget which ones you can just hold your finger down, and which ones you need to keep pressing to shoot

I can't wait to experience Ghost Mountain Hopefully it will be up in time on my next visit. Space Mountain in Paris is so different to the others, it's almost like a whole different rollercoaster. I would compare it more to RNR (assuming the one at WDW is fairly similar to the one in Paris). I personally LOVE it (possibly my favourite Disney coaster), but a lot of people think it's too jerky.

I love your night time Carsland shots. Good on you for making time for it

That's your running trip, isn't it? Hopefully all the holiday overlays are still up.

I really dislike SM at WDW because of the jerkiness, but it doesn't stop us from riding it every single time So HK is smoother than DLR's?! I thought DLR's was very nice and smooth, I couldn't imagine it being better at HK!

Wow. Your shots of CL are incredible!

Lesha - believe it or not....SM really is smoother at Hong Kong.

It is so fun to see pictures of BLAB. Tim had a nice score on BLAB and I can tell he knows where to shoot at what targets.

SMGG is a nice ride for the Halloween season at DL and it has been a long time since I have ridden it.

On your pictures of CL, did you try to do a long exposure on the pictures since I see that the people are a little blurry. I can't wait to leave next week when the DLR is all decorated for the Holiday season including Cars Land.

Yes, I did long exposures on the CL pictures. But there are two in the set where I up'ed the ISO for hand held shots.

Have a great trip. I look forward to seeing your pictures on your TR.

The night shots are beautiful... Did you carry the tri-pod all day with you? Does it telescope? I find that I hate carrying mine around with me, it reminds me of an umbrella.

The tripod was one of those things that I stored in the locker. So, I got it when we went back to DCA whilst everyone else was getting the ice creams.


It doesn't telescope much and you'll find pictures of it on this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3098939

 

[zanzibar138]

That's your running trip, isn't it? Hopefully all the holiday overlays are still up.

Yep, the run is the last weekend of August, so there will be nothing that weekend. But if I stay until mid-September for my birthday, I'm hoping that I will catch some Halloween decorations and hopefully catch the first couple of opening days of TNBC Mansion and Ghost Mountain

Depending on the timing of Shanghai Disneyland opening, I might get to catch some Christmas decorations on that trip

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

That's so interesting about the smoothness of the SM at HK. I haven't been on SM for years because of my arthritis in my spine it is so painful because of the jerkiness! But I do love the ride so miss it. Love the idea of the overlay! Paris is smoother than WDW but still a little jerky. Maybe HK wins! Not sure I will ever find out!

BLAB that's cool you can remove the guns! I struggle on those shooting games due to stiff hands which is why I love TSM! They do a car at WDW that the gun has a button rather than a pull string which I can't do. I know the name of the car now it's called Jessie lol.

Wow your shots of Carsland at night are postcard material I just adore them. Eye candy galore! You could quit your job and sell those wonderful photos!

 

[dgbg100106]

The tripod was one of those things that I stored in the locker. So, I got it when we went back to DCA whilst everyone else was getting the ice creams.


It doesn't telescope much and you'll find pictures of it on this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3098939

Thanks for the info...

 

[PrincessInOz]

Yep, the run is the last weekend of August, so there will be nothing that weekend. But if I stay until mid-September for my birthday, I'm hoping that I will catch some Halloween decorations and hopefully catch the first couple of opening days of TNBC Mansion and Ghost Mountain

Depending on the timing of Shanghai Disneyland opening, I might get to catch some Christmas decorations on that trip

With luck, the timing could work out.

That's so interesting about the smoothness of the SM at HK. I haven't been on SM for years because of my arthritis in my spine it is so painful because of the jerkiness! But I do love the ride so miss it. Love the idea of the overlay! Paris is smoother than WDW but still a little jerky. Maybe HK wins! Not sure I will ever find out!

BLAB that's cool you can remove the guns! I struggle on those shooting games due to stiff hands which is why I love TSM! They do a car at WDW that the gun has a button rather than a pull string which I can't do. I know the name of the car now it's called Jessie lol.

Wow your shots of Carsland at night are postcard material I just adore them. Eye candy galore! You could quit your job and sell those wonderful photos!

Thanks Paula. I'm hanging on to my day job for the moment. There are a lot of very talented photographers out there.

Thanks for the info...

Catch you when you get back from your vacay. Have fun.

 

[PrincessInOz]

The Wonderful World of Colour




The world is a carousel of color






Wonderful, wonderful color







The blue rolling sea







The red summer rose







The gold morning sun in the sky







The glorious vision of a rainbow







The bright autumn leaves on the ground







There’s beauty untold






That’s ours to behold






In the wonderful world of colour









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[PrincessInOz]

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The world is a carousel of color







History,







comedy,






fantasy













There's drama and mirth













There's old mother earth with all of her secrets to see








The world is a treasure trove of faces
























Fabulous, faraway places










The hopes and the fears











The joys and the tears of people like you and like me











Isn’t it amazing what the mind remembers?

This is the 3rd time I’ve seen this attraction and every time I try to sing along with the words at the start of the show, I always mess up at the 2nd line.



The lyrics I’ve used here are from the Wonderful World of Colour television show that I remember from my childhood. I’m not sure that they are entirely perfect and if you know them and I've gotten them muddled up, let me know!




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[PrincessInOz]

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A Super Uva Dinner




The last thing on my hit list was the World of Colour. Once again, we had scored the VIP position for this show and there was no need for us to queue up too much in advance or worry about FP collection during the day. It had been one heck of amazing trip and experience.



It was about 8.30 pm and everything was closed at DCA. I can’t remember if we agreed on it during the planning or when we got to LA or during the day; but the upshot of the agreement was that dinner for tonight would have to wait until after the WoC show.


We walked back to the Grand California so that Alison and Fran could head back to their room. I think they headed back quicker than us because we seemed to have taken our time getting to the hotel.











We had arranged to catch up in the hotel lobby. It was rather illuminating when we got there.






I worked out that the pianist played about 2 – 3 Disney songs and then played 2 – 3 jazz standards. I guess we really were on a Disney resort.







When we met up, we made a beeline here.







For the last year or so, I’ve been following along Alison’s TR and her various staycations to DLR. One of the things that she raves about is the lamb burger at the Uva Bar.







We had a short wait for a table and got a round of drinks.







I’m so thankful that DH remembered to take a record of this DisMeet!






Dinner?

The truly amazing lamb burger. Alison and I both indulged in this.











It was so amazing that I’ve since tried to recreate a semblance of it at home.



DS had the fish and chips. I think Fran may have ordered the same.







DH’s guacamole....







....and flatbread.








He also ordered the sweet potato fries to go with it.








We had a great time chatting over dinner and I think it was on this night that I talked about MNSSHP with Fran. I still don’t know if I did Alison a favour or not in talking Fran into coming to MNSSHP. But that’s for another post after another 3 weeks of travel.


Our time at Disneyland was drawing to a close and it was a great start to the vacation. Somewhere over dinner, DH asked when our vacation was going to start! Yeah. Cut. Me. With. A Knife.



After dinner, we said our goodbyes knowing that we would see each other again in 2 weeks’ time. I still had to finish packing……we were heading to the road trip part of this holiday!


Hmmmm....on hindsight....perhaps DH had a point after all. I might have been a little over-ambitious in cramming in activities for this vacation.