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

[tiggrbaby]

How beautiful everything was all aglow and empty! What settings did you use for Illuminations?

 

[dgbg100106]

Lovely pictures... Illuminations and the pavilions at night are all amazing. And you picked up 3 guys in front of your DH! Smooth operator you!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Dinner looked nice. The fireworks photos with the Tori Gate are amazing. How nice that the locals made space for you. I love your night photos. I had to smile when I saw your photo that shows most of the buildings at the German pavilion. The building with the funny roof-line in front of the castle is actually a replica of the town hall of the city where I grew up in. I never knew this until my most recent trip and yet in your photo it is blindingly obvious.

Corinna

 

[zanzibar138]

Although dinner was not F&W, it still looked yummy!

As usual, your fireworks photos are outstanding

I love that you picked up 3 guys in front of DH You got some awesome shots without the crowds.

You really have to teach me about sweet talking the security guards. I tend to just do what I'm told

 

[Pinkocto]

Those fish and chips are so scrumptious. One of my favorites at Epcot.

Loving the WS pictures, very beautiful at night and with hardly any bodies in the way. Cool that you were able to spend some time with your nice new friends

Looks like I'm in the minority here but I'm a huge Michael Jackson fan and really like Captain EO. Beautiful pictures of the Imagination Pavilion.

 

[ejud]

This is probably my favourite section of Illuminations. Sadly, I wasn't close enough to see all the details on that globe.

That's okay, you got some great shots!

I always do what I call the "reverse" slow walk out of Epcot after Illuminations, the best thing at WDW. It is a magical time. I will stay in my special spot until the theme from Tapestry of Nations begins and most have already made their way to the mad crush out of World showcase. I then slowly make my way around the wrong way, the longer journey to whichever exit I will be using, usually the International Gateway. Have had some nice conversations with the after hours CM's and a few other guests and done the night time shooting of the pavilions. Have done the draw bridge a few times. Never been or even heard of being walked out of Epcot by security- though I have at MK many times: I know I have been last out of that park. Never thought about it at Epcot as so much goes on after the end of Illuminations, so I just take my own time. It is so beautiful!

Nice on the folks sharing their space with you. Have experienced that too and it is where the magic really lays, in the kindness of strangers who share the understanding of Disney. Glad you got a piece of it!

And never heard of Illuminations going off at other than 9pm! ???

As to the details of the Earth Globe, from one of my scores of videos of that very special presentation, here ya go!

Earth Globe close-up:

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh_eRAjS5Zc

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt1zqGkLXSQ



Jud

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Wonderful pics of Epcot at night. I love the ones you took of Germany. Theming wise, it was my favourite Epcot pavilion.

DH's Tangerine Cafe dinner is making me feel very hungry.

 

[ACDSNY]

You never cease to amaze me with your pics, I love your shots of Illuminations and the pavilions they're so beautiful. The fireworks gods were smiling down upon you, thanks to a few locals willing to share their space.

 

[ddpaints]

Subbing because I've taken over 2 weeks to read through the trip report and now I have to know what happens next. Writing a good trip report is a talent all unto it's self and you have it.
Thank you so much for your beautiful pictures, especially the ones from AZ and the slot canyons. I enjoyed showing those to my 7 yr old DS who thought they were beautiful and looked at me with wide eyes when I told him those were in nature. Some day we will take him and his sister out west and show them the true beauty of nature.
Also I'm very interested in any night photo information you want to share. I have a DSLR but I know I haven't used it to it's full potential even with the stock lens that came with it.

 

[mvf-m11c]

The food porn look very appetizing during your night at EPCOT.

I always thought of trying of watching Illuminations from the upper level of the Japan Pavilion but I don't know why I don't like that spot to watch Illuminations. Your pictures of the fireworks trails from Illuminations are absolutely amazing. It looked like in your pictures that there was barely anyone around the Japan Pavilion during Illuminations.

I can never get tired of listening to Illuminations. It is one of my favorite nighttime show songs when I first seen Illuminations in the mid 90s.

That was neat that you were able to get a picture of Earth Globe when the bridge was raised. The pictures from WS without the guests are very nice and I will want to get pictures of the park when there are no guests in my shots. When you come back to Cali one day, I will stay up with you until we are asked to leave the parks.

Fantastic update from EPCOT.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Those are truly some of the most phenomenal pics of Illuminations and the pavilions at night that I have EVER seen!!!!! Thanks for the little "tour". How fun that you got to meet and shoot with some new photog friends, even if you did pick up three guys.

.

Thank you . Glad you enjoyed the tour. I really enjoyed walking round and taking the time to look at the pavilions.

How beautiful everything was all aglow and empty! What settings did you use for Illuminations?

Thanks.

I started with ISO400, f/11 and shutter speeds of 4 - 8 seconds.
I took the ISO down to 100 when the globe came out. So, the ones after that was ISO 100, f/11 and shutter speeds 2 - 9 seconds.

Lovely pictures... Illuminations and the pavilions at night are all amazing. And you picked up 3 guys in front of your DH! Smooth operator you!

I'd roar like a cougar if I could, but on the Dis it would probably sound like the purr of a cat.

Dinner looked nice. The fireworks photos with the Tori Gate are amazing. How nice that the locals made space for you. I love your night photos. I had to smile when I saw your photo that shows most of the buildings at the German pavilion. The building with the funny roof-line in front of the castle is actually a replica of the town hall of the city where I grew up in. I never knew this until my most recent trip and yet in your photo it is blindingly obvious.

Corinna

Thank you.

I think the German pavilion looks like towns we saw along the Romantic Road. But then, that's the part of Germany that wasn't too badly bombed during WWII, isn't it?

Although dinner was not F&W, it still looked yummy!

As usual, your fireworks photos are outstanding

I love that you picked up 3 guys in front of DH You got some awesome shots without the crowds.

You really have to teach me about sweet talking the security guards. I tend to just do what I'm told

I think it depends on the security guard. This one wasn't too interested in anything other than pushing us out the door. I was just glad that I was given the 2 minutes grace right out of China.

Those fish and chips are so scrumptious. One of my favorites at Epcot.

Loving the WS pictures, very beautiful at night and with hardly any bodies in the way. Cool that you were able to spend some time with your nice new friends

Looks like I'm in the minority here but I'm a huge Michael Jackson fan and really like Captain EO. Beautiful pictures of the Imagination Pavilion.

Thanks Pam. You've reminded me that I might have email addresses of those two locals somewhere. I'm not sure what I've done with the details.....might have to go looking for it

I do like Michael Jackson.....I just didn't like Captain Eo as much as I thought I would.

And never heard of Illuminations going off at other than 9pm! ???

As to the details of the Earth Globe, from one of my scores of videos of that very special presentation, here ya go!

Earth Globe close-up:

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh_eRAjS5Zc

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt1zqGkLXSQ



Jud

Trust you to notice. I picked that up as a typo and meant to go back and fix it; but I've been so busy that I haven't yet. Will do so pronto.

Thanks for sharing those clips. They are great!
Now I get to enjoy it from the comfort of my living room.

Wonderful pics of Epcot at night. I love the ones you took of Germany. Theming wise, it was my favourite Epcot pavilion.

DH's Tangerine Cafe dinner is making me feel very hungry.

I was hungry looking at the crepes.

You never cease to amaze me with your pics, I love your shots of Illuminations and the pavilions they're so beautiful. The fireworks gods were smiling down upon you, thanks to a few locals willing to share their space.

Thanks Angela. Yes, the firework gods and the locals were very kind to me this trip.

Subbing because I've taken over 2 weeks to read through the trip report and now I have to know what happens next. Writing a good trip report is a talent all unto it's self and you have it.
Thank you so much for your beautiful pictures, especially the ones from AZ and the slot canyons. I enjoyed showing those to my 7 yr old DS who thought they were beautiful and looked at me with wide eyes when I told him those were in nature. Some day we will take him and his sister out west and show them the true beauty of nature.
Also I'm very interested in any night photo information you want to share. I have a DSLR but I know I haven't used it to it's full potential even with the stock lens that came with it.

Welcome to the TR. Thank you for taking the time to read through the posts and I'm so pleased you've subbed in. I also thank you for your kind comments and I'm so glad that you enjoyed sharing the pictures with your DS7. I hope you make it out with the kids to the west someday soon.

I'll try and share the occasional information about pictures when appropriate. I do try to keep it to a minimum as I'm conscious that not everyone is interested in photobabble.

The food porn look very appetizing during your night at EPCOT.

I always thought of trying of watching Illuminations from the upper level of the Japan Pavilion but I don't know why I don't like that spot to watch Illuminations. Your pictures of the fireworks trails from Illuminations are absolutely amazing. It looked like in your pictures that there was barely anyone around the Japan Pavilion during Illuminations.

I can never get tired of listening to Illuminations. It is one of my favorite nighttime show songs when I first seen Illuminations in the mid 90s.

That was neat that you were able to get a picture of Earth Globe when the bridge was raised. The pictures from WS without the guests are very nice and I will want to get pictures of the park when there are no guests in my shots. When you come back to Cali one day, I will stay up with you until we are asked to leave the parks.

Fantastic update from EPCOT.

Thanks Bret. Yes, you have a date for closing out the DLR parks in Cali at some stage.

That spot in Japan was a good one; but there are quite a few good spots round the lagoon. Where do you normally view it from?

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks Bret. Yes, you have a date for closing out the DLR parks in Cali at some stage.

That spot in Japan was a good one; but there are quite a few good spots round the lagoon. Where do you normally view it from?

When you come back to the U.S. and you have a specific date in mind, I will come down and we will attempt being in the park until we have to leave.

There are plenty of good spots around World Showcase Lagoon to watch Illuminations. I mostly watch Illuminations from center area right in between the two stores just when you enter WS from Future World.

Here is one of my pictures from watching Illuminations right next to stores at WS just when you enter FW to WS. 2011 WDW trip.

If you have read my trip report back in 2012 during the Halloween/Food & Wine Festival that we were in the handicapped section right next to one of the stores and had a nice decent spot. The center spot will always be my favorite spot no matter what.

I have tried a lot of different spots around the lagoon from Italy, UK, Japan, Canada, etc. My favorite spot will always be between the two stores at WS.

 

[Pinkocto]

I forgot to ask but did DS find any other fun items in Japan?

 

[jedijill]

Playing catch up now that I am home again. Gorgeous pictures! How cool to walk around the WS at night with fellow photographers!

Jill in CO

 

[ejud]

If you have read my trip report back in 2012 during the Halloween/Food & Wine Festival that we were in the handicapped section right next to one of the stores and had a nice decent spot. The center spot will always be my favorite spot no matter what.

I have tried a lot of different spots around the lagoon from Italy, UK, Japan, Canada, etc. My favorite spot will always be between the two stores at WS.

THAT is one great shot!

I have been FRC, front row center, ie, between the stores and it is the best, but unlike most places, best here is only slightly better than pretty much anywhere as long as you are on the fence. I have a secret spot that tends to be overlooked by others, gives me an unobstructed view, and usually is still empty at 8:45! That, and the HC area left of the center is where I do most of my videos from. The advantage of my secret spot is it is a bit more distant from the center and this I can get the whole show in the image. FRC is "too close" for the full image!

But again, great picture that!



Jud

 

[dolphingirl47]

I think the German pavilion looks like towns we saw along the Romantic Road. But then, that's the part of Germany that wasn't too badly bombed during WWII, isn't it?

The buildings come from all over Germany. The building I mentioned is the town hall of Frankfurt am Main, which is where I grew up. The castle in the back was inspired by two castles that can be found on the river Rhine and the river Mosel respectively. One of the shops was modeled on a historical department store in Freiburg and the Biergarten building is modeled on a building from Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Corinna

 

[franandaj]

I keep reading posts from my phone and forgetting to comment.

Your DS must really like Fish & Chips as somehow I see another similar meal in his future!

Great shots of the pavilions at night! You did tell me that you were "kicked out" of the park that evening. Seems to me you had a couple other late evenings in an empty park. I'm looking forward to seeing some of this shots as well!

And playing the"where were we" game I believe that's the night we made a meal from Ireland, Greece and one other country on that side of the WS. So close but yet so far!

 

[PrincessInOz]

When you come back to the U.S. and you have a specific date in mind, I will come down and we will attempt being in the park until we have to leave.

There are plenty of good spots around World Showcase Lagoon to watch Illuminations. I mostly watch Illuminations from center area right in between the two stores just when you enter WS from Future World.

Here is one of my pictures from watching Illuminations right next to stores at WS just when you enter FW to WS. 2011 WDW trip.

If you have read my trip report back in 2012 during the Halloween/Food & Wine Festival that we were in the handicapped section right next to one of the stores and had a nice decent spot. The center spot will always be my favorite spot no matter what.

I have tried a lot of different spots around the lagoon from Italy, UK, Japan, Canada, etc. My favorite spot will always be between the two stores at WS.

That's a great spot; and nice pictures, Bret. It's usually full by the time I get there.

I forgot to ask but did DS find any other fun items in Japan?

He bought the matching Mario hat to the Luigi one and he found a Kingdom Hearts t-shirt.

He was tempted with some of the Anime but decided to hang on to his cash instead.

Playing catch up now that I am home again. Gorgeous pictures! How cool to walk around the WS at night with fellow photographers!

Jill in CO

Welcome back! I know you had a great time and am looking forward to your TR.

Thanks for catching up. Really appreciate you finding the time to do so.

THAT is one great shot!

I have been FRC, front row center, ie, between the stores and it is the best, but unlike most places, best here is only slightly better than pretty much anywhere as long as you are on the fence. I have a secret spot that tends to be overlooked by others, gives me an unobstructed view, and usually is still empty at 8:45! That, and the HC area left of the center is where I do most of my videos from. The advantage of my secret spot is it is a bit more distant from the center and this I can get the whole show in the image. FRC is "too close" for the full image!

But again, great picture that!



Jud

Maybe you'll show me that special spot one of these days.

The buildings come from all over Germany. The building I mentioned is the town hall of Frankfurt am Main, which is where I grew up. The castle in the back was inspired by two castles that can be found on the river Rhine and the river Mosel respectively. One of the shops was modeled on a historical department store in Freiburg and the Biergarten building is modeled on a building from Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Corinna

I believe I've stayed in that Fortress castle on the top of Koblenz. It is a Youth Hostel and it was one of those "must-stay" hostels when we were backpacking around Europe. The view of the Rhine and Mosel confluence, especially at night, from up there was amazing!

We've also been to Rotherburg; but I've never been to Frankfurt.

I keep reading posts from my phone and forgetting to comment.

Your DS must really like Fish & Chips as somehow I see another similar meal in his future!

Great shots of the pavilions at night! You did tell me that you were "kicked out" of the park that evening. Seems to me you had a couple other late evenings in an empty park. I'm looking forward to seeing some of this shots as well!

And playing the"where were we" game I believe that's the night we made a meal from Ireland, Greece and one other country on that side of the WS. So close but yet so far!

DS does like Fish and Chips and yes, there is another similar meal coming up.

The shots of the other empty park? You'll have to wait and see.


You were on the other side of WS? Wow! We were close. I think goopysolelady mentioned she went on Soarin' on this night; so we were all in the same park!

 

[rentayenta]

Holy moly, your WS photos are amazing! Like wow! Like I may have to borrow one or three.

I agree, Tangerine serves good food, both veg head and with meat.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Holy moly, your WS photos are amazing! Like wow! Like I may have to borrow one or three.

I agree, Tangerine serves good food, both veg head and with meat.

Thanks.

Borrow away!