Back to the West 2014

[jenseib]

Catching back up and just loving all the pictures. I hope Claire will take time to meet characters this year. She's been pretty iffy with meets the last few years. I guess she is too cool now

 

[Xenorye]

How do you find out when the characters will be out? Do you just ask a CM?

 

[WDWAtLast]

Yay!! A new TR!! Off to catch up, but i had to say that although I also have an 8th grade daughter (who is now taller than me) I was shocked at how grown up Katie is!! How did that happen? Especially since we are still 29!!


Edited: All caught up!! Your photos are suburb - as usual!! I have been MIA on the Disboards for a while (and then hung out on the Universal side for our March trip) - what is this I hear about a new camera?? Congrats! Off to stalk the photography board to see what you have now!

 

[mom2rtk]

Oh my! I really got behind. Sorry about that!

That parade/party looks so colorful and fun! I have never seen pictures like these. (Except for maybe in your TR last year.) To be honest, I don't need much of an excuse, but
finding new things to do is always a plus. Hee hee hee

Thanks Tina. We really enjoyed the entire Viva Navidad experience this time. Last year we sort of just tasted it a little. I also wanted to eat there, but Katie wanted hot dogs. Oy. And since we were eating while sitting along the curb, I thought hot dogs might work better than tacos.

We still need to figure some things out, but we booked a room at the Tropicana tonight! We saw rates starting to inch up, so we decided to book now. No deposit down, can cancel up to 48 hrs before..so no reason not to book!



I rented an 18-200 for our last Disney trip and I did use it for the majority of my pictures...so I can definitely see use to owning one for myself and not renting. I'd be open to renting a better low-light lens than the 50mm, though. Maybe renting that 17-55 2.8 would be a good idea.

How are Sigma lenses? I could buy the Sigma 17-55 f/2.8 instead of the canon 18-200...and I can see how that would be a very versatile lens and definitely worth it. The canon version is a bit out of the budget range right now though.

I'm still fairly new to this DSLR world I've used it enough since I got it a few years ago to be able to use it in manual fairly well, but I'd love to take a photography class or 2 at some point to learn more.

Well yeah on booking a room for the trip! It's always nice to have a plan, even if it's one you might change later. You're right though.... no reason not to pin it down.

I love using my 17-55 f/2.8 at Disney. But you need to decide if you want to shoot any dark rides because 2.8 usually isn't fast enough. If you want to shoot dark rides, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is awesome.

Sigma lenses can be great. Or not great, depending on the lens and the copy you get. The bit thing has been front (or back) focusing issues. But they are great to work with. I sent 2 of them in for calibration (free under warranty) and they were spot on when I got them back.

Have you checked out the price of used Canon lenses? I know the price of that Canon 17-55 lens has come down in the years since I bought mine. So I would think used prices would be even better.

There have been many discussions on the photography forum about which lens to buy in that range. Generally I think the Tamron (non VC) is seen as better than the Sigma. But I wanted stabilization and the VC version wasn't as well reviewed. That's how I ended up biting the bullet and going with Canon. But that might not be an issue for you if you don't care about stabilization.

Love the 3 Caballeros shots! And I am sad again that the Silly Swings were closed the last time we went. But it's something new for my kids to experience next time. Also, why does Katie look way more grown up and sophisticated and pretty at 14 than I did at like 21? ;-)

Thanks Jaina. What a sweet thing to say. I think she does look very grown up in some of these photos. But she still acts very much like a teenager. Oy.

I hope the Silly Swings are open for you next time. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed them.

What colourful shots this set contain. Love all that 3 Caballeros costuming.

Love your shots with Mickey and Minnie!

Thanks PiO! The characters at Viva Navidad were all SO much fun.

Awesome character meets, love it! Seems like a super fun day.

Thanks ArwenMarie! It sure was a great day for us character hunters!

 

[mom2rtk]

Once again, sorry for how far behind I was. I hadn't been getting alerts for some reason.

Love, Love, the vibe of the Navidad Street Party/Parade! It looks like a lot of fun- bright and festive. Although, it does kinda look like that drummer is not too happy with the mariachi guitar player encroaching on his space. Maybe he spotted a Hollywood talent guy in the crowd...?

Plus, that Fly Girl Minnie outfit - never seen that before and it's one of the best I've seen her in. It has a great early '50s throwback feel to it. Walt would have loved that one....

It really was a great vibe, so uniquely Disneyland!

The drummer and the guitar player had sort of a "thing" going, a bit of a competition to play the best. They kept switching off spots and showing off their skill. It was really a lot of fun. I totally missed all of that last year by not knowing how the parade worked. Down on the other end we really just caught a tiny bit of what was going on. It was more of a street show instead of a parade, and thankfully some nice DIS members (cough.... Bret..... cough) let me know where to be this time for the best view.

Would you say it's magical?

LOL, I'm really behind aren't I? But yes, magical. And thanks for the reminder to keep posting in an oh so magical fashion!

And now it will be your turn to be behind since you're at Disney as I'm posting this!

Magic the way it always should be. Absolutely love it

Honestly, it's no exaggeration or misuse of the term "magical" here. The whole experience was awesome and we left the area completely happy with what we had experienced.

Another very nice day at DCA. Great shots with the characters and especially at the Viva Navidad event at Paradise Pier.

Nice to see you were able to get the good spot to watch the Viva Navidad Street Party. I enjoyed watching the Street Party during the holiday season last year and will definitely have to see it again later this year.

Bret, your advice on where to sit/stand was spot on. Such a great way to enjoy the show! Thanks again!

Love those photos of Mickey & Minnie..and Goofy too! And the photo op with the 3 Cabelleros is pretty awesome. The Viva Navidad celebration seems really fun.

I highly recommend experiencing this for yourself one day. Lots of fun. Finding the Three Caballeros was definitely a highlight of our trip.

I absolutely love the Viva Navidad party/section. We always try to catch the show more than once when we visit during the holiday season.

How long have they been doing this? Was it new last year?

I can totally see doing it more than once. It's a lot of fun.

those photos of the Viva Navidad parade are terrific. You really captured the movement of the dancers with their swirling skirts.

Thanks Cormoran! I love when Disney puts beautiful things in front of me to photograph!

 

[mom2rtk]

Catching back up and just loving all the pictures. I hope Claire will take time to meet characters this year. She's been pretty iffy with meets the last few years. I guess she is too cool now

Thanks Jen!

This year? Does that mean you have plans???

I don't think it's uncommon for kids to go through a phase where they are less outgoing and willing to meet the characters. I think part of the reason Katie is so into it is that she now researches DL stuff for herself online. And I think it's more cool for a teen to be into Disney than it is for a tween. I'll be curious to hear how Clarie does this year!

How do you find out when the characters will be out? Do you just ask a CM?

Well, I'm embarrassed to say that last year I didn't even know they had special Viva Navidad characters out! I saw photos from another poster on the Christmas superthread Sherry runs. I was so mad at myself for having missed them last year and decided they had to be a priority this year. We just went over to that area in the morning and asked some CM's when they would be out. The schedule seemed to be sort of fluid, but they gave us updates and it really didn't take long to finally catch them all.

Yay!! A new TR!! Off to catch up, but i had to say that although I also have an 8th grade daughter (who is now taller than me) I was shocked at how grown up Katie is!! How did that happen? Especially since we are still 29!!


Edited: All caught up!! Your photos are suburb - as usual!! I have been MIA on the Disboards for a while (and then hung out on the Universal side for our March trip) - what is this I hear about a new camera?? Congrats! Off to stalk the photography board to see what you have now!

LOL isn't it an amazing coincidence that we are both 29 and have 8th grade kids!

I'm so glad you found the new trip report! I still have a lot of ground to cover.

No need to stalk the photography board. I got a Canon 6D last fall and absolutely love it!

And as an FYI.... you can click on any photo posted from Flickr and usually see what camera, lens and settings were used. I love that about Flickr!

 

[mom2rtk]

Sunday December 7, 2014 Continued:



Because the Christmas parade was only running during the day on the weekend, we needed to see it that day. Since we watched on Main Street during the day last year, I wanted a different view so we headed into DL and straight back to the Small World area. It was around 2:35 and Main Street was already packed. I started to worry the farther we got into the park that we would not find a good spot. We finally found room almost all the way out to Small World. I enjoyed this new view of the parade, with the Matterhorn in the background.


A view of what the hub looks like during Candlelight Processional weekend:


IMG_2363 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


Here it Comes! by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2396 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2401 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2408 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Merry Christmas Mickey and Minnie by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2430 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2431 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2438 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2441 by mom2rtk, on Flickr



The snowflake skaters didn't have snowflake either of the times we saw the parade this year. I'm curious if anyone saw them in their snowflakes this year or if they completely ditched them.

IMG_2454 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2460 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2464 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Elsa by Day by mom2rtk, on Flickr
IMG_2477 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2486 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[mom2rtk]

Sunday December 7, 2014 Continued:

IMG_2493 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2498 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2504 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2507 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2510 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

A Dream is a Wish by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Beauty and her Beast by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2524 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2529 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2542 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2548 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2553 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2564 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2566 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2577 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2582 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Maybe Santa Lives on the Matterhorn? by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_2592 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[ScrapYap]

Wow -- Belle looked right into your lens!! Beautiful photos - so crisp.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Great shots!

 

[KCmike]

Always a fun read Janet and the pictures this year are outstanding as usual. I'm impressed of what you were able to pull out of the new camera on those WoC images that were HAND HELD! You daughter looks so grown up. Wow. Also glad to hear you had a good experience with LAX. We are doing the opposite this year and are flying into SNA. We got some crazy ridiculous prices out of Denver as we plan a stop there as well this summer. We are officially calling this our last hurrah with the kids. If they go with us on other trips then they will have to pay as the belt has been tightened for my twins college fund. Our plan this summer is to spend 3 days on the beach in Santa Barbara (never been in this area of CA), 3 nights in Yosemite, and then 5 nights in DL. Should be interesting. Now on with the show.....

 

[jhoannam]

So excited to read the new trip report!

 

[mvf-m11c]

I will have to see the Candlelight Processional one day. Great pictures from ACF parade. Hopefully ACF parade will be playing this year during the holiay season with the 60th anniversary going on.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great shots of the Christmas parade. Really enjoying your TR.

 

[missangelalexis]

Your parade photos are awesome! Those puffy snowmen are the cutest!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Great updates!

 

[czmom]

Gorgeous photos as always Janet! I love the Matterhorn in the background.

 

[mom2rtk]

Wow -- Belle looked right into your lens!! Beautiful photos - so crisp.

Thanks ScrapYap! My new theory is that the characters look for the best cameras in the crowd to look at! Seriously though, I ended up with a fair number of nice poses from characters looking straight at me.

Remind me.... have you been to DLR?

Great shots!

Thanks Tina!

Always a fun read Janet and the pictures this year are outstanding as usual. I'm impressed of what you were able to pull out of the new camera on those WoC images that were HAND HELD! You daughter looks so grown up. Wow. Also glad to hear you had a good experience with LAX. We are doing the opposite this year and are flying into SNA. We got some crazy ridiculous prices out of Denver as we plan a stop there as well this summer. We are officially calling this our last hurrah with the kids. If they go with us on other trips then they will have to pay as the belt has been tightened for my twins college fund. Our plan this summer is to spend 3 days on the beach in Santa Barbara (never been in this area of CA), 3 nights in Yosemite, and then 5 nights in DL. Should be interesting. Now on with the show.....

Mike! Sorry I didn't notice you weren't here and sent up the bat signal!

Your trip sounds heavenly. You will relish every moment with the family. We're having our own sort of last hurrah with Robbie graduating college next month. We're heading to Sanibel in June and he is actually coming along this time.

Remind me when the twins will graduate high school?

Thanks for the kind words on the shots. I actually hand held my shots last year as well with my old camera and a 2.8 lens. The trick at WoC is to get a fast shutter speed since the projections change so often anyway. Although it would be kind of fun to try some longer shots with all that moving water.

Things definitely went smoothly for us at LAX. I'm glad we tried it. I just keep going back and forth on whether I prefer the direct flight or one that changes planes just so I can get up and move around.

So excited to read the new trip report!

So glad you found us!

 

[mom2rtk]

I will have to see the Candlelight Processional one day. Great pictures from ACF parade. Hopefully ACF parade will be playing this year during the holiay season with the 60th anniversary going on.

Thanks Bret! I think a lot of people are waiting anxiously to see what happens with the Christmas parade this year. We're leaning more toward Halloween season this year, but I can see a lot of people would be disappointed to have a holiday season without that parade.

Great shots of the Christmas parade. Really enjoying your TR.

Thanks PiO! One of the up sides of waiting so long to do my TR is that it's a real treat to go back in and revisit all the things we enjoyed so much. The parade was definitely a highlight.

Your parade photos are awesome! Those puffy snowmen are the cutest!

Thanks. You picked Katie's favorite. She loves those snowmen. Maybe it's because they are unique to DL's Christmas parade.

Great updates!

Thanks ArwenMarie! So glad you're reading along. We'll turn you into a west coast convert yet!

Gorgeous photos as always Janet! I love the Matterhorn in the background.

Thanks Wendy! I was really happy with our spot for the parade. I love the shots with the Matterhorn in the background.

 

[Jaina]

Beautiful shots! Hope to see a Christmas parade someday. We actually prefer to watch parades right next to Small World. You can get a good spot so much later in the game!