Breaking All the Rules: Pirates, Pixie Dust, and Pictures... a January 2012 Report

[NLD]

Wonderful Pixie Dust! Moment. Oh don't we all have a crash on Captain Jack Sparrow? Well all the girls in my family do. BTW Johnny Depp's split up with his partner just recently but I'm with Sunshine Captain Jack's the one.

Looking forward to more

Indeed... when she first admitted her crush, I told her, "That's okay, a lot of women have a crush on him."

So I did read right that he and Vanessa broke up! Still a bit old for Sunshine, though...

 

[NLD]

Let's finish up that first night! Updates coming... and maybe I'll give in and finally explain the sender of the mystery basket.

 

[NLD]

The Mysterious Magic-Maker (and Some Castle Gazing)

While Sunshine admired her mystery basket, Carole and Deb came in the room.

They expressed surprise and smiled, too.

And finally, I told the truth about this basket.

As some know, this January included many refurbs. The last refurb announced was Main Street Electrical Parade--and at that point I couldn't hold back the disappointment. The nighttime parade (Spectro in 2009) had been one of Sunshine's favorite events.

I posted about my disappointment, trying to stay optimistic but still quite sad, and sent an email to Disney.

Shortly afterward, someone made contact. This gentleman, who asked to remain anonymous, said he'd seen my disappointment and knew this was a birthday trip for my daughter. He said he was a cast member and would like to make it up to us. He then asked for our resort, dates of travel, last name on the reservation, Sunshine's first name, and her favorite character.

I provided the info. He made contact again to say everything was arranged. We would find a surprise in our hotel room.

But that wasn't the end. He'd had another idea, another way to make Sunshine's birthday trip magical. He outlined the idea and asked if we'd be interested. Yes! Yes!

So I finally shared this story with Sunshine, Deb, and Carole. Everyone thought this was a stellar example of Disney's customer service.

I'd kept this secret for over a month--just in case the surprise didn't come through. But now that the gift basket had arrived, it seemed safe to tell Sunshine about Part Two of the magic. So I did, and she was thrilled.

(And nope, I'm not telling you yet what Part Two is! You have to keep reading to find out! )

After the excitement over the basket, we finally grabbed our coats. As we did, I glanced out our window, and we found more magic--from our standard view, we could see the castle glimmering through the trees! We hadn't noticed during the day, but now lit up, there it was, shining purple.

But we couldn't stand around admiring the view. We had to get to Magic Kingdom!

So at last, Sunshine and I headed to the bus stop!


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After a short ride, we arrived to discover the fireworks had started. We watched from outside the gates. I took a few handheld shots.


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Then we went in to contend with the hordes on Main Street.


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And catch our first glimpse of the castle.


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The crowds were out-of-this-world. We reached a point, near the hub, of complete gridlock. No one could move in any direction. It took ages just to walk up that street and to the castle.

Finally, though, we did... just in time for the Magic, Memories, and You castle show.

Sunshine wanted to watch from smack dab in front of the castle. By this time, the crowds there had cleared, so there was space. I wasn't thrilled, because it wasn't the best angle for picture-taking. But this was her trip, so I agreed.

And at this point, I made a rookie photography mistake. I'd brought two lenses to the park that night: the 50 1.4 and the 28 2.8. The 50mm was on the camera. As we stood in the dark, waiting for the show, I swapped the 50 for the 28.

Or so I thought.

Halfway through the show it occurred to me that yeah, even though we're RIGHT in front, I should be able to get more of the castle in the frame! This is weird!

What did not occur to me was that I'd removed the 50mm, taken out the 28mm... and put the 50mm right back on.

So the entire show was shot with a 50mm lens. (Sigh.)

Before the show:


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During the show:


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Isn't Dumbo cute? We'd see more of him later in the trip.


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We loved this next part of the show...


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So pretty, looked like stained glass.


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[OziJo]

Regardless of your photographic mistake the photos of MM&Y are beautiful. we were too far away to get any decent photos.

And that picture at the bus stop made me think of our home away from homeThank you

 

[NLD]

Hey! That's My Name, Too!

After the show, we walked to Adventure Land.

Sunshine knew which ride she wanted first.


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So humming along, we joined the line.

This entire night, Sunshine wore her birthday button (and ears). People constantly wished her a happy birthday. Awesome experience.

This time, as we reached the loading area, the cast member working saw her and sure enough, said "Happy Birthday!" Then... "Hey, we have the same name! Spelled the same way." She smiled and said, "Go to the first row."

More magic!


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Sunshine enjoyed finding Jack Sparrow throughout the ride.


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White balance on this shot.... oy.


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After our Jack Sparrow-gazing fest, we discussed Splash Mountain. Sunshine rode it in 2009, but was terrified then and cried the entire time. However, she'd been saying she wanted to try again. However, she did not want to ride in the dark.

So we wandered into Fantasyland. Sunshine wanted to do Small World, but before we'd left the room, Deb and Carole had requested that we save that ride to do with them. So we settled on Philharmagic.


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Philharmagic made us smile, as always. And yes, Sunshine tried to grab the 3D objects.

For our last attraction of the night...


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Ahhh, a classic. A top favorite for both of us.

Part of the attraction for me is the photographic challenge. It is so dark in Haunted Mansion. And there's a particular scene I'm determined to one day conquer: the musicians in the graveyard. Would it be this time?


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Here it comes...


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Alas. Not quite a success, but better than past attempts.


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In fact the entire ride felt like a bust, photographically speaking. Okay but not great... just a bit soft and a bit noisy. Figured I'd have another chance, but we never did get back to Haunted Mansion. Of course the ride experience itself was tons of fun.

After the ride, we went back to Adventure land. I grabbed a Dole Whip float and smoked a cigarette in the smoking area. (First Dole Whip of the trip!)

The park would stay open another couple hours, but we were tired. And we had some appointments to keep in the morning. Including Part Two of the magic from our mysterious cast member benefactor!

So we took the bus back to Wilderness Lodge, recounted our adventures to Deb and Carole, and fell asleep.

 

[NLD]

And that picture at the bus stop made me think of our home away from homeThank you

OziJo, it's funny how the little things are what "brings it back," isn't it?

 

[NLD]

Look! It's Blackbeard's Daughter!

Sunday, January 29.

We awoke, showered, and dressed.

Soon we were traveling to the Magic Kingdom.


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By 9:30 am, we were entering the gates.


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First order of business? Fastpass Splash? Dash to Space Mountain? Jump in line for Peter Pan?

Oh no. We don't follow Disney time management rules, remember?

The first order of business, for us, is the Emporium. At 9:30 in the morning.

So far we've broken two rules now: get to rope drop., and use the first hour for headliners.

But it's okay, because this trip is all about Sunshine, with a secondary goal of making sure Carole and Deb enjoy themselves, too. And Carole and Deb love to shop.

Sunshine and I bought a lanyard, a few pins, (now that she owned some pins!) and... oops, an autograph book. (Sunshine had left her brand new one, purchased the previous day at Wilderness Lodge, in the room.) We all bought Minnie ears.

Outside, we donned our ears.


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A cast member wandered by, took my camera, and motioned for me to get in the picture. So sweet!


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Then we crossed the street to Main Street Bakery. A daunting line awaited us, but we braved it and came out with an iced vanilla latte, coffee, and pastries.

Now we were short on time, so we took our goodies to...


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We reached our destination: the stage across from Pirates of the Caribbean. This was where Part Two of the magic from our mystery cast member would happen. We found a low wall, and sat down to eat and wait.


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While waiting, I scanned the area, searching. Hmmm. No one who appears to be looking for us... yet. We'd been instructed to arrive for the first show a little early, but apparently we were too early.

Just before 10:15, a female cast member approached. "Are you Nicole, by any chance?" she asked.

"Hi, yes! Jennifer?"

"Yes," she said. "Everything is arranged. And is this Sunshine?"

I told her yes, and she said hi to Sunshine. She gave us brief instructions, then left.

The crowd around us was thickening, and sure enough, it was time. The Pirate Tutorial started. Within moments, this guy appeared on stage:


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Followed by this guy:


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Captain Jack needed volunteers for the show. He picked three kids with their hands in the air. And then, last but not least, "And I must have you, with that pirate shirt!" And he brought Sunshine on stage.


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Captain Jack and Mack demonstrated how pirates fight.


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Then it was the kids' turn. Three children fought Mack...

And then it was Sunshine's turn. Only she would fight Captain Sparrow himself.


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Like a good pirate, when she knew she couldn't win, she tried to distract. "Look, it's Blackbeard's daughter!" she cried.


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But ohhh.... "She's not that attractive!" Captain Jack responded.

Poor kid... what to do?

What do all women do when our men don't behave as we'd like?

That's right, roll our eyes and sigh.


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The audience cheered the kids and the show continued.


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The kids got their scrolls...


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And pledged to be good little pirates.


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Then Jack ran off stage, Mack wrapped up the show, and it was over!

Sunshine had fought Captain Jack Sparrow!

 

[NLD]

The Most Magical Moment

After the Pirate Tutorial show, we stood off to the side and exclaimed over Sunshine's heroic fighting.

Soon Jennifer (the cast member who'd greeted us before the show) arrived and beckoned to us.

We followed her through the gate that leads to a cast-member-only space behind the stage.

Captain Jack and Mack were waiting for us.

They were quite in character, and they made a big deal over Sunshine. They asked how old she was, and when she said eight, Mack pretended to mishear and said "Oh, eighteen?" Then it became a recurring joke.... Sunshine, age 18.

After some banter, Mack and Captain Jack signed their autographs.

Then they patiently posed for endless pictures.


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Finally we said goodbye, thanked everyone profusely, and wandered back into Adventure Land, laughing and smiling from Minnie-ear to Minnie-ear!

 

[NLD]

The Only One

After our adventure, we had to stop and debrief. The smoking area seemed like a good spot, so I could get my nicotine fix.

First Carole and Sunshine discussed our special meet-and-greet.


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We all had to check in with our husbands to share the excitement of our morning.


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And Sunshine had to admire her autographs.


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She had been quiet in the meet-and-greet. (She's shy.) But surrounded by just family again, she was brimming with smiles and chatter. In fact, she declared this was "the best day of my life!"

I said to Sunshine, "Do you know you are the only one in all of Disney World right now who got Captain Jack's autograph? You are the only one who got to meet him."

From then on, for the rest of the trip, she'd turn to me at random moments and grin and say, "Mommy, I'm the only one who has Jack Sparrow's autograph!"


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Post script: I cannot say enough good things about this whole experience, and only wish I could give the cast member who arranged it all--the gift basket, the Tutorial, the meet-and-greet--a huge, warm hug. This gentleman, whoever he is, went so far above and beyond for us... and it is something we'll never forget.

It wasn't just meeting a rare character, it wasn't just getting complimentary gifts. What was MOST special was simply knowing this effort was made for us, four random guests out of a throng of thousands.

Just knowing that someone out there, someone who doesn't even know us, would arrange all this... to coordinate with other cast members, to make the phone calls (or whatever he had to do!), to spend the time... it makes me believe in people, in humanity.

[/end gushing]

 

[mike the canuck]

Following along. Nice Pics! I'm impressed with your Dark Ride photos. Any tips?
What kind of camera did you use?

 

[lledman]

what an amazing birthday surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[zeferjen]

Loving your trip report! Can't wait to see what happens next. Your dd is such a sweetie, I am so happy for her.

 

[LONES]

LOVE Sunshine's birthday surprise.... LOVE Disney!!! I just can't hear this story enough!!!!

 

[NLD]

what an amazing birthday surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi lledman, thanks for joining! Yes, we were completely humbled by the whole thing and felt very fortunate.

Loving your trip report! Can't wait to see what happens next. Your dd is such a sweetie, I am so happy for her.

Ohhh, thanks zeferjen!

The most spectacular pixie dust moment is now over, but there is more to come. We were sort of flabbergasted at how it followed us this trip. Sunshine was a pixie-dust magnet.

LOVE Sunshine's birthday surprise.... LOVE Disney!!! I just can't hear this story enough!!!!

Lones, so nice to see you "over here." Totally with you on loving Disney! Magic truly comes alive there.

 

[NLD]

Following along. Nice Pics! I'm impressed with your Dark Ride photos. Any tips?
What kind of camera did you use?

Hi Mike the Canuck. (Love the screen name.)

Wanted to respond to you individually since it's photography shoptalk.

Dark ride photos... well, two tips:

(1) Shutter speed priority mode, a fast lens, and the highest ISO your camera can handle. I use 1/60 second for the shutter speed. That's about as low as I can go with my heavy camera, on a moving ride, and still come up with reasonably crisp shots.

Some people suggest aperture priority mode, selecting the widest aperture you can. I've done it this way but don't any longer. Why? Because then sometimes my camera was selecting shutter speeds that were too long. In shutter priority, the camera usually chooses the widest aperture anyway--and if it doesn't need the widest aperture, it'll go smaller, and then it's just a bonus because you get more depth of field in the image.

(2) Get the best camera and lens you can afford. You asked about my camera. I use a lovely bit of equipment that is a MUCH better camera than I am a photographer. And don't feel guilty about it, either... I figure it's people like me that actually need the good equipment. It's a Nikon DSLR (D700). And yes, it's crazy good at high ISOs. Low-light is truly one time where the equipment makes a difference.

Do you shoot with a DSLR? They are much better at higher ISOs than point-and-shoots. But if you have a good point-and-shoot (and the technology is getting better all the time), and you have a shutter priority mode, you can still pull out some shots.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

joining in.......you girls look like you are having a ball!!!!

 

[NLD]

joining in.......you girls look like you are having a ball!!!!

Hi and welcome, Victoriasmom! Yep, we had a blast. Thanks for joining!

Was just getting started on the next update...

 

[NLD]

Again? Of Course!

Once we finished our debrief of the meet-and-greet, it was time for Deb and Carole's first ride of the trip.

So obviously, we went here:


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And yes... more pictures! I tried different shots and perspectives this time, but couldn't resist some stand-bys.


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(Yes, that shot of Jack must be taken each and every time on the ride.)

Deb and Carole thought they remembered POTC from their trips years ago, and I confirmed it was a classic.

One thing though about Deb's experience in particular... she was awe-struck by how different everything was from her 1976 trip to Magic Kingdom!

She kept remarking on the landscaping, the detailing, and how the parks were so "filled in." She remembered Magic Kingdom as (in her words) big open spaces. The ambiance and theming drew her in.

 

[Liza111577]

Oh my gosh!! What an awesome surprise!!

What that CM did for you guys was absolutely amazing! Your daughter is a very lucky girl!!

I love hearing about Disney magic, truly warms my heart to know there are people out there who care and aren't looking to do something just so they can get something in return.
Putting a smile on your daughter's face was enough for him.

 

[NLD]

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, Pirates League, Yippee!

After the ride, it was time to check in for Sunshine's pirate makeover.


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While we waited to be called, Carole spotted someone she wanted to meet. So I took the picture for her.


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Soon after, we were invited into the Pirates League.

First order of business: discover Sunshine's pirate name:


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Turns out her secret pirate name is Nell Burnsteel.

Then we sat down to wait for Sunshine's pirate mistress (is that what they're called?).

While waiting, I took pictures of the room. (Gorgeous.)


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Finally Sunshine's pirate mistress arrived, led Sunshine to a chair, and prepped her makeup and hair. (Master? Mistress can't be right, can it? Anyway, her name was Jenna!)


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Next, the skull and crossbones tattoo.


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Nailpolish...


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Eyes, lips, and blush...


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( Anyone want to name that picture? Something about torturous female rituals? )


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The silver hoop earring...


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And the bandana.


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She got her pirate goody bag and took the pirate oath.


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Flubbed up a bit at the end... and received some admonishment on how it was really a simple oath after all...


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But was eventually declared a New Pirate Empress!


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