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

[amyrella]

Hello I've just read your report!! I'm totally normally a lurker and once and a while I'll post a comment. Letting you know I'm reading along!


What an awesome surprise sunshine received! How exciting! I love the pirates league! My daughter is all about princesses but maybe soon she would like to dO the pirates league as well!
Can't wait to read more!

 

[NLD]

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.

Hi Liza, Absolutely. Such a lovely, lovely gesture.

Hello I've just read your report!! I'm totally normally a lurker and once and a while I'll post a comment. Letting you know I'm reading along!


What an awesome surprise sunshine received! How exciting! I love the pirates league! My daughter is all about princesses but maybe soon she would like to dO the pirates league as well!
Can't wait to read more!

Hi amyrella, and welcome. Totally cool on the lurking, I am usually the same way on TRs, only occasional comments.

Pirates League was a great experience. Jenna (the CM who did Sunshine's makeover) was so gentle and sweet... even got my shy kiddo laughing. Even having to purchase the picture in the "secret room" at the end, it was sooo worth the price tag. Perhaps your daughter will grow into it!

 

[OziJo]

Another wonderful Disney moment for Sunshine!

We watched the Pirate Show from afar and though my girls were too old to have been chosen I know that they secretly would have loved to have fought Captain Jack

I'm going to show my girls your pictures of Sunshine and Captain Jack. They pretend to be cool about those sort of things but DD1 jumped up and down when they asked for volunteers for Indiana Jones and was over the moon about being picked, while DD2 was chuffed to have been the "Rebel Spy" on our 4th go at Star Tours. DD3 missed out and said to me just the other day she would have a liked to have taken part at some point.

I too am impressed by your dark ride photos and will take a note of your tips. We have a new DSLR and while we took some great shots we are certainly not doing it justice.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Hey Nicole, wanted to sing on real quick and say thanks for starting my morning off right. I had a few quick minutes before work this morning and was so happy to see an update....unfortunately I had to run out the door before I could comment Of course I hopped on here at work, and there's ANOTHER update already. You're a Trip Report MACHINE!

Stop telling people it's the camera taking your pictures! The tools do you no good if you don't know how to use them, and your shots came out beautifully!!! I didn't have the TV on for a Disney commercial to pop up while I was reading this morning, but trust me I heard One Republic off in the distance. Can't wait for another update! Maybe, if the planets all align, I'll have another one up soon too

 

[Lidian]

I came over from the Official TPL thread to read your experience. Now I'm hooked, so I am going to have to go back and read from the beginning! My kids did TPL in May and loved it. Your DD looks absolutely precious!!

Okay, off to read the beginning!

 

[PoppyGirl]

Ok, I just caught up with all the pixie dust....I am so amazed! And thrilled for your DD...and a little jealous too! Those kinds of stories are the ones that make me want to be a CM someday and sprinkle random pixie dust on other people...happiness makers!

That's just so very very cool. I hope that CM has it come back to them 100x over.

And I LOVE your photos. One of the things on my bucket list is to really learn how to use my dslr and take amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing. I'm enjoying your photos and your trip report!

 

[ajf1007]

Loved the update! Wow, now that is some Pixie Dust! Yay Sunshine! It really does warm the heart to know that things like this really do happen!!! I'm so happy for you and can't wait to see more! I also have to agree that your photo's are awesome! Even if I had your camera, I could never pull off those photos'. You have the eye for sure, which is what makes your photos come to life!!

I'm leaving in the morning for Vegas but I'm bringing my Ipad, specifically so I can read your updates as well as NateNLogansDad's updates! These may just be my two favorite TR's yet!

 

[lledman]

The pirate's league looks like soo much fun - may have to give it a try on our next trip down.

 

[NLD]

Whoa, lots of comments!

Okay, if I miss you, let me know!

Another wonderful Disney moment for Sunshine!

We watched the Pirate Show from afar and though my girls were too old to have been chosen I know that they secretly would have loved to have fought Captain Jack

I too am impressed by your dark ride photos and will take a note of your tips. We have a new DSLR and while we took some great shots we are certainly not doing it justice.

You know, Disney is all about being a kid at heart. It would be nice if every once in a while they picked an older kid. Here's hoping on your next trip, your kids get some participation!

....unfortunately I had to run out the door before I could comment Of course I hopped on here at work, and there's ANOTHER update already. You're a Trip Report MACHINE!

Stop telling people it's the camera taking your pictures! The tools do you no good if you don't know how to use them, and your shots came out beautifully!!! I didn't have the TV on for a Disney commercial to pop up while I was reading this morning, but trust me I heard One Republic off in the distance. Can't wait for another update! Maybe, if the planets all align, I'll have another one up soon too

Please don't feel like you have to comment all the time, though! I tend to lurk on other people's TRs so certainly won't be offended. As for the TR pace... just trying to capitalize on time off work. Plus it's good incentive to process the photos.

And... wow, thanks for the compliment. Now you made my night.

I came over from the Official TPL thread to read your experience. Now I'm hooked, so I am going to have to go back and read from the beginning! My kids did TPL in May and loved it. Your DD looks absolutely precious!!

Okay, off to read the beginning!

Hi and welcome, Lidian! If you do end up reading it all, there are lots more pirate-y moments involved.

Ok, I just caught up with all the pixie dust....I am so amazed! And thrilled for your DD...and a little jealous too! Those kinds of stories are the ones that make me want to be a CM someday and sprinkle random pixie dust on other people...happiness makers!

That's just so very very cool. I hope that CM has it come back to them 100x over.

And I LOVE your photos. One of the things on my bucket list is to really learn how to use my dslr and take amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing. I'm enjoying your photos and your trip report!

Yep, I can't stop gushing about the CMs who made our magical moments! They truly went above and beyond. Very special people.

And again, thanks for the compliment. You all are so nice. If you do find time to learn the DSLR, hop onto the photography board here on the Dis. They are so helpful there. The most recommended book for people just getting started is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It's an easy read, and usually gives folks lots of "aha!" moments.

Loved the update! Wow, now that is some Pixie Dust! Yay Sunshine! It really does warm the heart to know that things like this really do happen!!! I'm so happy for you and can't wait to see more! I also have to agree that your photo's are awesome! Even if I had your camera, I could never pull off those photos'. You have the eye for sure, which is what makes your photos come to life!!

I'm leaving in the morning for Vegas but I'm bringing my Ipad, specifically so I can read your updates as well as NateNLogansDad's updates! These may just be my two favorite TR's yet!

And... now I'm blushing... thanks.

And absolutely yes, it does warm the heart to know this stuff happens, doesn't it? That's the real magic for me... just the pure kindness of it.

The pirate's league looks like soo much fun - may have to give it a try on our next trip down.

It was fun, it was! I was a wee bit skeptical going in, but... man oh man, I don't dare say anything is underpriced in Disney, but... let's just say it was definitely worth the price!



Okay... next batch of photos has been sent to Flickr, so.... new update on the way.

 

[Lidian]

Hi and welcome, Lidian! If you do end up reading it all, there are lots more pirate-y moments involved.

I did read it all and loved it! How amazing that you got to meet Cap'n Jack and Mack! I'm super jealous, and I won't let DD see, otherwise, she'd be super jealous, too!

Lurking around waiting for more!

 

[NLD]

Crowds Zig, We Zig

Pirates League was a smashing success. The room was gorgeous, the cast members fantastic, and most important... Sunshine thoroughly enjoyed herself.

By now it was nearly 1:00 pm, and we were getting hungry! Even Pirate Empresses have to eat.

I talked up Columbia Harbor House, promising atypical theme park options. So we headed over.

Normally I don't take food photos. However, this sandwich is worthy of a shot:


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That, ladies and gentleman, is a Lighthouse Sandwich. It is light, refreshing, and scrumptious. Furthermore, it's veggie (though not vegan). Hummus, tomato, and slaw on a whole-grain bread.

Deliiiiiicious.

Carole and Deb also expressed happiness with their meals. (Don't remember what they got, we wolfed it down so fast!) They seemed pleasantly surprised to find fairly healthy options. And Sunshine was pleased with her Uncrustable and grapes.

After lunch, we exited CHH into Fantasyland. After all, no one goes to (the currently teeny-tiny) Fantasyland in the middle of the day, right?


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Well, whatever. We wanted to ride Small World. There won't actually be a line there, right?


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Now. I freely admit to being S-P-O-I-L-E-D. My previous Disney adult trips have been in September. The third week, to be precise... before Food and Wine starts... during hurricane season... when parents don't want to pull kids out of school yet. Carefully chosen for hot weather and low crowds.

After deciding Sunshine needed a birthday trip, I was thrilled to think that the end of January would have similarly low crowds.

Let me tell you, folks... I have never waited in a line like that for Small World, in September. NEVER. (And we rode it multiple days of the week, multiple times of day.)

The sign said 20 minutes, and that was about right. But at least it's a line that keeps moving.

Soon we boarded our boat and sailed away on the happiest voyage that ever was.


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Goodbye, Small World!

 

[corgi_monster]

Great TR! Wow, that is a crazy line for Small World. I've always known it to be a walk on as well. Your ride pics are great - so crisp and clear without being grainy. Do you remember what settings you used on your camera?

 

[NateNLogansDad]

We had crowds like that in May for Small World. I actually laughed when I saw a 20 minute wait, thinking that the times must be wrong.....nope 20 minutes meant 20 minutes! Loving the pics tonight! Thanks for the update!

 

[dara00]

catching up - amazing photos! And great experiences for Sunshine. I love that she loves Pirates!

I was there like a week before you and had no waits for Small World at all. I can't believe that line! Your photos put mine to shame!

 

[Lidian]

You take absolutely stunning pictures! Don't worry, I'm stealing them all to add to my TR.


I don't think we've ever waited more than 5-10 minutes for IASW, even during busy times.

 

[OziJo]

We had a 20min wait for IaSW as well. We enjoyed CHH as well. Your photos are amazing. I'm going to do a photography course to learn how to use my camera properly so I can take photos like yours.

 

[mike the canuck]

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.

Thanks

I just got a Canon Rebel T2i a few months ago. I really like it. I also feel it's a much better camera than I am photographer. lol. I have had a little experience with outdoor scenic night shots but that's about it. But that's a lot easier than trying to shoot moving subjects in low light. That's my challenge. Your tips are very helpful though

 

[NLD]

Good morning, everyone.

Great TR! Wow, that is a crazy line for Small World. I've always known it to be a walk on as well. Your ride pics are great - so crisp and clear without being grainy. Do you remember what settings you used on your camera?

Hi corgi_monster,

Settings for Small World: ISO 2000, shutter speed 1/125. In shutter-priority mode, so the camera chose the aperture. I was using the 50mm 1.4 lens.

Pretty sure I also had positive exposure compensation on, at least towards the end where the room is white. I often have at least some positive exposure compensation on, anyway... because if you shoot the photos to be slightly overexposed, you can bring the exposure down in post-processing and that helps reduce some of the noise.

It should be noted that I could have used a slower shutter speed and lower ISO. This was just a case of wanting really crisp images, and erring on the side of high ISO and fast shutter, counting on the camera to bail me out with the noise.

We had crowds like that in May for Small World. I actually laughed when I saw a 20 minute wait, thinking that the times must be wrong.....nope 20 minutes meant 20 minutes! Loving the pics tonight! Thanks for the update!

Right? Honestly... it was a Sunday and it was evening EMH that day, so I knew MK was not the best choice. Thing is... in September... even EMH parks were totally manageable. This trip? Not quite the same. It felt crowded everywhere.

catching up - amazing photos! And great experiences for Sunshine. I love that she loves Pirates!

I was there like a week before you and had no waits for Small World at all. I can't believe that line! Your photos put mine to shame!

Hmmmmm. Maybe that third week in January is better? It's so strange... crowd predictions were 1s and 2s for our trip, with 5 and 6 on the weekend. This day in MK should have been a crowd level 5. If this was a 5, I don't want to see 10!

Part of the problem is the number of refurbs, though. Just less space to accommodate all the people. MK always felt crowded, the whole trip.

You take absolutely stunning pictures! Don't worry, I'm stealing them all to add to my TR.


I don't think we've ever waited more than 5-10 minutes for IASW, even during busy times.

Right.... Small World should be a walk-on! Or at least, in the middle of the day, 10 minutes... right?

We had a 20min wait for IaSW as well. We enjoyed CHH as well. Your photos are amazing. I'm going to do a photography course to learn how to use my camera properly so I can take photos like yours.

A photography course would be fun! It's always in the back of my mind to sign up for one some day, but never have the time. (Strange work hours.)

At least we weren't the only ones with a 20 min SW wait.

Thanks

I just got a Canon Rebel T2i a few months ago. I really like it. I also feel it's a much better camera than I am photographer. lol. I have had a little experience with outdoor scenic night shots but that's about it. But that's a lot easier than trying to shoot moving subjects in low light. That's my challenge. Your tips are very helpful though

Ahhh, a Canon shooter! On a Nikon TR... is that allowed? Just kidding.

The Disboards Photography forum has some great low-light shooters... it was there that I read the suggestion of using shutter-priority, and wow, does it work!

 

[NLD]

Pool Time

After Small World, our first priority was to get out of Fantasyland! It was just so crowded, with those narrow walkways.

We exited Fantasyland using the walkway next to the castle.


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There, away from the worst of the crowds, we talked about what to do next.

We had Fastpasses for Jungle Cruise and Splash Mountain. (Acquired at some point that morning.) But none of us particularly felt like fighting the crowds in Adventureland and Frontierland again.

Carole and Deb wanted to shop on Main Street. And I knew Sunshine would enjoy swimming. It was a gorgeous day, and we had the time, because we could come back to the park later and stay late.

So we split up, with plans to meet at Wilderness Lodge for our 5:05 dinner at Whispering Canyon.

Sunshine and I headed towards Main Street and the park exit.


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I had one last stop to make on our way out... Guest Services. We stopped and left a positive comment card about our meet-and-greet, doing our best to explain the circumstances and cast members involved.

Then we boarded the boat for Wilderness Lodge. On our way onto the boat, the captain handed Sunshine some Mickey stickers.

This was our first experience taking the boat to our resort, and we loved it. Relaxing, peaceful... there was only one other family on the boat, and it felt great to be out of the crowds.


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We walked through the courtyard and into the Lodge. I snapped some pictures along the way.


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Back inside, Sunshine changed into her swim suit. Then we hit the pool!


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Are you all sick of sun-flare shots yet?


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She swam while I watched from the side.


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She quickly discovered the slide... and went down it over and over and over (and over).


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The sunshine and water were exactly what we needed. No lines, no agenda... just pure fun.

At some point Carole and Deb found us there. They'd had fun shopping on Main Street. Deb had bought Matt (her son, my dh) a baseball cap.

Soon I had to pull Sunshine from the pool, to get ready for dinner. Deb and Carole offered to take her upstairs to change. So I stayed outside in that glorious weather, sat in the smoking area, and relaxed.

Eventually I made my way to Whispering Canyon. The other three weren't there yet. The place was busy, and I started to worry about losing our ADR. Finally they showed up. We stood in line to check-in. While waiting, Sunshine found a pressed penny machine, and made a penny. Then we checked in, got our buzzer and headed to the gift shop.

As soon as we got to the gift shop, the buzzer went off. Oh well... we'd already spent plenty of money there so far, and would be back!

Dinner was nice. I probably wouldn't return for an adults-only group, but Sunshine loved the antics. She had great fun carrying ketchup bottles around the restaurant.

And the food was good. I got the skillet, and my favorite items were the salad, corn bread, and mashed potatoes! And they brought the corn bread to the whole table. So next time, I'd probably just order off the menu. Just way too much meat on that skillet.

Sunshine didn't wear her birthday button to dinner, but it came out during conversation with our server that this was her birthday trip. So sure enough, at dessert, Sunshine got another small sprinkling of pixie dust:


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All in all, a successful, relaxing afternoon!

 

[mike the canuck]

Ahhh, a Canon shooter! On a Nikon TR... is that allowed? Just kidding.

The Disboards Photography forum has some great low-light shooters... it was there that I read the suggestion of using shutter-priority, and wow, does it work!

Oh... I didn't know it was like that. lol jk


Thanks for the help