Bunnies and mooses and groupies, Oh my!!! The Wilderness Lodge groupies thread. 4.0

[wildernessDad]

I can't believe it's been 2.5 hours between posts here. So, I'll go again!

My fellow groupies, it's hitting me hard today. The anticipation about being in our beloved Lodge with my grand daughter, is sending me through the roof!

My daughter called me to tell me that my grand daughter asked if she would see grand dad and asked if we were going on the train (the MK train). My daughter said yes, and my grand daughter said that she wanted to hold the tickets. She thinks tickets are required to get on the train! Cute! The weather guesstimates look decent, so it will be a very very happy time, if all goes according to plan of course.

My grand daughter loves trains and cars and hates hats! I hope she can tolerate her grand father in a hat at WDW.

 

[Granny]

Granny

That tree belongs to us. You probably recognize some of the ornaments. Jim(magicalmcwho) has given us ornaments as a gift to adorn our tree over a couple of trips. We are fortunately going to be sharing with a groupie, DizneyNutzy, later on.

Thanks, I couldn't remember Jim's screen name. Your tree looks great and I'm not surprised to hear you are generously sharing your tree with others.


Kathy...if you don't mind my asking, what kind of camera do you use? I know that good pictures are mostly the result of someone who knows what they're doing, but those are really spectacular results especially at night. We're looking for a camera so I thought I'd ask.

To all Groupies at WDW (and those still counting down), have a magical time at the happiest place on earth!

 

[bonrea]

Kathy...if you don't mind my asking, what kind of camera do you use? I know that good pictures are mostly the result of someone who knows what they're doing, but those are really spectacular results especially at night. We're looking for a camera so I thought I'd ask.

I have to agree! That must be some special camera. Do Tell!

 

[jimmytammy]

Back in the room. Just let Casey swim after a short day at HS. Walts Dream, Little Mermaid, the place where you walk off the Backlot Tour where all the costumes are, thats all we accomplished

But my parents are having trouble with legs. So we get done what we can, without pushing limits, not worth it. It amazes me my dad gets accomplished on a construction site what he does for a 78 yr old, but this tuckers him out.

I am just glad they are here, and enjoying the relaxing times.

Mom wants to go to DTD later, which wears me out

Saw Dan Murphy today at 50s PTC. Many of you old timers(long been around DISers) may have remembered seeing his posts. He is a very nice guy, and it was good seeing him again.

 

[bobbiwoz]

..
Saw Dan Murphy today at 50s PTC. Many of you old timers(long been around DISers) may have remembered seeing his posts. He is a very nice guy, and it was good seeing him again.

Yes, he's quite a guy, knows lots of disers!!! Met him along with Simba's mom one year for a Flower Power Concert at Epcot!

Bobbi

PS. Wilderness Dad...I love reading about your anticipation of enjoying your family at WDW....soon, so soon!!! Our family's countdown to be together, DGC with DGP ends right after Christmas, we're meeting in Melrose MA, and then we countdown together to January 6th, when we'll be together at BLT!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

My sister is finally at peace. She passed away this afternoon. May God bless her.

I have no idea what's going on with the trip on my end. I may or may not go for a few days, but I'm very sorry to say you shouldn't count on us for the groupie meet. I'm so, so sad about that. Another time.

Thank you all for your good wishes & prayers.

Horselover I am so sorry. You and your family will be in my family's prayers. I hope you know how much we all care about you here and we wish you and your family the best and hope that you can find comfort in knowing that she is now free of pain and her struggles.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Kathy, JT and DVCgeek thanks for the beautiful pictures and TR's! Kathy we still haven't been able to cancel our trip to BWV in Feb since we can't sell the reservation yet. Seeing those pictures makes me want to be able to still go!

 

[blossomz]

Hi groupies down home! Can't thank you enough for all of the great photos and videos. But thats what groupies do right?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy...those are really some stunning pictures. Thanks so much for sharing them.

Thanks Granny!

AWESEOME pics! Your camera seems a lot happier indoors and at night than mine. What I was focusing on was ~10 MP, use traditional AA batts (for swapability on the fly) and optical image stabilization. Oh well, maybe I should have prioritized differently! Oh well. Usually I'm pretty happy with it.

Thank you very much DVCGeek. DSLR's b/c of their larger sensors are able to do better in low light. With a simple tripod you probably would be able to do very well with your camera. Just set the ISO low and keep it steady.

Thanks Kathy for those beautiful pictures!

Thanks DiznyDi and have a great trip!

Kathy - Amazing pics! You put my Kodak to shame and/or I need so much more practice with the camera.

EEK time to leave! - I still have to finish packing and pick up the kids. We'll have to make a 1 night layover at ASMo (values are a new experience for us) and then we switch to "home" for the remaining 3 nights. I considered bringing it, but after this morning's work experience my laptop is NOT coming with us. We just can't get out of town fast enough! I'll try the browser on my phone - not sure if I can post or not (know what site/thread I have booked as my home page? hehe)

Thank you! I'm happy the pictures are being enjoyed!

Hope you've had safe travels and a great trip! I'll be interested to hear about ASMO. I was just looking at booking a value for a couple of nights after a conference I have in Feb. Used to stay at Dixie Landings and haven't done a value before either.

Kathy...if you don't mind my asking, what kind of camera do you use? I know that good pictures are mostly the result of someone who knows what they're doing, but those are really spectacular results especially at night. We're looking for a camera so I thought I'd ask.

I have to agree! That must be some special camera. Do Tell!

Those shots were with the Sony Alpha A850 full frame DSLR. It's my new baby in my photography hobby. I have been using the Sony A700 for the past couple of years which has many similar capabilities. It is a crop sensor camera so it would require an even wider angle lens to get many of the same views. If a DSLR is what your looking for the new Sony A500 and A550 seem to have even better low light capabilities and might be something to consider. These were all handheld but I also took many with a tripod. That's one of the best ways tools get shots in and around the lodge.

Kat

We rode the left side. I think the new cars may have been the only thing that made it feel a wee bit smoother. After riding we sorta analyzed it with two friends. They felt the same. Still too bumpy for someone with back or neck issues, for sure. I know people love that ride, but it has never been a must do for me.

Today we are headed to HS, eat at 50s, do some rides and attractions, Mom wants to go to Basin to get gifts. We were hoping to switch our CP dinner package to today and could have done but will still be charged for Fri CPDP Fri rain 100% chance. I just hate it for my folks as that was primary reason for coming on this trip.

Gotcha! I thought maybe they put us thru the rough track on the test rides! I do love the ride but I think I had forgotten just how rough it was and had been hoping they would be smoothing it out a lot more. I was still happy we had a chance to ride. I think I may just have to ride DL's version more whenever I'm there.

Hope the rain holds off - or at least stops for the CP on Friday.

Kathy, JT and DVCgeek thanks for the beautiful pictures and TR's! Kathy we still haven't been able to cancel our trip to BWV in Feb since we can't sell the reservation yet. Seeing those pictures makes me want to be able to still go!

Aw - glad you liked them and I really wish you would be able to go. I didn't mean to torture you with them!

 

[DVCGeek]

Hope it isn't torture for anyone, here is today's TR:

http://dvcnews.com/forum/showpost.php?p=55448&postcount=36

an tomorrow I have a 2:05 ADR @ Whispering Canyon! Can't wait to FINALLY see our Lodge this trip.

 

[wildernessDad]

Wilderness Dad...I love reading about your anticipation of enjoying your family at WDW....soon, so soon!!! Our family's countdown to be together, DGC with DGP ends right after Christmas, we're meeting in Melrose MA, and then we countdown together to January 6th, when we'll be together at BLT!

And I love your bright spirit and positive attitude! It's a mutual admiration society.

In other news... 6!!!!

 

[lisah0711]

Horselover, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Thanks for all the updates jimmytammy and DVCGeek! I'm still in a bit of lodge withdrawl - especially after spending time going thru the pictures I took. Your pictures and reports keep me feeling like I'm there.

Loved your pics! I am sure that you know the cure for lodge withdrawal . . . . planning another trip! I always have at least 2 trips in the works -- it helps a lot when you have to come back to reality.

jimmytammy and dvcgeek, loving your pics and trip reports. Can't wait to see things for myself.

Ah, in two short weeks I will lay my head on a pillow in the lodge!

Have a great day, Groupies!

 

[bobbiwoz]

7 nights left before our AP dinner at the Lodge!

Bobbi

 

[jimmytammy]

Saw Dizny Dad and Di last night at the Pintrading station here at the Lodge. We were heading to RF and I saw them just as they turned towards us. We had a nice conversation, I kidded Rich about wondering if he had any mints in his pockets

It is raining now, hoping it will hold off long enough to get my parents to the CP tonight without getting too wet. Going to AK tomorrow, my dad has never been, so at least aiming for Kiliminjaro, think he will enjoy that. My mom has been and really liked it. If there legs can hold out for one more day, we will be good to go.

Looking forward to seeing all the groupies on Tues. Getting ready to order the cake. Planning on putting Happy Retirement! on it for Stan.

Stan has been replaced by Ranger Don. My dad saw him yesterday, I have yet to see him. I believe he is the same fellow that WDWRREngineer met a year ago.

 

[tea pot]

Dear Horselover,
So sorry for the lost of your sister you and your family continue to be in our prayers. may you find comfort and support from family and friends.
As for your groupie friends you know we are always here for you don't worry about the meet I'm sure there will be another one planned soon.
So take care you are in our thoughts and prayers

 

[tea pot]

2 Day Happy Dance

Maybe I should start packing

JimmyTammy and DiznyDi and Dad here we come.. so looking forward to meeting groupies face to face..

Just listening to the weather report and it looks like Boston will be getting 3-6 inches of snow Saturday night to early Sunday...We have a 7am flight Sunday hope all goes well.

Love Love the pictures Kathy,JT,and DVC Geek Thanks so much!
Kathy, We have The first week of May booked at the Boardwalk with BW view
Love to stay there during the flower and garden show..

It is always easier to leave the world if you have another trip planned.

Have to Fly, Have to Crow, Have to Save Maggie, Have to Save Jack

 

[Happydinks]

My sister is finally at peace. She passed away this afternoon. May God bless her.

Thank you all for your good wishes & prayers.

So very sorry to read this news. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

 

[Happydinks]

JT - please make sure to take lots of pics at Stan's party! He is such a dear man - we'll be anxious to hear what he's been doing since he retired. We love the pics you have been posting of your current trip. Keeping our fingers crossed that we'll be there this time next year!

Kathy - your pictures are spectacular! We absolutely loved the castle picture.

To all the lucky Groupies heading on out in the next few weeks - have a fabulous time! There is nothing like the World at the holidays! If anyone has the inclination and time to do so (and the weather permits) - take a break, rent some bikes and go over to the campground. The decorations at Halloween were amazing - and people were already planning for Christmas!

 

[magicalmcwho]

Hi Fellow Groupies,

I have'nt posted here in a while but thought I would drop in and check out what has been going on.

horselover - I am so sorry to hear about your sister, we will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time. I hope you will be able to join your family if they still go on the trip.

We had a great trip at the VWL during Thanksgiving week with our neighbors and his brother's family, there was 17 people (including us) on this trip and we all had a great time.

Our neighbors and their familiy were left speechless by the lodge when they walked thu the door and saw the lobby. There were a few that even started to cry a little when seeing the lobby and the Christmas tree. This was a highlight for me to see their reactions. Our neighbors shared our Christmas tree and they cooked Thanksgiving dinner and we all ate dinner together.

We had a great trip and good weather with only half a day of rain and two cooler days before we left to come home.

I was able to meet up with JimmyTammy by the pool and talk with them for a while. I also was able to see there tree that they are sharing. It was great to spend some time with them and wished we didnt have to leave as they were just getting there.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my fellow Groupies,

Jim.

 

[DiznyDi]

Hi Groupies
We arrived yesterday to sunny skies and warm weather. Were able to get on the ME within 5 min and headed to the Lodge. I had done online checkin last week, so this went fairly smoothly. We're in room 2542 - about halfway down the hall.
We were able to get to the Merry Mixer. Only 1 free cookie this year. My recollection, in 2007 we had unlimited cookies. Plenty of cold water and cider. A cash bar was available. DH and I waited in line 40 min to get the DVC holiday pin. Only 1 pin per person. The matching ornament was given, 1 to each family as we were leaving. Had dinner at the Wave then walked over to BLT. What we could see was very nice.
Cold and wet in Florida today. We went to the Biergarten for lunch where we booked the Candlelight Processional package. We were able to cancel the CP portion at the restaurant. Spending the evening enjoying the ambience of the Lodge.
We've seen Jimmy, Tammy and Casey. All is in order for the meet. Y'all come