Come along on our Spring Break Photo Trip/Dining Report 2012! Update 9/12 Epcot

[mouselovenfamily]

FOTL is one of my favorite shows in WDW. I HAVE to see it every trip I showed DH your pic's of the firetwirler. If ever there was a doubt he put that fire on his bare feet you cleared that question.

Your photos look professional to me - I am lovin your TR

That guy must have tough feet! I wouldn't wnat to snuggle up with those on a cold night!!!

WOW is all I have to say! Your pictures are stunning!!!! AK is such a photogenic park! I love FOTLK! So pretty and so many colors! You did a great job capturing it!

Thanks! It's a hard show to catch with the lighting...hoping for a new lens before my next trip!!

OMG! Your pics from FOTLK are fantastic!

Thanks!!

Great shots from FOTLK. It's one of my favorites to watch and photograph!

Thanks Janet! It's a great show! I did it twice this trip, and snapped way too many photos!

Nope. Our first real trip was just this last Feb and with a grouchy DH and a 5 year old DS, the shows were not a priority. But they are ALL on my "mustdo" list for this trip. Can't wait!

It's awesome! It's my must do!!!!!!

 

[sjwright701]

The Yeti shadow, sad no working Yeti though (what's up with him not working!??!??!)

Regarding the Yeti...there is a crack in the base that they cannot fix. They cannot turn on the Yeti for fears that the crack will worsen. The Yeti is imbedded into the mountain, therefore they cannot fix without taking the mountain apart.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

The Yeti shadow, sad no working Yeti though (what's up with him not working!??!??!)

Regarding the Yeti...there is a crack in the base that they cannot fix. They cannot turn on the Yeti for fears that the crack will worsen. The Yeti is imbedded into the mountain, therefore they cannot fix without taking the mountain apart.

Well that's not good. Hopefully they will find a way to fix it...

 

[mouselovenfamily]

After finishing the Lion King, we headed over toward the Tusker House for our lunch reservation. When we made the reservations at 180, if you ate before a certain time, you would get preferred seating to the Finding Nemo show. Win, win so we did it. Had never been here before and not a “must try place”, just something new.
This is where my dining reviews come into play. We do enjoy the “free dining”. We usually stay moderate so the 30% off would equal $78.00 per day on the Peak season price we were paying. With five adults and 3 BIG eaters, free dining is a good value to us.

We arrived and had about a ½ hour wait. Donald is seen outside before you go into eat. Photo opportunities are available for everyone while waiting.

Once inside we were seated and our server was soon at our table. Very nice and the best part of our experience. When we asked about the preferred seating for the show, we were told in January they had done away with that and now it was a charterer dining location. Rats! So on to the meal:
Buffet style, several stations and good selection, not great but good. Food was slightly different in the selection but that was expected.

You can see the complete Dis boards information here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=267

Price: $35.99 per adult x 5=$179.95 (no tax or tip)

Location was clean but we did feel like the tables were very close together and crowded. Nice atmosphere. Not our favorite location to head back to. Our family gave it a 5 out of 10.

We did get to see Mickey,

Minnie(no photo) and Goofy,

.

Afterwards a few more general photos of performers:

Devine:

Then we were off to Kali River Rapids. We usually like to bring ponchos but didn’t drag them along this trip so we were hoping not to get too wet. Lucky for me and the camera, it was a rather dry trip:

They boys had fun as you can see! Then a couple more random shots as we headed to my favorite, Finding Nemo!!

 

[jennykay]

Thanks!! Photo queen!!

Try to get to the safari first thing in the morning or right around sunset. That is when I usually have my best luck of active animals.



Thanks so much!! I try to set my D90 on the safari to ISO of 400 and use shutter priority. It seem to work well. I can you you exact speeds if you need them.

Thanks! So, I'm just really learning about ISO - did you set it to 400 so you could use faster shutter speeds?

Your FOTLK shots are amazing! Did you set your ISO really high? And use shutter priority? When we went before I had just gotten my camera and was mostly using the auto or program mode - not good for Lion King!

You kept your camera out on Kali?? Did you have a bag or some kind of protection for it? I'm having a panic attack, but I love the pics!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Just found your TR

Your pics are amazing! My 2 year old DS is sitting here with me and he got so excited to see the TH characters.

Cant wait to read more

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Thanks! So, I'm just really learning about ISO - did you set it to 400 so you could use faster shutter speeds?

Your FOTLK shots are amazing! Did you set your ISO really high? And use shutter priority? When we went before I had just gotten my camera and was mostly using the auto or program mode - not good for Lion King!

You kept your camera out on Kali?? Did you have a bag or some kind of protection for it? I'm having a panic attack, but I love the pics!

Yes, I set to 400 in daylight shots outside and action. For FOLK I set to manual, and pushed the ISO up and set to a fast shutter speed. Before you go, try some practice dark shooting. Maybe go outside at dusk and practice different setting with cars. Set your ISO up and play with manual speeds so you care more comfortable with them. Then a quick tweak at DW and you'll be set. Being comfortable enough to make quick adjustments is the key!!

I do have a bag I throw my camera in quick if I feel like wet could be a problem on a ride. That poor camera is out on most every ride!!

Just found your TR

Your pics are amazing! My 2 year old DS is sitting here with me and he got so excited to see the TH characters.

Cant wait to read more

Welcome to my report. Glad you little one enjoyed the pictures!!

 

[amandaw]

That stinks that they had done away with the preferred seating for Nemo. I think it was smart of them to add on the character lunch there though. If we ever get around to trying Tusker House, I think I'll have to try breakfast.

As always.......fabulous pictures!

 

[Belle83]

New to your TR but love the pics of the new room decor at POR! We are planning to stay there in December.

AWESOME pictures throughout Can't wait to see more.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

That stinks that they had done away with the preferred seating for Nemo. I think it was smart of them to add on the character lunch there though. If we ever get around to trying Tusker House, I think I'll have to try breakfast.

As always.......fabulous pictures!

I wish we would have gone to WCC for breakfast rather than TH for lunch...live and learn!!

New to your TR but love the pics of the new room decor at POR! We are planning to stay there in December.

AWESOME pictures throughout Can't wait to see more.

Thanks so much and welcome along!!

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Ending the day at Ak it was time for the best part of my day! Finding Nemo!!!
This is where I would totally love to have a 35mm 1.4, maybe next trip!! And now, Nemo:

Out and then back in, then out, then back in...

Who's ready for school?

Do I know you?

Remember, fish are friends not food!

Which way??

Dude, you have traveled far....

Go with the flow!

I only have 8 hands!

All the above images were taken on my D90 by my DD18. I actually sat back and enjoyed the show!!!

Next we were off to DTD for dinner, meeting my Aunt and Uncle at Cookes of Dublin. They are a non-Disney owned restaurant that is now accepting the dining plan.

Full menu can be found here:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=391

I wanted to get the scallops but they were out so I ordered the fish along with everyone else except DD who got chicken. The part that sold us on this place for dinner was the deep fried candy bars! OMG YUMMY!!! However, don't get excited yet. When I ordered them the cashier pointed to a sign that said, only cookies or ice cream are given on the DDP. I questioned the policy because those items were the exact same price of the candy bar.
She said they are not owned by Disney and can make the rules. Very rude! Already upset about no scallops at 5pm on a Saturday and no candy bar... I nicely said "I can tell your not owned by Disney, I'll take a cookie." My Aunt surprised my DD and bought her the candy bar. We really didn't need it and the cookie but it was so sweet of her!!!

The food was very good and I would eat here again for sure, however the service was not as nice as they could have been.

The One on One, Fish and Chips:

Battered Chicken and deep fried candy bar:

Total for dinner: $71.25 for 5 ( CS=No tip required )

Here we are after dinner:

Getting the boys to take a photo is rare so I better share while I can!

 

[mickeyinthehouse]

Great Nemo picks! We haven't seen this show yet but are hoping to see it on our next trip this fall. The deep fried candy bar sounds interesting - reminds me of a deep fried twinkie.

Looking forward to more of your TR!!

 

[MinnieMouseMom]

There's no way to get preferred seating for Nemo anymore, right? I know we did in 2009 and we had great seats

 

[daisy_77]

I am loving this report and all the pictures!!
Thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to more!

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Great Nemo picks! We haven't seen this show yet but are hoping to see it on our next trip this fall. The deep fried candy bar sounds interesting - reminds me of a deep fried twinkie.

Looking forward to more of your TR!!

Deep fried anything sounds good to me I'm so glad I didn't worry about eating that good while I was down there!!

Nemo is a must! My DD18 and I have the songs memorized! The poor pleople who set around us must think we are complete freaks as we sing along!

There's no way to get preferred seating for Nemo anymore, right? I know we did in 2009 and we had great seats

I don't think you can anymore at all. We were able to get right up front by the stage both times though. For some reason, most people like to set in the second sections, I like being down front, for camera purposes of course!

I am loving this report and all the pictures!!
Thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to more!

Thanks so much!! I'm on page 11 and just finished photos from the first full park day! So much more to come!!!

 

[solana131]

Yay! I'm so excited for Nemo!

 

[amandaw]

We have yet to see the Nemo show at AK. I worry about whether or not my little boy would sit still & quiet through it. But, it does look so pretty.

Dinner sounds very yummy! But, "BOO!" for the bad service. There was just no need for the cashier to be snotty. At least the food kind of made up for it.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

We have yet to see the Nemo show at AK. I worry about whether or not my little boy would sit still & quiet through it. But, it does look so pretty.

Dinner sounds very yummy! But, "BOO!" for the bad service. There was just no need for the cashier to be snotty. At least the food kind of made up for it.

The meal was really good for a counter service! I would go there again if I wanted fish and chips!

Coming up: Magic Kingdom!!

 

[hjd0411]

I am loving your report and your pics!! As I wait for my trip I trawl the boards for TR's...!!!!!
Can I ask you what lens(es) you are using? Just curious - I shoot Canon, but I am always interested in the lenses used for shots!!
Keep it all coming - you have certainly piqued my interest in POR. I've never stayed onsite (I know, I know - sacrelege..!! ), but that resort looks beautiful. Dare I say even nicer than some of the Deluxe???
Thanks again - I will be looking for more updates soon.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

I am loving your report and your pics!! As I wait for my trip I trawl the boards for TR's...!!!!!
Can I ask you what lens(es) you are using? Just curious - I shoot Canon, but I am always interested in the lenses used for shots!!
Keep it all coming - you have certainly piqued my interest in POR. I've never stayed onsite (I know, I know - sacrelege..!! ), but that resort looks beautiful. Dare I say even nicer than some of the Deluxe???
Thanks again - I will be looking for more updates soon.

for this trip I mostly used my 18-105mm. Just a basic. For my "dark ride" shots I went to my 50mm 1.8, but I need the 35mm 1.4 instead. 50mm is really to large of a frame of me.

I'm an on site gal only! Stayed off once and not again! Too esay and adds to the experience to be on site!! Love it!!