Discovering A Whole New World of Disney-An October 2013 Photo Safari **Updated 2/20

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Looks like a fun weekend. It's really amazing what they can do with ice and on such a large scale.

In the past they invited ice sculptures from China to put together the exhibit but not sure if that's what they did this year. We had a great time!

I am really adamired with the kind of experince you had and you have put some really nice pictures there.

Thank you for following!

Wow! What a cool event! (Pun not actually intended, but it works.) I think I want to go down the ice slide!!

The kids had a great time coming down the slide although after a few times it did get a little cold in their rear.

Wow, that Atrium is absolutely beautiful; so peaceful looking.

Haha, for a second I thought you were in Universal with all the Madagascar characters.

That exhibit really is stunning. I believe they also have one in Orlando this time of year. Thanks for sharing Dave.

I think Gaylord Hotels does similar ICE events at three other sites in the country and I think you're right that Orlando is one of them. I think there's one in TN as well.

One of the reasons we went so early this year was because of the crowds we saw last year just a couple of weeks before Christmas. The lines for the ice slides were long enough to wish for Fastpasses and the atrium was not as peaceful during the light shows as it was packed. The hotel was so crowded last year that when we called for room service they told us it would take 90-120 minutes to get our meal up to our room. It was a whole lot better this year!

It's pretty amazing what they were able to re-create out of ice! I have never been to one of those ice displays, but reading this I don't think my body could handle it. 9 degrees? They might as well throw me down to Antarctica. I am freezing today and the high is 46.

Poor DS and not being able to move his arms. The mental image of that only made me laugh a little.

I asked the people working inside those exhibits how they could stay in such cold temperatures and one of them told me that they rotate 30 minute shifts. The temperature reminded me of my college days in Minneapolis.

It was funny how DS was literally waddling along like a penguin. We had to help on the stairs because his parka was a little big for him and came all the way down to his feet.

 

[teekathepony]

Looks like a really fun weekend! What amazing ice sculptures, incredible what people can do with ice. And beautiful pictures as always!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Looks like a really fun weekend! What amazing ice sculptures, incredible what people can do with ice. And beautiful pictures as always!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks Wendy! We had a great time! Hopefully one of many fun weekends to come in the next month.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

There was no way I was going t watch the Boo To You Parade just once. No. Way. I’ve seen the youtube videos. I’ve seen the countless pictures of the ghost dancers and the headless horseman. I was ready to feast my eyes on this beautiful Halloween spectacle myself and I was going to be sure to watch this on both occasions of the evening.

I didn’t want to brave the Main Street crowds for the first parade so I opted to look for a spot along Frontierland/Liberty Square. The problem for this part of the parade route? Lighting. Once the light dimmed there was scant “natural” light available for the parade. It didn’t help that I didn’t know where the spotlights for the parade were located this being my first time. I kept moving further down Frontierland before I decided claim a spot near Peco Bills.

Then I waited for another 30 minutes before the Headless Horseman trotted down to a chorus of cheers by the gallery. It was pretty exciting. I got goose bumps.


IMG_0116 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Everyone was pumped up for the parade after he passed through with his burning pumpkin. Thankfully he didn’t hurl it at anyone so we were off to a good start!

A couple of minutes later these two CMs selling all kinds of glowing paraphernalia walked through and the already pumped up crowd started cheering and whooping for them. The CMs were relishing it too by waving and smiling at everyone. It was very cute.


IMG_0131 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

By the way, I just want to say that I think the CM costumes for this event is absolutely my favorite. The colors and the look just fit the festive occasion perfectly.

As I was waiting for the first parade to begin I was texting khertz to see where her family ended up camping out. Turns out that they were not too far from where I was standing. I could faintly make out the silhouette of DDuck4life’s tripod set up against the parade ropes.

The parade started and I absolutely loved it. The various “teams” were so much fun to watch.

The pirates were definitely having a jolly good ol time. Exhibit A.

IMG_0151 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0153 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Then the flag guards came through.

IMG_0162 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

The long shadows gives that extra spookiness to the scenes doesn't it? The directions of the shadows also told me that I was on the wrong side of street when it came to lighting. DOH!

IMG_0174 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Not sure what the obsession with the apple is. Can anyone help? A movie reference that I'm forgetting?

IMG_0179 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

My favorite still remains the HM team starting with the Groundskeeper and his hound followed by the grave diggers. Holy sparks! No wonder the pavements along the parade route needs refurbishings. They were vigorously scraping away with their shovels.


IMG_0191 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

While I had a blast watching the parade, my photography was just a hot mess thanks to the extremely low lighting. I had to crank up my ISO pretty much to the limit. I also forgot my speedlite in my hotel room but I don’t think I would have liked how it came out even with the flash because it whitewashes all of the colors out. So overall I came out of the first parade with an anemic amount of photos.

Well, this is why I planned on watching this parade twice, right?

For the second try I staked out a spot very early down on Main Street in front of the flagpole. Two other people kept me company next to me both sporting some conspicuous camera gear. This is the view I had. You can see the Headless Horseman making his turn in the Hub.


IMG_0332 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I had set up my tripod and was happy to see some more generous lighting up and down Main Street. Since I was able to mostly enjoy the first parade without the camera this time I was ready to watch the whole thing through my viewfinder. I had a blast in the process.

Once the horseman made his way through Main Street, the lull was filled by Phineas, Ferb, and some very entertaining dancers who invited up the kids to the middle of the street. It was hard not to tap your feet to the beat.


IMG_0357 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0349 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

These CMs were also fun to watch as they were dancing to the music in the background and having a great time of their own.


IMG_0353 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Finally the parade made its way down Main Street and I snapped away with much better results! I loved having the Castle and Halloween colored Main Street in the background for these shots.


IMG_0377 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0380 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Continued in Next Post

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Continued from Previous Post


IMG_0384 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Knee high socks are so underrated. I know I know, he's suppose to be a little boy. Still.

IMG_0398 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0417 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Everybody Kung Fu Fighting!

IMG_0418 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0433 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Captain Sparrow looking a lot more sober than usual.

IMG_0449 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

My favorite gang.

IMG_0454 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

That digger in the back that's staring me down is giving me the creeps.

IMG_0461 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Actually, they're all sort of creeping me out. Well done people.

IMG_0466 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

My favorite shot of the parade. I just love these dancers. And I think they have the most fun of all the teams in the parade.

IMG_0470-4 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I mean just look at 'em go!

IMG_0474 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

They even channeled their inner Walking Dead!

IMG_0478-2 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Can't tell if they're really ghosts or zombies. Either way, totally awesome.

IMG_0482 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0492 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Kind of weird to go from Zombified Ghosts to a Hoedown. Only in Disney.

IMG_0496 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0504 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

It's good to be bad. It's good to be bad.

IMG_0513 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

And finally the Goofy Candy Co. gang and the sugary freebies they handed out!

IMG_0539 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_0542 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

And thus ends my photo tour of what now is my favorite Disney parade. EVER! Loved every minute and every second of it!

 

[emmysmommy]

AWESOME parade photos Dave. Especially the shots straight down Main Street by the flag pole. I spied the Queen of Hearts in the parade. It's all fun looking!

What a great weekend get-away with the family. Those ice sculptures are amazing. It reminds me of a meet up my team was supposed to have at the -5 F ice bar in Vegas. I don't care if they give me a parka and gloves I just don't think it sounds like fun to be freezing while having a cocktail! Good thing it was cancelled.

I firmly believe that any meal is more celebratory when it is delivered via room service. Even chips and salsa. Done that one!

 

[khaleesi]

Amazing.

I'm glad you got to see it twice, and you touched on something that is frequently in the back of my head. I love taking pictures, although I'm certainly not good at it. Looking back at my favorite photos is one of my favorite things to do. But sometimes I worry that I'm missing the moment by trying to capture the moment. If that makes any sense. Probably not. It's really early.

Captain Sparrow looking a lot more sober than usual.

Sober as in somber? Or sober as in not enough rum?

 

[afwdwfan]

Carrying an oversized duck who doesn’t believe in wearing pants has to be a challenging feat. No doubt.

While I loved having my telezoom lens on and taking these close up pictures of the performers and our favorite Disney friends, I was quite startled when I saw Hook and Smee through my view finder and I’m still trying to shake the shock off. Yikes. There’s just something really wrong with the way their makeup and prosthetics look and clearly was not meant to be seen up close with a CIA lens.

That is just... wow.

Finally, a villain worth getting excited about. Ladies and gentleman, Angelina Jolie!

This morning we did a character breakfast with friends from Madagascar. The kids had a blast. Every time a character came by if we said "I like to move it!" they would start dancing with you. Alex had the best moves. I have to admit that I have not seen most of these movies and didn't know any of the characters' names.

I love those movies!

This room is a perennial favorite especially with the kids. The ice slide room!

That looks like fun!!!

The seat thankfully was not made of ice.

Hopefully not metal either...

For me I learned that there's no way I'm ever going to become a nature photographer......in winter. I just couldn't pay attention very well to taking pictures because I was too distracted with the cold temperatures.

So it is safe to say that the only pictures you'll ever take of a yeti will be at Expedition Everest?

The display looks amazing. Looks like a fun, family weekend getaway.

I kept moving further down Frontierland before I decided claim a spot near Peco Bills.

I actually like the Frontierland background for the Headless Horseman. I'm sure it would have made an excellent background for the rest of the parade as well. You know... if the lights were on the other side of the street.

For the second try I staked out a spot very early down on Main Street in front of the flagpole. Two other people kept me company next to me both sporting some conspicuous camera gear. This is the view I had. You can see the Headless Horseman making his turn in the Hub.


IMG_0332 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

You've got a lot of great pictures, but this one might just be one of my all time favorites. Amazing!

Once the horseman made his way through Main Street, the lull was filled by Phineas, Ferb, and some very entertaining dancers who invited up the kids to the middle of the street. It was hard not to tap your feet to the beat.

Hey! Where's Perry?

And thus ends my photo tour of what now is my favorite Disney parade. EVER! Loved every minute and every second of it!

I'm glad you were able to see it twice and enjoyed it so much. Thanks for sharing the great pictures!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Yeah, the lighting in your first area is great for atmosphere... not so much for photos. Of course I still love the shots you got.

Aww that's so cute that the crowd cheered for the CM's. I agree; Best costumes of all time.

This is absolutely my favourite parade. Not just in Disney but anywhere. That Haunted Mansion section is just top notch, but the whole thing really is just fabulous.

 

[teekathepony]

You got some really incredible photos of both parades. The long shadows in your first location are really cool and creepy, and the position you were in the second time makes for a phenomenal back drop to everything!
The apples, I think, are from the first Pirates movie when they were all really undead and therefore couldn't really taste any food. Barbosa claims that the first thing he will do when he... Uhh... Gets un-undead? Re-alive? Is eat a whole bushel of apples. I think that's it!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

AWESOME parade photos Dave. Especially the shots straight down Main Street by the flag pole. I spied the Queen of Hearts in the parade. It's all fun looking!

What a great weekend get-away with the family. Those ice sculptures are amazing. It reminds me of a meet up my team was supposed to have at the -5 F ice bar in Vegas. I don't care if they give me a parka and gloves I just don't think it sounds like fun to be freezing while having a cocktail! Good thing it was cancelled.

I firmly believe that any meal is more celebratory when it is delivered via room service. Even chips and salsa. Done that one!

Mmmmmm Chips and Salsa room service style. Sorry, I think I blanked out there for a second.

I wasn't able to get any good shots of the characters (Queen of Hearts included) because they would usually be coming right behind a float and from my vantage point would be completely obstructed until the float turned the corner at the hub. By then they would be too close because I was using my telephoto zoom. Basically I ended up with close up pictures of their moles.

Amazing.

I'm glad you got to see it twice, and you touched on something that is frequently in the back of my head. I love taking pictures, although I'm certainly not good at it. Looking back at my favorite photos is one of my favorite things to do. But sometimes I worry that I'm missing the moment by trying to capture the moment. If that makes any sense. Probably not. It's really early.

Sober as in somber? Or sober as in not enough rum?

I think Disney made sure to cut off Jack's rum supply before the parade to avoid paying up on the liability if he happened to take a stumble down from his high perch.

I hear ya about not wanting to miss the moment while trying to capture it. I have that dilemma all the time when I'm out and about with my kids and usually the camera takes a backseat.

So it is safe to say that the only pictures you'll ever take of a yeti will be at Expedition Everest?

Oh yes. There will be no roughing it in the snowy woods and mountains for this photographer. Unless someone can carry me around.

I actually like the Frontierland background for the Headless Horseman. I'm sure it would have made an excellent background for the rest of the parade as well. You know... if the lights were on the other side of the street.

Agreed! Frontierland makes a much better back drop for the Headless Horseman although now I'm curious how he would look with a Liberty Square backdrop.

You've got a lot of great pictures, but this one might just be one of my all time favorites. Amazing!

The colors on the Castle and Main Street is perfect, isn't it?

Hey! Where's Perry?

That's what I was asking too!

Yeah, the lighting in your first area is great for atmosphere... not so much for photos. Of course I still love the shots you got.

Aww that's so cute that the crowd cheered for the CM's. I agree; Best costumes of all time.

This is absolutely my favourite parade. Not just in Disney but anywhere. That Haunted Mansion section is just top notch, but the whole thing really is just fabulous.

I especially liked the bat shaped hair band for the women CMs at the party.

You know what would even be better than the Happy Haunts in the parade? A dance party with the Happy Haunts! Seriously, how fun would that be if they set up a dance party in front of the Haunted Mansion!

You got some really incredible photos of both parades. The long shadows in your first location are really cool and creepy, and the position you were in the second time makes for a phenomenal back drop to everything!
The apples, I think, are from the first Pirates movie when they were all really undead and therefore couldn't really taste any food. Barbosa claims that the first thing he will do when he... Uhh... Gets un-undead? Re-alive? Is eat a whole bushel of apples. I think that's it!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Ooohhhhhh! I think you're right! Totally forgot about that from the first movie about Barbosa wanting to eat an apple. Thanks Wendy!!

 

[jkc0325]

Great job!!!! I have also determined that Boo to You is my favorite parade ever. Your pictures make me feel like I'm still there, enjoying the show. I can hear the music in my head

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Great job!!!! I have also determined that Boo to You is my favorite parade ever. Your pictures make me feel like I'm still there, enjoying the show. I can hear the music in my head

Thank you! I really want to take the kids back and show them MNSSHP! Trying to figure out a way to do this without them missing more than a couple of days of school. Their fall break happens so late not sure if the Halloween things will still be happening at that time.

 

[momabbate]

Hi Dave, Did I post that I am following along? If not here I am. Great pictures!! Last night when looking at your pics from the Dream parade, Chris, my husband, even commented on your pictures. You might have got him on my side to watch the parade. He normally thinks parades are a waist of time. He grew up waiting for the parades to start to ride the bigger rides with lower wait times.
I love your weekend trip. It is amazing what they can do with ice. Now I have to find one to go see.
You also have helped make up my mind that my next trip will stay in Sept. As the holidays are getting closer I keep thinking I want to add another 60 days to my trip and go at Christmas time. I really want to do the to see the Boo parade. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Hi Dave, Did I post that I am following along? If not here I am. Great pictures!! Last night when looking at your pics from the Dream parade, Chris, my husband, even commented on your pictures. You might have got him on my side to watch the parade. He normally thinks parades are a waist of time. He grew up waiting for the parades to start to ride the bigger rides with lower wait times.
I love your weekend trip. It is amazing what they can do with ice. Now I have to find one to go see.
You also have helped make up my mind that my next trip will stay in Sept. As the holidays are getting closer I keep thinking I want to add another 60 days to my trip and go at Christmas time. I really want to do the to see the Boo parade. Thanks for sharing.

Yep! You did!

I'm having the same debate for next year although DW may not agree going back in less than a year after our upcoming January trip. I'm hoping that the kids' schools fall break weekend happens right after Halloween so we can potentially do both Halloween and Christmas parties. If I have to choose one I think I'll still pick Halloween.

 

[khaleesi]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my DIS friends!! Hope all of you have a wonderful day and thank you for coming along with me as I relive this trip!

 

[momabbate]

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

On my last full day in Orlando I decided to take the full day off from conference and spend it in WDW. The official reason was that I couldnt find sessions of interest to me. The real reason of course was that I wanted to at least spend a full day immersed in the magic of Disney. After a Tonga-riffic breakfast at Kona (and I really drowned my Toast in their strawberry sauce), I took the monorail to the MK train station to watch one of my favorite things at Disney World. The opening show at MK. Ive been able to watch this show at least once for every single trip weve taken and it never gets old. I still get goosebumps when that train rolls in.

It felt so different standing there waiting for rope drop and not have an agenda. This was the first time I didnt have an attraction that I HAD to make a dash for at rope drop in MK! I felt so much more relaxed. When I arrived most of the people there were congregated around the entrance tunnels that run under both sides of the train station. Thats where I would be if I had plans of making it to Enchanted Tales with Belle or Space Mountain. I found the center viewing spot in front of the train station and waited. While waiting I struck up a conversation with the photopass photographer. I desperately needed more memory card space for my camera as I severely misjudged how much space I would need. I already took 3500 pictures by then. I asked him if he knew any place in WDW where I could find a compact flash memory card but unfortunately he didnt. We then talked more about how he took up the photopass photog job as a part time job after he retired from working in photography for Disneys commercial publication division. It was a very pleasant chat as I asked him about his work routine and where he gets to be stationed each day. He told me that in the summer he specifically requests to be at one of the water parks so that he could wade in the water to alleviate the heat. Smart man. He was really enjoying his part time gig. The best part he said was that he didnt have to report to a copy editor for a review of his pictures. And he definitely took advantage of the free park admission perks that come with the job.

Soon enough our host for the opening ceremony appeared. It was Smokey! Somehow every single opening ceremony Ive watched in person has had him as the host. No complaints here! I think hes great and as you will see in a later update I got to meet him in person.


IMG_1520 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

The Main Street dancers soon followed. A lot of them I was able to see more close up later in the day as part of their trolley show.


IMG_1524 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Their costumes are always so colorful and bright and in tune with the season. I loved their energy and facial expressions throughout the show.

My favorite shot from the show.

IMG_1532 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1542 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

As much as I enjoyed taking the pictures, the location of the show being so up high and elevated on a platform makes it a tad more difficult to get good pictures. Lets face it, we all look better when the camera is on the same level as our eyes and less so when its pointing up from below and up our nostrils. And to top it off theres that railing which just gets in the way of some good pictures. But regardless the CMs still manage to come out looking awesome and Disney-riffic!


IMG_1547 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Smokey introduced The Family of the Day who were from Sweden. One of these days I hope to convince DW to go along with my plan of showing up at MK really early in hopes of being chose as the family of the day. But I know thats just never going to happen. Maybe when DD or DS gets older they will accompany me in this quest of mine.

The train rolled in and it was goosebump time!

IMG_1551 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Now it was time for the Disney characters to hog the show&&ahem I mean take center stage.

The Tremaines didnt disappoint with their facial expressions.

IMG_1565 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1575 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Ummm, is it me or does it look like that Peter Pan and Alice are flirting with each other even with Wendy standing right next to him? Poor Wendy.


IMG_1567 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1571 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Such an odd combination. Stitch and Mary Poppins. Wonder how the conversation between these two go.

IMG_1566 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1573 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1572 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1578 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1579 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

After the show everyone began filing in and I eventually made my way through. Once I got to the flag pole area I just stopped and watched. Ive never taken time to truly appreciate what happens at rope drop in Main Street mainly because were usually part of that crowd that rushes through. Its an impressive sight watching this mass stream of people slowly flow up towards the castle.


IMG_1596 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I still had my telephoto zoom lens on my camera from the opening show. I stood at that spot and was taking some pictures of this spectacle when this scene came into focus in my viewfinder. This image just summarizes the feeling of rope drop, doesnt it? Mix of awe, anticipation, and wonderment in a world of fantasy.


IMG_1587-3 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I had such a great time just soaking it all in. There were many children squealing and jumping up and down in pure joy after entering Main Street and seeing Cindys castle some of them undoubtedly for the very first time. One particular family I still remember had their two daughters dressed in matching Minnie outfits. When the older girl saw the castle she started jumping up and down then she grabbed her younger sisters hand to pull her over so that she could see the beautiful view. They then both proceeded to jump up and down together while hugging each other.

The friendly CMs of Main Street were once again out waving at them with their oversized hands.


IMG_1600 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

A little bit later the Main Street vehicles began making their way up and down the street including Barbara who has to be one of my favorites.


IMG_1592 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1594 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_1601 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I spent about 15 minutes standing there and taking it all in. Once the crowds thinned out I started making my way up Main Street to get my already perfect day started.