Discovering Another Mad Dash (Oct 14): Heading Home and Finally finishing this TR #1523 (05/03)

[PrincessInOz]

It’s all about Rides Today....It's a Small World Doll Store


Discovery #47. Irrespective of what language it is sung in, that song just won't stop!



We made our way to the biggest Doll Store in the World!







Seems like we had hit Plaid Hour Traffic. I think they were in training or something.






I've always liked boarding the boats in the open air but it can mean that you do spend a bit of time in the sun.






Still, it's the original, right?






The first room is all about the North Pole. That song is sung in a different language here. Sadly, it makes no difference. I knew what the words meant. It's a Small World afterall.











The European section. English, this time. I definitely knew what they were singing. It's a Small World afterall.





































Asia is always well represented. Even when sung in Japanese, that song is universally recognisable. It's a Small World afterall.




































The drumming dolls of Africa. Drum beats still sound out the same words. It's a Small World afterall.


























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[PrincessInOz]

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South America means Spanish. Yup. Es un mundo pequeño después de todo!





















South Seas. Mermish singing sounded a lot like English to me. It's a Small World afterall.











Changing it to Whale made no difference either. It's a Small World afterall.

















Someday, Disney will work on getting the kangaroos and platypus dolls looking more realistic.











North America. We all KNOW the accent it's sung in. It's a Small World afterall.






















The Finale Room; where one hopes that the song will stay. Sadly, by this stage, the words are permanently seared into your memory banks for all eternity. It's a Small World afterall.


























Definitely time for the Goodbye Room. It's a Small World afterall.












Then it's exit stage right.







Have you all got that song permanently stuck in auto-replay right now? That song just won't stop!!!







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[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


It's all about Rides Today....Pirates; but we're NOT in the Caribbean


Discovery #48. The originals ARE the BEST!



Our next stop was another original ride. This was the last attraction to get the personal Walt Disney touch so it holds a special place in Disney folklore. I am yet to experience the Paris version of this ride and it will be interesting to see how the Shanghai version at Pirate Cove turns out but I think this original is the BEST!






It's called Pirates of the Caribbean. But the Blue Bayou is definitely not in a Caribbean island setting.






It's definitely bayou country!







Yo ho ho ho ho....







.....A pirate's life for me.







The bayou is meant to be teeming with life. But there sure are a lot of skeletons around.
















Hey! Hey! It's the Monkees!

(Does anyone else aside from me think about The Monkees when Davy Jones is mentioned?)






After all the Lovely Bones, it's finally nice to see some figures with Wax On them.











After all this time, the animatronics in here are still amazing.















I've always been intrigued by how this attraction spawned off the movie franchise. But then whenever I experience this ride, it's easy to see how. The details are just amazing and I can well imagine the script writers running away with this.











Much like the dog with the key....






....the aim of this ride is perfectly clear.







It's all about Johnny Depp!






Ah yes. The originals ARE the BEST!





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[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


It's all about Rides Today....999 Happy Haunts


Discovery #49. We all know it can be pretty scary in the HM but when it’s all dressed up, it can be scary pretty too.



We had gotten a text from franandaj just as we were boarding the PotC saying that she had arrived. A quick response for our next meeting point....and hey presto! Another DisMeet reunion officially captured by my DH.






Our meeting point? No prizes if you recognised where we are.






Afterall, the Mansion was fully dressed up for the holidays and it is hard to miss.






I really like the dress-up that the DLR does for this attraction. It is so festive. Someday, I'd like to see the Tokyo Disneyland version of the overlay.






We made light work of the queue and got into the HM quickly.






Time for some more holiday overlay in the Stretching Room.






I've always loved the leadlight effect.







And then it was time to start meeting the pretty scary 999 Happy Haunts!












I was pleased to capture Zero. I didn't manage to get a clear picture of him during the fireworks show last night.






Suffice to say, I completely got left behind by the others in here.











Yes, Ho Ho Ho to them too!






I did catch up with everyone just before we got on the Doom Buggies.






So nice of them to wait for me. I'll consider that my present.






On with the Happy Haunts. We reacquainted ourselves with Madame Leota and listened to her Christmas chants....






....and then headed to the Ballroom.






It's a Gingerbread Iron Maiden torture chamber this year!






I didn't see my name on the naughty or nice list but I'm hoping that some of those presents are for me.






The Graveyard was covered with snow....and pumpkins!






Sandy Claws Jack was also about to greet us.






This really puts a different spin on Angels we have Heard on High, doesn't it?






Speaking of spin....I'd love a spin on that Oogie Wheel.






It's a universal truth that it can be pretty scary in the mansion. But with the holiday overlay, there is no doubt....the HM is scary pretty!

 

[franandaj]

Your dark ride pictures are just spectacular! I can't believe how great the pictures of the Red Head came out and the ones in the Haunted Mansion! I need to get me a lens that will take better pictures in the dark!

I never realized how the Small World Characters were laid out as far as nationalities! Thanks for pointing that out. I will pay better attention to that ride in the future!

 

[mvf-m11c]

It was nice to ride IASW, PotC and HMH that afternoon. Your pictures from the dark rides are very nice especially from the PotC. It was nice that your DH got a picture of the three of us right at the HMH. There were times when taking pictures on PotC and HMH with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 it was out of focus which was a little annoying but overall the pictures were good.

I would suggest getting a prime lens Alison so you are able to take better pictures in the dark.

 

[Leshaface]

The skeleton pirate on top of his gold, is a great picture!

I do! I think about the Monkees when I hear Davy Jones. I remember watching The Monkees when they had a tv show back in the day. And I have a few of their albums that i'll listen to every once in a while

I love everything about Haunted Mansion Holiday. It's so brilliant. I know i'm the minority, but i'd love if they kept this up all year long.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Just caught up, and as per usual your pics are great.

MHP certainly did seem to be one of those events where you had to stake out a spot for ages for the parade and fireworks. I found the party very over-crowded and, as such, was a bit disappointed in the whole night. However, the fireworks were definitely impressive and I love the way you captured how lovely they were.

 

[LegoMom3]

....

I hope you have a trip to DLR planned?? I know you've got WDW next year.

.....

No, nothing in the works. Too far and airfare is just too pricey for my budget. Someday I hope to either return to TX, or make a move to CO. So when I'm living a bit closer to the left coast, then we'll make a trek to DLR!


Another great installment! Beautiful pics. And just based on your pics alone, I already like the DL version of Pirates better than the WDW one!! (I have heard that it is, for real, the better one). Love the bayou scene! I also hate the most recent "upgrade" to the WDW one......didn't really care for the mermaid bit in On Stranger Tides.

.

 

[jedijill]

I tried to reply last night but the Dis crashed and I gave up and went to bed.

I'm shocked that kangaroos don't like like the ones in IASW!!!! I may have to cancel my in-the-planning-process trip to Australia now.

You got some great shots of HM. I must see it now with the overlay...it looks incredible!


Jill in CO

 

[PrincessInOz]

Happy New Year 2015

May 2015 find us all happy, healthy and safe!




Some of my pictures from last night......
It was a lovely evening to be out enjoying the early fireworks last night.









The fireworks were shot in Yarra Park; which surrounds the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The MCG holds a crowd capacity of 100,000. There were definitely much more than that outside the 'G last night!







We did get there early and scouted around for the best vantage point. In the end, we decided the prettiest backdrop would be with some of the cityscape in the back.







Happy New Year everyone! Thanks for reading along.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Great pictures of the firework trails last night PiO.

The night sky didn't look too dark and there was still light on the buildings which made your pictures turn out really good.

 

[ACDSNY]

Have you all got that song permanently stuck in auto-replay right now? That song just won't stop!!!(Continued in Next Post)

Now I have 3 songs in my head...It's a Small World, Pirates and Hey Hey from the Monkees.

Spectacular fireworks pics! Happy New Year to you and yours!

 

[jedijill]

Happy New Year! Your photos, as usual, are stunning!

Jill in CO

 

[PrincessInOz]

Your dark ride pictures are just spectacular! I can't believe how great the pictures of the Red Head came out and the ones in the Haunted Mansion! I need to get me a lens that will take better pictures in the dark!

Where low light photography is concerned, the right camera and lens combination does help. You already got a great camera, it might be time for a good lens.

You and Fran just need to decide on price and whether you want a zoom lens or a prime lens.
FWIW, in case you're thinking of a prime lens, the 50 mm f/1.8 lens is a good lens and at a good price. I personally find that it is too tight for the dark rides. The 28 mm or 35 mm prime focal lengths are better for Disney. For me, the zooms give me a lot more flexibility as I shoot other subjects (other than just Disney). It just comes down to what you want to shoot and whether the lens suits your shooting style.

I never realized how the Small World Characters were laid out as far as nationalities! Thanks for pointing that out. I will pay better attention to that ride in the future!

It was nice to ride IASW, PotC and HMH that afternoon. Your pictures from the dark rides are very nice especially from the PotC. It was nice that your DH got a picture of the three of us right at the HMH. There were times when taking pictures on PotC and HMH with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 it was out of focus which was a little annoying but overall the pictures were good.

I have a heap of out of focus shots using that Sigma. Not sure if the good shots outweigh the frustration.

The skeleton pirate on top of his gold, is a great picture!

I do! I think about the Monkees when I hear Davy Jones. I remember watching The Monkees when they had a tv show back in the day. And I have a few of their albums that i'll listen to every once in a while

I do't have any of their albums but I used to watch them on TV. I don't remember much more than their hairstyles and the theme song.

I love everything about Haunted Mansion Holiday. It's so brilliant. I know i'm the minority, but i'd love if they kept this up all year long.

I think I want 2 x HM at DLR. One with the overlay up and the other as the standard version.

Just caught up, and as per usual your pics are great.

MHP certainly did seem to be one of those events where you had to stake out a spot for ages for the parade and fireworks. I found the party very over-crowded and, as such, was a bit disappointed in the whole night. However, the fireworks were definitely impressive and I love the way you captured how lovely they were.

I think you and I have the similar impression of MHP.

No, nothing in the works. Too far and airfare is just too pricey for my budget. Someday I hope to either return to TX, or make a move to CO. So when I'm living a bit closer to the left coast, then we'll make a trek to DLR!

I sure hope you make it out there!

Another great installment! Beautiful pics. And just based on your pics alone, I already like the DL version of Pirates better than the WDW one!! (I have heard that it is, for real, the better one). Love the bayou scene! I also hate the most recent "upgrade" to the WDW one......didn't really care for the mermaid bit in On Stranger Tides.

.

I definitely do prefer the PotC at DLR to the MK version. I don't think I saw the upgrade at WDW. If I did, I missed the mermaid bit.

I tried to reply last night but the Dis crashed and I gave up and went to bed.

I'm shocked that kangaroos don't like like the ones in IASW!!!! I may have to cancel my in-the-planning-process trip to Australia now.

We'll just have to get Disney to make-over all the kangaroos in Oz.
Are you still planning this year?

You got some great shots of HM. I must see it now with the overlay...it looks incredible!


Jill in CO

Maybe it could be a stopover on your way to Oz.

Great pictures of the firework trails last night PiO.

The night sky didn't look too dark and there was still light on the buildings which made your pictures turn out really good.

Thanks. I like the early NYE fireworks because of the night sky colour. We rarely have the chance to shoot fireworks at that twilight time of day.

Now I have 3 songs in my head...It's a Small World, Pirates and Hey Hey from the Monkees.

At least I got that Yellow Submarine out of your head.

Spectacular fireworks pics! Happy New Year to you and yours!

Same to you!

Happy New Year! Your photos, as usual, are stunning!

Jill in CO

Thanks Jill.

 

[jedijill]

I've pushed the Oz trip back to 2016. I need to be responsible and save my money this year for a house.

Jill in CO

 

[PrincessInOz]

I've pushed the Oz trip back to 2016. I need to be responsible and save my money this year for a house.

Jill in CO

Ooh! That is a very adult thing to do.
I hope you get a house you love.


March/April is a great time to visit.

 

[tiggrbaby]

HM was lovely with all of the additions. And your firework pics are the best!

 

[PrincessInOz]

HM was lovely with all of the additions. And your firework pics are the best!

Happy New Year! Hope it was a great start to the year for you.

Thanks.

 

[PrincessInOz]

It's all about Rides Today....All Washed Up with a Splash


Discovery #50. It's always polite to wash before eating.



Splash Mountain is a family favourite. We all enjoy getting wet so it was always going to be on our list of must-do's today. Alison and DAF decided that they didn't want to get on the ride so that left the rest of us. As I didn't bring any protective gear with me, I left my camera behind with them so that it didn't get wet.






In hindsight, it was a great time to get on Splash. I love and hate that drop at the end all at the same time. And seeing that wall of wash coming towards you???

Needless to say, DS and I got soaked sitting in the front section. Afterall, one should always wash before eating.






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