disney at christmas

[amamax2]

 

[amamax2]

 

[amamax2]

BEAUTIFUL! Where was this lamp post?

Thanks!!

It was taken on Main Street.

 

[amamax2]

So I am still enjoying my favorite place - just in a whole different way and with a new set of (adult) eyes, I guess you could say - meaning that my priorities as a kid at DLR were quite different than my priorities as an adult. As a 4-year-old, or an 10-year-old, or a 15-year-old, I wouldn't have been saying, "I want to get photos of all the weather vanes around DL, and all the details and hidden gems." Now I have all the years of DL experience under my belt, and many childhood memories of my favorite place, but now I can enjoy it with a whole new perspective and appreciation as an adult - and preferably during Christmastime and HalloweenTime!!

Absolutely!

Even growing up in LA, as a kid we rarely went - big family and just too expensive. I remember going once at about age 10 when an aunt came to town; my mom claims we went at least one other time; I went for Grad Night; and then once in college with my then-boyfriend (now DH). I don't remember being so enamoured of it then, but when we took our first trip with the kids (DS #1 aged just shy of 3 and DS #2 13 months), it was the most magical place! To see it through their eyes was astounding. And it was such a wonderful place for the WHOLE family - truly what Walt envisioned. Since then, we have gone so many times and we all LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. We crave going there when we haven't been for awhile.

We went to Paris several years ago and had to go to DLP! Then last year to WDW. And our goal is to eventually go to all the DL all around the world, lol, although the original we still feel is the best of them.

And in going so often, I love the rides, but also love finding all the new little details on each trip. It's not so much about seeing the magic through my sons' eyes anymore (as their sole goal is to try to set records for riding certain rides the most times, etc,), but finding magic through my picture taking. And luckily, my DH is content riding the rides with the boys till he's sick, or helping me find new things to photograph.

PS I think the absolute best time for theming and decor was during the 50th Anniversary - did you go then Sherry? Boy did the parks look drab after that was over, lol.

 

[Sherry E]

Absolutely!

Even growing up in LA, as a kid we rarely went - big family and just too expensive. I remember going once at about age 10 when an aunt came to town; my mom claims we went at least one other time; I went for Grad Night; and then once in college with my then-boyfriend (now DH). I don't remember being so enamoured of it then, but when we took our first trip with the kids (DS #1 aged just shy of 3 and DS #2 13 months), it was the most magical place! To see it through their eyes was astounding. And it was such a wonderful place for the WHOLE family - truly what Walt envisioned. Since then, we have gone so many times and we all LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. We crave going there when we haven't been for awhile.

We went to Paris several years ago and had to go to DLP! Then last year to WDW. And our goal is to eventually go to all the DL all around the world, lol, although the original we still feel is the best of them.

And in going so often, I love the rides, but also love finding all the new little details on each trip. It's not so much about seeing the magic through my sons' eyes anymore (as they're sole goal is to try to set records for riding certain rides the most times, etc,), but finding magic through my picture taking. And luckily, my DH is content riding the rides with the boys till he's sick, or helping me find new things to photograph.

PS I think the absolute best time for theming and decor was during the 50th Anniversary - did you go then Sherry? Boy did the parks look drab after that was over, lol.

Such beautiful photos above ^^^^!! I love those store displays!

The 50th anniversary was in 2005, correct? No, darn it, I missed it! That was during a period of several years when I didn't make it to DLR at all. When I finally got back there in 2007, I had to get reacquainted and re-acclimated because I felt like a fish out of water. Was that the year when the Mickey statues (all designed by different people) were all over DCA? What were the decorations like then? I can't even imagine what the decorations must have been like then.

I think it definitely helps to be a detail-oriented person in general to be able to catch a lot of the hidden gems around DLR and appreciate them. Having an interest in photography, as you do, will certainly keep you attuned to the out-of-the-ordinary or off the beaten path kinds of things in DLR. While seeing the parks through a child's eyes is wonderful and magical in its own right, there is something to be said for being a more seasoned adult with a creative, detailed streak who can scope out interesting subjects to photograph and ways to frame them that's interesting.

Did you like DLP as much as DLR in general? Or is DL always going to be a better individual park than Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Paris?

 

[amamax2]

Sorry, I tried to cut some of the original post out and answer individual quotes - thought I was so clever figuring how to do that, but it came out a bit of a mess with my answers in with the quotes. Please bear with me.....

Such beautiful photos above ^^^^!! I love those store displays!

Thanks!!! I'm loving sharing them and looking at them again.

The 50th anniversary was in 2005, correct? No, darn it, I missed it! That was during a period of several years when I didn't make it to DLR at all.

Gosh, was it really 5 years ago?!? I guess it was

Was that the year when the Mickey statues (all designed by different people) were all over DCA? What were the decorations like then? I can't even imagine what the decorations must have been like then.

I don't remember Mickey statues . Or maybe we just didn't go to DCA that much that year. That was the first year we had APs and we spent the year with my kids getting braver and braver each trip, trying one new ride at DL each trip till they had conquored them all. I think we probably only did Flik's Fun Fair at DCA once or twice - they were on a mission....

Now I'll have to scrape up some 50th Anniversary pictures for you! There was gold all over and each of the original rides had a gold car/boat/cup/ etc. So cool to get one of those. And there were these amazing murals all over: DL had asked guests to send in pictures from any past trip and they put them all together to make iconic images from DL out of the little teeny photographs, so all you really saw from far away was the image using the colors from the teeny photos, and then when you got up close, you could see the details of each photo.

Did you like DLP as much as DLR in general? Or is DL always going to be a better individual park than Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Paris?

One thing about Disney, each park we have visited is different from the others, so it's a different experience. They all have some of the familiar, so you instantly feel at home, but also new things. We did love DLP, but some of the rides were completely changed (Space Mtn has a loop-de-loop, Indy is very fast roller coaster with a corkscrew-type-loop - my kids were in heaven). They also had a some great areas we don't have - an Alice in Wonderland maze for instance. And the castle is amazing - my favorite so far! So it felt very different; it is comparing apples and oranges if that makes sense. Plus, it was Paris - we were already wowed! (And we were there in Oct, so extra bonus of seeing Halloween decor. ) We definitely want to go back.

We also definitely enjoyed WDW, and everyone told us not to even go the MK because it "is just like DL here," but we went anyways. The park itself was different enough, and with the whole four parks/busses etc, again a different experience. But we came home saying, in general, we really like the intimacy of our DLR - we love being able to park hop, having DTD right there, walking from the hotel to the park etc. WDW felt more like going to four different theme parks (as if here in So Cal we went to MM, US, Knotts, and DL all in the same week), rather than a total Disney immersion. KWIM?

Ok, back to our regularly scheduled topic....

 

[jnjusoioa]

amamax, thank you so much for the awesome Christmas pictures!!! They are great!!!! Love the ones of Bug's Land!!! Love those huge ornaments, they are so great, also love the Jim Shore pieces. Awesome!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Ah, but I remembered specifically that (and you) when I was at DLR last Saturday night. I went solely to see the "Remember... Dreams Come True" fireworks. I never left Main Street. On the way out, I went into the shops to do some pin trading. I saw Christmas merchandise and thought, "SherryE!"

Today is the first chance I've had to sort through and upload these pictures. They were taken for you and the other DISers who like to see what's in the shops at this time of year. Enjoy!

Some less-traditional colored items that caught my eye:

And... a little chocolate food porn to close:

YUM!

- Dreams

Amamax2 - did you find the photo of the Little Green Man putting on the Sorcerer Hat? I found Disney Dreams' post from this thread (above^^) with that picture in it. Heck, even if you found it, it's not a bad idea to just show these photos from Disney Dreams again, because they are so cool!!

 

[amamax2]

Amamax2 - did you find the photo of the Little Green Man putting on the Sorcerer Hat? I foiund Disney Dreams' post from this thread (above^^) with that picture in it. Heck, even if you found it, it's not a bad idea to just show these photos from Disney Dreams again, because they are so cool!!

Sherry - you are sooooo nice!

I just spent the last half hour going through the entire Halloween thread looking for them.. I kept telling myself that even though they were ornaments, since it was Halloween costumes, I must have the right thread. Then I got to the end and re-read what you posted.

Then came over here to see that you had posted them for me. Thank you!!!!

Hope they have them this year......my DH would love one!

 

[jnjusoioa]

I was wondering if any of you ladies could help me out. I would love to find someone that does scrapbooking and would be willing to make me a pre-made scrapbook for my upcoming trip, someone who is willing to kind of personalize it a little, etc. I know at one point I knew someone but can't seem to find their contact info. Thanks in advance.

 

[amamax2]

amamax, thank you so much for the awesome Christmas pictures!!! They are great!!!! Love the ones of Bug's Land!!! Love those huge ornaments, they are so great, also love the Jim Shore pieces. Awesome!!!

Thank you so much!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Amamax2 - did you find the photo of the Little Green Man putting on the Sorcerer Hat? I found Disney Dreams' post from this thread (above^^) with that picture in it. Heck, even if you found it, it's not a bad idea to just show these photos from Disney Dreams again, because they are so cool!!

Aww, thanks! Glad you like them.

...Hope they have them this year......my DH would love one!

They were in the Emporium.

...I would love to find someone that does scrapbooking and would be willing to make me a pre-made scrapbook for my upcoming trip, someone who is willing to kind of personalize it a little, etc. I know at one point I knew someone but can't seem to find their contact info. Thanks in advance.

You might try over on the DIS The Creative Community > Scrapbooking Boards.

- Dreams

 

[Flitterific]

amamax2 - wow, those are some really awesome pictures. Thanks for sharing!

Anyway, I finally got a chance to sort through my pictures so here are some more of the parade:

 

[Flitterific]

 

[Flitterific]

Argh...I can't seem to figure out how to resize the images on Photobucket so you guys can see the full-sized images =/

 

[amamax2]

Yeah! More pictures!!!

I love the one with Tigger and Pooh on sleds!!!

ROFL to the turkey one; last time we were at DL we were "discussing" what happens to those pardoned turkeys when it is time for the next year's turkeys to arrive.... (Turkey leg anyone?)

Re: resizing pictures on photobucket: I know how, thanks to Sherry! Go into Photobucket. For each picture you'll see a space to edit. Click on that. It will open up a page with little icons of things to do. The second one says resize. Click on preset sizes. I put all mine at "large." Click on apply. Then save as a copy (option towards the bottom of the page.)

And voila!

HTH. And thanks for the compliments on my pictures!

 

[VivekB]

Oy, I don't know whats worse - discovering disboards.com while prepping for my *two* upcoming trips in the next 2 months (buying an AP even though i live in NorCal), or discovering this thread about what DLR is like over xmas. We alternate going to Hawaii every other year, this is our off year, hmmm, perhaps a DLR trip is what we need to do. Heck, we can drive down, and the hotels are only $120-$140/night.

The 6 year old just saw the pic of Santa Goofy, hopefully she can help me sell the wife on going over the holidays. (repeat after me honey - "Mommy - why don't you go shopping in Santa Monica while Daddy & I go to disneyland?").

 

[Flitterific]

Yeah! More pictures!!!

I love the one with Tigger and Pooh on sleds!!!

ROFL to the turkey one; last time we were at DL we were "discussing" what happens to those pardoned turkeys when it is time for the next year's turkeys to arrive.... (Turkey leg anyone?)

Re: resizing pictures on photobucket: I know how, thanks to Sherry! Go into Photobucket. For each picture you'll see a space to edit. Click on that. It will open up a page with little icons of things to do. The second one says resize. Click on preset sizes. I put all mine at "large." Click on apply. Then save as a copy (option towards the bottom of the page.)

And voila!

HTH. And thanks for the compliments on my pictures!

Lol...mmm...turkey legs

Anyway, thanks for the resizing pictures on Photobucket tip...I will try it tomorrow when I post some Christmas food porn

Oy, I don't know whats worse - discovering disboards.com while prepping for my *two* upcoming trips in the next 2 months (buying an AP even though i live in NorCal), or discovering this thread about what DLR is like over xmas. We alternate going to Hawaii every other year, this is our off year, hmmm, perhaps a DLR trip is what we need to do. Heck, we can drive down, and the hotels are only $120-$140/night.

The 6 year old just saw the pic of Santa Goofy, hopefully she can help me sell the wife on going over the holidays. (repeat after me honey - "Mommy - why don't you go shopping in Santa Monica while Daddy & I go to disneyland?").

Lol...Christmas is super magical at Disneyland so you should definitely go. Get your wife on the boards and we'll help convince her for you And no worries, I have a PAP even though I'm from San Francisco...I find ways to make use of it

 

[Sherry E]

Flitterific - I only had a hot minute to pop in and make a comment. I will have to come back later and read the other, most recent posts.

About the resizing of photos on Photobucket - if your photos loaded to Photobucket in a small size to begin with, you probably will not be able to resize them to a larger size. You can only downsize from bigger photos to smaller photos once they are already loaded (at least, that has been my experience). So you can re-upload some of your photos to Photobucket in a large size and then downsize from there, even though that will be a pain! Did you intentionally choose to load them to a small size when you first put them on Photobucket, or did they come out that size naturally (like some cell phone photos will automatically come out small, depending on where they are uploaded)?

 

[Flitterific]

Flitterific - I only had a hot minute to pop in and make a comment. I will have to come back later and read the other, most recent posts.

About the resizing of photos on Photobucket - if your photos loaded to Photobucket in a small size to begin with, you probably will not be able to resize them to a larger size. You can only downsize from bigger photos to smaller photos once they are already loaded (at least, that has been my experience). So you can re-upload some of your photos to Photobucket in a large size and then downsize from there, even though that will be a pain! Did you intentionally choose to load them to a small size when you first put them on Photobucket, or did they come out that size naturally (like some cell phone photos will automatically come out small, depending on where they are uploaded)?

Hi Sherry! I think I had uploaded them in a small size to begin with. When I first started using Photobucket to post pictures on the boards, the images were ridiculously big and I didn't like that so I changed the settings on my account. However, now I can't figure out how to change them back I will mess with them again and hope I can post bigger pictures for you guys to enjoy