Don't Fear the Rain, We Have the "Ducky of Death!"-Jan '14 **Bonus TR DCA 9/1 x2

[amazingact21]

Great safari photos!
I have never thought about it, but you're right, the hippos are usually in the water. Good to see one of them cooperated for you that morning and sunned on the ground.


Especially love the giraffe shots! That baby is too adorable.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

That sounds like fun!

I just hope that all these false starts to spring before plunging back into winter don't have a negative effect on the cherry blossoms.

I'm hoping the cherry blossoms will be just as spectacular as before. Because of the cold March we're having they are now predicting peak bloom to occur sometime around the second week of April which is around the same time as last year.

Great safari photos!
I have never thought about it, but you're right, the hippos are usually in the water. Good to see one of them cooperated for you that morning and sunned on the ground.


Especially love the giraffe shots! That baby is too adorable.

Thanks! Yeah I agree about the baby giraffe. So cute, wish I could pet it!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Thanks again everyone for your help with our entry into the DIS Photo Contest! If you haven’t yet or if you would like to vote again , here’s ***the link***.

I have to say, I’ve been spending a good chunk of time browsing through and voting on all of the pictures that were submitted. There are some really good ones.

Moving forward with another update! Today’s update will have a Beauty and the Beast theme with our experiences at Enchanted Tales with Belle and the Be Our Guest Restaurant. It’s a shame that Belle and the Beast (aka Adam) can’t spend more time together since one seems to be stuck in the Library of the Castle while the other lumbers around pretty much everywhere else in the castle including the Ballroom and the West Wing.

On our first MK park day (Wednesday, January 29th) I had made FP+ reservations for Enchanted Tales at 4:20pm as our last activity of the day before heading back to our resort. I know, leaving a Park before 5pm is pretty much unheard of in our household but this was all in the grand scheme of pacing ourselves slower to enhance my chances of converting DB. I also wanted to spend some quality time at AKL and we had a Jiko dinner awaiting us.

I initially had planned on using the standby queue for this attraction at rope drop as I wanted to take a good look at the details inside Maurice’s cottage but decided use the FP+ instead which skips ahead of the queue and directly dumps the guests into Maurice’s workshop where the magic mirror resides.

I don't have a good picture of the exterior of Maurice's cottage this time so here's a recycled picture from my October trip that is a whole lot less rainy.



When we arrived the wait time for the standby queue was an unheard of 20 minutes at 4:20pm thanks to the rain and temperatures barely hovering above 40. So I guess we could have still entered the regular queue and not have used the FP+. Last year both of our kids did not want to be part of the show feeling a bit shy about the prospects of “performing” in front of strangers. They still enjoyed the show a lot from their seats. DS had even whispered in my ear unsolicited “I like this!” during the story telling. I was very curious to see how they would react to the opportunity this time.

After the mirror did its thing (which is still so cool no matter how many times I see it), we were led inside the Beast’s Castle and to the Wardrobe room.

I promise this is the last recycled picture from my October trip. I still hadn't pulled out my camera from the backpack at this point.



When we entered the room we encouraged all three of the kids to stand out in front for the “audition” and unlike last time they all voluntarily stayed in the front row with the kids although DD and DS were separated from each other by at least 5 or 6 other kids. At first it appeared that our kids were once again too shy to participate as they didn’t roar for the Beast’s casting or gallop for Philepe’s casting. Then it was time to cast Chip and Mrs. Potts and the CM asked everyone to hop. And to my ecstatic surprise, the first two kids to demonstrate some vigorous hopping were DD and DS and naturally they were picked!! The CM had no idea they were siblings because they weren’t standing next to each other and actually on the opposite ends of the front row! I’m pretty sure I did a little hopping of my own when I saw them being given the cardboards of Mrs. Potts and Chip! DN was feeling shy so he didn’t want to be part of the show which I can understand since it was his first time and didn’t know what to expect.

When the doors opened into the library the kids filed in first and the adults followed. I made sure to get a front row seat so that I could photograph everything.

Lumiere looking all know-it-all.



Belle soon entered into the library with our surprise greeting and the storytelling began.



DD and DS did great and was having a blast. Both of them showed off their hopping skills when it was their turn to enter the story. And with the help of Belle DD’s Mrs. Potts poured imaginary tea into DS’s chip.



I have to say the CMs do a wonderful job looking after the kids and making sure they don’t feel overwhelmed by the process by whispering lines into their ears and guiding them through the whole act. By the time the kids paraded around the room near the end of the story DS and DD had looks of pure joy on their face.

And of course getting to meet with Belle after the story telling was just icing on the cake for the kids.



My mini-dream of seeing them participate in Belle’s tale came true! DSIL noticed how excited I was even well after the show concluded and we were exiting the library.

On our second MK day (Friday, January 31st), we had a dinner ADR at Be Our Guest at 4:05pm. This was right after DS and DD finished their Pirates League and BBB appointments and I was able to squeeze in a FP+ fueled meet and greet for DD and Rapunzel/Snow White. After exiting Princess Fairytale Hall, DD and I quickly strolled over in the misty rain to BOG where DW and DS were waiting. DB, DSIL, and DN had also finally rejoined us after hours of pool and resort time since splitting up with us at 9:15am. I asked DB about their experience taking the bus back to the resort in the morning and he said they had to wait for a bus about 15 minutes but it was completely empty. I of course reminded him with a wink that very few people go back to the resort that early in the morning.

Except for myself, everyone was eating at BOG for the very first time. This was one of those must-do things for DD. Last year I had to talk her down when we couldn’t secure a dinner ADR and promised her that we would do it on our next trip and I was lucky enough to find an ADR for 7 people. The timing worked out great too with our early dinner because we had to make our way to the Pirates and Pals Cruise afterwards. We waited a mere 2 minutes after receiving our pager when it went off. We were still one of the first groups to be seated for their dinner service so a lot of the CMs were still lined up by the entrance greeting the guests. We were seated in the Ballroom!







The kids were a bit tired by this point but DD enjoyed the experience quite a bit. DS was still a bit groggy after waking up from his stroller nap. After having some time to take in the surroundings and theming, DB asked me “So, is this room supposed to be a replica of one from a movie?” which once again reminded me how much of a Disney novice my brother is and why it was a challenge to convert him over to the Disney side…..oh wait, I’m supposed to put a hash tag there, #Disneyside. Apparently, he doesn’t remember watching Beauty and the Beast so I explained to him why the restaurant was so popular as it recreated parts of the Beast’s castle very accurately from the movie and how difficult it is to get a reservation even after being opened for over a year. Neither of the kids ate very much but they liked the ambience and definitely liked the dessert cart when it rolled in at the end of our meal. Everybody was happy with their entrée choices. I had the Chicken Provencial which was a vast improvement from my last dinner selection. And to top it off I had the Lemon Murang again which was great.

After everyone finished eating we were invited to tour the rest of the restaurant. Of course the West Wing was the first place we flocked over to.





The lightning, the changing portrait, and of course the rose with the magic mirror. We also swung by the Gallery to take a look at the music box.



And then finally we went to meet Adam, the Beast.



I think I’m going to save the update for the Beauty and the Beast show at DHS for another time!

 

[JDUB]

Now I'm surprised you were picked for one of the Beast knights!!!! Hand the camera off and get up there with Belle!!! BOG is still on our list to do next trip. We didn't want to wait in line during the rain for lunch there. Always next time, right?

 

[chattadisser]

ETWB is so fun but hard when your kids are shy. I know we have to coax ours into a supporting role so they can meet Belle. I am still amazed by that mirror ever single time...and I love that I can't figure it out!

We haven't made it to BOG yet. It looks beautiful and that picture of the Beast with the backs of a certain princess and pirate is just too cute!

Christine

 

[emilyindisney]

The facial hair they put on the kids during PL always cracks me up. Seeing little boys with full black beards, eyebrows and mustaches is too funny! DD's make-over hair looks great!

What great lion pictures! Such good luck! You're right- I'd be hiding in the grass too if I was as close as that picture seems! That's a neat shot of the duck (and the rain) at the end of this update.

That shot of the ballroom is beautiful! It reminds me of the simulated one Disney put out in the preliminary ads for the restaurant (in a good way!)

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow, that is pretty amazing that both kids got picked simultaneously like that. Really amazing.

That Lumiere is truly impressive. My goodness.

Did Belle actually stop and pose for a second during the show. It definitely looks like it. I'm going to have to get me a massive camera.

I have to admit, BoG is absolutely impressive. That ballroom though, just WOW.

 

[teekathepony]

I've voted a few times now for your picture, I love that one and do honestly hope you win!

So happy that your kids volunteered for ETWB! I'm definitely going to have to see that next trip, it sounds so cute. Beautiful pictures in there too, your pictures of Belle are my favourite!

I got really excited (maybe I even hopped a little) when I saw that this update would include your BOG photos. I was not disappointed! Absolutely stunning, you captured it perfectly. And YAY for being seated in the ballroom!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

fun update!

Does the FP+ for ETWB bring you to the magic mirror? I thought I read in some reports that it brings you right into the wardrobe room which made me not want to do it as I want to see the mirror effect, but if you do get to see that, I might have to reconsider.

Funny to read on these boards when someone is so not #Disneyside to even realize the associate of BOG to Beauty and the Beast ... that is like when people who are really into sports not realizing that there are people out there that could care less

Glad you got that ADR though and that it seems like people enjoyed it

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Now I'm surprised you were picked for one of the Beast knights!!!! Hand the camera off and get up there with Belle!!! BOG is still on our list to do next trip. We didn't want to wait in line during the rain for lunch there. Always next time, right?

Yeah I hear you. The lunch lines are can get crazy and it's not something we would want to attempt with our children.

As much as I enjoy watching our kids go up and be part of the story, I'm perfectly happy staying behind the camera.

ETWB is so fun but hard when your kids are shy. I know we have to coax ours into a supporting role so they can meet Belle. I am still amazed by that mirror ever single time...and I love that I can't figure it out!

We haven't made it to BOG yet. It looks beautiful and that picture of the Beast with the backs of a certain princess and pirate is just too cute!

Christine

Having been one of those extremely shy children, I can completely relate when our kids are hesitant about these things although they are much more adventurous than I was at their age.

Don't know if you know but kids who don't participate in the story telling can still meet Belle and get a picture with her. In fact, the CMs actively ask the kids who were sitting in the audience near the end if they want to meet Belle.

The facial hair they put on the kids during PL always cracks me up. Seeing little boys with full black beards, eyebrows and mustaches is too funny! DD's make-over hair looks great!

What great lion pictures! Such good luck! You're right- I'd be hiding in the grass too if I was as close as that picture seems! That's a neat shot of the duck (and the rain) at the end of this update.

That shot of the ballroom is beautiful! It reminds me of the simulated one Disney put out in the preliminary ads for the restaurant (in a good way!)

The eyebrows on DS' makeover was my favorite part. Although I have to say, the makeup was very easily smudge-able and it was difficult for a four year old not to rub or scratch those parts of his face that had the drawings on. We had to keep a close eye on him so that the drawings would stay intact.

Wow, that is pretty amazing that both kids got picked simultaneously like that. Really amazing.

That Lumiere is truly impressive. My goodness.

Did Belle actually stop and pose for a second during the show. It definitely looks like it. I'm going to have to get me a massive camera.

I have to admit, BoG is absolutely impressive. That ballroom though, just WOW.

So I don't remember Belle actually stopping in the middle of her routine for that picture where she's looking straight into the camera but it certainly looks like that, doesn't it? You're right, a big camera with a bigger lens is like a magnet for these Disney characters in the parks.

I've voted a few times now for your picture, I love that one and do honestly hope you win!

So happy that your kids volunteered for ETWB! I'm definitely going to have to see that next trip, it sounds so cute. Beautiful pictures in there too, your pictures of Belle are my favourite!

I got really excited (maybe I even hopped a little) when I saw that this update would include your BOG photos. I was not disappointed! Absolutely stunning, you captured it perfectly. And YAY for being seated in the ballroom!!

Thank yo so much for the votes and the kind words, Wendy!!

I really liked how the pictures came out with Belle and I also like how Lumiere looks behind her as well.

I really want to be seated in the West Wing so that I could set up my camera for a dream photo with a long exposure. I could either set up the camera on the table or set up the tripod on my chair without the legs extended. Maybe next time.

fun update!

Does the FP+ for ETWB bring you to the magic mirror? I thought I read in some reports that it brings you right into the wardrobe room which made me not want to do it as I want to see the mirror effect, but if you do get to see that, I might have to reconsider.

Funny to read on these boards when someone is so not #Disneyside to even realize the associate of BOG to Beauty and the Beast ... that is like when people who are really into sports not realizing that there are people out there that could care less

Glad you got that ADR though and that it seems like people enjoyed it

Yes, the FP+ entrance just by passes the queue portion of the cottage and sends you into Maurice's workshop where the mirror resides. In fact, they let the FP+ people enter the workshop first and then fill up the rest of the room with the standby queue guests.

 

[khaleesi]

Been voting for your pic! It is really amazing.

A bird that looks like a stork but also shares features of another bird that graces my kids’ cereal box.

Look at his little pink knees! It looks like someone took pink thread and just tied it around him.

We happen to arrive at this part of the trail just as the giraffes were crossing. They decided to herd along our truck including the baby giraffe who apparently is still very curious about the trucks and doesn’t hesitate to come right up against it. Our driver said that we would have to keep moving because if we stopped the baby giraffe will NOT let us go.

This does not sound like a bad thing to me. LOL.

And finally an animal that looks like a cross between a goat and a deer but I’m pretty sure it isn’t either.

Oooh oooh!! I know this one! It's an addax. We're friends

Great safari pics. I have an amazing one of the lion from a previous trip that I'm gonna have to dig out because I didn't realize how unusual it is for him to be doing something other than sleeping.

How awesome that both kiddoes got to participate in story time!!!! YAY!!!!!!!

 

[khertz]

Lovely pictures inside of BOG! So glad you got seated in the Ballroom this time. Seems like that's more where the action is than where we were seated in October. I'm sure the kids were amazed walking in there!

 

[amazingact21]

I always wondered how ETWB would be for shy kids. I know if they had the show when I was young, I would have been mortified to be cast. I guess it's good that both your kids had already experienced ETWB on an earlier trip and knew it was something they wanted to do.
And it must have been great to see both of them picked! I was afraid hurt feelings would've occured if only one of them was chosen.



I had to laugh at your DB's reaction to BoG. You see so many stories about people freaking out over eating at that restaurant and there he was going, "Meh, what's the big deal." Pretty amusing.


Can't ask for much better seating than the ballroom!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Been voting for your pic! It is really amazing.

Look at his little pink knees! It looks like someone took pink thread and just tied it around him.

This does not sound like a bad thing to me. LOL.

Oooh oooh!! I know this one! It's an addax. We're friends

Great safari pics. I have an amazing one of the lion from a previous trip that I'm gonna have to dig out because I didn't realize how unusual it is for him to be doing something other than sleeping.

How awesome that both kiddoes got to participate in story time!!!! YAY!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for voting for my picture!

The addax! That's what was at the tip of my tongue but couldn't remember. Thanks!

I saw the lion picture you mentioned and that's awesome! He was actually standing up!

Lovely pictures inside of BOG! So glad you got seated in the Ballroom this time. Seems like that's more where the action is than where we were seated in October. I'm sure the kids were amazed walking in there!

Although even when the Beast came through the Ballroom he seemed to be pretty far away. That room is so big.

I think I read somewhere that the Gallery is usually not open for dinner. Funny how we got seated in there. Maybe it was because I "badgered" the CM at the check in counter?

I always wondered how ETWB would be for shy kids. I know if they had the show when I was young, I would have been mortified to be cast. I guess it's good that both your kids had already experienced ETWB on an earlier trip and knew it was something they wanted to do.
And it must have been great to see both of them picked! I was afraid hurt feelings would've occured if only one of them was chosen.

I had to laugh at your DB's reaction to BoG. You see so many stories about people freaking out over eating at that restaurant and there he was going, "Meh, what's the big deal." Pretty amusing.

Can't ask for much better seating than the ballroom!

I like how the CMs at ETwB gives out parts after the major roles have been cast to ease possible disappointments for children who really had their hearts set on participating. Even though they won't have any "lines" they still seem to love being part of the parade at the end.

Yeah, my brother gave me a fresh perspective of how non-Disney people view and react to things at Disney World. I have a few more stories like that coming up in future updates.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Yesterday, I once again left the house very early in hopes of taking some sunrise pictures on my way to work into DC. This time I decided to set up my shot from the Virginia side before crossing the Potomac to my work. There's a great bike/pedestrian trail (Mount Vernon Trail) that goes up and down by the Potomac along side the George Washington Parkway. I had never checked this trail out so I scouted the location on Thursday afternoon coming home from work and decided that the area by the Arlington Memorial Bridge provided the best view with the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in frame.

I was really groggy and tired waking up at 5am. I kept my fingers crossed hoping that there would be some good cloud cover. I was also trying out my first ND filter. The sunrise was absolutely beautiful! Couldn't have asked for better cloud covers and I was able to work the ND filter in without much difficulty after doing some calculations and conversions to figure out the right shutter time (100 seconds). This picture alone totally made the lack of sleep worthwhile.

 

[middlesista]

Glad you were able to get a front row seat in Enchanted Tales with Belle - great photos! Your photos of BOG brought back some great memories - can't wait to go back!!

Thanks for taking the time to share!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Also, I'm nearly finished building my photography website where you'll be able to see a lot of my non-Disney pictures. I'll post a link once it's completed.

And this is why I love your TRs! Bonus content! I'm looking forward to your website being live.

This picture alone totally made the lack of sleep worthwhile.

I agree Dave! Amazing photo.

As for your TR....
I remember Kristy's family was the family of the day for the safari. You almost made it!

Those are truly some amazing safari photos. Ha ha! A hippo out of water. How do hippos get so hefty if they lay around and eat salad all day?

Cool shot of the king of the jungle errr safari!

Granted I've only been on the safari once but I didn't get the rocking bridge. I feel ripped off.

Although a Meet & Greet with Belle and Adam would be unique I would really like to see Belle and Gaston interacting together. That would be hilarious.

Awww your kids were excellent hoppers and got to be Chip and Mrs. Potts. Definitely a moment to be a proud dad!

 

[teekathepony]

Yesterday, I once again left the house very early in hopes of taking some sunrise pictures on my way to work into DC. This time I decided to set up my shot from the Virginia side before crossing the Potomac to my work. There's a great bike/pedestrian trail (Mount Vernon Trail) that goes up and down by the Potomac along side the George Washington Parkway. I had never checked this trail out so I scouted the location on Thursday afternoon coming home from work and decided that the area by the Arlington Memorial Bridge provided the best view with the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in frame. I was really groggy and tired waking up at 5am. I kept my fingers crossed hoping that there would be some good cloud cover. I was also trying out my first ND filter. The sunrise was absolutely beautiful! Couldn't have asked for better cloud covers and I was able to work the ND filter in without much difficulty after doing some calculations and conversions to figure out the right shutter time (100 seconds). This picture alone totally made the lack of sleep worthwhile. https://flic.kr/p/mjR2we

Oh wow! I saw it on Facebook, but wow again, what a gorgeous picture! Which density was your filter? I really should start leaving early for work too!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Glad you were able to get a front row seat in Enchanted Tales with Belle - great photos! Your photos of BOG brought back some great memories - can't wait to go back!!

Thanks for taking the time to share!!

Thank you for following along and always happy to share! I wish we could be heading back to BOG in October but it will be such a short stay with two MNSSHPs to attend there's a good chance we won't be able to fit this in. We'll definitely make a repeat visit to Enchanted Tales though.

And this is why I love your TRs! Bonus content! I'm looking forward to your website being live.

Thanks Brenda! I feel so lucky that we live in such a photogenic region that I can make a quick stop on my way to work. Will definitely let you know when the website is fully up and running!

Those are truly some amazing safari photos. Ha ha! A hippo out of water. How do hippos get so hefty if they lay around and eat salad all day?

Judging by the way they just lay there, I'm guessing they burn like 50 calories a day so maybe that's how they get their weight gain even on a salad diet?

Granted I've only been on the safari once but I didn't get the rocking bridge. I feel ripped off.

Anecdotally speaking, the bridge has worked about 20% of the time so I feel ripped off the other 80% of the time.

Although a Meet & Greet with Belle and Adam would be unique I would really like to see Belle and Gaston interacting together. That would be hilarious.

Now that's a meet and greet worthy of a FP+!

Oh wow! I saw it on Facebook, but wow again, what a gorgeous picture! Which density was your filter? I really should start leaving early for work too!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks Wendy! I bought a B+W 77mm ND 3.0 because I was mostly considering using one during daylight hours. My head was spinning when I was trying to multiply 1000 to the shutter time. I've only had the filter for 5 days but so far am loving the results.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

For this brief update, I’ll focus on our short time at World Showcase. We didn’t get to spend much time at Epcot. Then again, it feels like Epcot always gets the short end of the stick every trip especially World Showcase. I had penciled in Epcot for our departure day (Sunday, February 2nd). We have gotten into the routine of picking the latest flight out possible so that we could spend a good amount of time at the parks on the day we leave. With our flight scheduled for a 7pm departure, we were able to stay at Epcot until 3:30pm before heading out to the parking lot.

After devoting the morning hours at Future World we headed into Epcot for our 12:30pm ADR at Via Napoli. Note to self: Next time, look for a restaurant that’s NOT the farthest away from Future World. We were a few minutes late to our ADR thanks to the distance. I should also point out that this was our lone day of sunshine with temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 80s. So by the time we arrived at Via Napoli we were sweating and needed some time to cool down as we waited for our table.

This was our first time at Via Napoli. I had ADRs for this place each of our last two prior trips but for one reason or another always ended up cancelling it at the last minute. We were seated a few minutes later not too far from entry foyer. I liked the overall ambience and theming of the restaurant although I would have liked to had a better view of those picturesque wood ovens. The only time I got a look at them was on our way to the restrooms.



The view out the window.







The meal itself was great and I would totally go back again. The service was a bit spotty. Our server had difficulty remembering which drinks we had ordered and they were just soft drinks! Then, we went on to mix up DD’s kids meal order and brought a cheese pizza for her when she wanted spaghetti. He did bring out the replacement spaghetti right away and left the cheese pizza at the table. Later when the check came, I find that he charged us for BOTH the pizza and spaghetti. I really didn’t have the time or the energy to point this out so DW and I just decided to let it go. The fact that I ate a couple of those slices of that pizza also weighed in. Overall though we did have a positive experience.

It was already 2pm when we left the restaurant and DD wanted to see Figment before we left the park. So we decided to take a slow stroll around half of WS on our way to Journey Into Imagination clockwise. I really like World Showcase and one of these days I hope that we can find enough time to do a leisurely paced tour catching all of the various shows, taking the time to visit all of the shops, and trying some of the snack items at the various countries. Oh, and also take some pictures. On this particular stroll we made just one stop at a shop in the Morocco area. While I was waiting for everyone to finish their browsing I was able to take a few pictures from where I was standing before continuing our trek.









I did stop briefly at United Kingdom and France to snap a couple of pictures. I think UK is the most photogenic of all of the pavilions.







And a brief look at Canada



So that’s my very short update on our accelerated tour around the World.