DON'T Read This TRIP REPORT If You're a Princess Hater!

[mom2rtk]

I want to learn!

We'll be going to the Sept 23rd date. I'm so excited. I keep going around in my head, How will Kadence react to the "SUPRISE". How will MNSSHP go, and will we not melt in the hot temps

1) Well, let's see....... first you have to understand that this morning when I was writing up the MVMCP stuff, I was working with fresh brain cells. That is clearly not the case now.........

2) Next, read all the MVMCP stuff I posted earlier. The same sort of approach applies to MNSSHP. Same deal with 2 parades, 1 fireworks show and a stage show to see.

3) I'm sure you'll do this already..... but stay tuned here to the DIS for the info on this year's party once the first one has been held. There are sure to be some changes because of Toontown being closed.

4) Wanna see the dwarfs? Psssssssssttttt......... here's my SUPER secret tip: Don't wait for the line to start. YOU need to start it. Set up camp by 6 and be first in line. You'll be on your way to enjoy 5 hours of party time while some in line behind you will have an hour's wait still.

5) Cindy's carriage is usually out. In prior years they had it out early. If you can have hubby hold your dwarf spot, go see if it's open at 6:30 or so and get some pictures there. That line backs up during the party too. It's the BEST photo op at Disney....... so don't miss it! At our first P&P Party, I practically cried as we had to walk right past it around 10:30. The line was long and we had to be back early the next morning for our reservation at CRT. This was from 09, but keep in mind the carriage will be in a different spot. This is where the dwarfs were in 10. They moved the Carriage over behind the castle somewhere.

The photo op is even better late at night when the carriage was glowing, but getting it done before the party even started helped us get more done later.

6) It's really hard to see ALL the villains after the stage show. Pick a couple of the most important ones. Then ask HERE on the DIS or ask a CM in the area where those villains will be. Want to see Maleficent? She will be to the far right or the far left. When we were there, she was at the far right. So we sat there to watch the show. We had sort of a side angle view of the show, but were first in line when she came down.

7) I'm sure this goes without saying, but do NOT miss the Headless Horseman. He rides 10 to 15 minutes before the parade, so be in place early. The parade comes from Frontierland to Main Street.

8) Only you can say what your heat tolerance will be regarding costumes. Some crazed individuals throw all caution to the wind and go in hot costumes just to get pictures. Can you believe that nonsense????????

Odds are it will be pretty warm even after dark in September. If you do costumes, just have cooler alternatives available in case you want to change out after you get your photos.

9) Do NOT miss the Hitchiking Ghost special effect photopass pictures over near the Haunted Mansion. We got the one by the hearse, but had no idea there was another one down near the water. Ask here on the DIS after the first party if they are still doing both shots this year.

10) Just like MVMCP, the second parade is less crowded, so plan on that. Plus it's easier to watch a parade when you're tired. Do your other stuff first.

11) Like I suggested for MVMCP, I'd honestly schedule the evening by priority, not necessarily geography. No, you don't want to criss cross the park over and over, but balance the 2. I hate when I have a bunch of stuff left to do only to look at my watch and see there's not enough time. Sort of like Cinderella at the ball, you know?

12) Remember the character lines will close by 11:30!

Let me know if you have other questions!

 

[Caretames1]

1) Well, let's see....... first you have to understand that this morning when I was writing up the MVMCP stuff, I was working with fresh brain cells. That is clearly not the case now.........

2) Next, read all the MVMCP stuff I posted earlier. The same sort of approach applies to MNSSHP. Same deal with 2 parades, 1 fireworks show and a stage show to see.

3) I'm sure you'll do this already..... but stay tuned here to the DIS for the info on this year's party once the first one has been held. There are sure to be some changes because of Toontown being closed.

4) Wanna see the dwarfs? Psssssssssttttt......... here's my SUPER secret tip: Don't wait for the line to start. YOU need to start it. Set up camp by 6 and be first in line. You'll be on your way to enjoy 5 hours of party time while some in line behind you will have an hour's wait still.

5) Cindy's carriage is usually out. In prior years they had it out early. If you can have hubby hold your dwarf spot, go see if it's open at 6:30 or so and get some pictures there. That line backs up during the party too. It's the BEST photo op at Disney....... so don't miss it! At our first P&P Party, I practically cried as we had to walk right past it around 10:30. The line was long and we had to be back early the next morning for our reservation at CRT. This was from 09, but keep in mind the carriage will be in a different spot. This is where the dwarfs were in 10. They moved the Carriage over behind the castle somewhere.

The photo op is even better late at night when the carriage was glowing, but getting it done before the party even started helped us get more done later.

6) It's really hard to see ALL the villains after the stage show. Pick a couple of the most important ones. Then ask HERE on the DIS or ask a CM in the area where those villains will be. Want to see Maleficent? She will be to the far right or the far left. When we were there, she was at the far right. So we sat there to watch the show. We had sort of a side angle view of the show, but were first in line when she came down.

7) I'm sure this goes without saying, but do NOT miss the Headless Horseman. He rides 10 to 15 minutes before the parade, so be in place early. The parade comes from Frontierland to Main Street.

8) Only you can say what your heat tolerance will be regarding costumes. Some crazed individuals throw all caution to the wind and go in hot costumes just to get pictures. Can you believe that nonsense???????? Crazy People

Odds are it will be pretty warm even after dark in September. If you do costumes, just have cooler alternatives available in case you want to change out after you get your photos.

9) Do NOT miss the Hitchiking Ghost special effect photopass pictures over near the Haunted Mansion. We got the one by the hearse, but had no idea there was another one down near the water. Ask here on the DIS after the first party if they are still doing both shots this year.

10) Just like MVMCP, the second parade is less crowded, so plan on that. Plus it's easier to watch a parade when you're tired. Do your other stuff first.

11) Like I suggested for MVMCP, I'd honestly schedule the evening by priority, not necessarily geography. No, you don't want to criss cross the park over and over, but balance the 2. I hate when I have a bunch of stuff left to do only to look at my watch and see there's not enough time. Sort of like Cinderella at the ball, you know?

12) Remember the character lines will close by 11:30!

Let me know if you have other questions!

Thank for the wonderful info! I'm gonna ciopy this into a doc. and add to as info comes in from the 1st parties.

I do a have a couple questions,

1. Is photopass at every character stop?

2.Where's the best place to watch the parade?

I may have others, but I'm thinking I need to find out more info from the first parties.

Thanks

 

[mom2rtk]

Thank for the wonderful info! I'm gonna ciopy this into a doc. and add to as info comes in from the 1st parties.

I do a have a couple questions,

1. Is photopass at every character stop?

2.Where's the best place to watch the parade?

I may have others, but I'm thinking I need to find out more info from the first parties.

Thanks

Hey Carey!

Happy to help!

1) Photopass is NOT necessarily at every character spot. The year we went there was no photopass even with the dwarves. Others going later in the season DID get dwarf photos with photopass. Which brings up another point.......... things can be rather "fluid" with photopass. On the one time we got to the carriage during the P&P party, photopass had gone in because it was sprinkling ......... ever so lightly........... but we didn't want to wait again, so I had to shoot it myself with the tripod and self-timer. That's hard to do under pressure with a long line behind you.......

There also was no photopass with the Alice characters the year we went. And of course, I think they cut back on Alice characters at last year's party. They had a character meeting area indoors in Adventureland (where the fairies are moving soon) and those characters (Tarzan, Terk, Jane, Baloo, etc) and there was no photopass there either.

Of course, Mickey/Minnie and the princesses did have photopass because that was their permanent spot.

2) We saw the parade twice in 09. The first time we tried to get spots last minute in Liberty Square near the Hall of Presidents. We ended up with a really bad view since they were 3 deep by then. Katie and I went to a second party 2 nights later and sat near the castle for a better view. It didn't seem as busy the second night and it was easier to get a spot.

Same as I said with MVMCP, second party typically isn't "dead" (like the Halloween humor?????) but it is the least crowded. Remember, tired kids can watch a parade, but tired kids don't like to stand in line to see characters, nor do they look as nice in said photos! So definitely plan on the second parade.

So........ the spot in the hub near the castle seemed great, but can be hard to get on a busy night. I have to think that our spot for MVMCP (in the hub at the end of Main Street with the parade coming straight at you) would be just as good for MNSSHP.

Here's my other photography tip for the MNSSHP parade. The Headless Horseman holds his "head" in his right hand. If you want a shot with a good view of the head, sit so you'll be able to see that side. The spot I just described would work for that, since he'll come right at you then turn right to follow the circle around you.

I really can't speak to other spots, not having tried them out myself. I will say this if you want to photograph it. There are some areas over in Frontierland where there are spotlights on top of the buildings that make it better lit. And it's a fairly dark parade, so I can see where that would really help.

Clear as mud? Anyone want to send me down for a couple parties to test it out and get back with you? Cuz I'm there for you guys!

 

[mom2rtk]

OK Carey......... I just saw the big red "CRAZY PEOPLE" in the quote you did.........

If I didn't resemble that statement so closely......... I might take offense!

Timmy had his last track meet of the year today. Next up? Graduation a week from tomorrow. I just read through the instruction sheet. No bags or purses. HUH? Don't these people know I have to bring my camera and several spare lenses?? And what's that nonsense about not getting out of your seats to take photos? Did they hear I was coming????????

 

[adamsclan]

What an awesome TR. I miss Disneyworld SO much after all of those pictures...lucky for me we leave June 18th for our next trip. Your dresses are amazing. I just read the whole thing in 1 sitting. Captivating.

 

[mom2rtk]

What an awesome TR. I miss Disneyworld SO much after all of those pictures...lucky for me we leave June 18th for our next trip. Your dresses are amazing. I just read the whole thing in 1 sitting. Captivating.

to my trip report!

Thank you for the kind comments!

And how fun that you get to be at WDW so soon! I'm glad my pictures helped get you in the mood!

We really did have a great trip! I still have Epcot, Animal Kingdom and........ sniff sniff........... on last morning in the Magic Kingdom to go..........

 

[Caretames1]

1) Photopass is NOT necessarily at every character spot. The year we went there was no photopass even with the dwarves. Others going later in the season DID get dwarf photos with photopass. Which brings up another point.......... things can be rather "fluid" with photopass. On the one time we got to the carriage during the P&P party, photopass had gone in because it was sprinkling ......... ever so lightly........... but we didn't want to wait again, so I had to shoot it myself with the tripod and self-timer. That's hard to do under pressure with a long line behind you.......

There also was no photopass with the Alice characters the year we went. And of course, I think they cut back on Alice characters at last year's party. They had a character meeting area indoors in Adventureland (where the fairies are moving soon) and those characters (Tarzan, Terk, Jane, Baloo, etc) and there was no photopass there either.

Of course, Mickey/Minnie and the princesses did have photopass because that was their permanent spot.

2) We saw the parade twice in 09. The first time we tried to get spots last minute in Liberty Square near the Hall of Presidents. We ended up with a really bad view since they were 3 deep by then. Katie and I went to a second party 2 nights later and sat near the castle for a better view. It didn't seem as busy the second night and it was easier to get a spot.

Same as I said with MVMCP, second party typically isn't "dead" (like the Halloween humor?????) but it is the least crowded. Remember, tired kids can watch a parade, but tired kids don't like to stand in line to see characters, nor do they look as nice in said photos! So definitely plan on the second parade.

So........ the spot in the hub near the castle seemed great, but can be hard to get on a busy night. I have to think that our spot for MVMCP (in the hub at the end of Main Street with the parade coming straight at you) would be just as good for MNSSHP.

Here's my other photography tip for the MNSSHP parade. The Headless Horseman holds his "head" in his right hand. If you want a shot with a good view of the head, sit so you'll be able to see that side. The spot I just described would work for that, since he'll come right at you then turn right to follow the circle around you.

I really can't speak to other spots, not having tried them out myself. I will say this if you want to photograph it. There are some areas over in Frontierland where there are spotlights on top of the buildings that make it better lit. And it's a fairly dark parade, so I can see where that would really help.

Clear as mud? Anyone want to send me down for a couple parties to test it out and get back with you? Cuz I'm there for you guys!

Thanks again for the info. If I could get you in my bags I'd take you along

Is the second parade before or after the fireworks?

OK Carey......... I just saw the big red "CRAZY PEOPLE" in the quote you did.........

If I didn't resemble that statement so closely......... I might take offense!

Timmy had his last track meet of the year today. Next up? Graduation a week from tomorrow. I just read through the instruction sheet. No bags or purses. HUH? Don't these people know I have to bring my camera and several spare lenses?? And what's that nonsense about not getting out of your seats to take photos? Did they hear I was coming????????

No offense, My Sam thinks I'm nutso for getting up so early for an ADR and Rope Drop. I say every minute after park opening that you're not there is a waste


How Dare they keep you in your seat? And no bags. How fast can you make a vest with deep pockets?
Our Grad is May 27th at night. We are allowed to go up front, but must not linger. I am worried as Sam is #1 in the line up (they go A-Z order). What if I can't get my settings right? I only have on camera flash. I'm afraid of messing up my photos. What do you think about settings. Grad is in a gym, big round lights, nothing crazy bright.

One good thing, she'll be leading the pack in, so no blocking my view with other students.
I'm going crazy thinking about it!

 

[mom2rtk]

Replies in red!

Thanks again for the info. If I could get you in my bags I'd take you along

Hmmmmmmm........... I can TRY to think small..........

I'm IN!

Is the second parade before or after the fireworks?


First parade is usually 8:15, fireworks at 9:30, second parade at 10:30.


No offense, My Sam thinks I'm nutso for getting up so early for an ADR and Rope Drop. I say every minute after park opening that you're not there is a waste

It honestly drives me NUTS to be at Disney, knowing the parks are SO close....... and NOT be there. So I totally get it!


How Dare they keep you in your seat? And no bags. How fast can you make a vest with deep pockets?
Our Grad is May 27th at night. We are allowed to go up front, but must not linger. I am worried as Sam is #1 in the line up (they go A-Z order). What if I can't get my settings right? I only have on camera flash. I'm afraid of messing up my photos. What do you think about settings. Grad is in a gym, big round lights, nothing crazy bright.

First in the lineup would make me nervous. I'm going to practice on the couple hundred kids that will be before mine! You know, assuming I can even SEE the stage. I had considered renting a lens for the event, but now am thinking I'll just work with what I have.

My longest low light lens is my Sigma 50-150 f/2.8. I also have the Tamron 18-270, but at the longest length, I think the largest aperture available is 6.3. I'm just not sure enough about the lighting to know what will be best. So my plan HAD been to just bring them all and decide by practicing on the other kids.

I'm thinking of maybe using center-weighted metering. Usually situations like that are fairly dark, but with bright stage lights on the people. But with those bright lights, do I really even NEED a low light lens? HELP!!!!

Hmmmm..... Maybe I'll start a thread over on the photography forum.........



One good thing, she'll be leading the pack in, so no blocking my view with other students.
I'm going crazy thinking about it!

Yep........ sort of going crazy about it myself.

 

[mom2rtk]

I decided to start a separate thread with my questions on how to approach graduation:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41117743&posted=1#post41117743

 

[WDWAtLast]

Your pictures of the show, castle, parade and especially the firworks are AWESOME!!!

And Thanks for all the MSSHP tips - I printed them out to add to my growing folder of info. Love the idea of watching the halloween fireworks from outside the park if we run short of time. And you are welcome to stow away in my luggage - if you bring your camera with you!! Our own person photopass photogapher and tour guide - how priceless would that be???

Still back and forth on our costumes. DH may not want to be as much in costume as the girls and I will be, but I would like to coordinate in someway. But dont want to be too hot (mid October) Right now Kristin (almost 10) wants to be Vidia and Kendall (turning 8 while we are there) wants to be Rosetta. The girls told me I should be Queen Clarion - I was too old to be Tinkerbell Then they decided Fairy Mary's might be better Oh well, we have a little time to figure it out!!

 

[jenseib]

OK Carey.........
Timmy had his last track meet of the year today. Next up? Graduation a week from tomorrow. I just read through the instruction sheet. No bags or purses. HUH? Don't these people know I have to bring my camera and several spare lenses?? And what's that nonsense about not getting out of your seats to take photos? Did they hear I was coming????????

WHAT????? Thats crazy. We could go up and I sure as heck did. It was pretty bright in our gym and I didn't get perfect shots, but they were decent.

 

[babynala]

Just so you know, you can never post too many fireworks pictures. Your shots are AMAZING. Your parade shots are great too, you can see so much detail with the characters.

It must be nice to have Track over with but with graduation coming up you must be busy. No bags - is that for the guests or the graduates? I guess there is a reason for that rule but it seems pretty silly. Don't leave your purse in the car, bad folks will probably think that is a good time to check out the parking lot.

 

[Joyce_Belle]

Hi, I just read your whole tripreport and I absolutely LOVE and ADORE your princess trip! I love the princesses, and it is fantastic that your daughter has all of those beautiful, real look-a-like dresses because of your great talent.

Oh, and great to see Belle, as I love her.

May I ask what photocamera you have? Your pictures are absolutely amazing!
EDIT: I hope I'm not asking this while it has been recently asked, then I just didn't see it, so sorry on forehand.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

4) Wanna see the dwarfs? Psssssssssttttt......... here's my SUPER secret tip: Don't wait for the line to start. YOU need to start it.

We got in line at 6:25 and were about 20 families back. They moved us through pretty quick once it got going... be careful though. If it rains, the Dwarves may move. Previous years had them under the old Skyway entrance in FL, last year due to rain, they were at the Liberty Belle dock/platform. PLUS with them officially planning to demolish the Skyway building now, who knows where those crazy boys will end up!

7) I'm sure this goes without saying, but do NOT miss the Headless Horseman. He rides 10 to 15 minutes before the parade, so be in place early. The parade comes from Frontierland to Main Street.

DO WHAT SHE SAYS!!!! He's amazing! We lucked out purposely waiting for the 2nd parade. Due to rain, he didn't run for the first parade. By the 2nd it was dry/safe enough for the horse to come out. My only advice would be to sit on the side of the castle - you'll get a better shot of him. They reason I say that is that for some reason, even though the rider held the head in his right hand, his body position was always facing to the left. I got a good shot, but I think it would be better on the other side. My goodness, that horse was BEAUTIFUL!!!

8)

I this!!!!

Odds are it will be pretty warm even after dark in September.

Have you ever stood on the surface of the sun?? Yeah, it was that hot. Even for this guy:

9) Do NOT miss the Hitchiking Ghost special effect photopass pictures over near the Haunted Mansion. We got the one by the hearse, but had no idea there was another one down near the water.

We did the ghosts last year! I love the shot! BFF waited 45 minutes for the hearse - then they had a MAJOR Photopass malfunction and their shot was lost!

By far, MNSSHP was amazing. It was the best night of our trip!

 

[mom2rtk]

Replies in red!

Your pictures of the show, castle, parade and especially the firworks are AWESOME!!!

Many thanks! Can you tell I love taking them? I wonder if I'll ever stop taking them. I have hundreds of shots from the Beauty & the Beast show at DHS on my computer, but I still take them every time........ I just can't help myself............

And Thanks for all the MSSHP tips - I printed them out to add to my growing folder of info. Love the idea of watching the halloween fireworks from outside the park if we run short of time. And you are welcome to stow away in my luggage - if you bring your camera with you!! Our own person photopass photogapher and tour guide - how priceless would that be???

I'm IN! You just have to know going into it that I MIGHT......... repeat MIGHT........ put your over your airline's luggage weight limit...........

Still back and forth on our costumes. DH may not want to be as much in costume as the girls and I will be, but I would like to coordinate in someway. But dont want to be too hot (mid October) Right now Kristin (almost 10) wants to be Vidia and Kendall (turning 8 while we are there) wants to be Rosetta. The girls told me I should be Queen Clarion - I was too old to be Tinkerbell Then they decided Fairy Mary's might be better Oh well, we have a little time to figure it out!!



LOL! I hate when that happens! I told Katie I wanted to be Snow White and HER be the Evil Queen on our next Halloween trip.......... and got a similar response............ Apparently we have neglected to educate our kids on the value of the "little white lie!"..........

Besides....... We're ALL kids at WDW!

WHAT????? Thats crazy. We could go up and I sure as heck did. It was pretty bright in our gym and I didn't get perfect shots, but they were decent.

I like the shot you posted on the other thread. But our auditorium is much darker. I found this on Flickr from someone else. It's pretty dark inside, but the stage is well lit. And we could be quite far away.

[/url]

Just so you know, you can never post too many fireworks pictures. Your shots are AMAZING. Your parade shots are great too, you can see so much detail with the characters.

It must be nice to have Track over with but with graduation coming up you must be busy. No bags - is that for the guests or the graduates? I guess there is a reason for that rule but it seems pretty silly. Don't leave your purse in the car, bad folks will probably think that is a good time to check out the parking lot.

Thanks Babynala! You know, it did occur to me that I should call school and double check on that........... to be sure I didn't misread about the "no bags" policy. The instruction sheet actually SAYS to leave purses in cars. How CRAZY is that? We only live about 3 blocks away, so mine would just stay at home.

Hi, I just read your whole tripreport and I absolutely LOVE and ADORE your princess trip! I love the princesses, and it is fantastic that your daughter has all of those beautiful, real look-a-like dresses because of your great talent.

Oh, and great to see Belle, as I love her.

May I ask what photocamera you have? Your pictures are absolutely amazing!
EDIT: I hope I'm not asking this while it has been recently asked, then I just didn't see it, so sorry on forehand.

Many thanks and aboard!

No problem asking.......... I have the Canon T2i.

We got in line at 6:25 and were about 20 families back. They moved us through pretty quick once it got going... be careful though. If it rains, the Dwarves may move. Previous years had them under the old Skyway entrance in FL, last year due to rain, they were at the Liberty Belle dock/platform. PLUS with them officially planning to demolish the Skyway building now, who knows where those crazy boys will end up!

Very good point! It had crossed my mind that something could still change with the Skyway demolition coming. I can't remember the setup, but if it means that area (typically used for stroller parking) has to go too, then that's too bad. It is such a quaint area for the party stuff!


DO WHAT SHE SAYS!!!! He's amazing! We lucked out purposely waiting for the 2nd parade. Due to rain, he didn't run for the first parade. By the 2nd it was dry/safe enough for the horse to come out. My only advice would be to sit on the side of the castle - you'll get a better shot of him. They reason I say that is that for some reason, even though the rider held the head in his right hand, his body position was always facing to the left. I got a good shot, but I think it would be better on the other side. My goodness, that horse was BEAUTIFUL!!!

Ok......... so spill it. Post your shot! I want to see!

I got a shot on him on our first party night from the other side, but didn't like it. But that could have been more about the fact that we were about 3 people back in the crowd. Or maybe he just turned slightly when he was in our area.

But he really is NOT to be missed. Really sets the tone for the night!


I this!!!!

I had that costume on for like 5 minutes, then ripped it back off. It was one of the hottest days of that record breaking week. I'm seriously thinking of bringing it back for MVMCP if we go. I know it's not a real costume-wearing event, but I'm not sure they say you CAN'T wear them. It IS a hard ticketed party. I know people wore them to the P & P party. And I would still like a better photo. You know. One where I didn't LOOK like I had been out in the heat all day!


Have you ever stood on the surface of the sun?? Yeah, it was that hot. Even for this guy:

Yep. That is always a possibility that time of year! Katie told me yesterday she prefers really hot to really cold, but I still think we're leaning toward December. Just logistically for our family, that's looking better. Can't IMAGINE why Katie's a little hesitant about the potential cold...... I did tell her I'd make her a new Fairy Godmother costume. You could probably wear nothing but that in sub-freezing weather and STILL stay warm. That fabric reflects the heat back toward your body and doesn't breathe.


We did the ghosts last year! I love the shot! BFF waited 45 minutes for the hearse - then they had a MAJOR Photopass malfunction and their shot was lost!

Man, I'd be WAY bummed! I wonder if they would have let her back in another night to retake the shot???? I probably wouldn't have been above asking......

By far, MNSSHP was amazing. It was the best night of our trip!

Now STOP IT! You're making me want to rethink our dates again!

I actually am also watching the DLR Halloween thread too. If we went for Halloween, that would be an option. Not as hot in the evenings there......... But I'm still hoping for free dining. And they don't do that there.

 

[mom2rtk]

OK, I went through my one attempt at doing a senior photo of Robbie last fall so I'd have something to give family members until we figure this out.

I did find one shot I liked:

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Janet, that's a GREAT SHOT!

You should be super excited to be giving that one out!

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks Jen. I do like that one. I just wish I had a few others (sort of a collection) for myself. I struggled a lot with poses, so they all look too much alike.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Thanks Jen. I do like that one. I just wish I had a few others (sort of a collection) for myself. I struggled a lot with poses, so they all look too much alike.

It's hard, especially with boys! They just don't want to do anything that they think looks silly! I'll face that in the near future with my student.

Don't be afraid to have him turn the other direction, sit, stand, put a foot up... if they won't give you variety, direct them to do so!

For the National Merit Scholars photos I did (there were 2 kids), I shot 4 different poses in 15 minutes, just to cover my bases.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Very good point! It had crossed my mind that something could still change with the Skyway demolition coming. I can't remember the setup, but if it means that area (typically used for stroller parking) has to go too, then that's too bad. It is such a quaint area for the party stuff!

I know. It was great little corner to tuck something in and still manage to maximize traffic flow!

The reason I say that is that for some reason, even though the rider held the head in his right hand, his body position was always facing to the left. I got a good shot, but I think it would be better on the other side. My goodness, that horse was BEAUTIFUL!!!

It’s not the greatest per se, but I was darn proud of catching him decently for a first timer. I saw other pictures of him from that night and no one on that side caught the front of the horseman’s pumpkin.

P.S. - I only used my on-camera flash for this. I most likely shot this at 1/60. I didn't open up too much and I should have. But at least I got separation in my blacks.

I had that costume on for like 5 minutes, then ripped it back off. It was one of the hottest days of that record breaking week. I'm seriously thinking of bringing it back for MVMCP if we go. I know it's not a real costume-wearing event, but I'm not sure they say you CAN'T wear them. It IS a hard ticketed party. I know people wore them to the P & P party. And I would still like a better photo. You know. One where I didn't LOOK like I had been out in the heat all day!

But the Snow Queen is supposed to look grumpy!

I’d take it back and do it again in a heartbeat!

Man, I'd be WAY bummed! I wonder if they would have let her back in another night to retake the shot????

We had several issues with PP last trip. Several of the shots with the major landmarks – well, let’s just say WE were out of focus… but the Castle, SE, Hat, and Tree of Life looked AMAZING!!!

We didn’t know the image was lost until after we got home. Each time E called, they said it was common for the magic photos to take longer. We only had 2 days left on our trip after MNSSHP, so there was no chance of a redo.

Now STOP IT! You're making me want to rethink our dates again!

[sorry!]

DH REALLY wants to do it again, but sans kids. Well, he just wants a trip with him and me anyway. But it’ll never happen. He’s too much of a sucker to leave the kids behind.

I actually am also watching the DLR Halloween thread too. If we went for Halloween, that would be an option. Not as hot in the evenings there......... But I'm still hoping for free dining. And they don't do that there.

From what I hear, DLR doesn’t really have a viable DP anyway… something about credits/vouchers/coupons… DH wants to go to DLR after Carsland opens, but for what it would cost us to get to Anaheim and stay for a decent trip, we could spend nearly 2 weeks at WDW. He’d rather spend the money in Florida – less time on a plane.