Food, friendship, flowers and a touch of the Force. A May '13 TR; Updated 02/6

[Pixel Dust]

Do you know if filters can be used with this type of camera? Do they just go on the end of the lens?

Filters just screw onto the front of the lens. There is threading at the front. If you got the kit that included the 18-55mm lens, then the filter size for that is 49mm.

Do not use a UV filter! These filters are from the days of film photography. Film is sensitive to UV light and would cast a bluish haze. Digital sensors have a UV filter built right on top of the sensor, so there's no benefit to adding more. In fact, adding more glass in front of the camera will degrade image quality. The image would be less sharp or have a color tint to it, especially if it's a cheap filter.
Here's an extreme filter test: http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/06/good-times-with-bad-filters

If you still want a filter on the lens for protection, get a clear filter (non-UV). It's great for dusty/dirty environments. However, for the best image quality, don't use any filters. Here's an extreme example of what UV/clear filters can do. You get 'ghosting' or light bouncing between the lens and filter. The filter I was using even had coatings to "reduce reflections and ghosting". On the left side are filter reflections of light from the right side. I have stopped using UV/clear filters, altogether.

I don't always use filters, but when I do I prefer Dos... wait...
I'll use a circular polarizing filter when it's bright out. That will make the sky a deeper blue, the grass a bit greener, and remove reflections off water and other surfaces.

Without

With Circular Polarizer, notice the water.

I also use a neutral density filter for fireworks. ND filters just reduce the light, it's like sunglasses for the camera. Why does my camera wear sunglasses at night? Fireworks are super bright, so the ND filters help darken them so I can bring out more color detail than just bright white blobs.​

Just wanted to drop in and say, "OH MY GOSH, FRANKLIN, YOUR PICTURES ARE FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!" I just want to sit down with him and have him explain the exposure and post-processing for every. Single. Shot!!!

Thank you so much! I wish I had time to explain everything.

​

 

[Couchy]

Who’s excited to be on their way to Disney? We are, we are!

We’re here, we’re in the bubble!

… I remembered how much I love the whole MK area. It was going to be a great trip!
​

"the bubble" - this is exactly how we feel

 

[teekathepony]

That is the most amazing room with the most amazing view! Wow, wow wow!!!
I've always wanted to try 'Ohana... but I really hate pineapple and coconut and I'm just not sure I could find enough to like there. Some day I will try it, because you know, you have to!

 

[lsenquiz]

Following along. Need to catch up but will be able to comment in the next day or so.

 

[Missyrose]

I'm here! I'm here! Reading all your trip reports at one time!! Not sure how you keep them straight!

I keep a pretty good trip journal on each trip and having Franklin document every last moment of our trip on camera is very helpful. I've never had three TRs going at once, so this has been quite the juggling act!

Yay! You got one of the lake views that's not a lake view! We had that one year too, we completely lucked out.

That's awesome that they were able to accommodate you by making the noodles without the veggies.

We felt like we'd hit the lottery with that villa, I could just have stayed on the balcony for five days and been perfectly happy!

Your villa looks amazing! And that really is quite the view!

Yum! Dinner looks delicious. I can't wait to try it in 183 days!!

Can't wait to read about the Star Wars party!

Wuh-hoo, I'm so excited for you to try 'Ohana! I think you guys are going to love it!

Wow! What a gorgeous view!! I love the decor in Bay Lake Towers, especially the art work.
Can't wait for your May the 4th report!

I wish they'd sell the artwork in the BLT villas, I'd totally buy all of it! May the 4th is coming right up...

"the bubble" - this is exactly how we feel

When there's reason to stay offsite, I'm okay with it. But there's nothing like immersing yourself in the Disney bubble. And what a happy bubble it is!

That is the most amazing room with the most amazing view! Wow, wow wow!!!
I've always wanted to try 'Ohana... but I really hate pineapple and coconut and I'm just not sure I could find enough to like there. Some day I will try it, because you know, you have to!

You would really only have to avoid the bread at 'Ohana, everything else is coconut and pineapple free!

Following along. Need to catch up but will be able to comment in the next day or so.

Welcome aboard! Glad to have you! ​

 

[Missyrose]

We last left off rolling ourselves out of the Poly after another scrumptious meal at ‘Ohana. A restaurant that PrincessAmongPrinces managed to score for her December trip when her 180-day window opened! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do, Kel!

We couldn’t dawdle after dinner, we had places to be. Namely, a Galaxy Far Far Away. But for tonight, DHS would have to do. You see DHS was throwing a big Star Wars party for May the Fourth Be With You. Franklin has been dying to go to Star Wars Weekend, but this would be a fine substitute until we could make real Star Wars plans (May 2014, baby!).

Thank goodness for our AAA Diamond parking pass, so we zipped past all the parked cars and found a spot near the front of the lot. Easily within walking distance, no tram for us! We made our way into the park and, I’m not going to lie, I expected the park to feel more crowded than this.

There was a stage set up at the hat, and the DJ was spinning tunes for the all-night dance party.

I asked what everyone wanted to do. Franklin was already looking around, trying to figure out where he wanted to camp out for the fireworks spectacular later that night. Funny story... Franklin pulled up YouTube videos of the fireworks to feel out the show a bit before we left for Disney. One night Franklin said to me, “You know how you cry at Wishes? I get that now.” I literally laughed until I cried after he said that.

Anyway, back to the story. So with Franklin preoccupied with scoping the place out, the ladies and I wanted to ride! It was May the Fourth be With You, so there was really only one destination. Star Tours! Excuse the photo quality, it was taken on my phone.

It was still pretty warm outside once we finished the ride, so the three of us stopped at Tune-In Lounge to grab some adult beverages. We also stopped by the merchandise shop for the party. They said all the dated pins and T-shirts had sold out by 10:30 that morning. Drat! A smidge more sad than before, we returned to the hub to find my fiance.

Franklin’s eyes lit up when he saw his beer upon our return. He’d been busy in our absence. The tripod was set up and he seemed happy with his spot. And he apparently had started a trend, as several other tripods had sprung up around him.

He had wanted to frame the hat, but not be so far back that the trees would take up too much of the shot. Behind us, people had started staking out spots and were enjoying picnics on the street.

The dance party was in full swing.

Every few minutes, a different Star Wars character would come out and dance in the crowd.

Chewey had MOVES. He was phenomenal at the dance party, totally rivals Bullseye doing Single Ladies. See this video to know what I’m talking about.

We had already missed the “official” meet and greets with characters at the park. But it turned out that if you grabbed characters during the dance party, you could get quick photos!

Princess Leia loved my shirt! Franklin got in on the action too.

You would think we’d want to “do” more at the park, but we were quite content dancing and having a good time. The DJ was playing fun music -- a good mix of top-20 hits, 80s and 90s music, with some cool dance remixes of classic Star Wars music thrown in there. And as the sun started to set, it really started to feel like one big party.

I was thirsty from all the dancing, so I set out in search of a drink. The popcorn kiosk’s line wrapped all the way past Brown Derby, the line in the Villains store wrapped all the way around the store and out the door! As I headed for Fairfax Faire, I realized people were heading for Fantasmic, so I was caught between two massive crowds of people. So I threw my hands up and got in the first not-terrible line I saw. Many, many minutes later I had my iced tea and Franklin’s Coke and headed back through the throngs, not wanting to miss the show. Remember how I said the park didn’t feel as crowded as I expected? Well, yeah, it finally did.

​

 

[Missyrose]

And soon, Yoda addressed the crowd. Move over Jiminy Cricket, there’s a new fireworks narrator in town.

I was blown away by all the color in these fireworks. Disney has slowly stripped some of the color out of its nightly fireworks over the past few years. So it was incredible to see a full show that was in technicolor.

I thought it was funny that the Darth Vader part of the show was entirely red. I guess black fireworks wouldn’t exactly work, now would they?

Let me just say, this fireworks show was spectacular. The music was incredible, the fireworks amazing and the entire party atmosphere was so much fun! Franklin and I are soooooo looking forward to Star Wars Weekend next year. We actually just sat down and mapped out that trip.

Franklin doesn’t have as much vacation time as I do, so I’m going to fly down for some solo Disney fun May 19-24. Then Franklin will fly down after work on Friday the 24 and spend Memorial Day Weekend down there with me for Star Wars Weekend. We’re going home to BWV for this trip and we couldn’t be more excited!

Anyway, enough with the talk of future trips, we’ve still got plenty of trip left in this TR. And next time, we’ll start our first full day in the parks! What do you guys think of the Star Wars festivities?​

 

[Pixel Dust]

We have a small Point-and-Shoot camera that we bring with us, just in case. This time, I decided to attached it to the top of my DSLR for the fireworks and record video. It's not quite as wide as the photos, since that had an ultra-wide angle lens on it.

VIDEO!! ---> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok9Qa_EEg9E
​

 

[lovethattink]

Hello. I've been lurking. Great May the Fourth update! We must have arrived at dhs around the same time you did. We also missed the characters, but were there in time for the dance party and fireworks. You were in a fantastic spot to take pictures.

The sea of people during the fireworks was unlike I had ever seen before. It felt like New Year's Eve. You caught a really good picture of the crowd.

Your pictures are great with an unobstructed view. We were over by 50's PTC for the fireworks so all of mine had some trees in them. However, there was no crowd over there! I'm amazed you were able to get back to your spot with the drinks.

How would you rate these fireworks compared to Disney's other firework shows? It was my favorite so far. I loved the bounty hunter symbol fireworks!

SWW is so much fun. You are smart to plan now, though it's totally different to plan for. Unlike all of Disney's other events, these are announced much later. And schedules aren't out until just days before.

 

[natebenma]

Wow! That fireworks show looks really incredible. So, in addition to the show on May the 4th, do they have it every night, or just some nights of SWW?

What was it like getting out of there? The main boulevard looks PACKED!

The dance party seemed really fun, especially the casual character interactions.

I just watched the video. Such a powerful soundtrack. I can see how that show would be tears-inducing in a fan.

ETA- Did you read on the FAQ thread that the family of the "Voice of Yoda" (sorry, don't know his name) stayed at either the YC or BC over SWW and one of the club level guests reported about meeting him and getting autographs.

ETA 2: I have been struggling with what to do about my first viewing of "Wishes" when I am at the dessert party. I would love to take photos of the show, but I have never been very successful taking fireworks pictures. I can't decide whether to us my point and shoot that I am comfortable with, or my new DSLR that I am just getting to know. Plus, I want to "enjoy" the show in front of me, not through a lens. So after seeing your video, I think that is what I am going to do. Hopefully I will get a spot that will allow me to have my camera on a flat surface, and I can record while I watch the show. Maybe one or two photos!

.

 

[teekathepony]

That looks like a really awesome party! I had seen some videos of the special fireworks, that's a really great show! Love love love the idea of packing DHS streets into one big party. So fun! I'd love to see Star Wars weekends some day too. I'm what you might call a newer Star Wars fan, having only seen the movies for the first time in 2008!

 

[RachelNinja]

Just read all your updates for this TR! I love all the pictures from "May the 4th Be With You" because it was definitely something that intrigued my husband, but we would NOT have been able to deal with those crowds. Or more like I wouldn't have been able to deal with those crowds cuz I'm a bit agoraphobic! We watched Hyperspace Hoopla last year during our Disneymoon, and I just did my best to face forward toward the stage and not really turn around to see how enclosed we actually were.

Does having Crohn's ever affect your plans for Disney when you're already on vacation? I have colitis, so I know it's not as bad based on what I've seen in one of my former students who had Crohn's and had to go on steroids a lot. My DH also has colitis too, but it's not as severe because he's been going without medication for a while (on his own, not because of the doctor). He understands why plans need to change last minute if necessary, but when we're in Disney, I do worry a little bit more but thankfully he's easygoing if I feel sick in the morning.

Looking forward to more!

 

[Missyrose]

Hello. I've been lurking. Great May the Fourth update! We must have arrived at dhs around the same time you did. We also missed the characters, but were there in time for the dance party and fireworks. You were in a fantastic spot to take pictures.

The sea of people during the fireworks was unlike I had ever seen before. It felt like New Year's Eve. You caught a really good picture of the crowd.

Your pictures are great with an unobstructed view. We were over by 50's PTC for the fireworks so all of mine had some trees in them. However, there was no crowd over there! I'm amazed you were able to get back to your spot with the drinks.

That's so funny you were there at the same time! When we popped into the Tune-In Lounge we commented how empty that part of the park was. Franklin was pretty set on where he wanted to be for the fireworks, crowds or no crowds.

How would you rate these fireworks compared to Disney's other firework shows? It was my favorite so far. I loved the bounty hunter symbol fireworks!

SWW is so much fun. You are smart to plan now, though it's totally different to plan for. Unlike all of Disney's other events, these are announced much later. And schedules aren't out until just days before.

I'm going to after saying this, but I liked these fireworks better than Illuminations. And would rank them just below Hallowishes and Wishes on my Disney fireworks rankings.

We are complete and total SWW newbies, so if anyone has any tips, they'd be most welcome. We know we have to be at DHS before 7 a.m. each day that weekend. But beyond that, I haven't begun to research (darn wedding getting in the way of that research!).

Wow! That fireworks show looks really incredible. So, in addition to the show on May the 4th, do they have it every night, or just some nights of SWW?

What was it like getting out of there? The main boulevard looks PACKED!

The dance party seemed really fun, especially the casual character interactions.

I just watched the video. Such a powerful soundtrack. I can see how that show would be tears-inducing in a fan.

I *think* the fireworks are every night of SWW, but don't quote me on it. We hung back for a little bit to let the park clear right after the fireworks before heading for the exit ourselves. The park was open for another couple of hours, but we were too zonked to stay at a park any longer on arrival day. The soundtrack is incredible and that reminds me, I need to see if I can find the audio for it somewhere on the interwebs.

ETA- Did you read on the FAQ thread that the family of the "Voice of Yoda" (sorry, don't know his name) stayed at either the YC or BC over SWW and one of the club level guests reported about meeting him and getting autographs.

I saw, that story sounded so cool!

ETA 2: I have been struggling with what to do about my first viewing of "Wishes" when I am at the dessert party. I would love to take photos of the show, but I have never been very successful taking fireworks pictures. I can't decide whether to us my point and shoot that I am comfortable with, or my new DSLR that I am just getting to know. Plus, I want to "enjoy" the show in front of me, not through a lens. So after seeing your video, I think that is what I am going to do. Hopefully I will get a spot that will allow me to have my camera on a flat surface, and I can record while I watch the show. Maybe one or two photos!

My vote would be for you to just enjoy the show. The music and the fireworks are an amazing combination, and I don't want you to get so caught up in trying to get the perfect shot that you miss the experience. Franklin sees Wishes a lot, so I don't have that concern about him. Who knows when you'll get to see it again. Just sit back and enjoy!

That looks like a really awesome party! I had seen some videos of the special fireworks, that's a really great show! Love love love the idea of packing DHS streets into one big party. So fun! I'd love to see Star Wars weekends some day too. I'm what you might call a newer Star Wars fan, having only seen the movies for the first time in 2008!

The funny thing is, Wendy, my best friend has never seen a Star Wars movie (hi KK!). Everyone who has ever learned this fact about her is always horrified. Franklin and I love those movies, so we can't wait for SWW. I just worry about the number of T-shirts Franklin will want to buy.

Just read all your updates for this TR! I love all the pictures from "May the 4th Be With You" because it was definitely something that intrigued my husband, but we would NOT have been able to deal with those crowds. Or more like I wouldn't have been able to deal with those crowds cuz I'm a bit agoraphobic! We watched Hyperspace Hoopla last year during our Disneymoon, and I just did my best to face forward toward the stage and not really turn around to see how enclosed we actually were.

Congrats on the Disneymoon! Ours is coming up in October. I loved the videos people posted of Hyperspace Hoopla last year. That might be the thing I'm most excited to see at SWW in May.

Does having Crohn's ever affect your plans for Disney when you're already on vacation? I have colitis, so I know it's not as bad based on what I've seen in one of my former students who had Crohn's and had to go on steroids a lot. My DH also has colitis too, but it's not as severe because he's been going without medication for a while (on his own, not because of the doctor). He understands why plans need to change last minute if necessary, but when we're in Disney, I do worry a little bit more but thankfully he's easygoing if I feel sick in the morning.

Looking forward to more!

It has affected me. Disney is great about helping me avoid foods that I can't eat. And a waitress we had on our January trip convinced me to get a Guest Assistance Card that allows for an alternative entrance to rides when my stomach is acting up. That has been a game-changer for me. Simply having it has made me less panicky about getting in lines (or having to get out of them) and has made touring at a leisurely pace easier for me. We also go to Disney a lot now, so it doesn't seem as Earth-shattering if we skip things and never get a chance to circle back to them. Feel free to PM me any questions you have! I'm a "travel with IBD" expert.​

 

[lovethattink]

We are complete and total SWW newbies, so if anyone has any tips, they'd be most welcome. We know we have to be at DHS before 7 a.m. each day that weekend. But beyond that, I haven't begun to research (darn wedding getting in the way of that research!).

There are two "official" planning threads (Part 1 and Part 2) from this year's SWWs that will help for next year's. I'm sure someone will start a 2014 thread at some point.

Official Star Wars Weekend Part 1 Thread

Official Star Wars Weekend Part 2 Thread

If you want celebrity autographs, you have to be at DHS way earlier than 7am. My determined husband "camped" out there several nights to get the Fast pass and wrist band required for an autograph for ds.

I *think* the fireworks are every night of SWW, but don't quote me on it. We hung back for a little bit to let the park clear right after the fireworks before heading for the exit ourselves. The park was open for another couple of hours, but we were too zonked to stay at a park any longer on arrival day. The soundtrack is incredible and that reminds me, I need to see if I can find the audio for it somewhere on the interwebs.

The fireworks were special just for the Limited Time Magic on May 4th. It would be pretty awesome if they had them again though! Hyperspace Hoolpa is the nightly show to end the day at SWW.

 

[DDuck4Life]

Great Photos of the fireworks and looks like ya'll had a fun afternoon/night at DHS. The crowd really picked up as the night went on good thing ya'll were able to stake out a spot early.

We have a small Point-and-Shoot camera that we bring with us, just in case. This time, I decided to attached it to the top of my DSLR for the fireworks and record video. It's not quite as wide as the photos, since that had an ultra-wide angle lens on it.

VIDEO!! ---> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok9Qa_EEg9E
​

Had a question about your video of the fireworks. How did you manage to not get any shutter noise from the camera in your video? was the music and fireworks loud enough to mask the shutter actuations of the camera while the video was playing. I've tried to shoot with my camera and have the point and shoot camera on top but I always manage to hear the shutter. But mine have never been during a loud event so that might be why.

 

[jke2013]

I love your narration and Franklin's pics of the fireworks are amazing! If we miss 4th of July fireworks, I'll just show my son the pics and video that Franklin took Can't wait to read more and see some more pics.

 

[rachel09985]

How cool to see fireworks behind the hat.

I will be there the 4th and plan to bring my tripod. I am nervous though!! I have never used a tripod at the parks.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Loved the update and the video!! Wonderful photos, Franklin, as always!! I remember MickeysToonTown taking her son to SWW in one of her TRs. She and Hunter arrived very early before park opening to get a FP to see one of the characters, and (if I recall correctly) most of the really popular character FPs were gone and Hunter went to see one that was more obscure. I can't remember if she said you could only stand in one line and get one at a time (but that rings a bell). I will try to go back and look.

 

[Pixel Dust]

Great Photos of the fireworks and looks like ya'll had a fun afternoon/night at DHS. The crowd really picked up as the night went on good thing ya'll were able to stake out a spot early.

It was just wall-to-wall people by the time the fireworks started. Other folks setup their tripods next to me as the night when on. Those with tripods were either next to me or behind. I used an ultra-wide angle lens, and the fireworks barely fit. People with normal lenses were farther back, but then you get the trees blocking both sides. ​

Had a question about your video of the fireworks. How did you manage to not get any shutter noise from the camera in your video? was the music and fireworks loud enough to mask the shutter actuations of the camera while the video was playing. I've tried to shoot with my camera and have the point and shoot camera on top but I always manage to hear the shutter. But mine have never been during a loud event so that might be why.

I was extremely surprised that I couldn't hear the shutter noise. The D600 is really loud, normally. And the point-and-shoot was attached by its tripod mount, to the hot shoe of the D600. We were standing right on the edge of the open area in front of the Sorcerer's Hat, where the trees line both sides of the walkway. There are tall light stands on either side of us, that also house the speakers. It was really loud and apparently loud enough to cover the shutter noise. You could barely hear people cheering during the show.​

I love your narration and Franklin's pics of the fireworks are amazing! If we miss 4th of July fireworks, I'll just show my son the pics and video that Franklin took Can't wait to read more and see some more pics.

Thanks for joining in! If fireworks are what you are looking for, then you have found the perfect trip report. There's plenty more ahead. ​

How cool to see fireworks behind the hat.

I will be there the 4th and plan to bring my tripod. I am nervous though!! I have never used a tripod at the parks.

Yeah, it's going to be pretty packed on the 4th of July. At Magic Kingdom, I usually put myself next to a lamp post. 1) They would have to run through a lamp post before running over your tripod. 2) It would get you a bit higher, being on the sidewalk. People will still walk by and kick the tripod accidentally. Don't fret too much about that. It's going to happen no matter what. Just keep a hand on the tripod until the show starts. Once it does start, no one moves. I also clip my camera bag to the center column, to add more weight/heft to the tripod. It makes it more stable.
​

Loved the update and the video!! Wonderful photos, Franklin, as always!! I remember MickeysToonTown taking her son to SWW in one of her TRs. She and Hunter arrived very early before park opening to get a FP to see one of the characters, and (if I recall correctly) most of the really popular character FPs were gone and Hunter went to see one that was more obscure. I can't remember if she said you could only stand in one line and get one at a time (but that rings a bell). I will try to go back and look.

Thanks for the compliments! It's going to take some serious planning, if we are going to meet characters for SWW.
​

 

[lovethattink]

Loved the update and the video!! Wonderful photos, Franklin, as always!! I remember MickeysToonTown taking her son to SWW in one of her TRs. She and Hunter arrived very early before park opening to get a FP to see one of the characters, and (if I recall correctly) most of the really popular character FPs were gone and Hunter went to see one that was more obscure. I can't remember if she said you could only stand in one line and get one at a time (but that rings a bell). I will try to go back and look.

Hunter just recently told me about this and I can't remember after hearing it from the horses mouth. I think he wanted to see Jeremy Bulloch, the actor who played Boba Fett, but the line was too long.

You can only stand in one line for a celebrity FP. After 9:30am you may return to the FP lines for another, but they are almost always gone.