Inching My Way Closer to the Castle Final thoughts/future trips 4/2p90 The End 4/4p92

[KatMark]

Great shots, ME. I really like the one of Everest that you played with the colors and the guy playing the instrument.

 

[MagicShell]

I also love the Nemo show. It is one of my favorite attractions in all of WDW.

Of course I loved all the pictures, I could look at them all day.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

We've been alternating between FOTLK and Nemo the past several years. On this upcoming trip, we have a day and at least a half at AK, so we can do both

Hard to pick what's better, but personally, my vote goes to Nemo.

I think Nemo is my new fav, too. FOTLK is good, don't get me wrong, but Nemo takes it to a new level.

I am so happy to wake up this morning and find an update from Jen.

I totally forgot about the work phone call! This call involved money, money they owe me, so I had to take it and get the problem fixed! Fortunately, there was lots going on around us to entertain MEK; music, pretzels, bathrooms, before we moved on.

Jen I love your comment about wanting to be in the show, even if you were just algae! It's so important to just stop and enjoy sometimes and I think it's aweseome you put away the camera for the show. Which I've still never seen.

I know that comment made MEK laugh, probably becasue I sounded like a little kid. I probably looked like a little kid too, eyes big as saucers, not blinking so I won't miss anything! Are you even allowed to videotape that show? I'll have to investigate that before I go back and get myself into trouble.

Great shots, ME. I really like the one of Everest that you played with the colors and the guy playing the instrument.

I wonder if we were too close or if she had on the "wrong lens" again. That was a running theme for this trip: "I've got my food lens on I get close enough" or "I've got my long lens on, I can't far enough away".

 

[MEK]

We've been alternating between FOTLK and Nemo the past several years. On this upcoming trip, we have a day and at least a half at AK, so we can do both

Hard to pick what's better, but personally, my vote goes to Nemo.

My vote also goes to Nemo, but since I have seen Nemo every trip since it started playing and the last time I saw FOTLK was 1/08, I am definitely going to see FOLTK in May. I don't care if I go alone. Plus, I love that song, "The Lion Sleeps tonight". WEEEE We-o We-o Wee-o bum ba way!

Mary Ellen, I commend you for your breakfast choices, not sure my stomach could handle that to start out my day (though the jalepeno pretzel doesn't appeal to me at all...pretzels yes but with spicy cream cheese that early? No). You guys have done a TON so far! !

That was an unusual breakfast choice for me, but like I said, I had things on my list .....so I had to make a sacrifice and eat a jalapeno pretzel for breakfast!

It's so important to just stop and enjoy sometimes and I think it's aweseome you put away the camera for the show. Which I've still never seen.

Whaaaaaaaatttttttt? This is the best show EVER! You must see it in May, but I will be going over to FOTLK so I can sing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".

I have to tell you I'm so glad I went to bed when I did. Jeff stayed up till midnight waiting for the pick up call from Kendall who was at the homecoming dance, only to get the sleepover request...at midnight. I'd have been a wreck yesterday and I really needed all my calm to survive scouts. Actually my children who were a much bigger issue. LOL!

Smart Move. Ugggghhhhhhh.....I hate the midnight sleep-over request call. How about 3 hours before? Kids....sheesh.......

Great shots, ME. I really like the one of Everest that you played with the colors and the guy playing the instrument.

I don't know if finding all those edits in photobucket is a curse or a blessing. I could play with them all day. If only I didn't have to work, or cook, or do laundry.......

I also love the Nemo show. It is one of my favorite attractions in all of WDW.

Of course I loved all the pictures, I could look at them all day.

I totally agree with you....Best show Ever! Can't wait to see what type of stage show they think of next. I don't mean just at AK, I mean anywhere in the world. The technology is there!]

Glad you are still enjoying our pictures.

 

[MEK]

I totally forgot about the work phone call! This call involved money, money they owe me, so I had to take it and get the problem fixed! Fortunately, there was lots going on around us to entertain MEK; music, pretzels, bathrooms, before we moved on.



.

See how easily amused I am. As long as I'm in Disney world its all good.

I know that comment made MEK laugh, probably becasue I sounded like a little kid. I probably looked like a little kid too, eyes big as saucers, not blinking so I won't miss anything! Are you even allowed to videotape that show? I'll have to investigate that before I go back and get myself into trouble.

I just kept thinking - "I told you so".

I wonder if we were too close or if she had on the "wrong lens" again. That was a running theme for this trip: "I've got my food lens on I get close enough" or "I've got my long lens on, I can't far enough away".

Some day, when I have an extra $400 laying around, I am buying a 50 - 400mm lens. How great would THAT be?

 

[eandesmom]

Whaaaaaaaatttttttt? This is the best show EVER! You must see it in May, but I will be going over to FOTLK so I can sing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".

I want to see BOTH! LOL! Of course I wanted that on our last trip...but fate conspired against me.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Yay! You tried the jalapeno pretzel - I love those things, so yummy!

 

[Nermel9]

Amazing AK pictures guys! I seriously never notice any of these things when I am there...I really need to stop and look around this time! It's so detailed!

Where is this jalapeno pretzel? I'd love to try that!

I have not seen the Finding Nemo show yet, but it sounds beautiful!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Some day, when I have an extra $400 laying around, I am buying a 50 - 400mm lens. How great would THAT be?

You better start dictating some more charts girl, or sellin' some jewelry!

D4D

 

[MaryAz]

Nope, not ever on EE. Ur pics are stunning but no way Now, will I wander all around AK to try and get cool shots-you betcha!
We also love Yak&Yeti.
Yay for trips in 2011!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

More great pictures!! I love the Nemo show too!

Jen, MEK and any other AP holders out there:

AP question for you - do you get discounts on dining without buying the TIW card? Or is it only with the TIW you get 20% off.


As you may have guessed, I'm contemplating my new DVC membership and planning some potential trips. Trying to decide ticket options. I don't think I will be going more than once per year - it's possible 2 trips but they will be shorter.
I'm considering a 10 day no expiration ticket also.

Any thoughts?
Thanks, and sorry to hijack. I am getting excited to go to AK on our next trip - we've missed out on that park the last two times!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Yay! You tried the jalapeno pretzel - I love those things, so yummy!

Better her than me! I'm a spice wimp, and I'm sure DH would eat one and say "It's not that hot", I would be running around like a cartoon, flames shooting out of my mouth!

Amazing AK pictures guys! I seriously never notice any of these things when I am there...I really need to stop and look around this time! It's so detailed!

Where is this jalapeno pretzel? I'd love to try that!

I have not seen the Finding Nemo show yet, but it sounds beautiful!

AK has really grown up since it opened. I used to go through the park pretty quickly or even skip it, but now I find it more of a "must-do" park and I spend a full day rather than a half day there. DHS on the other hand, I have skipped more than a few times, and there are *still* main attractions I haven't seen there! I hope they get it together and fix that park; it just seems disconnected with no real flow (esp with the Tot/RNRC dead end). The jalapeno pretzel is somerwhere in Harambe.

Nemo!

Nope, not ever on EE. Ur pics are stunning but no way Now, will I wander all around AK to try and get cool shots-you betcha!
We also love Yak&Yeti.
Yay for trips in 2011!!

EE isn't that bad. It starts and stops a bit which lessons the scary factor, and it's not one of those tall coasters, more like BTMRR.

Definitely YAY for 2001 trips! If only I ould get one!

More great pictures!! I love the Nemo show too!

Jen, MEK and any other AP holders out there:

AP question for you - do you get discounts on dining without buying the TIW card? Or is it only with the TIW you get 20% off.


As you may have guessed, I'm contemplating my new DVC membership and planning some potential trips. Trying to decide ticket options. I don't think I will be going more than once per year - it's possible 2 trips but they will be shorter.
I'm considering a 10 day no expiration ticket also.

Any thoughts?
Thanks, and sorry to hijack. I am getting excited to go to AK on our next trip - we've missed out on that park the last two times!

Hmm.. I think you need TIWL to get most the food discounts. Having an AP alone will get you some discounts, mostly lunch and only 10% off, whereas TIWL is 20% and L or D at most locations. Now, being DVC will get you a few food discounts, but only 10%.

AK used to be a "go or don't go" park, but it's turning into a "GO!" park!

D4D

 

[angiepangie8]

Wow thanks for all the great info MEK! We are going to stay at the BLT so this is getting me even more excited about our trip (except the small room maybe and deciding who gets to sleep on the pull out couch~ I'm thinking the kids).

 

[MEK]

I want to see BOTH! LOL! Of course I wanted that on our last trip...but fate conspired against me.

Oh No....I sense a story here! Oh well - if you have a choice in May, definitely go see Nemo. Its top notch and really unique.

I have not seen the Finding Nemo show yet, but it sounds beautiful!

I hope you are putting this on your list for next month. You will love it! There's nothing else like it as Disney, or anywhere, for that matter.

Yay! You tried the jalapeno pretzel - I love those things, so yummy!

You better start dictating some more charts girl, or sellin' some jewelry!

D4D

Unfortunately, I only get free jewelry for selling it. And I have so much now I don't need anymore.

Nope, not ever on EE. Ur pics are stunning but no way Now, will I wander all around AK to try and get cool shots-you betcha!

Its very easy to do. You just look for things that usually fade into the background and you have your subject. Of course, you still have two little ones to watch so don't get too distracted!

AP question for you - do you get discounts on dining without buying the TIW card? Or is it only with the TIW you get 20% off.


As you may have guessed, I'm contemplating my new DVC membership and planning some potential trips. Trying to decide ticket options. I don't think I will be going more than once per year - it's possible 2 trips but they will be shorter.
I'm considering a 10 day no expiration ticket also.

Any thoughts?

My thought is that the AP is much more cost effective than the 10 day no expiration ticket. You get a discount on the AP, but not the no expire ticket.

If I were you I would plan my yearly trip so that they fall into the same AP calendar year. Eg.....If you normally go in the summer - go the 3rd week of July in 2011 and then the 2nd week of July in 2010. Then wait to purchase your next AP until you return the following year.

There are some minor food discounts with your DVC card, so always pick up a book so you can see what they are because they change.

The other thing I like about having an AP is the room discounts. Even if you are staying DVC, you may need a regular room at the beginning or end of your stay and you can get some nice AP savings.

So my vote is for an AP unless you definitely know you can't plan a trip in the same calendar year.

 

[MEK]

I am a little behind Jen, so I am going to post my Safari experience. I don't think I will get to update much this week, so this may be it for awhile. I don't want to get too far behind Jen.

So our front row mojo continued as we rolled into the safari. If you have ready my other TRs, you know that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this attraction. I think its hands down the best, largest, most interactive attraction in all of WDW. It's enormity and complexity amazes me.

Not surprsingly, I already have tons and tons of safari pictures, so I didn't really care if I got good shots of the animals. Instead, I tried for random scenery shots......

This is my favorite picture from the safari. I don't know how I scored this picture, but I think I really rocked the camera here......

This is the same picture with more editing. I cant decide which one I like better, so you know how that goes......You get to see both!

I love these guys. How could I not take a picture of him......

I see even the animals were feeling the heat. Everyone was on siesta!

Except these guys....They were still hard at work. Well, if eating is really considered work.

I decided to edit those because haven't you already seen enough giraffes?

Not my favorite animal, but this is a equal opportunity photoshot....

There are a couple animals clearly missing from my safari pics. The elephants - I did not take a picture of one elephant, and that darn baby was soooooooo cute. But I was on the wrong side of the vehicle and I just didn't feel like trying that hard.

The other animal I was really hoping to see today was the lion, but all I found was an empty rock. Go figure! I do not have one decent lion picture to my credit. But that keeps me humble and I will keep trying! lol!

Bummer!

Love this saying.......

I think we were the last to leave the ride, so I took this opportunity for a few more pictures. I never notice this theming at the end of the ride before. This is the warden's office......

To Be continued.......

 

[MEK]

When we exited the ride it was time for a little pin trading and a little window shopping.

Here's Jen reminding us that its still Day 3....

My what pretty pins you have......

I don't think any transactions went down with that CM.

Hidden.....

Not so hidden......

Cute T's

Even cuter Tiger...

After we were done shopping, we needed a game plan. We looked at show times and decided that Nemo fit perfectly. Of course, wandering over to Nemo presented us with many more photo ops.....

Looky who was outside to great us......

How cool is this? I never noticed it before, but since Jen and I were well on way to becoming full fledged photojournalists, we uncovered yet another hidden treasure in the AK.....

Despite the heat, our mood instantly became more festive thanks to these guys....

We reached the theatre with plenty of time for a few more photos....

Edited .......

I know you will be surprised to hear this, but I did not take a single picture during Nemo. I just sat back and watched the most awesome show ever on Disney property. Jen told me she wanted to be an algae and I'd have to say that I agree! How fun would that be?

The only distracting moment was when the little boy behind me kicked my seat. Ugghhhh. I hate that, but I left it alone. I know my kids have done the same thing. Its a kid thing and it certainly wasn't worth getting worked up about. I just edged myself to the end of the seat so I didn't feel it as much.

So Up Next.....Starving for lunch, so where do we eat?

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great updates ladies! The pictures, as usual, were stunning! Both of you were able to capture very cool mirror pictures on the safari ride.

I have to admit that we've never been able to get into the new Nemo show. I don't know why but I get all confused about who I am supposed to look at...the actors or the puppets or the other people or......... I am confused just thinking about it.

 

[KatMark]

Great photos (AGAIN), Mary Ellen.

First off, there are NEVER too many pictures of giraffes.

I love the Hidden Mickey you got.

I never noticed the end of the Safari ride all the little details with the warden's office; I'll have to be on the lookout now.

Well, you and Jen have convinced me that we definitely need to do Nemo next year.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I've never noticed the Warden's office at the end of the safari either, nor have I seen those steps leading down to the water - I can't even place that, where is it?

AK has so many amazing details to see if we just slow down and look for them

 

[dawnbu40]

Great safari pictures! You got a lot of interesting shots!

Glad you sat back and enjoyed the Nemo show. You photojournalists deserved some down time