It's gonna take a lot to take me away from this view! 7/10 - Finished!

[teekathepony]

WOW Congratulations Wendy!!! I didn't know you painted!!!! That's so awesome. AND AHHHHHH I have to get on your PTR!!!!! I'm just waiting until I actually get a trip planned (i.e. booked) so I can read without jealousy! I'll get get up though... I promise.

Thanks Rob!! I'm so excited! I sold another original this morning It's always been kind of a dream to sell a few paintings.
My PTR is a little boring at the moment so you're not missing much. Go ahead and book your trip, your dates should include September 20-27!

I don't think I've ever seen a place so popular for atmosphere and so derided for food. I've never been, so I can't add anything, but this seems a Universal feeling. I do want to see it though darnit.

Yeah, it's true. I hear the burgers are good if you ever want to try it out. But do me a favour -- if you decide to dip a toe into the wonderful world of table service restaurants, try ANY other restaurant first!

Oh I remember seeing those lights the first time in 2009 and getting to see them turned on. So I completely get your feels.

Oh the feels. I can still feel them when I look at the pictures and watch the videos! So incredible!

What a fabulous Photopas Photo!!!!

Thank you! I like it, it really captures the atmosphere.

I love those pictures of Johnny just smiling.

Me too, those are my favourite types of vacation photos, getting the reactions and smiles in Disney world!

I was so happy I met Santa Goofy, but I really do wish I had met him there with that beautiful back drop.

Santa Goofy is adorable, but yes I admit I really loved his little meet and greet spot in DHS

BO!

Gotta give Bo a little love!

I so love all your pictures so much Wendy. Of course now I'll feel lame posting my sucky ones. Maybe I'll just steal yours and pretend they're mine.

Thank you!! Yours aren't sucky though, not at all! That camera of yours impresses me so much!

You paint, too?? Man. I can make spreadsheets... I love it and totally understand why it sold so quickly! I just love the whimsical feel to it. Great job and congratulations!

And I can't make a spreadsheet to save my soul, I can barely make a grocery list It takes all kinds of kinds! Hehehe Thank you! I'm glad you like my ponies! I like them, but I still can't wrap my head around the attention it got!

You can really see the lights on your scarf in some of these pictures. So cute. And I love that your selfie has the "snow emergency route" sign in the background!

I'm so glad the lights show up in the pictures because seriously, that scarf is adorable! Hahaha

I am close to tears just looking at your pictures! I can't even imagine what a blubbering mess I would be seeing this in person. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing all of these!!!

I'm glad you enjoyed them, it really is incredible and magical. I recommend it as a bucket list item for everyone!

Yay for getting to see Santa Goofy! Is there anything these characters can't do?!

I know, so talented! He was so adorable!

Off to watch your videos!

Enjoy!!

 

[teekathepony]

Oh. WOW!!!

Just incredible pictures of the Osborne Lights!

So stinking good!



*********************************************

Thanks Dee!! I'm glad you liked them! You know my pictures didn't have to do much work of course, the display itself is gorgeous

Love that painting!

Thanks! I never really paid it much attention to be honest, I'm so surprised by the interest in it.

Glad to hear your camera class went well. How many students? Is this a continuing series or was it just the one class? Will you be repeating it?

As you indicated, with peoples' changing photo habits, camera shops need to adapt and having classes that help people understand their cameras and teach them to be better photographers is one great option.

It did go really well, we had four students which as it turned out, was more than enough for my first class! It was just the one time class, covering the basics and yes, we will be repeating it. Hopefully in just over two weeks actually! We're trying to get things set up for it now.
It's been hard to adapt, but we're finally finding our footing I think. Lots of archiving (VHS transfers, scanning and restoring old photos) and these classes are really going to help I think!

I could skip the Sci Fi, but the boys love it so we go for lunch every trip. Yes, the burgers are the safest bet there. The reuben was ok too. But I once ordered the shrimp pasta and it was the single nastiest thing I have ever eaten at Disney!

OH dear. Shrimp pasta at an iffy restaurant really does sound nasty! If I ever get the urge to try it there, I'll remember that!

Yep we don't do sci-fi for the food hehe

Did you find the purple cat?

That's for sure!
No, I didn't know to look for it at the time!

Love your Osborne Lights photos!!! This past Thanksgiving was my first time ever to see them in person and man are they amazing or what!??!?!?!

Amazing. Amazing doesn't even cover it all! Wow they really are something!

I had the same waterworks reaction that you did when they lit them!

Honestly it's hard not to! It's just so magical!

I am thoroughly enjoying your TR and your wonderful photography!

Thank you!!

 

[teekathepony]

Your painting is adorable! I can see why they sold so quickly. Yay Yacht Club jar!

Thank you, that's very nice of you to say! I'm pretty excited, not going to lie. I sold another different one this morning too. Yacht Club becoming a reality!

I'm sorry your food at Sci-Fi wasn't better but glad that you set yourself up for kit so you weren't too disappointed.

It's never especially nice to have sub-par food of course, but setting ourselves up for it was the best thing we could have done! No surprises and no real disappointments!

Your photos of the Osborne Lights are gorgeous! It is such an amazing atmosphere, and I cried too so you aren't alone lol

Thank you! I knew I wouldn't be alone in that here in the Dis crowd.

First, congratulations on the success of selling your painting.

Thanks Kathy! I'm very excited about it!

Sci Fi...you either love it or you don't. I learned the hard way by ordering the pasta to stick with the burgers and onion rings (Mark LOVES the Reuben sandwich).

I had heard that about the burgers, but we're not burger lovers The reuben is good, eh? Hmm I did think of trying that too!

WOW! WOW! WOW! Your Osborne Light pictures are absolutely fabulous. Love the photopass pictures as well.

Thank you!! I'm so glad you liked them

I can't believe you didn't know about Santa Goofy. We got our picture with him on the first trip, but skipped him this past December...the girls were too infatuated witht he lights and Nicki and Todd.

I know, I'm a terrible Dis'er aren't I?? Hahaha I can't figure out how I missed that.

Wow I just caught up to your report! I was there last Dec and we did not get to see the Osborn lights but your pictures are amazing! Congrats on selling your painting.

YAY for being caught up! Oh no way, I'm so sorry you missed the lights! They are really so amazing.
Thank you x2!

 

[teekathepony]

I love your "silly little painting" it's just flat out adorable. And happy. And somehow makes me think of AKL...which is a good thing.

Aww thank you, Cynthia! That's so sweet! And now that you mention it, I can see the AKL feel too.

UGH on your meal but not surprised. It will be interesting to see how our breakfast is there next week.

I really hope they do a good job on the breakfast there, especially with it being such a new and high profile event! I can't wait to see what you gals all think of it!

II LOVE that song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How magical. How sad am I that I missed the "on" switch!

I must must must go back. Someday.

Me too!!! It was really, really wonderful, a great waty to have an early start to the season!
You know, I didn't think that the on switch would be a big deal if we missed it... but I admit I'm glad we saw it. It was really cool. I hope you get back to see it soon

Your pictures are absolutely amazing.

Thanks!!

That painting is awesome!

Thanks Jill! I'm really surprised by how much everyone likes it

The pics of the Lights are awesome. It's such an amazing display.

Jill in CO

Thanks, really the display did all the work hahaha

What a cool painting!! Congrats!!

Thank you so much! I'm really excited about the success of my funny little ponies

We had Sci-Fi booked for lunch on our last Nov trip....but canceled right before the trip and opted to head back and get QS at the YC. I think it would have been a fun experience...but I don't think we missed out on the food!

No, for sure not a loss in the food department! I'm glad we did it though, because the place is really cool! I wish you could just go in and get a milkshake and watch the horror film clips for a while.

GORGEOUS photos of Osborne Lights! Like, maybe the best I've seen!

Wow, thank you, that's very sweet!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hi there

Remember this stranger?!! It's been a long time since I've been on the boards.

I've loved reading your TR and seeing all your lovely pics. The parks look great decorated for Christmas, especially MK. Loved the parade pics

Whoop whoop on planning another trip. I may be planning one for next year and we're thinking of staying at AKL so it was great reading your views/opinions of the place as well as seeing it through your lens ha ha

Food porn =

That Strawberry Shortcake is bringing back memories and you guys had me laughing/drooling at the description of Johnny's pizza at Via Napoli. I haven't eaten there but will have to put it on my wishlist for my next visit.

Glad to hear you both had a great time at the happiest place on earth! Off to catch up with the PTR.

Tenzeela

 

[teekathepony]

Hi there

Remember this stranger?!! It's been a long time since I've been on the boards.

Tanz!! Good to see you around again!!

I've loved reading your TR and seeing all your lovely pics. The parks look great decorated for Christmas, especially MK. Loved the parade pics

Thanks! Oh man, I love the parks decorated for Christmas, it's the most beautiful thing ever!

Whoop whoop on planning another trip. I may be planning one for next year and we're thinking of staying at AKL so it was great reading your views/opinions of the place as well as seeing it through your lens ha ha

Oh how awesome for you!! AKL was incredible, I really hope you do get to. Start a PTR if you do, I'd love to keep up with your plans.

Food porn =

That Strawberry Shortcake is bringing back memories and you guys had me laughing/drooling at the description of Johnny's pizza at Via Napoli. I haven't eaten there but will have to put it on my wishlist for my next visit.

Oh the food, I'm dreaming about a strawberry shortcake now! And Johnny has not stopped talking about that pizza yet!

Glad to hear you both had a great time at the happiest place on earth! Off to catch up with the PTR.

Tenzeela

We did have a great trip! See you at the PTR

 

[geckodani]

I officially want your glowing scarf. I mean - things that glow are already amazing, and that just took it to a whole other level!

 

[eeyore04]

Of course I pay attention!

Actually my first choice would have been Sci-Fi only for the fact that I know you didn't like it in '07.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Haven't seen Osborne Lights yet but I love all of your pictures! Such beautiful lighting. You know my mind was spinning as I looked through your pictures how much fun it would be take photographs in the middle of that. So many colorful possibilities of bokeh!

I love Santa Goofy!

 

[teekathepony]

I officially want your glowing scarf. I mean - things that glow are already amazing, and that just took it to a whole other level!

Isn't it cute? I just love it. I wore it to work on Christmas Eve

Of course I pay attention!

Actually my first choice would have been Sci-Fi only for the fact that I know you didn't like it in '07.

Lol

Yeah we didn't really, but I just wanted Johnny to get a chance to see inside. Still worth it.

 

[teekathepony]

Haven't seen Osborne Lights yet but I love all of your pictures! Such beautiful lighting. You know my mind was spinning as I looked through your pictures how much fun it would be take photographs in the middle of that. So many colorful possibilities of bokeh!

I love Santa Goofy!

Ninja post!

Oh Dave, the Osborne lights are really fantastic. Really fun to be right in the middle of! I'd love to see what you could do with your camera in there.

 

[teekathepony]

Hi everyone, just wanted to pop in quick to say Happy Mother's Day to all moms, god-mothers, fur moms and anyone who is a mother figure to anyone else!

Have a great day!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Tracy161]

Congrats on your painting! I love it!!!

Ahhh, the Osborne lights... it's been sooo long since I've been during Christmas time! (1997) someday soon I hope!

Your pictures of the lights are amazing as per usual! I especially love the Singing in the Rain ones!

 

[teekathepony]

Congrats on your painting! I love it!!!

Thank you so much!

Ahhh, the Osborne lights... it's been sooo long since I've been during Christmas time! (1997) someday soon I hope!

Oh my, that is quite a while, and they've changed them a lot since then. I hope you do get to see them soon, they're so incredible!

Your pictures of the lights are amazing as per usual! I especially love the Singing in the Rain ones!

Thanks again! It's not hard to make those pictures beautiful though, the lights themselves to most of the work!

 

[teekathepony]

Hello all!

How's everyone doing? Well, I hope. I'm excited for the long weekend ahead, looks like the weather is going to be beautiful and I can't wait to get out in the kayak again! (And again! And again!)

In other news, I've decided on three paintings to put in the art show next week:

"Cape Breton Bog Trail" (12"x36" oil on canvas)

"Bucky" (A painting of my horse, Dale's mother -- a 3"x4" watercolour)

And of course, my "Little Rainbow Ponies" (6"x9" watercolour)

Apologies for blowing my own horn here, but I'm kind of excited about this show!

On with the report, shall we? I've only got two real days left to talk about and one of those isn't really worth talking about! So I'll move along and try to get this report finished up so I can concentrate on my PTR a little more.


Saturday November 16
"Takin' it Easy"

I woke up feeling just a little sick. The start of something horrible but luckily I wouldn't know it for 24 more hours! Johnny being the absolute dear that he is, offered to run down to the gift shop to pick up some Halls. We spent some time on the balcony watching the animals and taking things slowly.

IMG_4690 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4699 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_0849 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4994 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4998 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5011 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5016 by teekathepony, on Flickr

You might be able to see the wet coats on everyone there, it was raining pretty hard.

My back and neck were achy so we figured we'd run down to the hot tub! Not a bad way to make good of a deteriorating situation!

I have no pictures from our jaunt to the hot tub, but trust me -- it was lovely. It was spilling rain and the hot tub was steamy and the rain was chilly falling on our faces and it was so wonderful. Johnny had some time in the pool too, but I just relaxed in the hot tub.

Everything we did, we took it slow. We had very few plans for the day and just wanted to relax.

We decided to head back to the room to get dried and changed, grab the cameras and take a tour of the resort. We'd been hearing about a baby giraffe all week and had yet to see it, so we were on a mission!

On our way to our room we got some neat panoramas of the lobby:

IMG_0855 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_0854 by teekathepony, on Flickr

And then we were off!

I'm not sure which photos belong to exactly which areas, some animals are obvious, but I'm just going to sort of spread the pictures around.

We went from tip to tip of Jambo house, stopping at every viewing spot and even going outside at the ends of each hallway through the doors and down the stairs to see some animals who were hiding away from the crowds around the main viewing areas. We got some great shots!

(Continued in next post)

 

[teekathepony]

IMG_5024 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5028 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5042 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5061 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5066 by teekathepony, on Flickr

If I'm not mistaken, this is the Sunset Savanna and that's Kidanni village in the background.

IMG_5069 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5070 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We stayed there for quite a while, and there were a few others spending their time in out of the rain watching the animals.

IMG_5073 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5075 by teekathepony, on Flickr

One thing we noticed over and over was how friendly everyone was! Anyone who saw an interesting animal or interaction or something would go around letting everyone else know, "Hey! Something cool to see over there!"

IMG_5083 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5098 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5103 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Lots of hanging out under trees, keeping dry.

I'm thinking those last few were taken just outside the lobby, overlooking the Arusha Savanna, seeing as this is my next picture:

IMG_5106 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Construction! Just a little touch up on the outside.

IMG_5168 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5171 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5169 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5115 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Now I'm thinking that either my camera or Johnny's has its time set wrong, because that might be why these are mixed up. Oh well. Animals!

IMG_5116 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Giraffes are the coolest.

IMG_5131 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5137 by teekathepony, on Flickr

"He's right behind me... isn't he?"

IMG_5140 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5152 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Continued in next post

 

[teekathepony]

We saw these guys from this angle and thought, "Aww how sweet! One guy is separated and the other one is keeping it company!"

IMG_5173 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Then we walked up the hall a little further and saw this:
IMG_5176 by teekathepony, on Flickr

He wasn't inside the fence at all!

Ok, now I do know that we walked to the opposite end of the building, the tip of the "U" if you will, where the Arusha and Sunset savannas meet. That's where we finally saw what we were looking for!

IMG_5183 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Baby giraffe!!

IMG_5184 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5188 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We were out on the stairs at the end of the building taking these, no one else was around!

IMG_5196 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5201 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We stayed there for a very long time. It was raining really hard so they were mostly just staying under trees and not moving, but they were still mesmerizing! I could have just stayed there all day staring at that adorable baby giraffe!

... Except for the fact that we were getting hungry!

So we headed back to the Mara where we shared a pepperoni flatbread and zebra domes!

IMG_0967 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5207 by teekathepony, on Flickr

See the rain?

IMG_5211 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Back inside.

IMG_5212 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We had only two plans for this day and we were off to do one of them -- that's next!

 

[geckodani]

Looks like a great start to a rainy day!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I love your paintings! Good choices for the art show!

Ah, I miss AKL. I even miss the Mara where I devoured a flatbread one midnight and a burger the next midnight. Looking at your pictures made it more so. Great pictures of the animals!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wait, do I see a couple zonkeys??? I didn't know they were there.

God that lobby is just so breathtaking. I love the panorama.

Isn't there something just so cool about zebras? I think so anyway.

But then... GIRAFFES!!!!!!! It's so great to be able to relax and just watch without feeling rushed.

BABY!!! Goodness, he just looks so tiny. They really do look exactly the same as an adult, just in miniature form. Like Honey I shrunk the Giraffe. Too cute.