May at the Poly! Home & catching up on work...TR to come soon!

[aprilisis]

I'm liking the sound of your revised plans. It's good that you'll have some free time by yourself. That way you can wander around and take all of the pictures you want. Don't forget to take the hidden trails around the Tree of Life. Lots of picture taking opportunities there.

You know I will definitely be spending a lot of time on those trails! I can't believe I never noticed them in all of the trips I had been there. Thanks SO much for pointing them out to me!! I know John thanks you, too, because he stood & watched the kangaroos for quite a while on our last trip. He was fascinated- he had never seen a kangaroo before!

 

[aprilisis]

I'm so glad that I don't have work today. I drove my car over to the mechanic to see why it is driving weird on the highway & I am waiting to hear back from him. I also saw a goldfinch outside today- that means Spring is officially here! It has been a little chilly, though.
You will definitely laugh at me for this: I started packing yesterday!! I figured that since it will be too cold for shorts here until June, that I may as well pack them & a swimsuit. I also packed my tripod & a few other things.
29 Days to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

Hi!
I had to work yesterday, and my company's headquarters are in Boston - you would think they would say - too many people in boston already with the marathon...don't come to work today! but no!!
I don't work in Boston...luckily!!

I always pack months ahead of time....there is something exciting about getting the suitcases out of the basement!! Although it does freak out the dogs, because they know we will be going away...they get so sad

Oh no, more car problems?????

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm so glad that I don't have work today. I drove my car over to the mechanic to see why it is driving weird on the highway & I am waiting to hear back from him. I also saw a goldfinch outside today- that means Spring is officially here! It has been a little chilly, though.
You will definitely laugh at me for this: I started packing yesterday!! I figured that since it will be too cold for shorts here until June, that I may as well pack them & a swimsuit. I also packed my tripod & a few other things.
29 Days to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ummm, you won't see me laughing at your for starting your packing. If I didn't have so much stuff going on around my house, I'd have started too.

Did you hear anything about your car yet?

 

[Chaitali]

Just found your trip report and wanted to say hi We'll be there almost the same time as you, and we'll be at Animal Kingdom that Wednesday also. I'm interested to hear what you think of the restaurants as I'm a vegetarian too. I wasn't able to fit in Artist's Point for this trip but I was thinking about it for a future trip.

 

[aprilisis]

Hi!
I had to work yesterday, and my company's headquarters are in Boston - you would think they would say - too many people in boston already with the marathon...don't come to work today! but no!!
I don't work in Boston...luckily!!

I always pack months ahead of time....there is something exciting about getting the suitcases out of the basement!! Although it does freak out the dogs, because they know we will be going away...they get so sad

Oh no, more car problems?????

Oh, my! Thank goodness you don't work in Boston. I bet it was a pain to get near anything along the marathon route yesterday.
Isis hasn't noticed the suitcases yet, thank goodness. She will be sulking as soon as she does, though! What kind of dogs do you have??
I've been pretty lucky with this car- so far everything except 2 jobs have been maintenance. This time, though- I guess I am just paranoid. They found nothing wrong.

Ummm, you won't see me laughing at your for starting your packing. If I didn't have so much stuff going on around my house, I'd have started too.

Did you hear anything about your car yet?

I just figured- I may as well pack all of my shorts since I can't wear them here until June or July. Then I have things like my travel umbrella & swimsuit. I'm SO anxious to go that I had to get a head start!
Well, the good news is that there is nothing wrong with my car. The bad news is that my mechanic thinks I am nuts. At least I can make my drive to work & back home without worrying so much now.

Just found your trip report and wanted to say hi We'll be there almost the same time as you, and we'll be at Animal Kingdom that Wednesday also. I'm interested to hear what you think of the restaurants as I'm a vegetarian too. I wasn't able to fit in Artist's Point for this trip but I was thinking about it for a future trip.

Maybe we will run into each other at Animal Kingdom! I plan to get there right at opening. What restaurants will you be visiting that you haven't been to yet??

 

[Chaitali]

I haven't been to WDW since I was a kid, and my husband has never been so the restaurants are all pretty much new to us! We'll probably eat breakfast in the room and counter service lunches. For dinner, we have the following reservations: Victoria and Albert's, California Grill, La Hacienda de San Angel and Jiko. I've heard good things about most of them (mixed things on La Hacienda but oh well) so we're pretty excited!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Thank goodness there's nothing wrong with your car.....and who cares if the mechanic thinks you're a nutcase. At least you won't worry about your car now.

 

[aprilisis]

I haven't been to WDW since I was a kid, and my husband has never been so the restaurants are all pretty much new to us! We'll probably eat breakfast in the room and counter service lunches. For dinner, we have the following reservations: Victoria and Albert's, California Grill, La Hacienda de San Angel and Jiko. I've heard good things about most of them (mixed things on La Hacienda but oh well) so we're pretty excited!

Great choices! When you get to Jiko, ask for the vegetarian menu. They have some GREAT food!! If the vegetarian option on the menu at any of the other places is something you don't like- which frequently happens to me because I don't like any of the "staple" vegetarian options (tofu, eggplant, mushrooms)- don't be afraid to ask for something else. When I went to San Angel, I asked for cheese enchiladas (no on the menu) & I got some of the BEST cheese enchiladas ever! California Grill puts an asterisk next to vegetarian menu items. I've had some of the best meals there. I haven't been to La Hacienda or Victoria & Albert's, but I bet they will both be great! I'm going to be at Jiko on the 19th & California Grill on the 21st. Are you going to do a TR?? I would love to hear what you think about the restaurants. I just noticed your TR- I'm heading over there now.

Thank goodness there's nothing wrong with your car.....and who cares if the mechanic thinks you're a nutcase. At least you won't worry about your car now.

I'm SO relieved!!! That is my only source of stress besides my boss who has frequent angry outbursts & a motley crew of wacky co-workers...but I'm sure almost everyone has the latter problem!!!
I have to tell you- I have been looking forward to one of the things you suggested this trip- going to Tom Sawyer Island to take photos from a different angle. I have been dying for some sun & flowers here. It is rainy & in the 40's here today. I NEEEEEEEED to try out my new camera & the weather is just not cooperating! There is a carnival about 10 minutes away that I want to try to talk John into driving by just so I can take some photos!!

 

[Chaitali]

I'm going to be at Jiko on the 19th & California Grill on the 21st.

I have been dying for some sun & flowers here. It is rainy & in the 40's here today. I NEEEEEEEED to try out my new camera & the weather is just not cooperating! There is a carnival about 10 minutes away that I want to try to talk John into driving by just so I can take some photos!!

Thanks for the restaurant tips We're doing the opposite and will be at California Grill on the 19th and Jiko on the 21st. I've been getting into photography this past year also and definitely feel you on the weather. The couple times I tried to go out and take photos this Winter I felt like my fingers were going to fall off so I definitely didn't stay out long. I've talked my husband into the zoo a couple weeks from now so hopefully I can take some cute animal photos. We have a great zoo here with some wonderful conservation programs.

 

[aprilisis]

Thanks for the restaurant tips We're doing the opposite and will be at California Grill on the 19th and Jiko on the 21st. I've been getting into photography this past year also and definitely feel you on the weather. The couple times I tried to go out and take photos this Winter I felt like my fingers were going to fall off so I definitely didn't stay out long. I've talked my husband into the zoo a couple weeks from now so hopefully I can take some cute animal photos. We have a great zoo here with some wonderful conservation programs.

Will you post the zoo photos to your PTR?? I just find that when everything is gray or white in the winter, there aren't many interesting things to photograph. I'm nervous to get to WDW & suddenly forget how to use my camera! I'm most worried that I won't get good fireworks shots. Did you mention what camera you will be taking on your trip??
I found some photos of the Jiko vegetarian menu that I took in October 2009:

They aren't the greatest photos, but you get the idea.

 

[Chaitali]

Will you post the zoo photos to your PTR?? I just find that when everything is gray or white in the winter, there aren't many interesting things to photograph. I'm nervous to get to WDW & suddenly forget how to use my camera! I'm most worried that I won't get good fireworks shots. Did you mention what camera you will be taking on your trip??

Thanks for the menu photos! That looks really good. I'm getting very excited for the trip I'm taking a Canon T1 and probably our little point and shoot also. I'm not sure if I'm being too ambitious taking the DSLR to the parks so if I try it and it seems like too much of a burden, I'll switch to the point and shoot.

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

HI,
Do you remember what you ate when you went to Jiko? The Taste of Africa sounds really good....

Have you seen the fox lately? I had about 4 turkeys early this morning on my street....I don't know if the females are pregnant, but I have noticed that the males seem to be "on the look-out" for predators as the females are eating (there are several people of the street that fill up there birdfeeders for the birds as well as the turkeys)
It's really amazing to watch the males look around and walk in a circle around the females....the way animals protect each other is so neat...

 

[aprilisis]

Thanks for the menu photos! That looks really good. I'm getting very excited for the trip I'm taking a Canon T1 and probably our little point and shoot also. I'm not sure if I'm being too ambitious taking the DSLR to the parks so if I try it and it seems like too much of a burden, I'll switch to the point and shoot.

That is exactly what I'm doing- I have a backpack that fits all of the lenses & camera, but I'm also taking a case that just fits the dslr with one lens attached and I'm taking a point & shoot.

HI,
Do you remember what you ate when you went to Jiko? The Taste of Africa sounds really good....

Have you seen the fox lately? I had about 4 turkeys early this morning on my street....I don't know if the females are pregnant, but I have noticed that the males seem to be "on the look-out" for predators as the females are eating (there are several people of the street that fill up there birdfeeders for the birds as well as the turkeys)
It's really amazing to watch the males look around and walk in a circle around the females....the way animals protect each other is so neat...

I haven't seen the fox- but I think I know where they moved. I may take a walk over there this weekend to see if I can spot them. That's cool about the turkeys!
I did try the taste of Africa & it was GOOD. Now that I look at that photo, I think I cut off some of the entrees. I had something that was a trio of...I don't remember- but I DO remember loving it!!

 

[aprilisis]

Happy Easter! I'm online this morning putting together some photo gifts for my Aunt, Mom, Stepmom, and Grandmothers for Mother's Day. Later, I'm going to visit my Grandmother with my parents & uncle. I should have an itinerary update for you sometime this week. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[clearskies]

Hi April,
I am finally making my way over to catch up on your PTR. Sorry for being delinquent. I looks like you have a great trip planned so far. You are eating at many restaurants that I have not tried yet but would like to at some point. I'll have to live vicariously through you for now. I also see that you are looking forward to babycakes. As an Easter treat for myself, as we were driving though NYC this past Friday, I stopped by the NYC babycakes bakery and gave it a try for the first time. I have a photo to get you more excited...

These were the 2 best cupcakes that I tried from their collection. There is a Red Velvet cupcake on the left and a vanilla cupcake on the right. They were very good. Not OMG I've died and gone to heaven good.... but considering I can't recall the last time I had a cupcake due to dietary restrictions I was loving them

You have captured some great pictures with your new camera equipment so far. Keep at using your camera before you leave so that you get more and more familiar with your equipment. I'll be looking forward to some great photos from your trip.

 

[aprilisis]

Hi April,
I am finally making my way over to catch up on your PTR. Sorry for being delinquent. I looks like you have a great trip planned so far. You are eating at many restaurants that I have not tried yet but would like to at some point. I'll have to live vicariously through you for now. I also see that you are looking forward to babycakes. As an Easter treat for myself, as we were driving though NYC this past Friday, I stopped by the NYC babycakes bakery and gave it a try for the first time. I have a photo to get you more excited...

These were the 2 best cupcakes that I tried from their collection. There is a Red Velvet cupcake on the left and a vanilla cupcake on the right. They were very good. Not OMG I've died and gone to heaven good.... but considering I can't recall the last time I had a cupcake due to dietary restrictions I was loving them

You have captured some great pictures with your new camera equipment so far. Keep at using your camera before you leave so that you get more and more familiar with your equipment. I'll be looking forward to some great photos from your trip.

Thanks for dropping in!! I'm all over that red velvet cupcake! They look so good. I only eat sweet stuff in Disney, so I will be overloading on it this trip.
I used my camera Sunday & my photos did not come out too good. I got a little discouraged, but I'm hoping to get out & take more photos this weekend. I need more practice! I want a UWA lens, too. I'm reading the T1i for Dummies book right now & I am overwhelmed at all of the camera functions. Do you use a tripod in the parks? I'm scared that someone will trip over it & knock it over.

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

Hi April,
sounds like you had a busy Easter...hope it was a nice one
My DH and I headed into Boston...we rode on the Swan Boats and walked aroudn the Common...the weather was beautiful!

Those cupcakes do look yummy....I could go for one right now!!!!!!!

 

[clearskies]

Thanks for dropping in!! I'm all over that red velvet cupcake! They look so good. I only eat sweet stuff in Disney, so I will be overloading on it this trip.
I used my camera Sunday & my photos did not come out too good. I got a little discouraged, but I'm hoping to get out & take more photos this weekend. I need more practice! I want a UWA lens, too. I'm reading the T1i for Dummies book right now & I am overwhelmed at all of the camera functions. Do you use a tripod in the parks? I'm scared that someone will trip over it & knock it over.

Ah, you've found problem of being a DLSR owner. There is always another lens enticing you. I would love a UWA lens myself or a macro lens or a fisheye lens or a ....the list goes on.

I have not used a tripod during the daytime Park visits but I have brought a tripod along for nighttime pictures at the Disney Parks. You should be ok without people bumping into it but of course you never know. I have used it in the middle of a packed Main Street for Wishes and that is probably the scariest in regards to risks of mishaps. I have not have an issue yet though (knock on wood).

 

[aprilisis]

Hi April,
sounds like you had a busy Easter...hope it was a nice one
My DH and I headed into Boston...we rode on the Swan Boats and walked aroudn the Common...the weather was beautiful!

Those cupcakes do look yummy....I could go for one right now!!!!!!!

OMG- I bet that was awesome! I love Boston. Did you take any photos?? If so, please post them here.

Ah, you've found problem of being a DLSR owner. There is always another lens enticing you. I would love a UWA lens myself or a macro lens or a fisheye lens or a ....the list goes on.

I have not used a tripod during the daytime Park visits but I have brought a tripod along for nighttime pictures at the Disney Parks. You should be ok without people bumping into it but of course you never know. I have used it in the middle of a packed Main Street for Wishes and that is probably the scariest in regards to risks of mishaps. I have not have an issue yet though (knock on wood).

I know I am too much of a chicken to set up a tripod on Main street. I'm just feeling overwhelmed because I don't know which lenses to use at which parks & what times to use them. I'm going to to try to get some practice this weekend. I only have 20 days to go!!