Mom needed a break...no laundry, no hubby, no kids...sorta!! A SOLO TR..updated 11/15

[ilovemickeymost]

What kind of Sony camera do you have/ All the specs please. I just bought a new one & really like it. But, your pics are amazing.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Your fireworks and parade pictures are amazing. I take lousy photos so I gave up trying. It's good to know my memories will live on in your photos. We were so close to each other for the fireworks too. We were right around the curve in front of the popcorn stand. So many close calls. Maybe next year we can hook up.

Ps - finally got my tr started. I don't think it will end up being nearly as interesting as yours though.

 

[ILuvCrush]

What kind of Sony camera do you have/ All the specs please. I just bought a new one & really like it. But, your pics are amazing.

I have a Sony DSLR Alpha-100 its a 10.2 megapixel with interchangable lenses available. It has both the auto functions (like high speed, landscape, night portrait, etc) but I can also switch it to partially manual (I pick the shutter speed and it figures out the Fstop and vice versa) or fully manual where I can pick both, white balance, even manual focus. I used the preprogrammed stuff alot at first, but as I played more and more with the manual options, I got alot better. People are smarter than machines So I can get much nicer pics using my own settings alot of times than using the programmed ones.

They don't make the on I have anymore, but have upgraded the line to an alpha 200 and I think 350 too.

I had a Minolta SLR for years, and absolutely refused to go digital. I thought that digital pics were too grainy, and you didn't have as much control over the shots. Then out came the DSLRs... which were horribly expensive at first, but last year the prices had started coming down and I bought one. $799. As it was. I chose the Sony, b/c it was actually compatable with my Minolta lenses. I still use my old Minolta 80-210mm zoom lens on it. Never replaced it with a Sony one, but it works great.... wait til you see my Safari photos

I highly recommend it. The new ones are even nicer, they have great stability control! I just can't justify buying a new one.... yet I picked Sony because of the compatability with Minolta.... but if it wasn't for that, I may have gone with a Nikkon DSLR... I really liked it too

I went into Ritz Camera and played with the different cameras for a couple months, before I bought one. They are much more helpful, then going to a department store or like Circut City... because they specialize in cameras. I also got a coupon book for free photography classes thru them too when I bought my Sony

Paula

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Brownies... That's a good one. I LOVE the Villains! Great update!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Great pictures!! Your fireworks and castle look so nice and crisp! I hope my night time pics with my new Canon!!

 

[lmillercrew]

I would love to use your pictures. Thank you for offering. I told DH your pictures and told him they were so much better than my point and shoot 8 pix Kodak. I really want a camera with a big lens. DH was nice and said that your pictures look like mine, No way. Much more clear from your angle. I can't wait to hear about your second day. You really had a full day your first day. Good for you!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I followed your siggy link from 2xcited2sleep's PTR for her solo trip...I am LOVING your report!!! The whole caveman family with the turkey legs made me laugh out loud!!!

I woud love to do a solo trip sometime....ahhhh...I know I would miss DH and DS, but also really enjoy the trip.

Looking forward to more.

ETA: Your DH sounds like a very good man in encourgaing you to go and buying you the MNSSHP ticket! Do you think he had something to do with the signed Mickey picture/postcards/stickers pack too?

 

[MEK]

He'd think I was nuts... but no more nuts than when I told him my new friends on the Dis boards gave me the great idea of going solo!!!!
September could be very doable.... we're going over thanksgiving, and over Summer.... so Sept might fit in there REALLY WELL!!

Yeh - September seems like a good idea. DH and I are going for 4 nights in December and we are all going in June (I hope). 3 more months - SEPTEMBER! I definately think every 4 months is the way to visit Disney World! Twice a year just isn't enough!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

ETA: Your DH sounds like a very good man in encourgaing you to go and buying you the MNSSHP ticket! Do you think he had something to do with the signed Mickey picture/postcards/stickers pack too?

Oh yeah! I forgot to ask about your special delivery Mickey autograph packet. Very cool. Who sent it?

 

[ILuvCrush]

I followed your siggy link from 2xcited2sleep's PTR for her solo trip...I am LOVING your report!!! The whole caveman family with the turkey legs made me laugh out loud!!!

I woud love to do a solo trip sometime....ahhhh...I know I would miss DH and DS, but also really enjoy the trip.

Looking forward to more.

ETA: Your DH sounds like a very good man in encourgaing you to go and buying you the MNSSHP ticket! Do you think he had something to do with the signed Mickey picture/postcards/stickers pack too?

Hi BrookeElizabeth!! Welcome!! DH is a keeper I totally don't think he had anything to do with the Mickey photo. DH isn't the type to think about that kind of stuff. Besides, I would be really shocked if he'd have figured out who to even contact.... He just asked me today who I was calling in Florida last month, because we had gotten the phonebill. never even dawned on him that I had to make ADRs and confirm stuff etc!!

Oh yeah! I forgot to ask about your special delivery Mickey autograph packet. Very cool. Who sent it?

Thanks!! I still really don't know If I was to hazzard a guess, I'd say it was my DDs friend's Mom. She's very nice like that. But she and Minnie are still down there, so I haven't talked to her to find out if she was behind it OR if Minnie liked the suprise we sent her. In a way I hope I don't find out.... it was pretty magical

 

[kristinanderic]

I'm so jealous, I too was married young and would love to just go to the grocery store at this point ALONE. I'm drooling that you went on a solo trip...I'm hooked!

 

[ILuvCrush]

I'm so jealous, I too was married young and would love to just go to the grocery store at this point ALONE. I'm drooling that you went on a solo trip...I'm hooked!

Hi Kristinanderic!!!

I'm glad you're enjoying it! Fortunately I'm now in a place where my kids are getting a bit older, so I can get away with a little more selfishness now than I used to!! But, I know where you're at... and I can relate.

Paula

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Loving your TR. Your pictures are fantastic!

 

[If U Had Wings]

After the show, I decided I wanted to meet the Evil Queen. Of all the villians, she's my favorite. I think Snow White is the Most annoying Princess....Ever. I hope that my new friend the Queen gets her one of these days

I have to agree with you on this one. She's bugged me for ages. Everyone else has always thought I was nuts.

[
When I finally met the Queen... she was awesome! She was rather chatty, which suprised me, and we had a bit of a discussion over whether she should try some poisoned BROWNIES instead!! you know it is MUCH harder to resist a brownie...even if you KNOW it may be poisoned!! She lamented that she's tried EVERYTHING...but is still working on it. I gave her a curtsy and wished her luck!

She may have a point on the brownies. I'd have a hard time resisting. Better yet ice cream. I'd be out in seconds.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Loving your TR. Your pictures are fantastic!

Thanks!! BTW I used to live out your way.... Parma Heights. We moved back to PA about 9 years ago. But DH is a big time Tribe fan, so we are out in the vicinity at least 1-2 times a month for games over the summer We're even still zoo members

I have to agree with you on this one. She's bugged me for ages. Everyone else has always thought I was nuts.
She may have a point on the brownies. I'd have a hard time resisting. Better yet ice cream. I'd be out in seconds.

I was afraid I'd get flamed for dissing on a It's nice to know I have a like minded friend
Brownies with Ice cream.... yeah, that would be even better... I can't wait til I see her again, I'll have to suggest it

Paula

 

[jenjolt]

I have a Sony DSLR Alpha-100 its a 10.2 megapixel with interchangable lenses available. It has both the auto functions (like high speed, landscape, night portrait, etc) but I can also switch it to partially manual (I pick the shutter speed and it figures out the Fstop and vice versa) or fully manual where I can pick both, white balance, even manual focus. I used the preprogrammed stuff alot at first, but as I played more and more with the manual options, I got alot better. People are smarter than machines So I can get much nicer pics using my own settings alot of times than using the programmed ones.

They don't make the on I have anymore, but have upgraded the line to an alpha 200 and I think 350 too.

I had a Minolta SLR for years, and absolutely refused to go digital. I thought that digital pics were too grainy, and you didn't have as much control over the shots. Then out came the DSLRs... which were horribly expensive at first, but last year the prices had started coming down and I bought one. $799. As it was. I chose the Sony, b/c it was actually compatable with my Minolta lenses. I still use my old Minolta 80-210mm zoom lens on it. Never replaced it with a Sony one, but it works great.... wait til you see my Safari photos

I highly recommend it. The new ones are even nicer, they have great stability control! I just can't justify buying a new one.... yet I picked Sony because of the compatability with Minolta.... but if it wasn't for that, I may have gone with a Nikkon DSLR... I really liked it too

I went into Ritz Camera and played with the different cameras for a couple months, before I bought one. They are much more helpful, then going to a department store or like Circut City... because they specialize in cameras. I also got a coupon book for free photography classes thru them too when I bought my Sony

Paula

I've been thinking of dabbling in the world of the DSLRs but for now I got a FugiFinePix S2000 for my birthday and I'm going to use it on my trip in January. I would love to invest in one the Nikkon's or Sony's ...some day!!

Thank you for posting about Ritz Camera though. I just might stop in there and see about photography lessons between now and then and maybe learn how to use my camera to get some really good shots of things at night.

Also meant to say I'm subbing in!! I'm going on a solo trip in January and love reading about other solo trips!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

I've been thinking of dabbling in the world of the DSLRs but for now I got a FugiFinePix S2000 for my birthday and I'm going to use it on my trip in January. I would love to invest in one the Nikkon's or Sony's ...some day!!

Thank you for posting about Ritz Camera though. I just might stop in there and see about photography lessons between now and then and maybe learn how to use my camera to get some really good shots of things at night.

Also meant to say I'm subbing in!! I'm going on a solo trip in January and love reading about other solo trips!!

Welcome Jen!! Congrats on the new camera I've have found a great camera does NOT a photographer make The classes are very helpful, I liked them. I'd really love to do a class at the community college someday... but I just can't seem to fit it into my busy schedule. If your ritz doesn't have classes available, another one nearby may. I had a grand time for months just going in and playing with the cameras

I'm going to head on over to your pre-trippie!!

Paula

 

[Schmoodle]

Hi Paula, I am subbing, can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip! We were at WDW the same week as you, just me and the kids. I would love to do a solo trip one day, so I am very interested in how much you enjoyed yourself. Your pics of the parade are great and the fireworks pictures are awesome. Mine never turn out that well. We were at MNSSHP the same night as you and watched the fireworks from Pinocchio's patio in Fantasyland. I'm sure we missed a lot not seeing it over the castle, but the kids thought it rocked because the fireworks were all around us and things were lit up so bright.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Paula, Congrats on your solo trip!

Have so enjoyed your TR and as others have said, the photos are fantastic!

Also, good to know about ASMU - not a fan of values, enjoyed POP, but it's in need of room refurbishment, so nice to know there might be another option if needed.

A solo trip takes so much courage! You did great!! I'm such a wimp, would have asked for a manager to find me a room closer.

All the Disers commenting on your TR that they wish they could go solo, but don't want to go alone, got me thinking that we maybe could get together and do a group solo trip!!! We could share a room or not, but maybe stay at the same resort and not have to eat alone or do the attractions alone all the time. Could be the best of both worlds - some solo time, but also time with other DIsers! Sounds perfect to me!

Okay, on to the rest of your TR!

Oh, may I use your rainbow photo as a desktop, please?

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Thanks!! BTW I used to live out your way.... Parma Heights. We moved back to PA about 9 years ago. But DH is a big time Tribe fan, so we are out in the vicinity at least 1-2 times a month for games over the summer We're even still zoo members


Paula

Go Tribe!!! My DH is from PA. Has family in Westmoreland County (where he is from) and a brother in Centre Hall. We get back there a couple times a year.

Maybe we can meet next summer when you're in town.

Sophia