Mum and moi take Orlando: the never-ending trip report (aka we are nuts) NEW 5/20 x4!!!

[LifeIsDis]

August 1st (part 1): PRETTY GOOD SHOW US YOUR BUM/BALLS

The point in going to MK was for the Halloween merch that came out that day in the Emporium.

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

Now, it is basically the same crap that they always have but they do have some new stuff.

So like when can I get a car because THESE ANTENNA TOPPERS GUYS.

THIS BOWL THO.

THIS SWEATSHIRT IS BRAND NEW AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH. But it is like $60. Oh.

These displays though are perfect. CANT DEAL WITH HALLOWEEN STUFF

After I died over the Halloween Perfection, we headed over to Frontierland.

I stopped to look at pins on the way and then we used our FP for BTMR.

We had another FP in about 30 minutes for Splash aka Mum’s fave ride, but since MSEP was coming, we had to hang out in Frontierland, which isn’t a problem. I was in Disney and all.

Then I had the wonderful idea of chilling on the train and making a loop around the park and coming back to Frontierland. GENIUS.

The train closed at 9 that night so we were on the last trip around MK.

Once we got back to Frontierland, we had about 2 minutes until our FP. Perfect.

We were seated in the front row, which Mum loved so much.

That ride was hysterical. We thought we had a cockroach in our boat (wouldn’t surprise me) and then we laughed so hard over the song How Do You Do. We always think that they are saying

PRETTY GOOD SHOW US YOUR BUM

or

PRETTY GOOD SHOW US YOUR BALLS

I looked up the lyrics afterwards and I don’t remember what the legit lyrics are. I like our versions better.

So we laughed hysterically to that and then Mum would freak out every time a drop would come up and of course BRER FOX AND BRER BEAR CAUSED COMMOTION DOWNSTREAM LIKE TEN TIMES WHAT ELSE IS NEW.

And what in God’s name is up with the empty sets?! There is one drop just before the big one where there is no set or something and it looks ridiculous and so not show ready. GOOD JOB DISNEY.

We got off that wonderful attraction and saw our ride photo. And a bunch of Spanish teenage girls were taking pictures of it because of yours truly.

You’re welcome, Spanish girls.

Mum complained the whole time afterwards because her butt was wet. Lovely.

I needed to hurry over to Fantasyland because of Wishes (duh), and on the way over, we noticed that they are building an interactive queue at Petah Pan. So now we have even more construction walls up.

I could so go on a rant about this but yeah, that will not happen right now because of reasons. Let’s just sum up my rant in one sentence:

WHY IN GODS NAME do we have so many construction walls up; MK feels like a construction zone GRRR.

Ok. My one sentence rant is over. You’re welcome.

Moving onto Wishes pictures now.

I wasn’t sure where to set up my tripod. I didn’t want to be in the way for one, but I didn’t know where the fireworks were gonna be in my shot.

So I started here….

And then right before the finale, I picked up my tripod, put my backpack on my back, and ran. All of like two feet but oh whale.

After I packed up my tripod, we went to Gaston’s and I got a Brew. And I paid for it in all coins. #brokelife

You’re welcome, CM.

We sat in Gaston’s chair, I made a wig for myself out of the fur on the chair, and we drank our brew. #livinitup

 

[LifeIsDis]

August 1st (part 2): Like, didn't I just see this parade ew

I really wanted to close down the park again like we had done before and Mum came up with the brilliant idea of watching MSEP.

Now, I didn’t say no because I had my tripod with me. And plus, I had seen some pictures from Tom Bricker that I just loved from Liberty Square of the world’s greatest parade and I wanted to try that spot out.

Perfect view of the castle, guys.

And since it was the 11 o’ clock performance, it wasn’t crowded AT ALL.

Now, let’s move onto these pictures. I am actually really happy with how these came out.

Hope you guys enjoyed those pictures.

I have to say, even though MSEP is horrible, the character interaction I saw and had was awesome. Tons of characters came right up to me because of my tripod and camera. I was impressed.

I packed up zee tripod after that wonderful parade and I noticed that it was pretty crowded considering it was like 11:45. I was sad because I really wanted to stay for park close but I was tired and ew people.

LIKE WHY ARENT YOU PEOPLE IN BED

Ridiculous.

We took the monorail back to the TTC and headed home.
​

 

[KelleyK75]

I love all of the Halloween merch!

The Splash picture is hilarious!

The firework pictures in front of Ariel are really pretty!!

Your pictures of MSEP are awesome! The colors are gorgeous!

 

[dawnmichele]

OMG I will never be able to ride Splash again without thinking those lyrics.


I really dig the view of the fireworks with Ariel right in the middle.
And definitely cool long exposure MEP shots.

 

[LifeIsDis]

I love all of the Halloween merch!

The Splash picture is hilarious!

The firework pictures in front of Ariel are really pretty!!

Your pictures of MSEP are awesome! The colors are gorgeous!

Me too! I want it all.
You're welcome.
Thank you so much!

OMG I will never be able to ride Splash again without thinking those lyrics.


I really dig the view of the fireworks with Ariel right in the middle.
And definitely cool long exposure MEP shots.

You are so welcome for those amazing lyrics.
Me too! It is a different perspective.
Thanks!​

 

[LifeIsDis]

August 3rd (part 1): Let's take a visit to see da baes

Like right when we got to AK, we had a FP to use for Everest so we had to book it over to Asia.

Everest got a thumbs up from yours truly, duh.

Our next FP was ready to use after we got off EE so we went on over to Harambe.

Seriously guys, the FotLK queue is about 10000 degrees and it felt so good. I wasn’t dying or anything.

We were in the elephant section and got our trunk/obnoxious noises on. FUN TIMES.

FotLK spam, duh.

The “oh whale” look.

Tumble monkeys are life ♥

Da baes

 

[LifeIsDis]

August 3rd (part 2): That time I saw a lion smile

After the world’s most amazing show got over, we left the theater along with 10000 other people. Like, can we hurry up with the backstage thing to divert guests outta there or

Oh wait it takes ten years to build things duh what is wrong with me

Anyways

SAFARI TIME!

And I don’t know what was up, but standby was only like 10 minutes. Our FP was totally pointless to use.

Animal and stuff time, dudes.

So close!

Can we not
LIKE, THEY ARE SMILING, GUYS

After our safari came to an end, we headed to Flame Tree.

These guys are really good though! We need to watch their full set sometime.

At Flame Tree, we both got the pulled pork sandwich. Very good, as always.

I love the details of Flame Tree, especially in all of the outdoor pavilions.

Ok, not a Disney detail but ya know.

After we finished eating and having mum throw the wonderful wet hand wipe things they give you at me (don’t get me started on that), I looked at some pins, and then we headed back to the tram. It was starting to rain anyways and yeah no. Not gonna happen.

 

[KelleyK75]

Wonderful pictures! I LOVE the one of the lions that look like they are smiling. Just out of curiosity, what kind of camera do you have? You always have wonderful pictures. I'm sure most of it is knowing how to do the settings you need at the time. But just wondering what kind you use.

 

[LifeIsDis]

Wonderful pictures! I LOVE the one of the lions that look like they are smiling. Just out of curiosity, what kind of camera do you have? You always have wonderful pictures. I'm sure most of it is knowing how to do the settings you need at the time. But just wondering what kind you use.

Thank you!
I have a Nikon D3200. It is a beginner DSLR, but once you get to know the settings, it can take good shots. I started using auto and used it for months. All of my pictures from the beginning of this TR to around December or January are taken with auto. It just takes time to know your settings. I taught myself how to use manual​

 

[KelleyK75]

Thank you!
I have a Nikon D3200. It is a beginner DSLR, but once you get to know the settings, it can take good shots. I started using auto and used it for months. All of my pictures from the beginning of this TR to around December or January are taken with auto. It just takes time to know your settings. I taught myself how to use manual​

Great, thank you! I have heard good things about Nikon's. I have an old Canon film SLR, and I am thinking about buying the DSLR. I found out yesterday that my old 300 mm lens is probably compatible with the DSLR bodies, so I think I'm going to just buy a new DLSR body. I need to learn the manual settings though because I've only just played around with them in the past. Someone told me Canon does online classes so I might try that.

 

[LifeIsDis]

Great, thank you! I have heard good things about Nikon's. I have an old Canon film SLR, and I am thinking about buying the DSLR. I found out yesterday that my old 300 mm lens is probably compatible with the DSLR bodies, so I think I'm going to just buy a new DLSR body. I need to learn the manual settings though because I've only just played around with them in the past. Someone told me Canon does online classes so I might try that.

No problem!
I prefer Nikon over Canon. I don't know, it is just what I have always used.
You should buy one, especially if you already have a lens for it!
I learned off of YouTube to be honest with you. They have great tutorials on how to use manual and all of your settings.​

 

[LifeIsDis]

August 9th (part 1): But they aren't offering discounts

So it was raining. What else is new.

Seriously, guys, this day is such a blur to me. It was only 20 days ago but I can’t remember like a single thing we did and since it rained for like half the day, I didn’t really have my camera out. So I am gonna YOLO this update. YOU ARE SO WELCOME. At least part dos of this day will be detailed and such. I guess.

ANYWAYS

Yeah, rain, rain, rain. Whatever.

So the first picture I have is of the AMAZING AND AWESOME new seating area in Storybook Circus. It is where the FP kiosks were (now there are only two).

BUT FIRST, we went to Tomorrowland because I wanted to go on the TTA but that was down and CoP was getting an evac. WHYYYYY.

Moving onto Storybook Circus now….

I am in LOVE with this furniture. It is so vintage and so my style. It was very crowded in the area because of the rain and all so I couldn’t get fantastic pictures but OMG.

THIS CHAIR IS MADE FOR MOI.

But let’s take a bet on when the first piece of furniture is gonna get ruined.

Our next stop was first aid because I needed some advil as I had a bad headache. Fun times.

We made our way over to Liberty Square because of reasons aka it was my Mansion’s 45th birthday in Disneyland and I had to celebrate!

To the idiot who was throwing napkins in the front lawn of my house: go home.

When we exited my house, I noticed how amazing the roses were outside. They were so bright and colorful and I was obsessing over them. I asked the CM if I could hop over the ropes to take pictures and she was very nice and let me. THANK YOU!

OBSESSED

Our next stop was Storybook Treats to get an ice cream. It was hot outside so we really needed one.

The line was about 10 miles long and the CM at our window was really rude so that’s nice.

While Mum waited in line, I checked out the Pooh/Snow White/Mickey/Idk what else Dump Shop.

Well this is perfect.

We got our ice creams and then decided to check to see if the TTA was back open.

HALLELUJAH IT WAS but can we just talk about the disgusting paint job?! And you can still see the blue paint through it. I am not a fan whatsoever.

BUT THE TTA WAS BACK! And I was happy.

So my next pictures are of the ridiculous Move it shake it shoot me dance party thing idk.

BUT CHIPPY!

THROW YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR LIKE YOU JUST DON’T CARE

So that was fun.

We went into the Emporium next and looked around. I just can’t get enough of the Halloween merch.

We were both kinda hungry and we wanted nachos from Tambu so we took the monorail over to the Poly.

Of course, there was nowhere to sit and they took out like two of the tables so that helps the situation.

We knew we were not gettin’ in there so we just went downstairs to Captain Cooks and got some nachos there. Oh whale.

After we pigged out, we went outside and looked at the wonderful mess that is the Poly.

LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFULNESS.

So half of the beach is closed off and so is the pool. GUEST EXPERIENCE, PEOPLE.

BUT THEY ARENT OFFERING DISCOUNTS.

At least they have pretty flowers.

​

 

[LifeIsDis]

August 9th (part 2): SEND IN THE FLYING DUFFYS

We walked to the TTC, took the tram back to our car, and drove over to Epcot.

We walked to the entrance instead of taking the yucky tram. So yeah.

Once we got in, we headed straight for World Showcase.

I set up my tripod in between the UK and France and waited for a good hour for Illuminations.

While we waited, I got to listen to the wonderful conversations from the 3 little boys next to me.

They had the cardboard Duffy things and they were pretending to play “war” or something I don’t know. Like, when I was little I played “house.” It is a good thing I don’t have any siblings.

“SEND IN THE FLYING DUFFYS.”

I don’t even know.

Moving onto firework pictures now….

BUT GUYS

After Illuminations got over, we chilled for like 40 minutes because FROZEN FIREWORKS DUDES. I saw pictures online of the frozen fireworks from Epcot and it needed to happen.

I moved my tripod and waited. A security guard came up and I was like “oh crap” but he just asked if I was shooting the fireworks so it was all good.

LETS DO THIS THANG

There was a lot of smoke per the usual, but it is a really cool perspective from Epcot.

No one was around when I was packing up my tripod.

We got into the UK and I was like OH CRAP.

It was dead.

I went to heaven.

The end.

WE WERE CLOSING DOWN EPCOT TONIGHT LET’S LIVE IT UP

Once I set my tripod up in the UK, I knew I was in for a treat on this night. I practically died when I saw the picture come up on my screen.

So yeah. This happened.

I was crying from perfection. It was casual.

It was after 10 at this point and Epcot did close at 9 and all, and mum was tired anyways. I thought that was gonna be it for the night but mum says “well since we are here….”

HALLELUJAH

There was a security guard in the UK along with two CMs and we had a lovely conversation. And it wasn’t even about kicking us out of the park. We were talking about photography and the college program. What.

He was like “I don’t want to take up your time. Go take some pictures!”

I CANT.

So these pictures are some of the best I have ever taken. Of course, it is my own opinion and all but I am SO proud of how these came out. Some came out like crap so not every country will be in here but the ones I did get are AMAZING and I am so happy with them.

AND THE SUPER MOON SO THERE’S THAT

ENJOY!

My obligatory closing down the park pic. And wow I am so white. I will blame it on da flash.

Two things.
1. Tears because empty WS.
2. Can we talk about how weird Epcot’s “kiss goodnight” is? Like, let’s just set a barge on the lagoon on fire and call it a night.

We walked back to the car because we hung out in Epcot so late and the trams were done for the night. OH WHALE.​

 

[LifeIsDis]

August 10th: “I don’t remember this part of Brave.”

I was starting school on the 11th aka the next day so I wanted to go to MK and see FoF to end my summer. And um we hadn’t seen FoF since JUNE so this was mandatory.

We found a spot in the shade and watched the ridiculous filming that was going on on Main St. Pretty sure they were filming a ridiculous MyMagic+ commercial or something who even knows.

Please notice how sunny it was outside. That is all I am gonna say.

So all of the performers were blinded by the sun when the first float got to us. It was ridiculously hot and sunny out.

The wind started picking up during the Petah Pan section. Then the Brave float came along and the performers all looked like this.

“oh crap.”

The guys on the stilts from the Sleeping Beauty section came rushing by during the Brave float and practically pushed through the crowds. Ok they really didn’t; they moved everyone out of the way, but STILL.

“I don’t remember this part of Brave.”

The woman next to me was like "Oh this wind looks so cool with the ravens."

YEAH OK. WE MIGHT DIE HERE BUT THEY LOOK COOL.

It started raining and oh hey thunder and lightning and Maleficent hadn’t even gone by yet. For the rest of the parade, performers were barely doing anything and they just had the “oh crap” look written all over their faces.

In less than 15 minutes, the weather went from so sunny and hot that I might die from a heat stroke to oh look it is like a hurricane out here.

I truly thought that the balloon on the Fantasia float was gonna tip over and fall. Fun times.

They rushed all of the floats in and we made a bee line for the Emporium because um

I have to give props though to the performers for surviving that parade. They pushed right through that thing.

We hung out in the Emporium for a while and then once the rain let up a little, we went to Guest Relations because it was time to renew our AP!

Guys, it was going to expire in like two days and this was a problem. A big problem.

We had the most amazing CM helping us. She was so nice and has had a ton of roles with Disney. She started with attractions, then quick service, concierge, and finally, guest relations. She said GR has been her best role.

We got our APs, talked to Amazing CM for a little bit, thanked her, and then headed home.

It was a school night, dudes.​

 

[Credit Man]

Outstanding fireworks pics, both Illuminations and Frozen! Beautiful empty World Showcase pics! Bravo!!!

 

[dawnmichele]

Those supermoon empty Epcot photos are perfection.

 

[enchantedmansion]

I'm always a huge fan of your photography! The pictures of Epcot after closing are stunning! Absolutely fantastic! (On a side note, I found myself quoting you the other day- my neighbor installed a crazy long tall fence blocking my view, and I said to myself- We can't have nice things... Lol )

 

[KelleyK75]

Love the chairs! I want them!

The Epcot pictures are awesome!!

That's so crazy the weather went from sun to rain so quickly. You were able to get some good shots before the rain.

 

[LifeIsDis]

Outstanding fireworks pics, both Illuminations and Frozen! Beautiful empty World Showcase pics! Bravo!!!

Thank you so much!

Those supermoon empty Epcot photos are perfection.

Thank you!

I'm always a huge fan of your photography! The pictures of Epcot after closing are stunning! Absolutely fantastic! (On a side note, I found myself quoting you the other day- my neighbor installed a crazy long tall fence blocking my view, and I said to myself- We can't have nice things... Lol )

Thank you!
Oh my god that is awesome

Love the chairs! I want them!

The Epcot pictures are awesome!!

That's so crazy the weather went from sun to rain so quickly. You were able to get some good shots before the rain.

Me too! They are amazing.
Thanks!
It's Florida, that's why. Thank you!​

 

[LifeIsDis]

August 16th (part 1): Plants and other things like ladybugs

After a not so great first week back to school, we wanted to do something interesting. I really needed it and get my mind off of the week from h e double hockey sticks.

We arrived at Epcot and of course it was raining. I was so not shocked.

We had some time to kill so we went into Mouse Gear and I had some feels because of this.

NEED.

The pin board was coming out at this point and I ran over and noticed that there was no line. People were pushing their way to the front and the CM was really rude. Yeah, no thanks.

Next stop was the Land because of reasons that are pretty obvious from the title. Or maybe not idk.

We checked in for Behind the Seeds and waited for the 1:30 tour to begin.

YAY FOR TOURS!

AND CHEAP TOURS!

WITH DISCOUNTS!

There were about 13 people total in our group. Our guide was named… yeah um. I don’t remember.

OH WAIT I THINK IT WAS JOSH.

We will go with Josh. That sounds good.

So Josh came out and gathered our group together. We headed into a backstage door by where the Soarin’ FP machines used to be.

Our first stop was a little room where we talked about some bugs and ladybugs and plants.

Yeah, ok, I didn’t take any notes which is kinda a problem but OH WHALE YOU GUYS WILL LIVE.

Or go take this tour. There is always that option.

(Soooo I am gonna pretend I wrote all of this stuff down but I am actually looking at other reviews and descriptions; you’re welcome)

So yeah. Ladybugs. They are used to kill *insert name of bug here* that can kill plants. So Josh passed out containers with ladybugs in them to people that we would be using later to KILL SOME *insert name of bug here.*

After discussing ladybugs, we went even farther backstage and looked at Mickey’s Mini Gardens cause Disney loves their promotional crap.

And can we talk about how hard it was raining.

This was a problem because the rain was pounding down on the greenhouses and we couldn’t even hear Josh. They need to invest in some of the ear pieces like they have on the rest of the tours.

Thank god that the rain didn’t last long but still.

So here are some pics from the greenhouses.

HI BOATS

So during the tour, we talked about duh plants and we got to touch *insert name of plant here.* Sounds exciting, I know, but it is the one where you touch it and it closes up. Mum was like freaking out other this and thought it was so exciting. She had never seen a *insert name of plant here* so this was big for her. I don’t even know.

We also got to try a cucumber that was like harvested that day. It was good.

Free food, dudes. Worth the money.

Josh talked about hydroponics which I guess they just love in the Land or something because that’s like all they talk about. Or at least the guy on the spiel on the boats does.

We also talked about drip irrigation and how they use that.

Our group got to look at some food too, duh. Like tomatoes, melons, lettuce, and other yummy things.

Then they released the ladybugs and those things went to TOWN. They were goin’ nuts killin’ *insert name of bug here.*

We went into the aquatic section next, where the gators chill and other things. Fish and stuff. Aquatic animals.

It was cool though because we got to watch someone feed the fish and they went CRAY CRAY. I felt like I was in the splash zone at a Shamu show. It was nuts.

Then we learned about spices and other things and waved at the boats.

After that, our tour ended.

I have to say, it was very interesting. I love learning more about something like an attraction than what an average guest gets to learn. IN YO FACES.

There were several kids on our tour and they seemed to enjoy themselves. I mean, they did get to eat cucumbers and release ladybugs to kill *insert name of bug here* so it doesn’t get much better than that.

We thanked Josh and then we ended up in France because I needed a snack.

Of course I got a macaroon sandwich. Duh.

We made our way outside and I took some random pictures.

Our next stop was here.

Yes, we ended up at the Epcot resorts. I had things to do and by that, I mean I had to do things for picture reasons aka take pictures cause I wanted to, and other things that I will not be saying because of reasons.

Just go with it, dudes.

And plus it was still raining and I was not in the mood to walk around a theme park in the rain.

So here are some wonderful (not really) pictures for your viewing pleasure!

We just chilled in the lobby for awhile and I almost fell asleep on one of the couches.

The rain makes me tired.

We made our way over to Yacht and Beach next.

Birdy on da way.