NateNLogansDad + party of 25 + AKL + MNSSHP = a few thousand pictures (Bonus Video!!)

[DerangedChipmunk]

CHIPMUNK!!! Or should I call you Cindy? Been a long time! Has any other children come up to you lately thinking you were Cinderella?

The HM ballroom scene was great! I really would love to go back to see the parade someday. Everything else is OK but the parade was by far the best The grave diggers would run the shovels across the pavement and make sparks while dancing! Very very cool

Haha, It's been too long. Super DIS deprived right now.

Unfortunately, my college is super far away from everything, meaning I rarely see anyone younger than a freshman--so no Cinderella sightings so far.

MNSSHP is officially on my bucket list now--those costumes are absolutely gorgeous! The HM is such a fantastic ride. The Ghost Host's spiel is one of the most entrancing things ever written. (After all, X. Atencio + Paul Frees= guaranteed mind blowing amazingness)

but then again, this TR is a pretty good read too... Can't wait for another update!

 

[GiGiJoeysMom]

All caught up with nothing to do......

 

[jennyjinx3]

Please sir I want some more...

 

[Donald Duck888]

I just found your new report and am really enjoying checking out the pics you took. Esecially the night ones with the tripod and the ones from the rides.

I actually was subscribed to a previous thread of yours and you had given me some great photo tips. I actually just got a new Canon that allows me up to 6400 ISO vs the 1600 my old Rebel xs had for a max so I am looking forward to pairing that new ISO with my 35mm f 2.0 lens and seeing what I can come up with on my family's upcoming May trip.

Lastly I would be remiss if I did not congratulate your Phillies on getting one of the best closers (my Sox's former closer). See sox blowing 2 saves in the same game and losing to the Tigers 13-12 today as proof. Gonna be a long year for my Sox i fear.

 

[NLD]

Hi Rob,

Back and all caught up. Love the MNSSHP pictures!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I usually refer to that period of time as the "I can't feel my face.". Im so excited to try it. I got all my reservations made and got everything, which includes our last night dinner at 'Ohana!! Plus BBB for the girls, lunch in the Castle, a couple breakfasts at Boma, lunch at San Angel Inn and Mickeys Backyard BBQ. Oh yeah, and Momma Melrose with the Fantasmic show package. That should keep them all busy somewhat but still a bit laid back. Do you agree? Did I miss anything?

OMG, I am so ready. Everyday that I drive into work I wish it was my last drive there. I don't hate my job, but I am totally over these winters and cold weather. I'm ready for quality of life and warm sun on my face. Maybe we could go in and buy a compound, we could still fly our phillies and flyers flags !!

I love the "I can't feel my face" times! I actually run my hand down Tina's face when she gets a little tipsy. If she laughs, she's going good. If she seems like she's going to fall asleep, it's time to go!

as for the ressie's...I'm loving the selection!!! I so want to try out the Mickey's BBQ one day and San Angel looks so nice. Someday! Maybe in...oh wait, I can't talk about that yet!

We are going October 20 - 27, and staying in a preferred room at POR! This will be our first fall trip and first time at POR.. I've been planning & planning... most importantly, the kids' outfits .. For some reason I was under the impression that late October is high 80s.. 90 degrees! Imagine my surprise when I started reading your TR and noticed.. jeans! hoodies! long sleeve shirts! I'm sure you think I'm nuts but I coordinate my entire family (6 of us) and all of my wardrobe planning had to be scrapped. SO, I AM glad that I found your TR when I did, to save me from purchasing any more SUMMER items for FALL at Disney..

Perfect dates! Like Snappy in OK said...Don't scrap your ideas though! You really need to pack for anything. I personally liked to wear shorts and a hoody when it was chilly and have a t-shirt on underneath for the afternoon. There wasn't a day that didn't warm up enough to where we couldn't go swimming. I just wouldn't have during some of the nights. I hope that doesn't mess you up even more

Our family was there at the same time as Rob & his family. I was a bit surprised to find the cooler temps there when we first arrived. We found jeans & tshirts to be fine the first day, but after that we were comfortable in shorts & tshirts.

Like you, I coordinate my families outfits (for some of the days). We were still able to wear our tshirts. There were some days that we took our jackets along, but we didn't keep them on very long.

I would not necessarily scrap your entire thoughts for outfits. Just realize that you may need jackets in the mornings or later in the evenings.

We thought the weather was great - not too hot & not too cold. We were quite amused to find the lifeguards at BC in what appeared to be lined or insulated pants & jackets. We live in OK, and we did use the pool. Once earlier in the trip - and it was a short "outing", and then several times as it got warmer. And it still was not enough pool time for DS6!!

We would definitely go back again in late October. Have a great trip!!

I'm so glad you spoke up when you did since it's been FOREVER since I've been back on for an update or anything. Don't pay to much attention to those lifeguards. When it hit's 70, they get goosebumps because it's so darn cold

Wow , thank you for reminding me how great the boo to you parade was! We were there this past Sept and although our youngest melted down after the parade and we had to leave, it was totally worth it just to see the parade and the atmosphere and pumpkins everywhere on Main st. You take great pictures and I loved your update! More please!!

Awe, so sorry to hear you had to leave before it was over. It's funny though, it seems that once the kids get a little older it becomes the adults who have the meltdowns Thanks for the compliments and I hope you're still around here somewhere....it's time to wrap this thing up.

Haha, It's been too long. Super DIS deprived right now.

Unfortunately, my college is super far away from everything, meaning I rarely see anyone younger than a freshman--so no Cinderella sightings so far.

MNSSHP is officially on my bucket list now--those costumes are absolutely gorgeous! The HM is such a fantastic ride. The Ghost Host's spiel is one of the most entrancing things ever written. (After all, X. Atencio + Paul Frees= guaranteed mind blowing amazingness)

but then again, this TR is a pretty good read too... Can't wait for another update!

Well the update is coming, the costumes were gorgeous, and I promise to tell my kids that you are Cinderella if we ever bump into each other on a bus somewhere.

All caught up with nothing to do......

Still?

I might have something around here

Please sir I want some more...

My sincerest apologies dearest Jenny. I have a few things to finalize, and an update will be posted.....hopefully in just a little bit.

I just found your new report and am really enjoying checking out the pics you took. Esecially the night ones with the tripod and the ones from the rides.

I actually was subscribed to a previous thread of yours and you had given me some great photo tips. I actually just got a new Canon that allows me up to 6400 ISO vs the 1600 my old Rebel xs had for a max so I am looking forward to pairing that new ISO with my 35mm f 2.0 lens and seeing what I can come up with on my family's upcoming May trip.

Lastly I would be remiss if I did not congratulate your Phillies on getting one of the best closers (my Sox's former closer). See sox blowing 2 saves in the same game and losing to the Tigers 13-12 today as proof. Gonna be a long year for my Sox i fear.

Oh crap, I hope I caught you before your trip! Don't listen to 85% of what I say. Ask my wife. I'm wrong all the time!

Before you go jacking up the ISO and go running around the parks, try practicing outside at night and shoot different ISO's. Than go in the house with the same ISO's and shoot in there with the lights dim. You'll see how noisy the high ISO's will be in the dark and how it's not so noticeable when things are lite up a bit.

I love having the option to go up to 6400+ if I NEED to, but I HATE having noise in the picture. I have played around with some software like Topaz's DeNoise to clean pictures up but it's time consuming and degrades your pictures a little. Know your limits with the ISO and know how your camera reacts to the high ISO in different lighting situations BEFORE your trip. I'd hate for you to figure out you weren't happy AFTER you got home and saw them

Hi Rob,

Back and all caught up. Love the MNSSHP pictures!

Awe thanks....I have to catch the last update you did. Every time I try to get comfy with a cup of coffee, life happens

 

[NateNLogansDad]

deleted.....not yet

 

[jennyjinx3]

Ok...I am back!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Well My Dis friends, I am back. I know it’s been a while, but I am absolutely determined to finish what I have started! This last month and a half has been just as busy as ever! Besides the normal stuff kids and school, work, blah blah blah, we’ve also started T-ball season with Logan, Nate had a birthday, I had an abscessed tooth pulled, my cousin and her hubby found out they are pregnant, my mom retired, Tina started a new job which means for the first time since we’ve had kids we will be working the same shift, and we celebrated our 9 year anniversary!!!! I’ll say it again, this is just a typical month in our house hahaha!

So yea, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get an update in but I’m back now. Is this a good thing? I’m not sure because not only do I want to post SOMETHING, I think we should end it. Like today. Who’s with ME?!?!?

Awe, don’t look so sad. Here’s a slight pick-me-up maybe...

There’s also one more thing that we finalized since the last update. Remember when we were at EPCOT and wanted to run over to the Magic Kingdom? Well, when we walked over to the Beach Club to grab a bus, Tina’s parents were pretty impressed with the place. So impressed, that they wanted to book a week and experience it for themselves…..and they invited us to come stay with them!!!! So basically, there will be another trip report but not for a few months. It’s an October trip but I’ll try to remember to post a link on this report when I start that one!


ANYWAYS, let’s wrap this thing up!!!!!

Day 6 will probably be the fastest update I can do. I want to apologize ahead of time. There’s only a few pictures.

All week long even though we were in the happiest place on earth, there was still a stress level that was hard to avoid. With 25 people wanting to do 25 different things all at once, but still stay together, it gets really hard. Today was going to be OUR pool day. No parks, no cell phones, no stress, just relaxation. I tried to get Tina’s parents to do the same but they only hung out for a little while before running off to a park to meet up with everyone else.

Tina’s brother Brian stayed with us while Sean and Chuck went to the gym.

I love Brian. He’s 16 now but instead of being one of those guys who’s just too cool for everything, he knows how to have fun and still act immature sometimes. Perfect company for a Disney Vacation!!!

So, after sleeping in till 11:30 we had breakfast and headed out. I left the DSLR camera in our room and brought the small waterproof one. As soon as we got to the pool area, I knew it was the right decision…

Logan ran right down to the water cannons and started soaking everybody within range.

Nate had a better idea, he had found a nice place to just relax…

That lasted a whole 30 seconds

He hopped right up to help Logan man the cannons

Brian took charge though, dominating from above.

We even had some other kids come join in. Brian showed no mercy! Good man!

We spent about 45 minutes in just this little play area alone and had a blast.

FINALLY we made our way over to the pool area. Logan has a phobia of getting his head wet in a pool for some reason so the little kid water slides were just perfect for him….

Apparently he made a new friend with the girl in the bikini whom he had encouraged to go down next…

He learns fast….


Nate was loving that he could touch the bottom and Brian was still trying to convince himself that the water wasn’t too chilly while sitting on the wall.

One of the best things I bought camera wise, was the underwater camera. For $100 I can take it into the pool, leave it in my pocket, and not worry about ruining it or having someone walk away with it if I left it on the chairs. Plus, it opens up a whole new dynamic for taking pictures!

Don’t know who that was in the background, but if you’re reading this…..sorry about that.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

So it was right around this time when Logan announced that he wanted to try the big boy water slide!!! Granted, for some this might not be a big deal, but for me I was so excited to see him stepping it up a knotch! He was so proud of himself!

Click here for VIDEO

I tried to get him to take the camera and do a video, but he just wanted to ride it first. Baby steps I guess! I ran up to the top of the slide with him and went down first. At the bottom, I recorded this….

Click here for another VIDEO

Now, with Logan, he can be a little sensitive sometimes and if he didn’t like a little part of something, he won’t do it again. I was shocked when I heard this come from him…

Click here for the final VIDEO

He wanted to do it again!!!

(Side note, sorry about the video quality. I'm sure it can be better, but I'm just to tired tonight to figure out how)

He must have gone down the slide 20 more times. I hope he remembers all this in October because I’d love to see him try out the pirate ship slide in Storm Along Bay!!!

After a while we all headed over to The Jambo House for a quick lunch at The Mara. I think we all ordered the same lunch that each of us had already during the week. No pictures to speak about with the entrée’s, but the dessert……mmmmm zebra domes….

Since we were already over at the Jambo House, we figured why not go check out the pool over here. Of coarse, we know not to go swimming for an hr after eating so instead we hit the hot tubs first!!!

Now I don’t want to go incriminating anyone but somehow our hot tub had more suds than the other hot tub. Almost like someone had brought in some soap with them and left it in their swim shorts pocket….weird huh?

I look innocent, don’t I?

Brian….well, I don’t know if he looks innocent, guilty, or shocked by the amount of bubbles we had.

The bubbles didn’t last very long…

…so we headed out to go grab some drinks at the bar. Along the way we just so happen to glance over the wall and what do you know? There’s a bunch of pink flamingo’s right next to the pool area!

After we downed a few drinks at the bar (non alcoholic for Brian) we headed back over to the hot tub. Weirdest thing happened….MORE BUBBLES!!!! Haha!

There were 2 other guys in the hot tub when we got there and there were cracking up when the bubbles started building up. I still maintain my innocence.

The kids wanted to go try out the water slide at this pool so we went out to go find Tina. Where was she during all of this you ask? Swimming? Nope. Conga line? Nope. Throughout the day, when we were all in the pools, she was content with finding a good quiet chair to read up on her nook.

The kids were having a blast so Brian and I hopped back in and joined them.

And that was pretty much our day. Later on, we had diner back at the hotel and hung out with Capt Morgan until later in the evening. Tomorrow was going to be our last full day in the parks so we all wanted to be up early.

I think everybody needs a hotel-only kind of a day once in a while. It’s so easy to make a Disney Trip turn into work. You can’t do it all in a week. You can’t. Stop stressing out over it and relax once in a while!

Speaking of stress……on to Day 7!!!!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Day 7. The last full day.

Today, since it was the last full day that we had in the parks, we decided that we would all meet up nice and early at the bus stop around 8:30 and head over to Hollywood Studios as a group. We woke up a little later than we should have but got the kids together pretty quickly and headed out the door. I think I had more rum than sleep the night before so I was craving a cup of coffee. Unfortunately for me, there was no time to make a pot. Fortunately for me, the gift shop in the lobby always has something that they call coffee on tap and ready to go.

There is a point, give me a second.

So, as we leave our room I mentioned to Tina that I want to swing by the gift shop for a cup of their really crappy coffee. She rolled her eyes and did one of those “are you serious?” sighs. We were a few minutes behind but what’s another 30 seconds going to hurt?

So, I ran in and grabbed a cup of whatever that stuff is and ran out, just happy to have some kind of caffeine to sip at on the bus.

My life was threatened a few times as we walked outside toward the bus stop but really I was way too tired and slightly hung-over to care.

And than I saw it.

The bus.

With the rest of our group on it.

All of them.

We missed it by 30 seconds.

Crap.

So, for the next 40 minutes as we waited for another bus, Tina refused to talk to me. I could feel the heat radiating from her as we stood there waiting.

Stupid coffee. I wish I could at least say that it was at least pretty good, but it wasn’t. I hear Starbucks will be in the parks soon which will be a nice change. They’d make a KILLING if they opened up a stand at each resort next to the bus stop!

Sorry. No more ranting. It was my fault. All mine. Wah.

Anywho. The bus that morning made pretty decent time. We were only 25 minutes late for rope drop which was good. Tina went off to find everybody and I took the kids over towards SOUNDS DANGEROUS.

Every trip, I try to find at least one thing we haven’t done yet. Every trip it seems like it’s getting harder and harder to do! This trip, I did some research and knew I had to get over here soon to sign up for…..

Wait for it…..

Jedi Training Academy!!!!

We had seen the show in passing but never from the beginning and never were the boys ever IN the show.

Word of warning for any parents who would like to try this out. You have to go sign up AS SOON as the park opens and each child participating has to be there with you. The room is full of kids and parents who do not want to stand there in line, and it moves SLOW. Like almost a full hr slow.

But it does give you time to take some pictures of tools used for sound effects in cartoons and old movies…..

OK, kids all signed up we needed to get a little bit of food in our bellies at Starring Rolls Cafe. I really should have waited till now for that coffee…..live and learn.

After our nutritious meal of cookies and cupcakes, we headed off to go find everybody else. I got a text that they were down by Rock n Rollercoaster and looking for food.

On our way, we ran into these guys doing card tricks and 3 card monte out in the street. I know most people like to just pass them by, but they have some serious talent and will make you laugh if you stand there long enough. I promise.

I was picked to find the ball under the shell.

Failed.

He even helped one kid by putting a bell on top of the shell with the ball and moved them very slowly.

We all failed.

I’m telling you, very talented.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

So we met up with part of our group out on the street and the rest had hopped onto Rock ‘n Rollercoaster.

There was currently a 55 minute wait so I decided to skip out on that one for now. The kids were content just playing around and being kids.

The Tower of Terror had only a 10 minute so I figured I’d throw it out there, knowing full well the kids would say NO! When I say that I was floored when LOGAN said he would try it, trust me I can’t put it into words.

Nate however, wasn’t going near it.

So I took Logan by the hand and left Tina and Nate in the shade. It was getting warm already so I was glad to get inside for a few. Now, I know it’s been a while so I want to remind everybody here that I HATE the ToT. Like really really hate it. BUT, I have always wanted a picture from the very top just before we do the plummet. So we went in.

I kept Logan right next to me the whole time telling him step by step what was going to happen next. He scares easily but I was so impressed with just how brave he was being.

This was where I really started sweating…..man I hate this ride.

Even as I type this and look at the pictures, I’m getting a lump in my throat.

Than we dropped.

I had Logan firmly attached to my left arm and my camera clinched tightly with my right hand. At the bottom I was yelling to him that we would be going up super duper fast. And we did.

And I got my picture!

It really wasn’t too bad with only a couple drops. I know you can’t see it here but Logan was hiding behind the guy with the big red “S” on his shirt.

When we got off, I was ready to pick him up and hold him tight to stop the tears. I was SHOCKED when he looked up at me and said “THAT WAS AWESOME!!!! Let’s do it again!!!”

I was floored.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

We went outside to meet up with Tina and Nate and tell them that Logan wanted to go again. I would have loved to grab a family photo on ToT but Nate still wanted nothing to do with it. So I stayed out with him and Tina took Logan back on. This time, he came out crying. Apparently, they had a crazy experience and the elevator was doing full drops and shooting up with no pauses for about 30 seconds.
I think Logan will be skipping it next trip. *sigh*

We waited around for everybody to get off Rock N Rollercoaster and gather back outside ToT so we could all go do something together. Of coarse, that wasn’t going to happen. Some wanted to go to a different park, some wanted to take a nap, and some weren’t feeling very well.

Basically everybody left except for Tina’s parents, brothers, and us.

But they did leave their fastpasses!

We waved goodbye and turned to the kids to see what they wanted to do. They really didn’t have that much to eat yet, and there is always one place they HAVE to go to each trip. Tina wasn’t in the mood for pizza so she went off with her parents to find something healthier.

I took Sean and my boys over to….

I used to really love the pizza here but for some reason, it’s just “OK” anymore. I won’t tell the kids that though!

I always tell the kids no games….I never stick to it....

We hung out for a while and had a ball.

Tina sent me a text saying they were finished eating so we decided to go use some fastpasses over at Toy Story Mania. It’s crazy, we’d been here all week and still haven’t gotten on.

On our way over, we ran into these guys….

I had never seen Phineas or Ferb in the parks and really wanted to get in line for a picture but the wait would have been too long. Oh well, I guess my cheater pic would have to do.

Sean stopped for a quick pic in NYC…

I’ve been to NYC, it’s not that clean. So close Disney, so close.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Finally, after a wrong turn or two, we met up over at TSM.

I love the queue here. Someday I’d like to go through the standby line to check out the animated Mr. Potatohead and other things we always miss out on. Someday, maybe when the wait is less than an hr! Until then, it’s fastpass or nothing….

The boys were so excited when we told them they could have their own car…

Chuck and Fran were enjoying themselves…

Chuck Jr and Sean having target practice…

Brian had his own car but was too far back. I couldn’t get a picture of him, but I had to get a picture of my final score….

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I think everybody liked it…

Hey wait, I did get a picture of Brian…..getting out of his car

We had so many fastpasses from when everybody left the park we were able to hop on again!!!

Even with taking pictures during the ride, my score still got better!

Which, I have to boast, was the high score of the hour!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

(...continued)


These two are just too cool for school….

From here I don’t remember where everyone else went, but Tina and I had a scheduled appointment to make. Remember when we first got to the park?

Yep, it’s time for a little bit of schooling…..Jedi style.

They waited so patiently till it was time……

Than it was all business….

A mysterious figure appeared…

It was our Jedi Master!

She summoned our young warriors to the stage….

Nate knew this was what it was all about…

Logan was just happy being Logan

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Than they started with the light saber safety warnings….

The severity of the situation was starting to sink in….

The power was felt by all who were present

Logan seemed as though he wasn’t sure if he would fight for good or for evil….

How he didn’t loose some fingers still boggles my mind….

Nate knew that this wasn’t something that should be taken lightly.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

They were told to harness their weapons momentarily.

Than there was a sound.

The sound of theme music.
The kind of theme music where you knew something bad was about to go down.

We all knew what was about to happen, but no one wanted to believe it. Is it really…..but how…it’s…it’s….

DARTH!!

Logan was stunned….

I couldn’t believe it. My kids. MY KIDS. This guy comes into our happy place and tries to recruit MY KIDS to come to the dark side?!?!?

Logan now had to make a choice. Would he join the dark side or continue the fight against it….

He knew what he had to do

He was guided to the middle of the stage to face his demons….

This was it. All or nothing….

 

[NateNLogansDad]

In an instant his heart screamed from the highest mountain top and he made it known which side he would fight for…

Nate seemed happy that he would not have to ever face his brother in battle…

Even though he was a little hesitant, when he received the tap on the shoulder… he was ready.

He eyed up Vader one last time, searching for any and all weaknesses.

Than stepped up to show just what he was made of.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Darth Vader knew that he had been beaten by the youngest, and the best.

His lackey’s did their best from a distance…..

But even they knew that it was over.

Darth made one more attempt to draw them over to the dark side, but the Jedi Master had the whole class stand up to him all at once….

Darth, always known for being a sore loser, stormed off of the stage.

Leaving his troopers unsure of what to do…..

She had a few ideas for them…