Photo-centric WDW trip -- questions!

[Experiment_626]

So, at long last, the perfect storm has arisen. Beginning on Saturday, my wife and older son will be in Georgia visiting family, my baby boy (and the two dogs -- not sure what we're going to do with the snake ...) will be with my parents, and I will be at WDW for a long-awaited photography-centric trip! Not sure yet when I'm coming home, but it will be Wednesday at the latest.

Important point with respect to my questions: I'll be staying off-property and will have my own car.

Anyway, one thing I definitely want to do is more photography at the resorts. There are some I've never visited, such as Yacht and Beach Club, and some I hope to revisit, such as the monorail resorts and possibly AKL. I also hate to let sunrise go to waste. So, my first question is this -- will I have any trouble visiting the various resorts early in the morning for photography?

Second but related to the first: How late can I, as a visitor, stay at the resorts for this purpose, considering that I have my own car? If I use the monorail to visit the Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary, how late will the resort monorail be available to get me back to the TTC? I suppose if I were at the first two, I could always walk back to my car if nothing else ...

Further, which resorts lend themselves, by orientation, to shooting at or around sunrise? For example, I think the Contemporary is probably better suited to sunset, as the exterior shots I most want there face more or less toward the west.

I also am thinking of trying to shoot Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian. Will a 200mm lens be long enough for that?

Finally, I want to shoot IllumiNations at least once if not twice. Where are good places to get fireworks across the width of the frame, as much as possible? Also, I've heard that Japan, toward the back from the somewhat elevated perspective of the restaurants and shop, is a good vantage point (allowing the Torii gate to be in the shot without it blocking too much of the view). Also hear Mexico is a good place ... opinions?

Scott

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

I've got no answers for you but it sounds like one heck of a trip. Have a great time!

 

[DPK400]

Wait, you are going to WDW alone, for an exlusive photography trip? That sounds amazing and I am jealous.

 

[Experiment_626]

Wait, you are going to WDW alone, for an exlusive photography trip? That sounds amazing and I am jealous.

Yeah, I've been jealous in the past when I've heard of others doing it, too. Been wanting to do this for years.

I guess I'll ask my questions about early morning resort access on one of the other boards. I hadn't really wanted to do that because I didn't want to attract the ire of those who get upset that someone other than a resort guest might be parking at a resort! But I've only got a couple of days to try to get answers.

Scott

 

[Experiment_626]

Less than a day until I depart -- so much time and so little to do ... scratch that, reverse it!

I hope I can come back with the tons of images I hope to get. I checked the weather and it sounds promising; hot, but not insane, ambition-robbing heat like I experienced two years ago at this time. I expect that at least some days I'll try to be up before the sun, shoot for a while, then come back to my hotel for a nap before going out again. Hope I get some partly-cloudy skies ...

I do also intend to ride a few things, especially the new Star Tours.

Going to miss my family; wish I could take them with me without feeling like I'm dragging them around and making them wait on me!

Scott

 

[DPK400]

Enjoy your trip Scott! Post pics when you get back!

 

[zackiedawg]

Anyway, one thing I definitely want to do is more photography at the resorts. There are some I've never visited, such as Yacht and Beach Club, and some I hope to revisit, such as the monorail resorts and possibly AKL. I also hate to let sunrise go to waste. So, my first question is this -- will I have any trouble visiting the various resorts early in the morning for photography?

You shouldn't have any problems. First off, you can usually drive to some of the resorts - just mention you are going to eat breakfast at one of the restaurants, show your driver's license and park in the visitor's section. Or, you could just park at Marketplace, and take the Downtown Disney bus to the resort of choice - though they don't run in the super-early mornings. If you want to be there for sunrise, you might need to rely on your car.

Second but related to the first: How late can I, as a visitor, stay at the resorts for this purpose, considering that I have my own car? If I use the monorail to visit the Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary, how late will the resort monorail be available to get me back to the TTC? I suppose if I were at the first two, I could always walk back to my car if nothing else ...

If you drove to the resort, there's no time limit and no worries. If you take transportation to the resort, my advice would be to park your car at Marketplace/Downtown Disney, rather than TTC. The Downtown Disney resort busses run late, well past midnight, so those give you the best chance to still get back to your car from the resorts. You can still get back to TTC somewhat late, depending on if it's an EMH hour at Epcot or Magic Kingdom.

Further, which resorts lend themselves, by orientation, to shooting at or around sunrise? For example, I think the Contemporary is probably better suited to sunset, as the exterior shots I most want there face more or less toward the west.

Sunrise works nicely over Boardwalk, as seen from Yacht/Beach...sunset is the reverse. Most of the resorts are centered around a lake or such, which technically make many of them fine for sunrise shots within the resort - such as Coronado, Caribbean Beach, Old Key West, Port Orleans Riverside...all have the ability to shoot the sunrise from different angles. Wilderness Lodge is sideways to the sunset, but not a bad choice as you can catch it from the front balconies or back pool area and over the DVC section from the pool. Contemporary looks right at it...or you could go to Poly or Grand Floridian and catch Contemporary IN the sunrise.

I also am thinking of trying to shoot Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian. Will a 200mm lens be long enough for that?

More than enough. This is 45mm from the Poly boat dock:

The TTC ferry dock ramp is a good spot too.

Finally, I want to shoot IllumiNations at least once if not twice. Where are good places to get fireworks across the width of the frame, as much as possible? Also, I've heard that Japan, toward the back from the somewhat elevated perspective of the restaurants and shop, is a good vantage point (allowing the Torii gate to be in the shot without it blocking too much of the view). Also hear Mexico is a good place ... opinions?

There are plenty of pretty good spots for open views - Japan's 2nd story is good if you can get a spot, the bridge near Mexico is pretty good, as is the Mexico restaurant seating area. The lakeside area between Mexico and Norway is pretty good too - wide open view, no trees, no islands in the way; here's a wide 18mm view of that spot:

France's wall, just behind where the artists paint the kid sketches, is interesting too, since you can shoot with some foreground in the shot - the walkway and bridge to your left...or right on the bridge between UK and France gives a pretty good view. Much depends on the wind - check out around the lake and make sure where you're standing doesn't have the wind lightly blowing in your face...you want the breeze at your back. Otherwise, minutes into the show, you are engulfed in smoke.

 

[Experiment_626]

If you want to be there for sunrise, you might need to rely on your car.

Yeah, I think that's the way I'll go. I want to use this trip to do as many of the things I normally don't get to do as possible. Getting out early for sunrise photography is definitely one of those -- the rest of my family absolutely refuses to do it, and I certainly can't do it while they sleep.
I think I'll use WDW transportation to the monorail resorts and Wilderness Lodge, if I decide to visit that last. For AKL, Boardwalk and the other Epcot Resorts, I'll probably drive. I like the idea of getting to Yacht, Beach and Boardwalk through the International Gateway, but that won't work for sunrise, obviously.

Sunrise works nicely over Boardwalk, as seen from Yacht/Beach...sunset is the reverse. Most of the resorts are centered around a lake or such, which technically make many of them fine for sunrise shots within the resort - such as Coronado, Caribbean Beach, Old Key West, Port Orleans Riverside...all have the ability to shoot the sunrise from different angles. Wilderness Lodge is sideways to the sunset, but not a bad choice as you can catch it from the front balconies or back pool area and over the DVC section from the pool. Contemporary looks right at it...or you could go to Poly or Grand Floridian and catch Contemporary in the sunrise.

Thanks! I have a nice magic hour shot of the Contemporary taken from the boat from Wilderness Lodge to the MK, so I have a good idea for how that is situated. Obviously, if I am at the Polynesian or GF an see a good sunrise shot of the Contemporary brewing, I certainly won't turn up my nose at it!

More than enough. This is 45mm from the Poly boat dock:

The TTC ferry dock ramp is a good spot too.

Judging from some shots I've seen, the TTC might be a better place if I want views of the park included in the shot -- which I would. I also thought of going to the exterior observation area of the Contemporary. Only thing I dislike about that is the the fireworks aren't behind the castle that way, but to the right. I still might try it, though.

I've got keep in mind that I only have a few days -- only so many sunsets and sunrises during that time!

And thanks for the IllumiNations advice -- I shall be referring to this information the evening I choose to go to Epcot!

Scott

 

[Marlton Mom]

Having just gotten back from the Beach Club I can give you a few helpful tips. I haven't had time to process my images so that will have to wait.

I will tell you that it was evilly hot and sunny with temps near record highs so I shot either in the early am when I could but mostly at night using my tripod.

I got well acquainted with Security at Epcot, MK and surprisingly enough at the Beach Club while taking pictures at night.

For Epcot and MK I was doing the slow walk out after the parks closed and security was very patient and accommodating, but once I ventured forward there was no walking back. Therefore, you must plan your location carefully when the park closes and go from there.

The security guards at MK were especially nice and I was chatting up a fellow while waiting for the Castle to change colors. He was really interested in what I was doing and was thinking of getting back into it with a digital camera instead of his ancient film camera. I had a similar conversation with an enthusiastic bus driver on a Late night ride back to the resort. It was great to be dealing with people who "got" what you were up to. One night at MK a guy walked past me and saw the tripod fully extended and he just got the biggest smile on his face. Totally cool!

At the beach club late one night while the pool was still open I had a run in with security. I was taking pictures of the pool and windmill, again using the tripod. A non uniformed security guy came charging over asking what I was doing. I told him I was a guest at the resort and I was taking pictures. He asked me to produce my guest I.D. which I promptly did and I explained that I was trying to get pictures of the pool and wind mill using a long exposure and waiting for people to LEAVE the shot. I could tell that he had no clue what was involved with photography.

Then he asked if I was photographing my child and I told him that DS was asleep in the room. It was then that I got the gist of why they were concerned. I offered to show him my pictures and he started to apologize. I explained that an apology wasn't necessary and I said that I appreciated what he was doing. So all ended well.

It was made clear to me that if I wasn't a guest at the resort I would have been escorted out so be mindful of that. I'm fairly certain that you won't be able to get into the BC pool area with out being snagged, unless you are walking through and stopping briefly, and using a hand held camera. The tripod that would be required for the better shots will be a dead give away and attract attention.

If you were going to Photograph Epcot or Hollywood Studios, I would park at BC/YC or even Boardwalk. It's centrally located and after you've finished with either park you can come back to the boardwalk area and photograph your brains out because no one will chase you off the property if you are on the boardwalk/BC/YC walkways.

Keep in mind that the only transportation back from Hollywood studios is the boat, which only runs 1 hour after park closing. You can also hoof it about a mile and a half + between HS and Epcot, but I don't recommend it in this heat. The BC is located ridiculously close (in Disney distance perspectives) to the Epcot international gate so no worries there. There is also a bridge leading you to the Boardwalk area right there as well.

Since they are doing Fantasmic at 9pm and 10:30pm on certain nights that would mean that the boats will run for 1 hour after the 10:30 pm Fantasmic ends. When lightning cancelled Fantasmic half way through the show, the only transportation was buses, which now started making the stops the boat would make. So No Epcot/HS/Resort boats when there is lightning. I'm not sure if they stop the boats for rain as well since we did not experience that. I did not "overstay" my welcome at HS so I never did find out how they handled people that miss the last boat, but I suspect it would be by bus for the Epcot area resorts.

I think at night as soon as you venture INTO a resort property, especially with a tripod, you are going to attract attention. I was also in the lobby of the BC late one night, using the tripod and no one stopped me, but I was getting the hairy eyeball, so they were thinking about it. Come to think of it, I was in the lobby right after the run in with the security guy at the pool so maybe someone did mention it to security and he realized what I was doing after our little chat and called them off.....

Have a great photo trip! I was just there for 10 days and due to the heat and the tug of war between trying to do the family thing and the photo thing I did not accomplish all that I had envisioned for this trip. I have to say that I'm probably being ridiculous because I am happy with what I did manage to get and the other stuff that I missed photographing will still be there when I get back!

Good luck and good weather!

~ Marlton Mom

 

[goopysolelady]

You are taking MY "dream trip"! All of the following sunrise photos were taken with my Canon Power Shot so you should be able to get some absolutely awesome photos! Good luck and have fun!

Bay Lake Towers:

The Poly:

The Boardwalk:
"Boo-booed" and had foggy lens and NEEDED coffee so I missed the actual sunrise! I'd try shooting Boardwalk at night...it's beautiful plus you'll be within walking distance of YBC and Swan/Dolphin!

My favorite for sunrise...Wilderness Lodge:

 

[Experiment_626]

I will tell you that it was evilly hot and sunny with temps near record highs so I shot either in the early am when I could but mostly at night using my tripod.

That's probably mostly what I'll be doing too, with maybe some lobby photos inside some of the resorts as it starts to warm up -- or maybe I'll go make rope drop at a park or two. I live in Florida and it is probably slightly cooler in Orlando than here at home, so I'm more-or-less used to the heat. It doesn't look as if it will be as bad as a couple of years ago at this time -- the temp broke 100 every day we were there, and the heat drained most of my ambition for shooting. Looks a little better this trip; I'll just have to stay hydrated.

For Epcot and MK I was doing the slow walk out after the parks closed and security was very patient and accommodating, but once I ventured forward there was no walking back. Therefore, you must plan your location carefully when the park closes and go from there.

Yeah, I'm used to that. In the past, I've been able to stay and shoot during Extra Magic Hours as long as I didn't try to do anything else, and the parks begin to clear out as the last hour or so approaches. I may try that again.

At the beach club late one night while the pool was still open I had a run in with security. I was taking pictures of the pool and windmill, again using the tripod.

I'll try to get what I want there without getting too close. Truthfully, it's at the lower end of my priority list.

If you were going to Photograph Epcot or Hollywood Studios, I would park at BC/YC or even Boardwalk. It's centrally located and after you've finished with either park you can come back to the boardwalk area and photograph your brains out because no one will chase you off the property if you are on the boardwalk/BC/YC walkways.

Sounds good, and is essentially what I was planning.

I think at night as soon as you venture INTO a resort property, especially with a tripod, you are going to attract attention. I was also in the lobby of the BC late one night, using the tripod and no one stopped me, but I was getting the hairy eyeball, so they were thinking about it.

I wonder why they would give someone a hard time in that situation. One reason I was thinking of early morning for these things is that there will be fewer guests milling around …

Good luck and good weather!

Thanks!

Scott

 

[Experiment_626]

Well, after a late night, I'm finally up and getting ready to hit the road (always sounds painful, doesn't it?).

Went through Priceline's "name your own price" routine late last night; Captain Kirk got me a fairly nice-looking, alleged three-star Holiday Inn about three miles from property down 192 for $38 per night (plus the inevitable resort fee, which I think will be about $5 extra per day).

Can't wait to get started, but coffee, a little more packing, and getting my wife and son on the road north all must come first. Still, I expect to spend the evening in either Epcot of the Magic Kingdom! I can't wait!

Thanks to all for your help! I am supposed to have free wi-fi at the hotel, so I'll try to keep you all posted as to how things are going.

Scott

 

[mom2rtk]

Have an awesome time! You're doing what many of us here have only dreamed about!

 

[Experiment_626]

Grrrr … don't want to leave dirty dishes while I'm away, but also don't want to leave the water heater turned on … so I have to wait until the dishwasher is well into its cycle before I get a shower! It's the last thing I have to do before I leave, other than pack up the toiletries I'll use in a few minutes.

Now we play … The Waiting Game …

...

Aw, The Waiting Game sucks! Let's play Hungry Hungry Hippos!

Scott

 

[Experiment_626]

Water heater is off. AC is turned up to just prevent the house from melting. Everything is packed and in the car. iPod is loaded up with Disney, photography and Doctor Who podcasts. Hotel info printed out and ready to go. Garbage is out by the curb for Monday's pick-up. What remains to be done? Oh, yeah -- I need to finish this post, hit send, and shut down the computer. So …

That's the news, and I. Am. Outta here!

Scott

 

[Marlton Mom]

Grrrr … don't want to leave dirty dishes while I'm away, but also don't want to leave the water heater turned on … so I have to wait until the dishwasher is well into its cycle before I get a shower! It's the last thing I have to do before I leave, other than pack up the toiletries I'll use in a few minutes.



Scott

Water heater is off. AC is turned up to just prevent the house from melting. Everything is packed and in the car. iPod is loaded up with Disney, photography and Doctor Who podcasts. Hotel info printed out and ready to go. Garbage is out by the curb for Monday's pick-up. What remains to be done? Oh, yeah -- I need to finish this post, hit send, and shut down the computer. So …


Scott

Wait!! go back!! You left the Super Bass-o-Matic on!

http://snltranscripts.jt.org/75/75qbassamatic.phtml

~MM

 

[SC Mouse Fan]

Water heater is off. AC is turned up to just prevent the house from melting. Everything is packed and in the car. iPod is loaded up with Disney, photography and Doctor Who podcasts. Hotel info printed out and ready to go. Garbage is out by the curb for Monday's pick-up. What remains to be done? Oh, yeah -- I need to finish this post, hit send, and shut down the computer. So …


Scott

I know you will have a good time. I hope to some day do this also. In the mean time, my husband and I are going in October for the first time with just the two of us. I know he will be more patient then if the kids were with us. They are grown now so we are going by ourselves.

I look forward to seeing your pictures.

 

[Experiment_626]

Wait!! go back!! You left the Super Bass-o-Matic on!

It's okay; I have one of the newer models that shuts itself off after 10 minutes!

Actually, I got almost 100 miles from the house and just had to poke around in the trunk and make sure I had the tripod, battery charger ... camera

Anyway, I'm here. I arrived too late to make going out last night worth doing. In fact, as I was nearing my exit from the turnpike onto 429, I could see Wishes in the distance.

Was up this morning at 5 am (oh yeah -- I'm living the dream! ) and over at Boardwalk a bit after dawn. Sunrise was nothing special, but still better than midday. Spent a couple of hours shooting around Boardwalk, Swan, and Dolphin. Made rope drop at Epcot and shot a while in Future World. There as a very light sprinkle of rain which was no trouble, but the skies were blah. Kept going for a while anyway. Just couldn't stop myself! So now it is time to eat a sandwich, take a shower, and sleep! I'll be up around 5 this afternoon; probably heading to Magic Kingdom tonight ...

Scott

 

[mom2rtk]

You know, this all works so much better if you head west to Disneyland...... the time zone is your friend for sunrise there!

Actually your early morning reminded me of our trip to DL last summer. Because of that time change, I was up HOURS before the parks opened. It was SO awesome to head down and take photos of the resort and the park signs........... all while the family slumbered away.....

Have a lot of fun and get some great shots. Thanks for packing us all along with you!

 

[Experiment_626]

You know, this all works so much better if you head west to Disneyland

My wife has promised me a trip to Disneyland one day. Still waiting to collect! But I can tell you it won't be a photography-centric trip like this!

So, I went back early this evening and decided to go to the Magic Kingdom. Stopped to eat on the way and thus, I missed part of an amazing sunset! I did manage to catch a little of it -- but you should have seen the "God-rays" over Grand Floridian. Oh well -- no way to get it back, so keep moving forward.

Rode over to the Contemporary and spent a while shooting it and Bay Lake Tower (exterior). Got into the Magic Kingdom just as Wishes was ending. Obviously, I need to work on my timing.

Stayed through Extra Magic Hours and spent almost the entire evening in Tomorrowland. Used my new fish eye quite a bit -- hope there were no focus issues! Hung around shooting Main Street to the point I was the last guest out of the park (not for the first time). Monorails stopped running a bit early (relatively speaking) and I had to take a bus back to the TTC.

Not sure where I'm going tomorrow as yet, but I can say I won't be going there at sunrise -- it's 4 am as I write this. The sun can take care of itself this morning; I shall be sleeping, and very soon!

So, for day one: Total number of attractions ridden/visited -- 0. Total number of shutter actuations -- 2,305.

Scott