PRINCESS Palooza 2011! 9/9 Update: Departure Day

[babynala]

Amazing pictures - you did a wonderful job on the Haunted Mansion and the PofC pictures. I agree with Drew that Small World and Pirates are must-do's.

 

[t_daniels]

Subscribed!

And, I'm way behind! Anyway... here goes! Forgive me if I ramble- typing as I read!

Ahh... Familiar looking plane. We fly Southwest too.
Ah! Pop looks neat - DH and I usually stay at AKL, I'm tempted to the next time we go, take a day and just go around to hotels and look around. Just to see what they're like!

The window decor is neat. I've never thought about that before. Seen it mentioned on here, but that's it..

Aw! Talk to Stitch sometime. He's such a sweetheart. Tried to climb in my purse. Met him 3 times this last trip...

Do the characters actually walk around and interact at DL?

I thought I heard the Sword in the Stone didn't actually work anymore? If that's not the case, I'm going to start trying it...

In this picture:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6631865055_7e46a7ab04_z.jpg she looks a lot like Belle!

Love all the pictures - especially HM!

I had my first Dole Whip our last trip. Oh my GOD. Addicting.

Ok! Think I'm caught up so far.... really sorry for all the rambles!

 

[NLD]

Wonderful update as always.

Love Katie's expression with the remote control boats! She looks so intent.

 

[nannye]

You know, I think as long as you can take your time and plan which rides you can do with the 3 kids, you'll be just fine. You'll probably have a grand time. Heck, do the rides while DH is along, and spend the day alone with the kids character huntin and watching the shows and parades. I think that's a great plan and would make your day with DH a lot less rushed. That's really not vastly different from what we did on this trip. That first day with my husband along we did rides, then the characters and stuff when it was girls only.

Sadly enough, I think you stand a better chance at FOTD if you have your DH along. Which is hard I know, because mine would never want to get there early enough for that.

And prepare in advance. There is nothing right outside the park to eat. So put some snacks in your bag and you'll be good to go!

last August, we got to MK at 7:15 hoping to be picked as Family of the day. We were legitimately the first people there without ADRs (the CM told us later...) They picked another family A husband, wife and a boy

On another I,m reading your previous trip report and was wondering if they still do princess of the day for the beauty and the beast show at HS? We were there aug/11 and I don't remember one.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Joining in!!! Love the report and photos!!! Now that I see you shots it makes me lean towards getting the 1.4 instead of the 1.8....

Can't wait for more!!!

 

[mvazul]

I'm here!! I'm here!!!!

"Our" other thread may be gone, but at least I can keep track of you here!!! Give me some time to get caught up. I have only read the first post so far. My goodness - your daughter is the spitting image of you!!!

Can't wait to read through and get caught up!

Michelle

 

[katt789]

Dole whips are absolute heaven!! Definitely my favorite!! I haven't managed to actually get on the jungle cruise the past 2 trips I've taken, but my goal next trip is to hit absolutely everything! (long shot, I know, but I'm taking my mom for her first trip).

Seeing all of your pictures makes me really want to splurge on a good camera, but I'd really only ever use it at Disney!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Gosh Janet, I just finished editing some of my Jungle Cruise and PoTC pictures last night and yours make mine look like minced meat! Seriously, I am ashamed to even post mine to my TR now. Yours are really, really good!

I talked to DH a few days ago about getting a new camera and he is fine with it. I've not been happy with mine for a while now anyway, and so I think I'm going to start my research (which could take me months ). So let me ask you a couple of questions if you don't mind. You told me before that you thought it would be worth the switch to DSLR even if I used auto mode a lot. I'm just curious if you ever use auto or if you make adjustments to the camera for all your shots. It's just not practical for me to think that I am going to have the time to do a lot of manual settings. I am always lagging behind my DH and DD everywhere we go as it is and they are constantly rushing me along. If I take any longer to take pics, they are going to ditch me.

And also, what dslr would you recommend? I've already looked at several ranging from $500-$1000, but it's hard to tell what I really need and what's overkill for someone like me. Are the lower end priced dslrs worth the switch?

And lastly, the lenses... most of them come with an 18-55. Do you have any idea what this equates to in a point and shoot zoom? My camera has a 20x zoom and I love that part. I don't want to give that up, but don't want a bag full of lenses either. I just know myself well enough to know that I won't lug all that around. I know my limitations if you know what I mean. I am just wondering if I can still get nice shots with one basic lens or if it is a must to switch them out for different situations.

Basically, I am trying to figure out if the dslr is going to be more complicated that what I have time for or if just a basic setup will be enough to improve my pictures. Any advice would be very appreciated!

 

[jenseib]

Loving the pictures. I had the dole whip swirl this summer. It was good, but not a must have for me, but I am not huge on pineapple. Now I see Katie had a slice of pineapple, do they sell that too? Claire loves pinapple, especiallywhen it's fresh like that.

I can't remember the last time I rode the jungle cruise in daylight. I'll have to give that a try for some pictures in the future.

 

[KCmike]

Can I pay you to teach me how to take shots like you? Tell me when you set up a shop in KC.

 

[francis6306]

I didn't get a Dole Whip while there last year… it is one of the biggest regrets of my whole trip!

 

[mom2rtk]

I just LOVE your PoC pictures! I so need a new camera ::sigh::

Have I mention Katie is beginning to look exactly like you
How adorable!

Thanks! Katie and Robbie both favor me. I'm pretty sure Timmy is the result of an unfortunate mix-up at the hospital....

Are you considering a new camera soon? Maybe you could add it to your bridal registry????

Ok .. all I can say is .. WOW .. your pics are amazing !!

Looking forward to more !!

Thanks so much!

Amazing pictures - you did a wonderful job on the Haunted Mansion and the PofC pictures. I agree with Drew that Small World and Pirates are must-do's.

Add Jungle Cruise to the list and Drew would be happy. All quintessential Disney!

Subscribed!

And, I'm way behind! Anyway... here goes! Forgive me if I ramble- typing as I read!

Ahh... Familiar looking plane. We fly Southwest too.
Ah! Pop looks neat - DH and I usually stay at AKL, I'm tempted to the next time we go, take a day and just go around to hotels and look around. Just to see what they're like!

It really is worth the time to check out the other resorts, especially at Christmas time. We've seen a fair number, but still have a ways to go.

The window decor is neat. I've never thought about that before. Seen it mentioned on here, but that's it..

I really enjoy putting together things to decorate with. I enjoyed it more last year when our room was closer and we could see it as we walked up though. I'm guessing we were so far back because of how late we checked in.

Aw! Talk to Stitch sometime. He's such a sweetheart. Tried to climb in my purse. Met him 3 times this last trip...

Drew and Katie used to watch Lilo and Stitch a lot when she was around 4. Now she doesn't care to spend the time in his line. I think she got burned out on him or something. But given that he's one of the more playful, interactive characters, we really should make a point of seeing him next time.

Do the characters actually walk around and interact at DL?

Not so much. I just don't think they can any more without being mobbed.

I thought I heard the Sword in the Stone didn't actually work anymore? If that's not the case, I'm going to start trying it...

Merlin doesn't do his show any more, but the sword does indeed come out on occasion. There's a CM out sometimes with a remote switch. I've never SEEN it happen though.

In this picture:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6631865055_7e46a7ab04_z.jpg she looks a lot like Belle!

Thanks! She'll look a lot more like Belle later in the TR!

Love all the pictures - especially HM!

Thanks!

I had my first Dole Whip our last trip. Oh my GOD. Addicting.

Anyone wanna run get my one right now?????? I'll pay twice the actual price...... purdy please???????

Ok! Think I'm caught up so far.... really sorry for all the rambles!

Wonderful update as always.

Love Katie's expression with the remote control boats! She looks so intent.

Thanks NLD! Katie is usually pretty intent on whatever task is at hand.

I can't wait to see your photos of the Magic Tarpdom when you get back!

So what's the verdict after the POTUS visit yesterday? Do you wish you had been there for some of the extra entertainment they added or are you glad you missed the hoopla?

last August, we got to MK at 7:15 hoping to be picked as Family of the day. We were legitimately the first people there without ADRs (the CM told us later...) They picked another family A husband, wife and a boy

On another I,m reading your previous trip report and was wondering if they still do princess of the day for the beauty and the beast show at HS? We were there aug/11 and I don't remember one.

What a disappointment that must have been. I always suspected they tried for a traditional 4 or 5 person family. I've read accounts of smaller groups, but they tend to be the exception.

They do still do the princess of the day at DHS. If you didn't know to watch for it though, you wouldn't know it was going on. It's at the very end after they take their bows, and the girl is usually so short you can't see her through all the crowds standing to leave.

My suspicion is that they seem to have the princess of the day chosen ahead of time. They used to always pick one at the rope when they let people in, but now it always seems to be pre-selected.

 

[mom2rtk]

Joining in!!! Love the report and photos!!! Now that I see you shots it makes me lean towards getting the 1.4 instead of the 1.8....

Can't wait for more!!!

Hey neighbor! Glad you found us!

I don't know what to tell you about the 1.8 v. the 1.4. There are some dark rides where that extra bit of light will make a difference. And the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is a great lens.

But my desire for a zoom lens is greater than my desire for the really wide apertures (well, you could also throw in my lack of desire to change lenses too much). While my HM shots were done with the 1.4, that batch of POTC were done at 2.8. Being able to do this of course relies on good performance at high ISO's. I know you're held back by having one of those Nikon cameras..... ...... but I bet you will be fine with any of those apertures.

Dole whips are absolute heaven!! Definitely my favorite!! I haven't managed to actually get on the jungle cruise the past 2 trips I've taken, but my goal next trip is to hit absolutely everything! (long shot, I know, but I'm taking my mom for her first trip).

Seeing all of your pictures makes me really want to splurge on a good camera, but I'd really only ever use it at Disney!

I have a hard time finding time to work with my camer much between Disney trips and summer vacations. I keep saying I'm going to MAKE time, but it's just not happening. I do keep a photography book of some sort in the car though so I can read bits any time I'm waiting on a kid somewhere.

The bottom line is that if you're willing to CARRY the nice camera and any extra lenses at Disney, it's probably worth it. Then start hanging out in the photography forum here on the DIS.

Even though I knew a little about my camera when I first got it, I still bought the Dummies Guide to my model. It's a very easy to read, well-illustrated guide and is a great starting point.

Gosh Janet, I just finished editing some of my Jungle Cruise and PoTC pictures last night and yours make mine look like minced meat! Seriously, I am ashamed to even post mine to my TR now. Yours are really, really good!

I talked to DH a few days ago about getting a new camera and he is fine with it. I've not been happy with mine for a while now anyway, and so I think I'm going to start my research (which could take me months ). So let me ask you a couple of questions if you don't mind. You told me before that you thought it would be worth the switch to DSLR even if I used auto mode a lot. I'm just curious if you ever use auto or if you make adjustments to the camera for all your shots. It's just not practical for me to think that I am going to have the time to do a lot of manual settings. I am always lagging behind my DH and DD everywhere we go as it is and they are constantly rushing me along. If I take any longer to take pics, they are going to ditch me.

And also, what dslr would you recommend? I've already looked at several ranging from $500-$1000, but it's hard to tell what I really need and what's overkill for someone like me. Are the lower end priced dslrs worth the switch?

And lastly, the lenses... most of them come with an 18-55. Do you have any idea what this equates to in a point and shoot zoom? My camera has a 20x zoom and I love that part. I don't want to give that up, but don't want a bag full of lenses either. I just know myself well enough to know that I won't lug all that around. I know my limitations if you know what I mean. I am just wondering if I can still get nice shots with one basic lens or if it is a must to switch them out for different situations.

Basically, I am trying to figure out if the dslr is going to be more complicated that what I have time for or if just a basic setup will be enough to improve my pictures. Any advice would be very appreciated!

Thanks for the nice comments Rinky! And please don't hold back your pictures on your trip report. I actually think JC is a pretty challenging ride to photograph. It's fairly dark and the boat is moving, sometimes unexpectedly, and then there's all those dang people in the way all the time!

Many will tell you that if you're going to shoot auto, just get a better P&S. But the sensor on a DSLR is quite a bit larger than even the best P&S, so I say go for the DSLR. I shot on auto with mine for over 5 years before starting to venture into the semi-automatic modes. Most of your shots will be great in auto. When you start to encounter challenging circumstances, aske for help and you'll be able to make some changes to help. For example, just moving to "program" mode will allow you to choose when to use the flash and what ISO to use. That alone will be a huge help.

I actually DO put my camera in Program mode some of the time at Disney. I just change when I have an effect I'm going for or am in a dark ride. It really is a lot of fun and not nearly as complicated as it seems.

About a year ago, I helped my friend choose her first DSLR. I ended up recommending a Sony as having the most features for the money. I don't remember which model.... I'd have to look. At the time it was about $600 with an 18-200 lens. I had to twist her arm to get that lens, but she's very glad she did.

You won't be able to do a LOT on dark rides with that lens (or the 18-55 alternative) but you might get a few if you use the higher ISO's.

Let us know if you decide to get one. I'd be happy to help you research. It's a lot of fun spending other people's money! Heck, maybe I should run for congress or something!

Loving the pictures. I had the dole whip swirl this summer. It was good, but not a must have for me, but I am not huge on pineapple. Now I see Katie had a slice of pineapple, do they sell that too? Claire loves pinapple, especiallywhen it's fresh like that.

I can't remember the last time I rode the jungle cruise in daylight. I'll have to give that a try for some pictures in the future.

They do sell the pineapple spears there, but she had a hard time eating it. I think I could have helped her cut it off the skin a bit, but since I had a sore throad and didn't know if I was getting sick, I didn't want to touch her food.

I've had the Dole Whip swirls before, but this time I had the float. That's the one I now can't live without. But then if you don't like pineapple, that MIGHT make a difference!

Can I pay you to teach me how to take shots like you? Tell me when you set up a shop in KC.

Awww.... thanks Mike. I really just feel like I know just enough to be dangerous. I wish I had more time to go out and shoot around town. It really seems like vacation is the only time I do. I'll be really sad if Timmy doesn't go back to running, or try some other sport this year. I really enjoy shooting those events. I think if I had it to do all over again, I'd be a professional sports photographer!

I didn't get a Dole Whip while there last year… it is one of the biggest regrets of my whole trip!

OK, we're going to have to quit discussing the Dole Whips. I .... must..... get....them... out... of .... my ...... head!

But do make a point of trying one next time. Get the float. I might have mentioned how awesome it is!

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm here!! I'm here!!!!

"Our" other thread may be gone, but at least I can keep track of you here!!! Give me some time to get caught up. I have only read the first post so far. My goodness - your daughter is the spitting image of you!!!

Can't wait to read through and get caught up!

Michelle

Hey Thelma! Or were you Louise?

Aww, that was fun wasn't it? Now they're back to discussing MK parking at a monorail reort. Yawn...... Just not the same.

Glad you found us over here!

 

[mvazul]

Hey Thelma! Or were you Louise?

Aww, that was fun wasn't it? Now they're back to discussing MK parking at a monorail reort. Yawn...... Just not the same.

Glad you found us over here!

Yeah - not exactly sure which one I was!! It was fun!!

I see we have a few things kind of in common - besides political opinions!! I have a daughter who is 10. My son is 17 and is a senior.

I also LOVE photography!! So much, in fact, that I'm a wedding photographer. My husband is my second. I also do seniors, families, etc. I love, love, love taking pictures at Disney. Now that we live in Florida - only an hour and fifteen minutes away - I can't wait to get there and take more.

Looking forward to more about your trip!!

Michelle

 

[NLD]

Hi!

As for the POTUS visit... personally that's something I would have actually enjoyed. Photo ops in backstage areas of MK? But it's fine if others felt / feel differently.

I was in Orlando in October (for work) when Biden was at the CR but missed that hoopla too. Didn't go to MK until a couple days later for MNSSHP.

Never been on Jungle Cruise at WDW! (Only at DL waaaaaaaaaaaay long ago, back in the 80's.) Your pics have convinced me we have to fit it in this time.

 

[mom2rtk]

Yeah - not exactly sure which one I was!! It was fun!!

I see we have a few things kind of in common - besides political opinions!! I have a daughter who is 10. My son is 17 and is a senior.

I also LOVE photography!! So much, in fact, that I'm a wedding photographer. My husband is my second. I also do seniors, families, etc. I love, love, love taking pictures at Disney. Now that we live in Florida - only an hour and fifteen minutes away - I can't wait to get there and take more.

Looking forward to more about your trip!!

Michelle

Isn't that funny we end up having so much in common?

Wedding photography though? Hmm.... sounds sort of stressful. I've had a few people inquire about wedding dresses. But man, that's some stress. Not sure I want to do that. I did make my dress and my sisters dress.... a.... few.... years ago..... but none of late. Katie does say I can make hers one day. And she says she understands I'll be sewing sequins and pearls on it late the night before. The kid knows her mom!

1 hour 15 minutes from Disney, huh? Not sure we can be friends any more. My jealousy is likely to get in the way.....

Hi!

As for the POTUS visit... personally that's something I would have actually enjoyed. Photo ops in backstage areas of MK? But it's fine if others felt / feel differently.

I was in Orlando in October (for work) when Biden was at the CR but missed that hoopla too. Didn't go to MK until a couple days later for MNSSHP.

Never been on Jungle Cruise at WDW! (Only at DL waaaaaaaaaaaay long ago, back in the 80's.) Your pics have convinced me we have to fit it in this time.

I did think it was pretty cool that they tried to add some unique things to the backstage area. Cindy's carriage was a nice addition to be sure. I love that photo op at MNSSHP and really wish they'd do it for MVMCP. (I doubt they will though since it's in the parade for MVMCP). And the other parade floats were a cool addition too.

Still, any day I enter the park and find Cinderella's castle behind walls is not a good day for me to be in the park! But then I understand, not everyone is as castle-struck as I am.

And you HAVE to go on Jungle Cruise. It's cheesy classic Disney...... at its finest!

 

[Caretames1]

I want a Dole Whip! I also want some fresh pineapple! Oh, and throw in a million dollars too!

I love that scene in which the dog is got the keys and the imates are trying to get him to come. It's my favorite along with the scene with the woman chasing the pirate with a broom!

Awesome photos! I will now confess to a big naughty No-No. Please don't hurt me anyone..... I've got a decent photo of Captain Jack! It's from our very first trip and I got it by using my flash!

I swear I'll never do it again!


I'll leave now, head hung in shame...

 

[mom2rtk]

I want a Dole Whip! I also want some fresh pineapple! Oh, and throw in a million dollars too!

I love that scene in which the dog is got the keys and the imates are trying to get him to come. It's my favorite along with the scene with the woman chasing the pirate with a broom!

Awesome photos! I will now confess to a big naughty No-No. Please don't hurt me anyone..... I've got a decent photo of Captain Jack! It's from our very first trip and I got it by using my flash!

I swear I'll never do it again!


I'll leave now, head hung in shame...

Hey Carey.......



And.... on top of that....... next time there's a thread on flash photography over on the theme parks board..... I'M OUTING YOU!

Hmmm..... all of a sudden I have a real desire to go check out my Captain Jack shots from later in the trip....

 

[jenseib]

I'm Telling!!!!