PRINCESS Palooza 2011! 9/9 Update: Departure Day

[NLD]

 

[nannye]

And hasn't been arrested for indecent exposure yet! Really clothes are cheaper than SD cards.....

Ha Ha Ha

 

[vamassey1]

Once again fabulous photos!

I really like the picture of Katie with Mickey and Minnie. Her steamboat Mickey outfit is so cute.

Great character interaction at Chef Mickey's! Disney meals are pricey! So glad we will have free dining for the first time next week. I can't wait to get my eat on! (especially since it's FREEEEEEE!)

 

[rndmr2]

Haven't been on the DIS much past few daysso here I am, catching up on your last couple of updates, I just love the Castle lighting pictures, that is so cool how they have all those lights and it looks like ice. I have been there at Christmas a couple times but that was before they started doing the Castle lights, I hope to be able to see them in person sometime soon.

Love the Chef Mickey pics!

 

[katt789]

I love that shot of Main St, beautiful! Looks like you guys had a blast at Chef Mickeys, I haven't eaten there yet, but it's on my list (then again, what isn't?! )

 

[mom2rtk]

OK everyone, I'm SO sorry to have been MIA. Life's just been getting in the way. I even had responses all set up yesterday and never pushed "post".

So much FUN!!!! loved katies Chef Mickey outfit!

Thanks! It was a lot of fun. A great way to end a great day!

So what did you think of your tripod thread? Oy vey..... I tell everyone how helpful and great the folks are on the photography board, then someone posts a thread and it goes off on an argumentative tangent. It never used to be that way. There's a fairly recent poster there who likes to argue. Did you buy your $2000 tripod yet?

LOVE the pictures.
Looks liek a fun tine at Chef Mickeys. Did you like the food? I keep hearing mixed reviews of it. I had some of that sticker shock too last year when we went without the dining plan.
I should've went ahead and got it, even for just one day, it would've saved us some. But then I ate at some more pricey places too.

Ehhh... the food was ok. I'm not a huge foodie, so it was ok for me. I mostly love to make a huge salad, eat a few bites of dinner, then head for the dessert bar. So for me it was perfect.

I knew ahead of time what the price would be, but when it comes down to paying that much for what Katie ate............ I don't know. Seeing it in writing on the check was hard to take.

Those last pictures from Chef Mickey's are super special! I want a chef's coat and hat for Eve now. I need to start planning!

We booked our next trip. I really wanted mid-June, but the prices are so much better in August that I went with August 8th-21st. I am thinking about writing a pre-trip report, but it may have to wait until my spring break in April.

We are doing some resort hopping this time, and our plans seem crazy...but they work for us. We pack light and, since it is just the two of us, we enjoy moving from place to place. Last summer, when we were at POP, we started in the 1990s, and then asked to move to the 1950s, and would have moved again to the 1960s, but we went to Kidani to join my sister instead. We like to move around!

I went ahead and bought airline tickets and annual passes. The resorts are as much a destination for us as the parks, and I want to try some different swimming pools (especially since it will be August).

Right now, we are booked to arrive at Pop, but I may change that to All Star Movies, to try something new. Then, we move to Caribbean Beach Resort for a couple of nights, Port Orleans French Quarter for a couple of nights, Port Orleans Riverside (Royal Guest Room) for a couple of nights, Coronado Spring Resort (love the pool here!), and then, Animal Kingdom Lodge...followed by Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level (with plans to experience both the sunrise and sunset safari). I am EXCITED!!!!

I'm so excited you get to be AP holders! I've been tempted to try that sometime, but just can't give up the option of free dining (especially after the sticker shock of Chef Mickey!)

You guys really must enjoy moving around! How cool though that you'll get to experience so many different resorts. I really can see this in the summer when you'll get a variety of pools.

I guess with AP's you could consider renting some points sometime too. Maybe a BLT stay?????

I hope you do a TR! I'd love to follow along!

My internal alarm clock wakes me up way too early every morning, but I had to have time to get ready for the baby coming at 7:30. The DIS was moving great this morning!


It's been a while since I took care of a tiny one for a day. She was so good! I think I got lucky, only one toxic diaper and no projectial vomit! Kadence was more than happy to hold the baby and feed her, but once the diaper bag came out, she ran!


Kadence recognized the Steamboat Wille from the commercial on the Disney channel. And that shouyld have worth a free meal!



No worries, I'll finish up Kadence 's BBB appt tomorrow, catch up then!

LOL! Can you believe I'm STILL not caught upon your TR? OK, dumb question, of course you can believe it since I've been so far behind on my OWN!

And LOL on the baby experience. Nothing clears the room like a baby in a dirty diaper!

great update! I miss seeing your posts!

Thanks! I'm enjoying your TR. I can't believe how empty the MK was your morning was. What day of the week was it again?

I came across your TR and was sucked in! Your pictures are absolutely incredible; I feel like I am actually there!! Now I have to ask you, are you a professional photographer? If you aren't, I am VERY curious about what camera you use. DF and I are looking for a great quality camera for our Disney trips, but we aren't experts in cameras. If you are a photographer, is there a type of camera you would recommend for non-photographers?!

Many thanks for the kind words. I'm not even remotely close to a professional photographer, nor do I play one on TV. Just an enthusiastic hobbiest.

I have a Canon T2i and a few decent lenses. You can get great photos with any entry-level DSLR these days. The biggest thing though is to learn to use it. Learn the settings and what to use when. If I just had it on auto and took some night shots, they would turn out blurry. I had to know to turn up the ISO and shoot at a shutter speed I knew wouldn't blur.

At the risk of Nannye reporting her own experience on the photography board...... let me suggest that if you're looking at entry level DSLR's, feel free to start a thread over there looking for input. There are great entry level cameras from every maker, and different posters can tell you the ups and downs of each.

I have heard mixed reviews of Chef Mickey's as well.

And I understand the jump with Katie. We have to pay for Cortlyn this year! Thank goodness my Catie is free!

Yeah, it puts it in a whole new ballpark doesn't it. And when you combine the kids jump with Disney price increases, it sort of takes your breath away sometimes.

Oh my, just love all of Katie's outfits. You are sooo talented. I can't sew a button back on a pair of jeans!

Looks like you all had a great first day!

Thanks Nicole! You know you're putting me to shame over on your TR. You're posting great photos every day. SLOW DOWN! You're making me look bad!

The picture on main street is fantastic Janet. The lighting is crisp and clean. Do you remember what settings you shot that on? ISO, etc?

Thanks for the kind comment.
f/2.8 ISO 1600 1/40
My lens has IS, so that helps too.


The outfits for Chef Mickeys were adorable too.

Thanks again!

I concur about the $$$ for a meal at Disney. We always have to factor in 5 now so we have to be careful when choosing a nice experience out.

Sounds like you need a couple Disney haters in the group. Ok, just kidding. It would be worth the money if they'd enjoy it with us. Sigh. But a group of 5 definitely has the greatest impact of all. It takes the value resorts right out of the equation.

My youngest two children (twins boy/girl) are in 8th grade and play in band. Now if you might remember this summer will be Disneyland for the last time in a very long time as all available money will help my oldest daughter goes to college the year after next (so next fall). Well we just got word that the twins will have to travel to Orlando next year to play in Universal. What? Another trip to WDW sounds like it might have to be in order. I immediately went to the boards to see when the fantasyland expansion to see what would be up by when. Where will all these $$$ come from? So excited though.
So does your daughter have any idea where she wants to go? I think we're gong to visit some campuses with Timmy in April. Northwestern is having a student weekend so we'll drive up for that. We'll also hit Washington University, Saint Louis University and Rolla.

I know your fear to be adding another Disney trip on TOP of DL college expenses. But these opportunities are fleeting. I'm sure you'll find a way to make it all happen. Just as I'm sure you'll come back with some amazing pictures from that new 60D to remember it all by!

 

[dara00]

Thanks! I'm enjoying your TR. I can't believe how empty the MK was your morning was. What day of the week was it again?

Monday - and it was even more empty on Tuesday!

 

[mom2rtk]

Once again, your pictures... I can't even handle it.

Katie's chef outfit is just too cute! The bill... that just doesn't sound like fun. Did yall at least enjoy the food enough to go back and pay with the dining plan?

Many thanks for the kind words. I worked hard trying to figure out this photography thing, so take great pleasure in the kind words. I still have a ways to go, but feel like I "get it" with a lot of stuff I didn't used to.

Oh, we'd definitely go back to CM on the dining plan. I told Katie that on future trips, we might have to drop a character meal or 2 and asked which ones she would consider "must do's". She then proceeded to list...... every single character meal. LOL! What have I created!

Not sure what I'll do if they cut back on free dining like I keep hearing.....

I'd probably prefer breakfast at CM, but it just doesn't fit with rope drop for us. Much easier to do it after a day in the MK, or on arrival night.

Janet,
I was wondering since you shoot in RAW, how many memory cards do you bring with you for a trip?
Thanks
Erin

You know, I'd have to count. But rest assured it's a LOT. I added a 32GB card for this trip and have about 3 16GB cards, then an assortment of 8's. And I filled them all. But them we've already been over my image count for this trip...... If you have a netbook or laptop you can transfer them to, it's easier. But I didn't bring one so had to have enough cards from the get go.

Memory can be cheap. But is't definitely NOT cheap at Disney. Bring more than you think you'll need.

And hasn't been arrested for indecent exposure yet! Really clothes are cheaper than SD cards.....

LOL! Thanks for providing the entertainment while I was away......

What a great day at MK. Katie's CM outfit is adorable...can't wait to see what else you made.

Thanks! Much more to come. Really. I promise!

I know, I know.... and the next update will take a bit of time. I have to sift through the entire day's images first........ but I'm trying to get there. I haven't had time to breathe in a few days. Hopefully soon!

Ha Ha Ha

Go ahead....... laugh amongst yourselves..........

Once again fabulous photos!

I really like the picture of Katie with Mickey and Minnie. Her steamboat Mickey outfit is so cute.

Great character interaction at Chef Mickey's! Disney meals are pricey! So glad we will have free dining for the first time next week. I can't wait to get my eat on! (especially since it's FREEEEEEE!)

Thanks Vanessa! I'm so excited your trip is so close!

I demand to see pictures when you get back! I want to hear every delicious bite!

I've always said the character meals are more about the experience then the food, but this one was hard to swallow. The $60 chicken nuggets later in the week were even harder to swallow

Haven't been on the DIS much past few daysso here I am, catching up on your last couple of updates, I just love the Castle lighting pictures, that is so cool how they have all those lights and it looks like ice. I have been there at Christmas a couple times but that was before they started doing the Castle lights, I hope to be able to see them in person sometime soon.

Love the Chef Mickey pics!

Thank you!

You MUST go back for the castle lights. It's right up there on the list of top reasons to go in December!

I love that shot of Main St, beautiful! Looks like you guys had a blast at Chef Mickeys, I haven't eaten there yet, but it's on my list (then again, what isn't?! )

LOL! Sounds a lot like MY list! I want to do ..... and eat.... it ALL!

Thanks for the kind comment on the Main Street photo. It wasn't fun fighting the crowds on our way out, but it really was a very festive atmosphere. I snapped that shot to try and remember that feeling.

 

[mom2rtk]

Monday - and it was even more empty on Tuesday!

You know, the old conventional wisdom was to never do MK on a Monday, but everything I have read lately says the opposite. I'm filing that away for future reference. I sort of paid attention to the "rules" all these years, but broke them a lot since we go in the off season. But with everything Disney is doing to pack the parks, I'm going to start being more rigid with the "rules". NEVER do MK on a Saturday. Do MK the day after the PM EMH. Of course, that all changes during hard ticket party season.

I'm so happy you were able to make the most of your days!

 

[nannye]

Omg I completely forgot about that tripod thread. I haven't been on dis much lately. I started it and never went back..... Now bears the question after reading your note..... Should I? lol

Thanks for the advice on the memory cards. I am thinking about dooming RAW this time and am worried about it. I will bring my iPad, but I don't want to transfer. I will just pull sd cards from everywhere I can think of lol, digital picture frame has a 16 etc..... Thanks

 

[nannye]

You know, the old conventional wisdom was to never do MK on a Monday, but everything I have read lately says the opposite. I'm filing that away for future reference. I sort of paid attention to the "rules" all these years, but broke them a lot since we go in the off season. But with everything Disney is doing to pack the parks, I'm going to start being more rigid with the "rules". NEVER do MK on a Saturday. Do MK the day after the PM EMH. Of course, that all changes during hard ticket party season.

I'm so happy you were able to make the most of your days!

I am a little scared. I have mk booked for a sat. It was listed as 2nd best park with the same crowd rating as best.

 

[KCmike]

My oldest wants to be a teacher, math specifically and secondary education to boot. She wants to stay close to home. Looks like Park University, Missouri Western, or Northwest Missouri State. If she stays in town with Park then boarding will be free and if she maintains the A+ program her tuition will be half off. I don't want to deny her the ability to "go away" for College but at the same time with two more kids right behind her it would be nice if she stays closer.

Again, loving your trip report. Any vacation dreaming/planning going on over there for 2012?

 

[mom2rtk]

Omg I completely forgot about that tripod thread. I haven't been on dis much lately. I started it and never went back..... Now bears the question after reading your note..... Should I? lol

Thanks for the advice on the memory cards. I am thinking about dooming RAW this time and am worried about it. I will bring my iPad, but I don't want to transfer. I will just pull sd cards from everywhere I can think of lol, digital picture frame has a 16 etc..... Thanks

I think buried in between the sniping, there were a couple decent suggestions. Seriously though. Who suggests a $2000 tripod to a casual poster looking to buy their first tripod.

My oldest wants to be a teacher, math specifically and secondary education to boot. She wants to stay close to home. Looks like Park University, Missouri Western, or Northwest Missouri State. If she stays in town with Park then boarding will be free and if she maintains the A+ program her tuition will be half off. I don't want to deny her the ability to "go away" for College but at the same time with two more kids right behind her it would be nice if she stays closer.

Again, loving your trip report. Any vacation dreaming/planning going on over there for 2012?

Thanks as always Mike.

This is gonna come off as pretty sexist, but I really think teaching is a great profession for a woman. I always thought I'd get my degree, get a job and work my up the ladder. Oh, and have 2.3 kids along the way and send them off to daycare. But something happened along the way. I decided I didn't want someone else raising my kids. I've tried many different things along the way to help me spend the most time possible with my kids. But honestly, teaching would have probably been the best option for me. It allows you to at least have the same days and months off together once the get to be school-age.

Robbie actually looked at Park last year and I thought he'd be going there. We are very fortunate that both Park and Rockhurst were in the tuition exchange program where Drew works. Timmy will go away (I'm thinking he's counting the days.... ) so we'll do whatever we can to help him work that out. I'm sure he'll have to take out some loans. And while I'm not wild about taking out a LOT in loans, I'm not against some. Loans are what got me through school. You know, back in the day.

But we won't know anything until he goes through applying for scholarships and financial aid. Worst case scenario he could go to Jewell for free under the tuition exchange, then take out loans for room and board. That might be the best of both worlds..... close to home, but living away.

I'm really hoping for a WDW trip late this year so we can eat at the new Be Our Guest restaurant (oh, and see the rest of the expansion!) I'm a little nervous though that they might really pull back on the discounts this time. We'll have to see how that goes.

And I'm REALLY sad about the fastpass policy changing. I don't think we've EVER used a fastpass in its window. We pull them all morning and use them all late in the day. We're going to have to change our whole touring approach. It's going to be more important than ever to pick a week that's not busy.

I am a little scared. I have mk booked for a sat. It was listed as 2nd best park with the same crowd rating as best.

Well, if that's what you need to do, then go on Saturday and make the most of it. I think a lot of it is the reasonably priced tickets for locals. If possible, research what deals are out there for locals and what days they are good. But yes, Saturday seems to be the busiest day of the week in the MK.

 

[francis6306]

Okay, I cannot imagine that the FP thing will work that way, because you can't chose the time! So, what if I pull a FP for 12-1, but I have an ADR at 12:30. I have to arrive there early, but there is no way that I'd be able to get out before 1! It won't work and people will complain.

Of course, there is a whole group of people that have no idea that you can use the FP whenever you want.

 

[nannye]

I think buried in between the sniping, there were a couple decent suggestions. Seriously though. Who suggests a $2000 tripod to a casual poster looking to buy their first tripod.



Thanks as always Mike.




Well, if that's what you need to do, then go on Saturday and make the most of it. I think a lot of it is the reasonably priced tickets for locals. If possible, research what deals are out there for locals and what days they are good. But yes, Saturday seems to be the busiest day of the week in the MK.

lol I did go and read the thread. I am really in need of basic and light and cheap!!!! I know I won't use it outside of Disney. I will need to do my research later, too much going on now.

I have tried switching things around and I just don't know what to do. switching, just doesn't seem to work well for me. Heck we are already going the first week of July (yes that's right the week of July 4th!) (July 5-12) so it will be insanely hot and busy, but it is go then or not at all, and I book MK for a sat I have fiddled with days, but then something doesn't work out, isn't a best park or the park that day doesn't work as well etc.... so I think I'll just start a PTR and see if others can help! lol

 

[mom2rtk]

OK, I promise not too much longer for the next update. We'll be heading for DHS very soon!

Okay, I cannot imagine that the FP thing will work that way, because you can't chose the time! So, what if I pull a FP for 12-1, but I have an ADR at 12:30. I have to arrive there early, but there is no way that I'd be able to get out before 1! It won't work and people will complain.

Of course, there is a whole group of people that have no idea that you can use the FP whenever you want.

Ok, I WAS following all those Fp threads. But man, I'm weary of it. In all the years I've hung out here on the DIS, nothing has astounded me more than the judgmental crew that thinks you are scum of the earth if you use late Fp's. What a riot.

But man, I'm going to miss it. That will completely change our touring plan and add a whole other level of stress where it doesn't need to be. Miss your FP window you can't ride. Miss your ADR time you'll be dinged $10 a head. This is getting nuts.

The folks on the FP thread would tell you to just choose between the ride and the ADR if your times conflict. Mostly I don't relish all the extra criss-crossing back and forth across the parks. Epcot seems the worst. If your Soarin Fp comes up when you're in Germany, that's a LONG walk back. Then you'll have to back track through countries you've already done to get back to or from the ones you haven't done. Just seems nuts to me.

I really feel for the ones going during spring break this year. Couldn't pay me enough to travel in peak season before, not it's even less likely.

lol I did go and read the thread. I am really in need of basic and light and cheap!!!! I know I won't use it outside of Disney. I will need to do my research later, too much going on now.

I have tried switching things around and I just don't know what to do. switching, just doesn't seem to work well for me. Heck we are already going the first week of July (yes that's right the week of July 4th!) (July 5-12) so it will be insanely hot and busy, but it is go then or not at all, and I book MK for a sat I have fiddled with days, but then something doesn't work out, isn't a best park or the park that day doesn't work as well etc.... so I think I'll just start a PTR and see if others can help! lol

It never hurts to ask for some input. I'm really not sure what to tell you. The FP thing could complicate things more that week. But do you do many of the FP rides with your young traveling companion? Of course rope drop remains the single best way of avoiding the worst of the heat and crowds. We traveled right before the 4th once in 04 and were pretty frustrated until we started hitting rope drop.

 

[KCmike]

OK, I promise not too much longer for the next update. We'll be heading for DHS very soon!

Sweet!

 

[mom2rtk]

December 10: Hollywood Studios

I woke up early around 6:30 the next morning. My throat hurt even worse so I had to get up and moving to get some ibuprofen going. I grabbed my camera for a few morning photos again. I also went to the front desk and took care of checking in under our package and getting our dining credits. After what we paid for dinner the night before, having the dining plan today was definitely going to be a welcome relief!

I picked up a couple counter service breakfasts and headed back to the room. I had decorated our own window the night before and grabbed a photo of it:


IMG_4162 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Drew and Katie would have slept later, but once I was up and moving around a bit, they woke up too. We hadn't planned to be there for rope drop since it was early EMH day, but once we were up we decided to get moving sooner rather than later. I didn't need to be there for rope drop, but I didn't want to get caught in the 9 AM rope drop stampede either. We got through the turnstiles arond 8:45 and had a nice leisurely stroll up Hollywood Boulevard. When we got to the FP machines, there was nobody in line so we grabbed FP's and headed for the standby line. Believe it or not, I had NEVER been through the standby TSMM line at DHS! We have only ever done fastpass. We finally got to see the infamous Mr. Potatohead!


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Next we headed for Sunset Boulevard and Katie's favorite ride now......... Rock 'n Rollercoaster. I'm happy to report that there was not need to shove her into the car this time. She was looking forward to the ride as much as I was. I don't recall whether we rode once or twice, but I think it was twice since we intended to wait there until our FP window opened again. Drew wanted to ride Tower of Terror. I said I wasn't excited about it but would go, but Katie wanted no part of it. We were going to leave her in the gift shop but never did. We ended up grabbing our fastpasses and heading out to find a snack.


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I had looked forward to the yummy pastries at starring rolls....... but ended up getting a chocolate dipped pretzel rod in the candy shop instead. Man, I love those things! Drew loves the Indiana Jones Stunt show, so we headed in that direction so we could make the 11:30 show.


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[mom2rtk]

12/10: Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

Hands down, our family's favorite ride in all of Disney is the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. I really wish they'd add it at WDW. The stunt show is good, but honestly, after you've seen it a few times (and we have) it just loses its appeal. Katie and I usually skip it entirely. But Drew wanted to see it, so that's where we headed next.

Last time we saw it, I had forgotten to bring my telephoto lens, so this time I made sure to bring the right lens. As we were waiting for the show to begin, it dawned on me that I didn't have a spare battery with me that day. Crud. I had brought the tripod for Osborne lights that night, but sure didn't want to take a chance on running low on power. As we sat waiting for the show I decided that when the show was over, I would head back to the POP for my battery while Drew and Katie did a couple rides.

I really enjoyed photographing the show. As you can tell, I didn't skimp on battery usage:


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[KCmike]

What telephoto lens do you have Janet?
BTW the shots are simply amazing. Such clarity and the action is just wonderful. I've seen the Indy show once and that was enough for me. I also agree that Indy at Disneyland is wonderful. Splash though is still my favorite ride of all time. So for the action shots were you just shooting on continous mode for certain sequences?