PTR July 2011 CBR - I think it's time for Annual Passes!

[cadek]

After years of wanting one, and being too intimidated by them, I finally got a DSLR camera. I love my little point and shoot, so convenient to whip out at any time and get a picture, but I always find myself envious of some pictures others have captured and posted in their trip reports. My P&S takes great pictures, but I have an addiction to technology… Like wanting an iPad, when I already have an iPhone and Laptop.

So I have this DSLR, and just bought a camera bag for it. Definitely an adjustment to carry this around, when I’m used to my small P&S. I haven’t played with it nearly as much as I should. I’ve bought books on photography, to try and understand shutter speed, ISO, aperture, etc., and I’ve read some… not a whole book, or all of the books. I don’t see me standing there adjusting settings just to take a picture, especially given my want to do it all attitude. I will probably end up being on the auto setting or sports setting… Part of the reason it took so long to finally buy one, I figured it would be over my head, and I wouldn’t use it like I should… photography experts would shake their heads, another person with a DSLR using it on auto… Oh well, I hope to get lots of great photos with it!

I kicked myself the other day. I took it with me to my son’s school concert, but ended up leaving it in the car, opting just to use the point & shoot. I had tested it out at home against my video camera. It takes awesome HD video, but sound wasn’t as good as the video camera, so I chose that. Anyway, I took video of the concert, but also tried to get a few pictures of him. Then I remembered one of the things I dislike about P&S, and why I wanted a DSLR! Flash, get the persons head in front of you, the rest is dark. No flash, blurry picture. Now I have a DSLR but left it in the car! Why, because I’m not comfortable yet. Because I didn’t want to feel ridiculous holding this big camera. I’ve got issues! I know!

Things to do before vacation:
Use my camera more, learn more about it.
Try to finish the digital scrapbook from our January vacation.
Finish reading the first Kingdom Keepers book with Dylan.
Watch more Disney movies at home, besides Tron and Tangled!
Go see Pirates of the Caribbean 4, and Cars 2.
Lose a few pounds so my shorts and swimsuit fit better!

 

[Kat in GA]

Congrats on the DSLR! I got my first one before our first trip with the kids to Disney - in 2006. I have kept it on automatic for years - only recently getting the vaguest notion as to how to use it. My reason for HATING my p&s is that shutter lag. When I push the button, I want it to take a picture. Not wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Then snap. Cause what I wanted a photo of is now long gone! That, in and of itself, makes a DSLR worth the cost and the extra weight.

Now, I just spend all my time tweaking my pictures in photoshop. That one I also have no idea as to what I am doing!

 

[PixieMama]

After years of wanting one, and being too intimidated by them, I finally got a DSLR camera.

Congrats on the new camera!

We've had a DSLR for a few years now... DH is the one who mostly uses it, he's actually pretty good. I still have to use the "auto" setting, as I don't have much of a clue about the other settings. But just practice a bit and you'll be fine!

Things to do before vacation:
Lose a few pounds so my shorts and swimsuit fit better!

I need to do this, too!

 

[beebeeryan]

After years of wanting one, and being too intimidated by them, I finally got a DSLR camera. I love my little point and shoot, so convenient to whip out at any time and get a picture, but I always find myself envious of some pictures others have captured and posted in their trip reports. My P&S takes great pictures, but I have an addiction to technology… Like wanting an iPad, when I already have an iPhone and Laptop.

So I have this DSLR, and just bought a camera bag for it. Definitely an adjustment to carry this around, when I’m used to my small P&S. I haven’t played with it nearly as much as I should. I’ve bought books on photography, to try and understand shutter speed, ISO, aperture, etc., and I’ve read some… not a whole book, or all of the books. I don’t see me standing there adjusting settings just to take a picture, especially given my want to do it all attitude. I will probably end up being on the auto setting or sports setting… Part of the reason it took so long to finally buy one, I figured it would be over my head, and I wouldn’t use it like I should… photography experts would shake their heads, another person with a DSLR using it on auto… Oh well, I hope to get lots of great photos with it!

I kicked myself the other day. I took it with me to my son’s school concert, but ended up leaving it in the car, opting just to use the point & shoot. I had tested it out at home against my video camera. It takes awesome HD video, but sound wasn’t as good as the video camera, so I chose that. Anyway, I took video of the concert, but also tried to get a few pictures of him. Then I remembered one of the things I dislike about P&S, and why I wanted a DSLR! Flash, get the persons head in front of you, the rest is dark. No flash, blurry picture. Now I have a DSLR but left it in the car! Why, because I’m not comfortable yet. Because I didn’t want to feel ridiculous holding this big camera. I’ve got issues! I know!

Things to do before vacation:
Use my camera more, learn more about it.
Try to finish the digital scrapbook from our January vacation.
Finish reading the first Kingdom Keepers book with Dylan.
Watch more Disney movies at home, besides Tron and Tangled!
Go see Pirates of the Caribbean 4, and Cars 2.
Lose a few pounds so my shorts and swimsuit fit better!

for the DSLR!!! I didn't bring mine last summer, DH kept saying, travel light, you won't want to carry that. I got half decent pics with the P&S, but certainly not the quality I am used to with my DSLR and the night shots were horrible, didn't get any really good ones of the castle at night or fireworks. P&S's just can't handle that and no flash means blurry is right. I admit, even after years of having it, I often resort to Auto to be sure I get the shot. I am getting better at some manual settings, but in a situation where I have one chance to get the shot, I usually go Auto. It's okay! I already told him I am bringing it this year and if it means I have to sit out a few wet rides then so be it. I won't carry it ALL the time. It does mean I have to figure out how to carry it around the parks though. I'll have it around my neck most of the time, but for some rides I will need to store it. Looking for bags now, I don't want anything too big. Last year was nice because I got away with just a lanyard around my neck and the dreaded fanny pack!!!!

I often post links about photography tips for newbies on my home business Facebook page You can find it through my website if you're interested. I think the link should be on my profile page here somewhere.

 

[cadek]

for the DSLR!!! I didn't bring mine last summer, DH kept saying, travel light, you won't want to carry that. I got half decent pics with the P&S, but certainly not the quality I am used to with my DSLR and the night shots were horrible, didn't get any really good ones of the castle at night or fireworks. P&S's just can't handle that and no flash means blurry is right. I admit, even after years of having it, I often resort to Auto to be sure I get the shot. I am getting better at some manual settings, but in a situation where I have one chance to get the shot, I usually go Auto. It's okay! I already told him I am bringing it this year and if it means I have to sit out a few wet rides then so be it. I won't carry it ALL the time. It does mean I have to figure out how to carry it around the parks though. I'll have it around my neck most of the time, but for some rides I will need to store it. Looking for bags now, I don't want anything too big. Last year was nice because I got away with just a lanyard around my neck and the dreaded fanny pack!!!!

I often post links about photography tips for newbies on my home business Facebook page You can find it through my website if you're interested. I think the link should be on my profile page here somewhere.

Bags, that was another dilemma for me. You don't have to carry much around when you have a stroller. Since we are going to try and go without one this time, I realized I would have to carry everything in one bag! Of course, it's not January weather, so I won't have the extra layers to carry around as they are removed. Now you have me thinking about this...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039NLS4C

I bought this bag on Amazon last week, because I felt I needed a camera bag. It is bigger than what I'm used to carrying around the parks, but again, had a stroller to carry it all before. Nice storage inside, and compartments on outside. It has an expandable compartment, and a water bottle pocket. Again, no stroller for simple things like this! (Maybe I'll have a harder time without the stroller than the kids! No, it will be the kids.) My camera probably only takes up about 1/3-1/4 of the bag. I think I will be carrying this around Disney, and hopefully nothing else. No kids, you aren't taking that into the park with you!

Oh wait, I wanted a Disney Dooney!

But what if I just have the camera around my neck all the time, then do I need the bag? I don't have any other lenses.... I just felt I should have a place to store it. Would I keep it around my neck on all the rides too? Since the main reason I wanted the camera was Disney, it's definately going with. I think I will carry it around all the time, but maybe I'll change my mind. Do you ever have too many pictures of Disney?

I like to overthink things!

For water rides, I think I'll carry along a ziploc bag. Maybe an extra large ziploc bag that fits the whole camera bag in it. Maybe I should wear a poncho too, keep the bag under that!

I'm going to see if I can check out you photography tips now. Thanks!

 

[aprilfoolwed]

Congrats on the plunge into DSLR. We just bought a new point-n-shoot - wasn't quite ready for the SLR investment yet (plus, my dad is thinking of upgrading his DSLR, and we'll get the old one when he does!).

Must be so nice to know you'll get some great pics!

As far as keeping the kids entertained in the car, we of course do movies, video games etc. But we also have a "state line party" whenever we cross a state line. I break out special treats, or this year I am going to give the kids a new pin (for pin trading) when we cross a state line. It makes it so exciting!

On our first drive down, I wasn't as organized. But last year I packed each kid a bag to keep with them while driving. All of their game stuff went in there, but I also packed a variety of healthy (well, healthier) snacks for them. THat way, they could nosh whenever they wanted without having to ask for food to be passed to them. They had full control over graham crackers, animal crackers, sugarless gum etc. Then I gave out treats at different points. It stopped a lot of the "mommy, can I have ______" stuff that we heard the whole trip the first time we drove. I'll be doing that again this year!

 

[PirateKate]

The new camera sounds cool! I hate how flash only captures whatever is immediately in front of me.

I agree that Stitch's Great Escape is a waste of time. It's too scary for little kids and too dumb for adults. It features 626 before he became the cute and fluffy Stitch, so it has little appeal even for the biggest Stitch fans.

Astro Orbiter is one of my favorite rides. Completely inappropriate for a baby, of course. My boys still haven't been on it. I'd hope that the parents with the newborn were ignorant and expecting a gentler Dumbo-like ride. And the line can be miserably slow loading.

But when you ride at night and can see the stars and the moon mixed with glimpses of the Castle, all lit up, and Wishes starts while you're in the air, it can be a very magical ride.

 

[beebeeryan]

But when you ride at night and can see the stars and the moon mixed with glimpses of the Castle, all lit up, and Wishes starts while you're in the air, it can be a very magical ride.

I bet it would be worth doing at night, that would be cool.

 

[cadek]

Congrats on the plunge into DSLR. We just bought a new point-n-shoot - wasn't quite ready for the SLR investment yet (plus, my dad is thinking of upgrading his DSLR, and we'll get the old one when he does!).

Must be so nice to know you'll get some great pics!

As far as keeping the kids entertained in the car, we of course do movies, video games etc. But we also have a "state line party" whenever we cross a state line. I break out special treats, or this year I am going to give the kids a new pin (for pin trading) when we cross a state line. It makes it so exciting!

On our first drive down, I wasn't as organized. But last year I packed each kid a bag to keep with them while driving. All of their game stuff went in there, but I also packed a variety of healthy (well, healthier) snacks for them. THat way, they could nosh whenever they wanted without having to ask for food to be passed to them. They had full control over graham crackers, animal crackers, sugarless gum etc. Then I gave out treats at different points. It stopped a lot of the "mommy, can I have ______" stuff that we heard the whole trip the first time we drove. I'll be doing that again this year!

I'll have to get to work on doing some shopping for their own bags of goodies for the drive. I haven't even given any thought to it being Dylan's birthday on this trip, what we are getting him, and when we will give it to him! This trip is going to sneak up on me. I think about Disney sooo much, but yet I overlooked this! It seems so far away, until one day, it's not. I just looked at our "days until" last night, saw it was 52 days... oops... so I paid that today.

The new camera sounds cool! I hate how flash only captures whatever is immediately in front of me.

I agree that Stitch's Great Escape is a waste of time. It's too scary for little kids and too dumb for adults. It features 626 before he became the cute and fluffy Stitch, so it has little appeal even for the biggest Stitch fans.

Astro Orbiter is one of my favorite rides. Completely inappropriate for a baby, of course. My boys still haven't been on it. I'd hope that the parents with the newborn were ignorant and expecting a gentler Dumbo-like ride. And the line can be miserably slow loading.

But when you ride at night and can see the stars and the moon mixed with glimpses of the Castle, all lit up, and Wishes starts while you're in the air, it can be a very magical ride.

Hmm, might have to give Astro Orbiter a try at night!

I'm still anxiously awaiting the start of your trip report!

 

[BerrysGirl]

Following you from my PTR. Your plans sound great so far and your boys are adorable. Make sure to add Finding Nemo to your movie watching list... I've heard CBR is Nemo-themed!

I swear half the fun of going on vacation is coming back to scrapbook it!

 

[cadek]

46 days to go! Final payment has been made, and free QSD Plan has been upgraded.

We've been on a pirate kick lately, getting ready for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. We have been watching the first 3 movies, and I had bought/downloaded some of the soundtracks, so I've been brainwashing my boys with that too. Mission accomplished as they are finally more interested in pirates! I love it when I hear Dylan randomly humming the music! This weekend we took Dylan to see the new movie, and we all loved it! We did not do 3D, as Dylan dislikes 3D, and my DH can't see 3D. Afterwards I found myself missing some of the characters from the other movies, but I think not having them in it allows them to keep it fresh. If they were in it, I guess it would make it seem like the storyline is getting worn out. Sorry, I'm not a good movie critic, and I'm easily entertained. All we really need is Captain Jack Sparrow!

Recently I got an email for Phineas and Ferb Live pre-sale. Shortly after that, I had purchased tickets for us! I hope it's worth it! It's in December, so it's still a long way off.

I'm preparing DH that I most likely will want to pre-purchase the photopass cd. It's the only way we'll get family photos. I think he might have been under the impression that we wouldn't need it since we were just there in January. I need photos to document every trip! I've also been casually dropping a hint or two about the Mickey Dooney & Bourke

My 5 year old, Evan, finally agreed to go on ToT with me, all subject to change of course, and then Dylan keeps trying to talk him out of it! I just want someone to go on the thrill rides with me! EE, RnR, ToT... and my DH is of no help because he doesn't like them either, so he's not about to encourage them to try them! Dylan was on ToT when he was 5, didn't want to, and hated it, and then in January I got him/dragged him on Rock n Rollercoaster, and he hated that too, but loves Space Mountain. Oh well, I doubt either of them will go on any with me.

 

[PirateKate]

I've been hearing good things about the new Pirates movie. Sadly, we probably won't get to see it until it comes out on DVD. Maybe I'll start playing the soundtrack for Carter and Landon.

I hope Evan keeps up the nerve to try ToT. Thrill rides are so much more fun with a riding buddy. I'll be glad when my boys are tall enough for them.

 

[PixieMama]

Glad to hear another rave review about the movie... I haven't seen it yet, hoping to this coming weekend. My sister will be coming home for the weekend, and I think we'll take our mom to see it. Mom is a HUGE fan of the POTC movies. I even have the soundtrack theme as her ringtone! When my kids hear it, they always yell, "Nana's calling!"

I dropped a hint to my DH about a D&B bag, too! Told him I could buy myself an early birthday present while I'm down there...

My DH is the same about thrill rides... he can do roller coasters, but that's about it. He would not do ToT... on our first trip a few years ago, I had to talk my oldest DD into going on it with me (she was just 6 at the time!) She did it once, but I couldn't convince her to go again.

 

[Kat in GA]

You absolutely need a co-conspirator for your E ticket rides! I hope that your son decides to stick to his guns and go on it with you! My youngest will often do things just because her big sister will not - maybe that will work for ya'll to

I agree about the Photopass - how could you not take a million pictures - no matter how many times you've been?!

 

[beebeeryan]

for 46 days!!!!

My boys haven't seen the POTC movies yet at all. At 8 and 5 you think they are okay for them? I just see they are like rated PG13 or something so I never really even thought about it, but it seems kids their ages and younger see them so I'm starting to wonder. I'd love for them to get into it. They have seen the first Star Wars movie.

 

[teachermommy78]

I am thinking of doing a pirates marathon this weekend! None of the kids have seen them yet. They are a tad scared. I think they'll be ok, though. I've never seen the 3rd and Scott insists that we have to watch them all in order so I get the most out of them. I wonder I'd we can get my MIL to watch the kids so we can go see the 4th in the theater. If they love the first three, perhaps well take Sophie and Ethan. Are the soundtracks very good? I'll have to check them out on iTunes. And congrats on final payments and upgrades!!! I've been dropping Dooney hints, too. They haven't been making much of a difference.

 

[cadek]

I've been hearing good things about the new Pirates movie. Sadly, we probably won't get to see it until it comes out on DVD. Maybe I'll start playing the soundtrack for Carter and Landon.

I hope Evan keeps up the nerve to try ToT. Thrill rides are so much more fun with a riding buddy. I'll be glad when my boys are tall enough for them.

When our boys were younger we didn't get to the movie theater either. It's nice now as they get older and we are more interested in similar things and can do more... however I miss them at the cute ages your boys are now too!

Glad to hear another rave review about the movie... I haven't seen it yet, hoping to this coming weekend. My sister will be coming home for the weekend, and I think we'll take our mom to see it. Mom is a HUGE fan of the POTC movies. I even have the soundtrack theme as her ringtone! When my kids hear it, they always yell, "Nana's calling!"

I dropped a hint to my DH about a D&B bag, too! Told him I could buy myself an early birthday present while I'm down there...

My DH is the same about thrill rides... he can do roller coasters, but that's about it. He would not do ToT... on our first trip a few years ago, I had to talk my oldest DD into going on it with me (she was just 6 at the time!) She did it once, but I couldn't convince her to go again.

I am POTC obsessed right now. I'd go see it again! There are a lot of other good movies coming out, I think we could go to the movies every week! We will definately be there for Cars 2!

I'm getting pretty good at "influencing" my kids when it comes to Disney! Between the music, movies, and books, it's working! So maybe if we watch the Disney Parks DVD a few times, and keep reading the WDW for kids book about the rides, Evan will be brave enough to try the rides his brother is scared of!

I just made my own POTC ringtone too, but am currently using Soarin. I also have the monorail door spiel, though I'm not brave enough to use that. Seems silly outside of WDW! Now when my phone rings, the kids yell, Soarin!

You absolutely need a co-conspirator for your E ticket rides! I hope that your son decides to stick to his guns and go on it with you! My youngest will often do things just because her big sister will not - maybe that will work for ya'll to

I agree about the Photopass - how could you not take a million pictures - no matter how many times you've been?!

Hmm, I think I can use that. I'm sure he'd love the opportunity to go on a ride with Mommy that Dylan won't go on. Evan is a Mommy's boy!

I can't imagine a trip without Photopass! I will be skipping the photobook option this time though. Now that I've gone digital for scrapbooking, just gives me more incentive to get it done, instead of using the photobook as a quick out.

for 46 days!!!!

My boys haven't seen the POTC movies yet at all. At 8 and 5 you think they are okay for them? I just see they are like rated PG13 or something so I never really even thought about it, but it seems kids their ages and younger see them so I'm starting to wonder. I'd love for them to get into it. They have seen the first Star Wars movie.

Sadly, in the past we've let our boys take over the tv in our house, and they usually protest anytime something other than what they want is on the tv. We've been reclaiming our tv, and if they don't like it, they can go in the other "toy" room and watch tv in there now. They are easily scared of things, so we never pushed things on them. DH and I were actually watching one of the POTC movies and Dylan came in at the end and showed an interest in watching, commenting on how funny Jack is. As soon as he showed that interest, I of course jumped on it, and we started watching a POTC movie on the weekends. At the same time, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean for the Wii came out, which he likes playing and also got him more interested. And wouldn't you know, now my youngest is interested too! When I heard the name Elizabeth Swan come out of his mouth, I was like, wow, you are paying attention!

I had tried getting Dylan interested in Harry Potter, but he is a bit scared by that. He doesn't seem scared by any of the POTC movies anymore, but my youngest is, or maybe he just wants to be all dramatic "cover my eyes"!

I am thinking of doing a pirates marathon this weekend! None of the kids have seen them yet. They are a tad scared. I think they'll be ok, though. I've never seen the 3rd and Scott insists that we have to watch them all in order so I get the most out of them. I wonder I'd we can get my MIL to watch the kids so we can go see the 4th in the theater. If they love the first three, perhaps well take Sophie and Ethan. Are the soundtracks very good? I'll have to check them out on iTunes. And congrats on final payments and upgrades!!! I've been dropping Dooney hints, too. They haven't been making much of a difference.

I've become a bit POTC obsessed, so I could watch them every weekend now! I agree, watch them in order. Evan was disappointed that we didn't take him, but knowing him, I wasn't sure how well he would sit through it all. He didn't mention that disappointment until after we went, he was fine with it before.

If you like POTC, then I would say the soundtracks are good. I'm addicted to iTunes, like as if I need to buy something every week. I restricted myself to buying only the soundtrack to the first movie, and 2 songs from the 3rd, Hoist the Colours, and Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho. It's only a matter of time until I listen to the rest and have them too. I've built quite the Disney music library, though I'm sure it's nothing compared to some! I love listening to Four Parks, and hearing Evan guess the ride within seconds!

I'm also creating more Disney ring tones than I'll ever use right now!

 

[teachermommy78]

If you like POTC, then I would say the soundtracks are good. I'm addicted to iTunes, like as if I need to buy something every week. I restricted myself to buying only the soundtrack to the first movie, and 2 songs from the 3rd, Hoist the Colours, and Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho. It's only a matter of time until I listen to the rest and have them too. I've built quite the Disney music library, though I'm sure it's nothing compared to some! I love listening to Four Parks, and hearing Evan guess the ride within seconds!

I'm also creating more Disney ring tones than I'll ever use right now!

Is four parks on iTunes? I've looked but didn't see it. That's one thing I really, really would like to have for the drive down. I wish I had unlimited money!

 

[Disneymomma41304]

Hi, nice to see you! I love reading about your boys! The Poly has always been a dream of ours too, after our trip in 98 at All Star Sports, and visiting the Poly for the Luau. We've been lucky going in value season and getting some great discounts. After staying at the Poly once, it was hard to even imagine staying anywhere else. Love the monorail, love walking to TTC for the Epcot monorail... It will be fun to try somewhere new though. I hope your Poly dream comes true soon, maybe while the boys are still under 3 and free admission! Mmm, Tonga Toast!

I think I have to upgrade to AP's this trip. I'm still hoping to fit in a trip in December. If not, it will be January again, but it's only a month later anyway! I really want to see Christmas decorations, we've never been there for that. I think I'll try fitting more short trips in if we have AP's. I'm already watching airfare for Labor Day weekend, but that's just wishful thinking. Next year, I'd love to go for a long weekend to the Flower and Garden Festival, maybe child free (because of school), though what a guilt trip I'd put myself through! After the initial price of the AP, I think it makes future trips easier, because now you don't have that ticket cost with each one! For us, for two trips, one week each, we would have saved over $300 with the AP, compared to buying tickets each time.

I think this is our 5th year in a row going to Myrtle Beach. We love Broadway at the Beach, and have found our "home" at the Caribbean Resort, which is on the beach, with only those few blocks between us and Broadway. We end up at Broadway almost every night, so we find it very convenient. Barefoot Landing is nice too. We always wondered what MagiQuest was, and finally tried it last year. Well that is where we will spend most of our non-beach time, for the few days we are there this year. Dylan loves it. We aren't all day beach people. By the afternoon we are back at the pools and then soon back in the room. Maybe as the kids get older it will change? Another thing I love about Myrtle Beach are the pools and lazy river! Yet while there, I still dream of Disney!



Yay, someone that will be there at the same time as us! Where are you staying?

Joining in!!!!!!!! We went o Myrtle Beach last summer for the 1st time in many many years. We live here in Florida so thats really our BEACH but we did LOVE Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach. We stayed at The Long Bay Resort. Look forward to your trip report!!!

 

[cadek]

Joining in!!!!!!!! We went o Myrtle Beach last summer for the 1st time in many many years. We live here in Florida so thats really our BEACH but we did LOVE Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach. We stayed at The Long Bay Resort. Look forward to your trip report!!!

Thanks for joining in! Yes we love Myrtle Beach. My DH suggested Ocean City MD one year, as that is where most people around us go, but I'm spoiled by Myrtle Beach! I'm like where's the lazy river! This kiddie pool! I want to be right on the beach but in more than just a room with two beds! We never did go to Ocean City. I think Long Bay Resort is one that I had considered staying at. I'm a creature of habit though, so since I found something I liked, I haven't tried anything different!