Ten days of Groucho at SSR, lotsa pics

[aaronander]

 

[SamIAm21]

Groucho, I think your photos are fantastic. Your report has inspired me to take "different" types of photos on my next trip. I am going to get more creative rather than the same old pics of the same old places. I'm going to look for the smaller details, well displayed merchandise and neat signs.

Thanks for the great report and all the inspiration!

 

[Groucho]

Thanks everyone! Let's see... where did I leave off...

Ah, yes, arriving at MK for the final night. As you walk down Main St, you always see several Photopass photographers - these poor folks must get sore backs, leaning down to look at the viewfinder.

It does make me feel better about setting up a tripod, though. (Actually, I usually don't set mine up "full width" so as to try not to annoy others.)

My wife wanted to stop into the store inside the castle so we headed straight there. One thing that was kind of fun was that soon after we got there, they roped off the back of the hallway (leading into Fantasyland) to start to clear people out before the fireworks - that meant that we had the castle hall almost all to ourselves! Tripod time...

The walkways down to street level were also clear.

We headed over to Frontierland... didn't ride Big Thunder as we were trying to do no-line stuff to maximize the amount of things we could do, but I did get a night photo.

Splash Mountain at night, in "refurb" mode, so no water and a tarp blocking most of the entrance to the big drop.

We did another Jungle Cruise ride, and had a very hyper skipper. This is definitely a must-do at night if you've only ever ridden it during the day.

We weren't originally planning on it, but we figured while we were there, might as well get a spot and watch Wishes again. I managed to find a spot right near the castle and had enough room to set up the tripod just wide enough to make it stable.

We stopped through the stores then hopped on the bus back to SSR for our last night in Disney...

 

[PiperMickey]

I hate to ask, but as I am a new DVC owner you seem like the right man to ask for SSR pictures.

 

[DISNEYDUET]

Have to post so that I can keep reading! I have to go to the gym- Only 15 more pounds until fit for Disney!! And thank you for you wonderful pictures! My DH is a photographer and has really enjoyed them too! You have a good eye.

 

[tomshortridge]

Your fireworks pics are the best! Thanks!

 

[piglet50]

i agree with everyone else, your pictures are the best. those pictures of the castle are so powerful. thank you for taking the time to share them with us.

 

[MouseTriper]

Oh my...your pictures are OUTSTANDING! I LOVE all the castle shots! Wow!!!

 

[DISNEYFREAK13]

Your pictures ARE the best!!!!!

 

[Groucho]

I hate to ask, but as I am a new DVC owner you seem like the right man to ask for SSR pictures.

I'm sorry, I actually didn't take many SSR photos at all... there are many in this thread. You can find all mine by going to my gallery (link in signature) and searching for Saratoga Springs.

Coincidentally enough, though, I did take a few pictures on the final morning... here's some shots of our one-bedroom in The Springs.

Bedroom:

Bathroom:

Kitchen:

This is at the Springs bus stop.

Here's a cover in the sidewalk by the bus stop - I just thought that it was kind of interesting.

One thing I forgot to mention. One day (I think it was in the afternoon), we heard a huge amount of honking, like of car horns. I figured it was just some jerk driving along, but it kept happening... finally, into sight came a parade of the little carts that the CMs drive around the property, probably 5-6 of them in a row. On board were a bunch of Mousekeeping CMs, waving at everyone, and someone had a boombox playing music in the last cart. I have no idea what that was all about, very strange!

 

[Groucho]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the kind comments!

Oh, I forgot to finish the dining story. We had planned on Turf Club that night, but by the time we got back to SSR, it had just closed (9pm). Concierge was very helpful answering a number of questions I had about various things, and also was able to immediately help with the dining situation, and found us lunch reservations for most of the MK restaurants. On a whim, I decided to try The Plaza, where I'd never eaten before. How bad could it be? We headed over to Artist's Palette and got dinner to go and ate it back at our room while packing up.

The next morning, we got to MK and I noticed that the flag was flying at half mast...

I can only assume that this was due to the death of Iwao Takamoto, who was an animator for Disney, working on Cinderella, Peter Pan, 101 Dalmations, etc. He had died the day before.

You'll never guess what we had for breakfast! (The was for Jack!)

We did a few rides... how many times do you see photos inside Space Mountain?

In the arcade at the exit...

This was messily stuck onto one of the change machines.

Everyone gets a photo of the DVC alien...

Some more Big Thunder photos. (I like the ride, and it's easy to get good photos of!)

Here's a fellow enjoying his hot bath...

Next stop... our last table service meal - will The Plaza get the Groucho Seal of Approval? Or a big thumbs down?

 

[bbangel]

I wish this wasn't the last day. Hoping you go back soon as you take fab photos.

 

[ILuvWishes!]

I found you TR yesterday and just got caught up.

I just love your photos. My husband calls me "Flash" because I take lots of photos when I am at Disney. I have to say not as many pictures as you take. I am inspired by your photos and can't wait to take different types of photos on my next trip. Photography is a passion, but I don't have a lot of knowledge about the technical aspect of it. I see something interesting and I take a picture and that's about it. I would love to learn more. Maybe when the kids get a little older.

I will check out your gallery. I am sure it will be great.

Thanks!

 

[Groucho]

We headed over towards Main St for our lunch at...

We had a minute or two before we got in so I tried a little artsy shot...

That's a reflection in the windows of the ice cream shop.

We headed in and were seated, and initial impressions were good - it's an attractive little restaurant, nice details, cute menu, etc.

They even let us roll the stroller in and hide it behind our table, as Jack was asleep (he slept through nearly the whole meal, waking up just before we left.) Happily, the food and service were excellent and we had a great meal. I just got a regular ol' cheeseburger but it was great, much better than the usual counter-service ones. Not only that, but we got a visit from the mayor!

Along with three of his ladyfriends. Here's one of them.

They came in to give a certificate to the 100th customer, as well as visit with anyone celebrating a birthday or anniversary or other special occasion. It was really fun!

For dessert, my wife couldn't resist the Mickeylodeon...

So, a definitely thumbs-up for The Plaza! I could definitely see returning in the future.

We left and the Family Fun Day Parade was going by.

We headed towards

...and stopped into one my least favorite attractions, the Tiki Room Under New Management (just because my wife didn't remember it.) I do like this shot of a bird on the bird, though.

The opening scene isn't TOO terrible...

But once Zazu and Iago appear - bleah! It's embarrassing. Hopefully they'll put it back, like the Disneyland one, one of these days.

We stopped for some Dole Whips...

...and saw Timon.

We had to hurry to get back to SSR in time for our Magical Express bus to the airport. We spied some princesses on the way out...

...and I took a few last monorail photos.

We got back to SSR and I took a couple quick photos before heading to Bell Services.

We got to the front just before the ME bus pulled up, so I guess we had nearly perfect timing! We had an uneventful ride back and, being a Tuesday, got through security very quickly. When we got on the bus, though, Jack got pretty restless and didn't want to sit still or stay quiet. I was able to keep him mostly quiet but I know how annoying a noisy child can be on a plane.

We had a layover this time, fortunately it was a quick one (the plane was all loaded by the time we got to the gate, about 20 minutes before takeoff) and Jack was a little antsy but I was able to get him to fall asleep before too long.

We arrived back in Rochester safe and sound around 10pm and then began the task of processing the photos for putting up on the web. Now to plan the next trip (probably out to Disneyland!)

I hope you all enjoyed this TR, I had fun putting it together and appreciate all the comments and would be happy to answer any questions if you have any.

I will also add a few more "bonus" photos in the next day or so.

 

[Mischa]

Wow - the castle pics are absolutely breathtaking.

I'm definitely bringing my tripod next time!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

 

[Blaynexox]

love the trip report! AMAZING PICTURES!

 

[sammax]

I love your pictures, and you've opened my eyes to some sights that I've never noticed. I have many details to look for on my next trip.

 

[mm6mm6]

Groucho, your pics are phenomenal. Two years of photography classes are flooding my memory banks! I remember an assignment called "patterns" and you have so many awesome pics that fit that category. When we go on our cruise in two years, I am going to take some close ups and some pics of souveniers and of the signage. It's the little things that I love about the theming and you captured them so well!

Thanks for taking the time to share and enlighten!

-Steve

 

[AnninIowa]

Your photos should be published! These would be fabulous in any of the tour guide books!!

 

[Groucho]

I promised a few bonus pictures... some will have to wait as I must have taken my film to the wrong place - I now find that it might be a couple weeks to get the black & white roll developed but I have some that my wife took with her pocket camera.

Her take on the Animal Kingdom bike...

Her Lapu Lapu on the beach at the Polynesian - I attribute the extra crookedness to her having drunk some of it before taking the picture!

A fake flower at Minnie's house...

...and a real one elsewhere in MK.

For some reason, this shot (and a video she accidentally took of him getting ready) just kills me! Pete Roleum shilling for Rust-eze!

And finally, Jack dancing to Off Kilter.

Thanks again for all the kind words and comments! I will add some of the film photos once those arrive back, whenever that is.