Hi DISboarders!
Not sure when, if ever, I will get the full report done, but have this of Day 1 which is mainly meets with friends, but also a bit on the Arlo opening night; same for the photos, but a few good shots of Illuminations.
Jud
___________________________
WDW- 2008 05 1-3:
39 photos at
http://webshots.com/user/ejud2001
Album <WDW 2008 05 1-3>
Day 1- After a couple of weeks of trying to get up for a trip to WDW, I finally got to it on May 1, inspired mainly by the opening of Arlo Guthrie at the Flower Power music festival at Epcot for the Flower and Garden show; but also the presence of many net friends at The World. I had already missed several I had wanted to meet up with, but just couldn't make it.
I got on the road about 1, drove down, keeping it to 55mph for best mileage, and arrived at Motel 6 Main Gate West at about 3, hit the pool, had a brief but refreshing swim/float/stretch, then laid down for a bit. Was back up about 4:15 and remembered there was a meet at 4 and headed over to Beaches and Cream at The Yacht and Beach club.
Barb waved enthusiastically as she spotted me scooting toward the table on my ECV, and the others joined her as I came more into view. Barb's DH Tony, Nikki of Spain, Traci of Kissimmee, Mendy, DH Ken and DS Payton were all there, yapping and eating their treats.
Tony cleared a chair out of the way and I pulled in and intros were made, and the conversation resumed, and I engaged young Payton with his tales of being a Jedi knight and taking on Darth Vader himself in a fabulous light saber battle! He was quite enthused with this adventure!
More chatter, favorite rides, both Nikki and Ken called PhilharMagic, which delighted me no end, given my own enthusiasm for that wonderful attraction. I had a good conversation with Tony, and in fact, despite meeting him a couple of times before, this was the first time I actually had the chance to engage him in more than hello/goodbye.
Mendy and her crew had to go and Barb called for a group shot before we broke up, and then a few ending bits. I got a couple of shots of Nikki and her unique pin trading T-shirt- the back had some neat stuff on it, so I asked her to turn so I could shoot it- and, being topical, told her to look at the camera over her shoulder like a sultry 15 year-old... Tony didn't want to be left out so decided to show his stuff... Then Nikki presented me with some British chocolate and a fridge magnet, an item I am known to collect, of her home island- beautiful!
Then four of us headed over towards Epcot, Barb and Tony breaking off at the bridge to the Boardwalk, Nikki and I continuing through the International Gateway, and then split up as I headed towards the American Pavilion and she headed to England.
As I moved through France, I called BarbB and Brenna but got an answering machine; called INDY Christine, same result. Continued on to the American Pavilion for the Arlo show, and found a space for my ECV and was trying to work my cell phone again (new to me) when the person sitting on the bench next to me was sticking her face in mine and saying hi, and lo and behold, it was Brenna! How amazing and wonderful was that!!! BarbB was next to her and a couple of other friends beside her. I recruited the lady in the ECV next to me to get our shot, and thought how amazing that I had totally randomly pulled in right next to Brenna and BarbB- and fortunate given that it turned out that her phone was not receiving calls!
We chatted, and shortly Arlo came on, first set, voice sounding like it did when he first hit the radio way back then... Arlo likes to tell stories and told a tale of a neighbor who had quite an adventure and segued into Motorcycle. Did about four songs, and that was it- no autographs this time, we were told after the second show.
We headed out together and headed to a nearby smoking area and killed the between-show time. Back in, this time to the left side and about three rows back. Second set Arlo hit a few oh-so-familiar notes and we all knew immediately we were about to hear Alice's Restaurant Massacre in four-part harmony and 27 8x10 black and white glossy photographs! He did a couple more songs, during one of which he invited any of his other family members who wanted to to come on out and join in- and a small crowd did so- all younger than Arlo, right down to a baby who really wanted the mike! Arlo is big into family it seems. His "regular" band features his son on keyboards, grandson on drums, daughter and son in law on guitar- and they did a song on their own- she has a sweet voice.
After the show, we headed over to the queue for the meet and greet. After a bit, Arlo came out the side of the stage, with a driven CM/handler running us through the line- move on, get going, we have to get through this- I got shots of him signing a groupies T-shirt- an Arlo shirt that he had signed at many locations all over the US; and one of our party who had brought her original Alice's Restaurant LP vinyl album, quite worn, but the cover still quite clear showing what looked like a child called Arlo!
When my turn came, I had nothing to sign and told Arlo that I had gotten his autograph back in '03 and this time simply wanted to thank him for the music.
Then I shot BarbB and Brenna with him and we 'moved along'... At the exit area, the girls got talking with a Canadian CM who had come over to see the show- BarbB and Brenna are from Manitoba...
From there we all moved to the nearest rest rooms, beside the American Pavilion, then were heading out, but as we passed Africa, I noticed one of the woodcarvers at work, and thought to grab a quick stop to ask him where he got the really neat adz he uses- they all use there- that I was interested in. He told me he made it himself and we started getting into it, so the girls said they were going to continue on out and I remained with Peter. I pulled out a photo of a relief carving I had done of fish, and he was quite interested in that and we got chatting for a good while. He suggested he would look around and see what he could do for me as far as the adz was concerned and I told him I would be back on the 16th. He said that sounded workable. I sure hope he remembers! I am very intrigued by this tool and its use, and anxious to give it a go! I told him I would bring a copy of my woodcarving book when I returned, which features David Masaku, his grandfather, as he is to all the carvers who carve there.
My only remaining interest was to view Illuminations, and as it was nearing time, I started seeking out a good spot. I did find a most excellent spot that I had never used before, and set my ECV and tripod right up against the fence with a completely clear view and waited for about 30 minutes chatting with a family next to me- again from Canada. Must be Canada day for me!
But these were newbies! First timers! They asked if this show was any good... LOL! This is my bestest thing at WDW! My church service! Ya, it is good. And we did have great viewing! I also tried a couple of new settings on my camera and was successful in getting some better shots.
Over, wait for the music, out, and to bed.
Not sure when, if ever, I will get the full report done, but have this of Day 1 which is mainly meets with friends, but also a bit on the Arlo opening night; same for the photos, but a few good shots of Illuminations.
Jud
___________________________
WDW- 2008 05 1-3:
39 photos at
http://webshots.com/user/ejud2001
Album <WDW 2008 05 1-3>
Day 1- After a couple of weeks of trying to get up for a trip to WDW, I finally got to it on May 1, inspired mainly by the opening of Arlo Guthrie at the Flower Power music festival at Epcot for the Flower and Garden show; but also the presence of many net friends at The World. I had already missed several I had wanted to meet up with, but just couldn't make it.
I got on the road about 1, drove down, keeping it to 55mph for best mileage, and arrived at Motel 6 Main Gate West at about 3, hit the pool, had a brief but refreshing swim/float/stretch, then laid down for a bit. Was back up about 4:15 and remembered there was a meet at 4 and headed over to Beaches and Cream at The Yacht and Beach club.
Barb waved enthusiastically as she spotted me scooting toward the table on my ECV, and the others joined her as I came more into view. Barb's DH Tony, Nikki of Spain, Traci of Kissimmee, Mendy, DH Ken and DS Payton were all there, yapping and eating their treats.
Tony cleared a chair out of the way and I pulled in and intros were made, and the conversation resumed, and I engaged young Payton with his tales of being a Jedi knight and taking on Darth Vader himself in a fabulous light saber battle! He was quite enthused with this adventure!
More chatter, favorite rides, both Nikki and Ken called PhilharMagic, which delighted me no end, given my own enthusiasm for that wonderful attraction. I had a good conversation with Tony, and in fact, despite meeting him a couple of times before, this was the first time I actually had the chance to engage him in more than hello/goodbye.
Mendy and her crew had to go and Barb called for a group shot before we broke up, and then a few ending bits. I got a couple of shots of Nikki and her unique pin trading T-shirt- the back had some neat stuff on it, so I asked her to turn so I could shoot it- and, being topical, told her to look at the camera over her shoulder like a sultry 15 year-old... Tony didn't want to be left out so decided to show his stuff... Then Nikki presented me with some British chocolate and a fridge magnet, an item I am known to collect, of her home island- beautiful!
Then four of us headed over towards Epcot, Barb and Tony breaking off at the bridge to the Boardwalk, Nikki and I continuing through the International Gateway, and then split up as I headed towards the American Pavilion and she headed to England.
As I moved through France, I called BarbB and Brenna but got an answering machine; called INDY Christine, same result. Continued on to the American Pavilion for the Arlo show, and found a space for my ECV and was trying to work my cell phone again (new to me) when the person sitting on the bench next to me was sticking her face in mine and saying hi, and lo and behold, it was Brenna! How amazing and wonderful was that!!! BarbB was next to her and a couple of other friends beside her. I recruited the lady in the ECV next to me to get our shot, and thought how amazing that I had totally randomly pulled in right next to Brenna and BarbB- and fortunate given that it turned out that her phone was not receiving calls!
We chatted, and shortly Arlo came on, first set, voice sounding like it did when he first hit the radio way back then... Arlo likes to tell stories and told a tale of a neighbor who had quite an adventure and segued into Motorcycle. Did about four songs, and that was it- no autographs this time, we were told after the second show.
We headed out together and headed to a nearby smoking area and killed the between-show time. Back in, this time to the left side and about three rows back. Second set Arlo hit a few oh-so-familiar notes and we all knew immediately we were about to hear Alice's Restaurant Massacre in four-part harmony and 27 8x10 black and white glossy photographs! He did a couple more songs, during one of which he invited any of his other family members who wanted to to come on out and join in- and a small crowd did so- all younger than Arlo, right down to a baby who really wanted the mike! Arlo is big into family it seems. His "regular" band features his son on keyboards, grandson on drums, daughter and son in law on guitar- and they did a song on their own- she has a sweet voice.
After the show, we headed over to the queue for the meet and greet. After a bit, Arlo came out the side of the stage, with a driven CM/handler running us through the line- move on, get going, we have to get through this- I got shots of him signing a groupies T-shirt- an Arlo shirt that he had signed at many locations all over the US; and one of our party who had brought her original Alice's Restaurant LP vinyl album, quite worn, but the cover still quite clear showing what looked like a child called Arlo!
When my turn came, I had nothing to sign and told Arlo that I had gotten his autograph back in '03 and this time simply wanted to thank him for the music.
Then I shot BarbB and Brenna with him and we 'moved along'... At the exit area, the girls got talking with a Canadian CM who had come over to see the show- BarbB and Brenna are from Manitoba...
From there we all moved to the nearest rest rooms, beside the American Pavilion, then were heading out, but as we passed Africa, I noticed one of the woodcarvers at work, and thought to grab a quick stop to ask him where he got the really neat adz he uses- they all use there- that I was interested in. He told me he made it himself and we started getting into it, so the girls said they were going to continue on out and I remained with Peter. I pulled out a photo of a relief carving I had done of fish, and he was quite interested in that and we got chatting for a good while. He suggested he would look around and see what he could do for me as far as the adz was concerned and I told him I would be back on the 16th. He said that sounded workable. I sure hope he remembers! I am very intrigued by this tool and its use, and anxious to give it a go! I told him I would bring a copy of my woodcarving book when I returned, which features David Masaku, his grandfather, as he is to all the carvers who carve there.
My only remaining interest was to view Illuminations, and as it was nearing time, I started seeking out a good spot. I did find a most excellent spot that I had never used before, and set my ECV and tripod right up against the fence with a completely clear view and waited for about 30 minutes chatting with a family next to me- again from Canada. Must be Canada day for me!
But these were newbies! First timers! They asked if this show was any good... LOL! This is my bestest thing at WDW! My church service! Ya, it is good. And we did have great viewing! I also tried a couple of new settings on my camera and was successful in getting some better shots.
Over, wait for the music, out, and to bed.
