Day #4 (Wednesday) Part 5
Initially, we had our ADR at Jiko tonight @ 8:00pm. However, when we looking thru all our dinner reservation on Monday evening, we realize every dinner ADR DW made were some where between 7:30pm to 8:15pm time frame. (I made no decision on any of the ADR at all. I swear.) So I asked DW, "Don't you want to watch the "Wishes" and/or the "illumiNations" at least once in close up?" DW said, "Sure." I then said, "With these dinner ADR schedule, I doubt it we can catch either show." Another DOH moment!!
So by Tuesday afternoon before we head over to DHS, DW called and change the ADR. Since we already went to Jiko the night before, we decided to change our Wednesday night Jiko ADR. I told DW it doesn't matter which restaurant she can book as long as we can get in at around 6:00pm and not too far from MK or within the monorail route. Our first choice was WCC at WL. Second choice was Kona Cafe at PR. After spending 15 minutes on the phone, DW came back and told me both places were booked solid at 6:00pm. Instead they got us ADR at "The Wave" in CR. Not bad for a last moment changes and a new restaurant to try out too.
By the time we got back to WL from AK, we were tired from all the walking. After a brief moment of rest, we freshen up a bit and off to "The Wave". We were just too spoiled from staying at WL. A quick boat ride and we were at CR in no time. Maybe it's our luck, every time we got to the boat dock, the boat is already there waiting for us to board. It doesn't matter which side we take. I couldn't get a taxi that quick in Manhattan. LOL...
The Wave is a very modern restaurant. There is really no theme particular, at least not to my eyes. The entrance was pretty cool looking.
Once we walked inside, I notice it was very dark. I think this is set up more for a romantic evening dinner. After we check-in, we were seated within matter of minutes. The dining room was large but only a few tables were occupied. Once we sat down, the CM came and took our drink order.
DW only wants a boring soda. Me of course has to be different and order another smoothie but I can't remember what flavor.
After the CM came back with our drinks, she proceed and explain every thing on the menu. She was a chatty one. I think she probably can recite every thing in that menu from front to back.
For appetizer, we both had the same thing, Lump Crab Cake - Pan-seared with crispy papaya slaw and balsamic glaze. DW is a big fan on crab cake. I thought it was pretty good too.
Main course, DW order the Grilled Pork Tenderloin - made with pineapple rice, wilted greens and black bean sauce, I think.
For me, I had the Pan-seared Stripe Bass served with corn and edamame stew and cilantro chutney.
I am not a seafood person and I am just tired of red meat by now. Not to mention, I have not have Sea Bass for over a decade so I want to try something new. I have to say, the fish was much better than I anticipate.
After main course was over, we barely have room for desert any more. But since we have the DXDP, we might as well. DW has the freshly crafted sorbets - Lemon-basil, pineapple and strawberry.
For me, I had the decadent flavors - Blueberry compote with yogurt gelato, Lemon cornbread with vanilla panna cotta and Chocolate mousse with salted caramel sauce. Mmmmm.... It was very good but not enough.
As soon as dinner was over, we got on to the monorail and head over to MK. We arrived at about 7:30pm. The park was mobbed with people. We couldn't even get near the castle area. Instead, we choose to stay by the flag pole area in front of the train station. I had my tripod set up and plug in the remote shutter trigger. I thought I was at the some what decent position for the firework. Then some one decide to stand up right in front of my camera. Arghhh... I guess I looked invisible to this man or he forgot to bring an extra pair of eyes behind his head.
Fortunately, we were pretty far back from the castle, so I tilted the camera angle up a bit higher and problem solved, some what. Thank goodness for the wide angle lens.
I have never shoot firework pictures before so this is a first for me. Not knowing what to expect, I was shooting everything in guess mode. Once Wishes began, I just keep setting off the shutter once every few seconds. I have to do some "chimping" in between shots and then adjust the shutter timing to my liking. (In digital photography term, "chimping" means you check you shots from the LCD screen after you took a series of shots.) I took a whooping 129 pictures. Unfortunately, majority are pretty bad. Only a few made the cut. Even that, I am not too happy about it. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to night time firework photography. I took this as a sign for me to go back for more practice.
Here are the one that made the cut. Not exactly the best but hopefully, with practice it will improve.
Even DW was getting into the mood. Unfortunately, she has to shoot it hand held with her P&S. So everything became some what of a blur. Here are some of her shots.
As soon as Wishes was over, the sea of people were leaving the park immediately. I swear, there must be over a million people pouring directly towards us. I told DW let's stay put and wait out since we were in no rush to go back to WL. In about good 20 minutes, the crowd finally thin out. We proceed to go towards the castle instead. By then, main street began to empty out. So I took advantage and took a few shot of the empty castle.
After that, I headed over to Tomorrowland entrance to get some neon light shot and some close up of the castle. Again, I have no idea what I was doing but it turns out okay. Not spectacular but okay.
Finally, after spending another 30 minute shooting in the dark. DW and I had enough. Not to mention temperature has dropped dramatically. We were getting chilly from that point. So we packed everything up and took our boat ride back to WL. During the boat ride, we ran into the lagoon light show. At that point, I just want to go back to our room because we were freezing. Burrr....
We made one more stop before we went back to our room. Since we saw the Wishes, now we want to see the illumiNations also. So we stop at Artist Point to change our tomorrow's ADR from 7:05pm to 5:30pm. Thank goodness they have an opening for our changes. We were set.
Then when we got back to our room, DW jumped into the hot shower immediately. I snugged back out and do my WL indoor photo session. I have tried every trick in my book but all the pictures were still come out underexpose no matter what. It was driving me up the wall. After about 30 minutes of trying with a dozen of configuration and setup; faster lens, longer exposure time, flash, no flash and remote flash. Nothing work. I finally gave up and left with a lot of frustration. I guess tomorrow is another day.
Anyway, here are my some what okay shot.
By the time I got back into the room, DW was already sleeping like a log. I quietly snugged back in. Took my shower and then fell asleep within matter of seconds. It was a very very long day for this tired body. I then realize I was up and about since 6:00am until close to midnight. That's 18 hours of "Power Disney". It certain wore me out. Zzzzzz....
I will do my best to bring Disney to you in the mean time.
That's too funny. I probably need it too.
Thank you for reading.
