What a disaster!!

[tiggrbaby]

LOVE the old pics!!! Isn't great to have them to look back at the past?

Thanks for sharing with us!

 

[4EverFigment]

Your photos are lovely but what I'm really appreciating is your joy! I know the DIS is full of happy Disney-ites, but there are some that really make the extra effort and you're right there with 'em.

mecllap is my mom...and over my lifetime, and my son's, the family has gotten used to being on the receiving end of her camera's lens We now try to shoot more unique images, because we learned that we were duplicating each other's photos just at a slighty different angle! (I'm taller and am usually standing maybe 2-3 feet away when we take the same picture.) Looking at all your wonderful images is inspiring me to branch out even more for those unusual moments that really capture the spirit of the family's time together at the happiest place on earth!

Here's my example of a trip report with "different" photos. Like you have Ted, we have Figgy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2052978

We live in Asheville, which is about 5 hours from Raleigh in the western mountains. Too bad we're too far away to plan a mini-meet when you come to visit your family here in NC.

Your TR is great and I can't wait to read the continuing story, as you have the time to update! (We're headed down next in June, and November and your stories are really making me want to go sooner!!)

 

[debit34]

That picture came straight out of this camera.

Which Nikon is that? P80? I just bought a P90, can't tell if I like it yet. The LCD screen is terrible but maybe that is because of the 12 MP? I'm going to print out some pictures today and see how they look.

Awesome pictures and great trip report!!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Been following along quietly but your Ted story brought me out of lurkdom. Loving your pictures but most of all loving your love of Disney!

Power Disney!

 

[MadiMouse]

Awwww...The Ted Story is really nice!

I loved the pics from the 90's. I don't think I could post my pics from 1980.

 

[topdog]

I kinda figured that about the filter. I have a Canon XTi. I am really still learning the ropes with it. I tend to hibernate during the winter, and my indoor lighting stinks, so no practice for me.

Well...spring is already here. Go out there and shoot and have some fun. I stinks on indoor too. My camera has a hard time focusing when there is not enough light. Perhaps I need to upgrade with a more advance camera.

I had to add, I love the Ted story!! Will we get to see Ted this trip too?

Thank you. If you want to, I will post a few Ted's picture some time later.

The Ted story made me get all misty. Your DW is one lucky lady.

Awww...don't cry. It's a happy story.

Ted . . . what a sweet story. I'm hoping you take pictures of him when he's on vacation!

Hoping for more TR this weekend!

Yes. Ted has some vacation pictures. I will find some more old one plus add some new one. Probably the only trip he didn't go with us was our Aruba trip a year and a half ago. DW thought taking Ted thru the custom might cause a problem.

 

[topdog]

Love the 1995 pics. I remember when the characters used to be hanging around the countries in matching outfits. We have a great ones of Minnie in China, Pluto in Mexico, but my Goofy pic is wearing a kilt in UK. I guess they don't do this anymore.

I also love the hair!!!

Love the "Ted" story too. My "Ted" is named Cozy. He doesn't travel with us though. DH won't let me bring him because he is afraid something would happen to him. No, I have no idea what he thinks might happen.

Waiting patiently for more!!

Yes. That Goofy picture was my favorite. I have not seen any of the character dress like that at EPCOT at our last 2 trip.

Glad you like the hair. It used to be longer.

I wasn't going to tell the "Ted" story because I thought it was kind of silly. How do I explain to people when they see a middle age Asian carrying a stuff bear walking around the resort. So I always hide me inside my bag or take him out for photo shoot at early in the morning when no one is around.

 

[topdog]

great story about ted and loved the photos. am loving your trip report.

Thank you. Glad you join us for the ride.

Topdpg, your DW loves Ted because of the meaning that is attached to him. For me it is a necklace my DH gave me for our first valentines day in high school, just a couple of weeks after we had started dating. I still wear daily 19 years later. If anything happened to it I'd be heart broken. Your DW feels the same way- you are blessed.

I love the old pics from WDW. Goofy is my favorite character and I have never seen him in the costume you have. Just goes to show how Disney keeps changing thigs to keep it fresh for its repeat travelers.

Can't wait to read the next installment.

So you married your high school sweet heart. That's sweet.

I have not seen Goofy dress like than since that trip. Wish they still do.

LOVE the old pics!!! Isn't great to have them to look back at the past?

Thanks for sharing with us!

I love old pictures, especially the b/w one. Glad you like my old pictures.

 

[topdog]

Your photos are lovely but what I'm really appreciating is your joy! I know the DIS is full of happy Disney-ites, but there are some that really make the extra effort and you're right there with 'em.

mecllap is my mom...and over my lifetime, and my son's, the family has gotten used to being on the receiving end of her camera's lens We now try to shoot more unique images, because we learned that we were duplicating each other's photos just at a slighty different angle! (I'm taller and am usually standing maybe 2-3 feet away when we take the same picture.) Looking at all your wonderful images is inspiring me to branch out even more for those unusual moments that really capture the spirit of the family's time together at the happiest place on earth!

Here's my example of a trip report with "different" photos. Like you have Ted, we have Figgy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2052978

We live in Asheville, which is about 5 hours from Raleigh in the western mountains. Too bad we're too far away to plan a mini-meet when you come to visit your family here in NC.

Your TR is great and I can't wait to read the continuing story, as you have the time to update! (We're headed down next in June, and November and your stories are really making me want to go sooner!!)

Thank you for reading. Glad you like my pictures. Now we got another family member join in. Even better.

It's fun to have a partner to take pictures together. My best friend and I travel all over just to take pictures like races or air show. Now DW begins to understand why we do that all the time.

I did do a quick glance at your TR. That was cute with figgy all over the place. I wish I have to courage to do that but no sure how other people see me placing a stuff bear around to take pictures. They might thought I am a loon.

I would love to go to Ashville and Smokey Mountain state park some day. I've been wanted to visit the Biltmore house for a very long time. I was studying Architect as my major since I was in high school. And the Grand Father bridge, I think that's what it called, heard that was beautiful too. That would be cool we can able to have a mini-meet.

Twice to Disney in the same year. That's got to be very exciting.

 

[topdog]

Which Nikon is that? P80? I just bought a P90, can't tell if I like it yet. The LCD screen is terrible but maybe that is because of the 12 MP? I'm going to print out some pictures today and see how they look.

Awesome pictures and great trip report!!

Yes. That is a P80. I don't care about the LCD screen that much because I hardly use it. P90 is very new so maybe there is a little different.

Thank you. Glad you like the pictures and TR.

Been following along quietly but your Ted story brought me out of lurkdom. Loving your pictures but most of all loving your love of Disney!

Power Disney!

So glad you came out and join the ride. Glad you like the pictures.

Power Disney!! Ha! Ha! I guess my DW just invented a catchy phase.

Awwww...The Ted Story is really nice!

I loved the pics from the 90's. I don't think I could post my pics from 1980.

Thank you. I don't think I like any of my 80s pictures either. LOL...

 

[topdog]

I was surprise no one pick this up.

Did anyone notice the "brick" I was carrying on my waist in the Goofy picture. It was the state of the art cell phone at the time. What a difference and how technology has changed in 14 years.

 

[topdog]

Day #5 (Thursday) Part 1

It's barely 6:00am. I can barely open my eyes. My whole body felt like it has been ran over by a Mack truck. DW was still sleeping. I dragged my sorry behind up and slowly mosey over to the bathroom to take my morning shower. When the water hit my body, I can feel every square inch of my body was aching including my skull. (Okay, so I exggerated a little but it does hurt.) My legs felt the worst. My shin, my calves and my feet were sore. By-product of Power Disney. After a hot shower, I felt some what better and my energy level was running low. DW got up and took her shower after me.

I told DW I will wait for her at the lobby because I want to take my little ultra mobile PC and try to see if I can connect to the wifi. That turns out to be a dud. I got the signal but I can't log on. After a few try, I gave up. I thought maybe that is something I didn't set up right on my UMPC. So I was jealously looking at other people surfing at their laptop. Grrr...

By the time DW came down to the lobby, it was about 7:00am and our ADR at Trail's End this morning is at 7:30am. Timing was perfect. We got to the boat dock and the boat was already there waiting. It's a little cool and sky was grey. I was a little worry about it might rain.

The boat stop at CR first and then the FW campground which is where we got off. It was only a short walk to the Trail's End restaurant from the boat dock. Not bad.

Once we got to TE, I don't see a line waiting to get in. (I already got some bad vibe from that point.) The Trail's End set up was a little odd from what I can see. The waiting area is outside the restaurant including the host check-in desk. We approached to the CM and gave her our ADR information. (She does not appear to be a happy camper that morning. Maybe it's because of the weather, I don't know. That were nobody at the line but us.) She checked the computer and led us into the restaurant.

We walked in and we sat at our table and we wait and wait and wait and wait. After about good 15 minutes, our CM, a much older gentleman came and told us he's our waiter that morning. Then proceed to explained what's in the buffet and took our drink order. We only want orange juice and coffee that morning. Nothing fancy. After that, DW went ahead to get her food and I stayed behind to watched our stuff as usual.

While DW was getting her food, I looked around and observed. There were hardly any customers there even at the prime breakfast hour. (Another bad vibe.) One thing I do notice was majority of the customers were senior citizens. Only a few table were younger couple with kids. We are already in our middle age but I would say we were consider the younger couple there that morning. I thought, maybe it has something to do with the location of the restaurant which is right in the middle of a campground. Most of their customers came with RV or mini van for camping. Therefore, I guess they must be either retired couple or family with kids who wants to camp.

Finally, DW came back with her food and it's my turn now. Breakfast buffet is breakfast buffet. You have fruit, pastry, eggs, sausage, french toast, pancake, potatoes...you know, the usual.

So I loaded up my plate and head back to my table. Food was only so so at best and luke warm. Nonetheless, I was hungry so I didn't really care. I inhaled as much food as I possibly can. (The Mickey waffle still taste the best even though it was only luke warm.) However, both DW and I thought this might be our last time to visit TE.

After breakfast was over, we walked over to the gift shop next door for our treasure hunt but it wasn't open yet. So we head back to the boat dock and took the next ride back to WL. We weren't quite sure what we want to do today so we were moving like a couple of molasses. First we walked around the WL gift shop and then strolled over to the Villa to see the Disney museum. Unfortunately, they were having some kind of construction at the lobby. So everything was moved around. The center of the lobby was completely covered up. Therefore no picture of the Villa lobby. Actually, that was a good thing.

We walked over to the side room which is where the Disney museum at. I tried to take a few shot but it was horrible. Every single shot was blurry. I was not happy. Maybe because of lack of sleep and my hand shake too much?!? I guess I should've brought my tripod with me but I was too lazy and too tired to run back upstair to retrieve it. After our Villa visit, DW want to go back upstair to use the bathroom. So we went back up and while I was waiting, I took a short snooze at the balcony. Zzzzz...

When DW was ready, we decided to go back to DHS first because we want to go for a few ride and start picking up some souvenir there. Then come back to WL for dinner afterward. Then go head back out to EPCOT for illumiNations or SpectroMagic, whatever you call it. Sound like a plan. Little do I know this plan turns out to be my darkest day in Disney. More stressful than the camera bag incident.

Before I even get to that part, let me rewind the clock for a bit. When we were at MK a few days ago, I already bought some souvenir from the Emporium and took advantage of their promotion. I bought a little over $35 worth of merchandise and got a Mickey watch for $15. The CM at the Emporium told us we don't have to purchase everything at once for the promotion. We can accumulate our purchase at gift shop from different parks and resorts to take advantage of the promotion. But then we got a different story from the WL gift shop telling us promotion work only accumulate the purchase from gift shop that at the same park or resort. That turn out to be wrong also. Arghh...

Now that I set the stage, the bad day has just begun. So stay tune...

 

[WDWAtLast]

No fare leaving us hanging!!! We will be imagining all sorts of terrible things that happened to you!

About your 1995 trip - that was also our first trip to Disney and WL - for our second Anniversary!! We were there in May and also ate with Chip, Dale and Goofy at AP!!! But we did 4 days of Disney and a 3 day Carnival Cruise. The cruise was a let down after Disney - but we did get to see the Disney cruise ship in dock. It was scheduled to make it's first voyage later that year!

 

[4EverFigment]

to take pictures. They might thought I am a loon.

I would love to go to Ashville and Smokey Mountain state park some day. I've been wanted to visit the Biltmore house for a very long time. I was studying Architect as my major since I was in high school. And the Grand Father bridge, I think that's what it called, heard that was beautiful too. That would be cool we can able to have a mini-meet.

Twice to Disney in the same year. That's got to be very exciting.

When you come to Asheville, we'll have to make plans. I work at Biltmore and would love to show someone around who would truly appreciate it.

And you have to bring Ted. Our local baseball team's mascot is Ted E. Tourist, and he's a big bear! I wasn't afraid of looking silly carrying my stuffed animal around and posing him for photos...I love the opportunity to talk with new people and he's a great conversation starter. We have a saying in our family, 'never met a stranger,' and we're all like that...outgoing, talkative, friendly, and we love to meet new people from other places.

We are actually brand-new DVC owners, this year we're annual passholders at WDW, and twice in one year is super exciting! But you keep up with your TR because it's making us really look forward to June, and we'll return the favor when we get home of course!

 

[DisneyTinkerbell]

Day #3 (Tuesday) Part 4

By 4:00pm, we left DHS but we are not ready to go back to WL yet. We do have an ADR at Ohana' at 8:00pm tonight. So we decided to pick one of the resort we've never been at and go check it out. We picked POP Century. It was quite a far from DHS to POP. I guess I was spoiled from staying at WL for being so close to everything. We only stop by the POP Century lobby and check out their gift shop.

Then we went to check out the pool. It was quite a different theme compare to WL. Of course, I did my silly picture again.

We walked around at POP as much as we possibly could. We decided to go to MK instead. We hopped on the bus and MK here we go. Once we got to MK, the sun was about to set and I ran down main street to re-take another sunset castle picture.

Too bad the sky was too cloudy.

After that, we headed back through main street and went for a short train ride. When we rode the train on Monday, it got too dark too fast. This time, we got to see where we were passing.

We got off at the Toontown area and walked toward the back of the castle area because I want some pictures with different perspective of the castle.

I put on my fisheye lens and try from a different angle. Don't know if I have achieve or not but I did some how turn the Cinderella Castle into more of a haunted castle, especially the first one.

It wasn't easy shooting these pictures. I stood under the castle facing away from the castle and then bend over backward to get the angle. My DW told me people around me were looking at me like I was an alien. I guess it's not every day you see a 6 foot Asian taking picture in such odd position.

After that, I switch back to my normal wide angle lens and also put on a cross wire filter, just to switch things up a bit. The filter did create a nice sparkle look.

I kept switching with different set up to see how it work out for a good hour until the sky went completely dark.
Here is another spooky one.

Here is a wild looking one.

Here are some not so good ones.

Even DW was getting into the photography mood. She was determine to get a good shot on the castle water reflection. Even with only a P&S and no tripod, she did fairly well. These shots are her own creation only. Not bad for a beginner.

This is the very first time my DW and I were doing photography together. It was quite fun. Every time DW feels like she find the right angle, she would get all excited and yelled across the park to ask me come over. Of course I also have to coach DW some of the photography terminology along the way like what's ISO, what is noise and how it gets there or how to get a better perspective of the subject. Obviously, DW is not going to learn every thing about photography in 5 minutes. But at least now she somewhat understand what it takes to get a good shot. More importantly, she learned how I see the world frame by frame.

WOW!!!! The pictures with the fireworks are some of the most incredible pictures I have ever seen of the castle.

 

[annie1995]

Urg, you left us all hanging for the night!! Seriously thats not fair. Can't wait for the rest of the story. I hope it wasn't really that bad for you though. I wanted to ask you too, do you shoot in Raw? What photo editing software are you using? I have PS Elements 4.0 and really haven't figured it out yet. I guess I need a dumbed down version for me

 

[desparatelydisney]

Day #3 (Tuesday) Part 4
Once we got to MK, the sun was about to set and I ran down main street to re-take another sunset castle picture.

Too bad the sky was too cloudy.

Awesome color!!

 

[cherokeemamma]

Hi TopDog

Hope you and DW are having a great weekend. I live outside of Atlanta and it has rained and rained here. We needed it really badly but I must say I am tired of the rain. Is it making its way up north toward you?

Love your older pictures. My son loves Goofy too. I also just loved the story about Ted. So sweet.

As far as the TR goes I am anxious to know what happens next...
Looking forward to your next installment

 

[BellaBaby]

Anxiously awaiting the next installment!!

Love, love , love the Ted story!!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

You sound exhausted

I'm not sure I understand about the promotion that you talked about. I will wait for more.

I was thinking about trying TE for breakfast this next trip. Maybe I won't.