Through my Children's Eyes!

As I sit in chilly North Carolina because of a couple (so far) days off of work due to the weather, I find myself thinking about my family's upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. I actually gave my children a homework assignment to write down what they like/love the most about each of the parks at WDW. My two oldest had work to do for school, however, they found it more fun to do my homework, go figure. Before we look into their lists let me introduce myself again to you the readers. I am what I prefer to be called a Disney Geek, some prefer "nerds." My purpose is to share with the reader my "addiction" to Walt Disney World. I am NOT a Disney employee or associated with "on a professional basis" a travel agency or agent. The thoughts and reflections found in this blog are from me and my family. The opinions come from visiting WDW five times since 2008 with number six coming in April.

Okay, with that out of the way let us look at my children's have to say about each of the parks. I shall say that my youngest is a boy of few words BUT he does have have his own opinions. When I asked him "what is your favorite thing about Disney Wyatt?", he responded with his pat answer "E-cot." This is Wyatt speak for anything Disney World. When I show him a picture of Cinderella's castle, the Tree of Life, Spaceship Earth, or any other Disney icon he responds with "E-cot." So in his opinion he likes it all. Somedays I really would like to know what he experiences at "E-cot." On to my oldest,

Nick gave me a list broken down into each park with a small hand-drawn icon them all of the park lists included two things; food and family time. Food was a given for my sixteen year old but it made me happy to see family-time on there. Other things in the Magic Kingdom include Barnstormer, Splash Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. The Barnstormer as I have posted before is Nick and my traditional roller-coaster. We rode this one as our first roller-coaster back in 2008 and have not missed riding it together in our trips back. In EPCOT he likes the futuristic theme, World Showcase lands as well as Spaceship Earth. In Animal Kingdom he added the chance to see real animals, Kali River Rapids, and the Kilimanjaro Safari. Finally in Disney Hollywood Studios he included street performers (especially two knuckleheads known as Buddy and Sparky) and Muppet Vision 3D.

Now for a girl's touch. Corri Rae, my only daughter, gave me a poster with each park labled and a splatter painted set of Mickey ears. For Magic kingdom she chose the following; the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom interactive game, the Festival of Fantasyland parade, the Crystal Palace, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. At EPCOT Corri chose the following; Agent P's World Showcase interactive game, Jorney Into Imagination with Figment, the American Adventure, and the EPCOT fireworks. At Animal Kingdom Corri and Nick had some of the same choices in Kali River Rapids and Kiliminjora Safari but added Rainforest Cafe, Finding Nemo the musical and the Festival of the Lion King. Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios Corri and Nick agreed on Muppet Vision 3D nd she added The Great Movie Ride, Lights Motors Action show as well as Toy Story Mania game.

My co-authors on this entry were Wyatt James a ten year old boy who is my ride guy (he is more daring than his older two siblings), Corri Rae a thirteen year old "diva" not really, she likes the performances and shows plus shopping, and then there is Nick, my oldest a sixteen year old boy who I hope never loses his love for Disney as I hope for all my children.

Barnstormer

Rainforest Cafe

Muppet Vision 3D

E-COT...

Photography at Walt Disney World

I have a confession to make. This post will not have any photos except at the bottom of the post is a link to a page with many Walt Disney World photos (some of which you have seen before). Now that I have the formalities out of the way let me get to my point with this post. I am NOT a professional photographer, yet I do know a bit about photography. Also, I am not a Disney expert, however I do know a bit about the subject, especially Walt Disney World. So, when I blend the two I can give you advice based on my experiences. Remember, this is only an opinion.

First of all, I should warn you that I might speak in photography lingo so if you have more questions please leave a comment. What camera equipment should I take to WDW? I have been asked this before and I have hopefully come up with the answer that fits most. Take what you are comfortable with. Disney World is not the place to experiment with new equipment. If you have never used a DSLR don't buy one the day before the trip and expect to capture great photos when you are lining up your shot of the castle or jostling for position on the parade route. If you want to get a camera for the trip get it before time and use it at home first, play with the settings etc.. If it is not possible to do that then stick with your current camera or one like it. I have seen wonderful images from a iPhone as well as a full-frame DSLR and the opposite is true, I have seen blurry, noisy, photos from both.
When I say "noisy" I mean that grainy look of some photos... sometimes noise or grain adds to the artistic feel of the photo but not always. So the answer is take a camera you are comfortable with and IF it is a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) limit your lenses. I take a wide angle lens for photos of the castle or other park icons, a good zoom as a "walk-about" lens that stays on my camera most of the time and my macro lens for closeups of the details of the park. I also have a longer zoom lens that I take when I go to Animal Kingdom for pics of the animals. DISCLAIMER, my longer zoom stays mainly in the hotel room.  Tripods, the only need for them are if you plan on taking photos of the fireworks or photos at night. Another  thing I would make sure you have enough memory cards (I usually use two large 16 GB cards per park) and extra batteries and charger if applicable. I take my laptop and download any photos I took that day on it to save memory space on my cards. There are stores in the parks if you need extra memory cards or batteries but they usually cost more than at your local Wal-Mart or Best Buy.

Second question I usually get is what to shoot? The options are endless from iconic castles, trees, statues, and a huge geometric sphere (at EPCOT). There are the characters and other photo opportunities at almost anywhere on Disney property. I said awhile ago that Disney is best at the details and those details make great photo opportunities. I would be amiss if I didn't tell you that there are some places (dark rides etc...) that do not allow flash photography so know how to turn off your flash. Again, shoot what you want but be courteous of your surroundings.

Last question. With the Disney photographers already taking photos in the park why take your own? Your own are your own and they are yours forever. Photopass photographers, although very courteous, still charge for their photos (you buy them online). I still use the photopass photographers and they are sometimes willing to use your camera so you can get in the pics also. Another thing that is great about the photographers is that they usually are near the best views so line up near them and shoot away. One thing I should tell you is not to take a photo of Goofy or Donald or whichever character with someone elses child or some other family member, wait for a clear character only shot. I always ask for a shot of just the character after my family is done and they really know how to ham it up.

I hope this helps and as I said here is a link to a few of my photos from our latest trip in April.

Dragstrem Photos

Random Thoughts

It has been since July that I have tortured my readers (the few that there are) with another Disney post but that does not mean I have forgotten you.

My life has changed a lot since the last post on July 30, 2014. Number one there is a lot less of me. On August 7, 2014 I went to the doctors and weighed in at around 250 pounds, just last week I weighed 212 pounds on two different scales. I have to go back to doc in two weeks and I might be taken off some of my medication I might be taken off some of the medication he put me on and I might be allowed to increase my carb count. On August 7 I was not sure what carbs were but now I know what they are and I know that I LOVE them. I celebrated the twenty-first anniversary of my twenty-ninth birthday on October 12, 2014 and  I am also contemplating a career change.

Today I am going to shoot from the hip, so to say, and talk Disney. What I am sharing with you is not to be construed as what you must do but it is, as always, an "OPINION." So here it goes.

My ideal trip to WDW would be a two week trip with at least ten days in the parks in able to get two full days in all four parks with an extra in both EPCOT and MK and have days in order to explore other options like a water park and resort hopping (tour other resorts on property) plus to enjoy the resort I am staying at to the fullest. I told you this post will be random.

It costs $41 for a ticket to Carowinds plus an extra $50 for a Fast Pass + which allows you to skip ahead in lines for the rides. So a day at Carowinds before you get in the gates costs $91, three dollars cheaper than a one-day ticket at either EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and/or Disney Hollywood Studios and eight dollars cheaper than a ticket to Magic Kingdom and any of those Disney parks offer Fast-Pass options in the park at no extra cost. Hmmmm, Carowinds for a day or Disney World for a day, what would you choose. Do not mention the food costs. They both are outrageous however, if you ever enjoyed a Dole Whip or Turkey Leg while walking down Main Street USA you will know the difference is in the taste.

Another thing, Disney cast-members are way too nice. If you ever have experienced the courtesy of a Disney employee you are scarred for life when you realize that it is an unrealistic goal to obtain for other service industry folks.

Everyone should take a monorail to work,  "Por favor, mantengase alejado de las puertas." Please stand clear of the door. 

I am wondering if my planning of our next Disney trip landed exactly one-hundred days after Christmas was just a weird coiincedence or was it part of a bigger plan. I am going with coiincedence right now.  Don't forget you were warned in the title that these were "random" thoughts. 

I am not sure how I feel about the Sorcerers Hat leaving Disney Hollywood Studios, I remember when it wasn't there and that the park was known as MGM Studios.

Right now I have a cute little boy named Wyatt who wants me to get off the computer and spend some time with him so I will. Here are some pics I recently edited from our last trip.

The hat is leaving Disney Hollywood Studios

I liked it, didn't love it... but it did make for some cool photos...

OKAY I WANT TO GO! How Much will it cost?

This is a post which is NOT based on opinion, it comes with much research and the prices I quote are directly from the WDW website. Here is what I did, first of all I put in was the dates I plan on traveling this next year (2015). Next I told them about my traveling party (Jule, I and the three kiddos) along with their ages at the time of traveling. I then put no preference for the resort and then hit search. Up popped all of the resorts that met our requirements and the I filtered them by cost low-high. The following is a list of the ten resorts from the lowest cost to the higher cost. My dates I chose were from April 4, 2015 to April 10, 2015 with a seven day base ticket. I did NOT include a dining plan with the cost. For a family of five here are the top ten bargains at WDW Resorts. Each of these prices are for Standard Rooms that fit at least five people or the cheapest option for the resort.

1. Campsites at Fort Wilderness ($2,636.86)
2. Port Orleans Riverside ($3,581.74)
3. All Star Music Resort ($4,268.02)
4. Cabins at Fort Wilderness ($4,668.58)
5. Art of Animation ($4,763.02)
6. Beach Club Resort ($5,539.30)
7. Villas at Grand Floridian ($6,180.58)
8. Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House ($6,484.30)
9. Bay Lake Towers ($6,835.30)
10. Disney's Yacht Club ($6,977.02)

I chose to research the resort bargains for a family of five for personal reasons but not everyone has that many people or have more people. (maybe I will research how much it would cost for parties more than five) I did pretty much the same process as above but included only two children instead of all three. So the next list is the top ten bargains for a family of four all over the age of ten.

1. Campsites at Fort Wilderness ($2,290.40)
2. three way tie All Star Resorts (Movies, Music, and Sports) ($2,646.92) *All Star Music Resort is one of only two "Value Resorts" that offer Suites for families larger than four. This room would be a standard room...
5. Pop Century Resort ($2,749.28)
6. Caribbean Beach Resort ($3,046.40)
7. Port Orleans French Quarter ($3,248.84)
8. Coronado Springs ($3,269.12)
9. Port Orleans Riverside ($3,437.84)
10. Cabins at Fort Wilderness ($4,322.12)
*11. Art of Animation ($4,416.56) I am not sure why this is considered in the Value Resort category? (more on that later)

Of course there is much more to consider when you plan your trip to Walt Disney World but hopefully this helps. I have done some additional research and possibly could help you more. For a family of five staying six nights and seven days on property you would add another $1,819.20 to your bill for a Dining Plan which would give you the following : One Table Service Meal per person per night. One Quick-Service Meal per person per night. One Snack per person per night and a refillable mug. I will also quote the price for the Deluxe Dining Plan (add two more Table Service Meals and Snacks per person per night) This plan would add an extra $3,285.90 to the original quote without the dining plan or $1,466.70 more than the Basic Dining Plan. There is also what they call a Quick-Service Plan and then there is the Premium Dining Plan which is above and beyond the Deluxe Dining Plan.
Personally, we have done both the Basic and the Deluxe Dining Plan and the first family trip we paid out of pocket and for us it is better to have a plan.
 I hope this helps? I was surprised at the Art of Animation price compared to some resorts that are not in the Value Resort category.

It is HOT!

Hmmmmm? I am in Central Florida, in the summer months, and I am surprised that it is hot. Does anything seem strange about this last statement?
Yes, it can get warm at Walt Disney World. It can also be HOT and humid. However, if you take some precautions you can still enjoy your time at the "Most Wonderful Place on Earth!"

1. SUNSCREEN and H2O (lots of it)
2. Dress in light colors and COMFORTABLE shoes...
3. Plan ahead using your FastPass + (download apps that show wait times for attractions)
4. Shows are air conditioned...
5. take a break in the afternoon if time allows...

Number one is a must. Make sure you apply and re-apply the sunscreen and you hydrate yourself regularly. Even if you tan well the Central Florida sun is intense so keep the sunscreen near you. Number two is almost as important as number one. A light colored t-shirt and shorts plus good walking shoes are a must. I one time saw a group of ladies who were in long black, yes I said black, dresses and the same color head dress and veils in the Magic Kingdom and I felt so sorry for them. I know it was for cultural purposes but I knew they must have been miserable.

As I continue and we look at the remaining "suggestions" number three is for those of you who are staying onsite. To avoid the lines plan ahead and use the FastPass + choices for the long line attractions.  There are usually some rides that don't need FastPasses although they offer them, It's a Small World in the Magic Kingdom "usually" does not need one, however 2014 happens to be the 50th anniversary of the attraction (debuted at the 1964 World's Fair) so it has been more crowded than usual but still there are down times and if you are connected with the wait time app you can catch those times. There are some musts for FastPass such as Toy Story Mania, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Soarin' plus others. However, if you have a Frozen addict in your party whose trip would be ruined if they could not see Anna and Elsa you MUST use one of your FastPass + choices for that character meet and greet (at least currently) wait times have been known to last over four hours which would take away a huge chunk of your day unless you used the Fast Pass. I am just grateful that I didn't have to make that decision. When we went in April I saw the sign that read 200 minutes as we passed it on our way to It's a Small World and it's ten minute wait.

Air conditioning blasts in all of the gift-shops and indoor rides, shows, exhibits. Know which ones are least crowded and you have a way not only to beat the heat but an entertaining way. My favorite ones are the Carousel of Progress in the Magic Kingdom, Great Movie Ride and Muppet's 3D in Hollywood Studios, Spaceship Earth and Figment's Journey into Imagination at EPCOT. Animal Kingdom has many little shops and shaded areas to beat the heat.

Finally take a break. Especially with little ones plan a time to escape back to the resort and relax at the pool or take a nap during the heat of the day. Although, I would suggest if you have never done it to catch the Festival of Fantasyland Parade at the Magic Kingdom which shows at 3:00 pm daily. The ideal day would be to arrive at opening of a park and break around 3:00 pm, except for the aforementioned parade, and return to the park around 7:00 pm and stay until the park closes. We always say this is going to be our plan but it never works out that way.  Just remember, it is HOT, especially during the summer months. Reminder the summer weather in Central Florida could come early and it doesn't really ever get frigid so these "suggestions" could be year round ones.

Sometimes these tikis spit water another way to stay cool:)

An airconditioned gift shop cannot keep Donald happy but it did wonders for me!

THE PARADE was AWESOME!

Chinese Pavilion at EPCOT is another way to beat the heat... 

Need to use a Fast Pass selection for this one but worth it...

A non-crowded way to beat the heat...

Crowds...

I have been asked a few times throughout my life one particular question, "isn't it crowded at Disney World?" The answer to that questions usually yes. However, there are times throughout the year in which you can avoid the crowds. A good rule of thumb is when students are in school it is less crowded at WDW... For me this rule can NOT apply because I am a teacher and I am also in school when the students are. So when planning your trip, know that if there is a school holiday the crowd level goes up.
What this rule does not take into account though is special events. Walt Disney World has multiple events throughout the year and many of them occur multiple days and even weeks. It is good to check ahead when booking a trip. The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Show, Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios, The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, as well as Mickey's Not SO Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade and Party are just a few of the "special" events that occur annually and bring in more visitors each year. 
I'd be amiss if I didn't mention this about a NON-SANCTIONED Disney event that occurs the first weekend of June every year. This weekend has been called "gay days" it is as I said non-sanctioned by WDW and I am not really sure what it is about but I have known of friends who went down during this particular weekend and regretted the timing. I am not going to become political here but I just tell you so you are aware and make sure to check your calendars (it is called Gay Days Orlando and it is from June 3-9 this year).
I am attaching a link to this post to have another planning tool. It is a expected crowd control calendar.
UNDERCOVER TOURIST CROWD CONTROL
It is put out by a site called Undercover Tourist and not only breaks it down by weeks but by days as well and even though you might notice a week or day is in the red if you look at the individual parks it might be green. For example from about mid-December on it is red (which means the area is crowded) however, on individual days you might see where the Magic Kingdom is green (see December 24-25) where other parks might be red and vice versa. I will say that in 2008 on Christmas Eve we were in the Magic Kingdom and it wasn't  that bad crowd wise.
One thing to remember is to plan. Look into Fast-Pass+ and make reservations at restaurants during off hours (non-peak meal times). Also remember to have fun, for some, Walt Disney World is a once in a lifetime event, I have been blessed enough to go back pretty much annually and I have to remind myself that a time or two,  don't ruin the time by stressing over the crowds that you forget the fun.
In my next post I will start to tell you about how to avoid or lessen the burden the crowds and the heat of Central Florida. Until then have a blessed day and remember  It's a Small World.

Me and one of my closest advisors...

Reflections From Disney 2014!

It has been over a week now and I am sort of off my post-WDW depression. We stayed at the Art of Animation and I have my opinion on that, which is to say that I am glad I stayed there but I won't be hurt if we never go back. We had a great time and the room fit our needs but I like to stay closer to the action. I took a poll of two of my children and they both liked the Polynesian Resort best of the ones we have stayed at. I am a fan of the Poly and I also like the Contemporary for the same reason, the monorail. I do not want you to misinterpret this post as a gripe, I had a wonderful, magical, time and I am already planning our next trip to WDW. The Art of Animation (AA) is a wonderful resort, and for the right family (one with young children) it can be a magical place. However, it wasn't the best for me and my family. One of my "complaints" is the lack of transportation, or maybe I should say lack of choices concerning transportation. It is either the bus or your own vehicle. For old pros like us we can scoot around WDW like tour directors in our minivan but not everyone is as comfortable doing that.  Busses are okay but the travel time is extended to the parks because of the distance from the resort.
Let me change directions now. What did we do that made our trip special this year? Nick and I went fishing, Jule and Corri went for mani-pedis and the whole family experienced the Hoop-De-Doo Review. We also found that Wyatt is our ride guru. He likes rides, although he was a little upset when we went a second time on the Kali-River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom. He went on Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Goofy's Barnstormer, and It's a Small World. He also helped me get the high score on Toy Story's Midway Mania.
One thing I want to point out is we came across the Disney Hollywood Street Performers on this trip and loved them. Nick agrees that we'd go to DHS just to watch them.
Disney has done it again by the way. The new Magic Kingdom parade "Festival of Fantasyland" is in my opinion "AWESOME" I think it is the best Disney parade I have ever seen and I have seen the Christmas parade.
Let's face it, I love Disney World and the feeling I get when I am walking right smack dab down the middle of Mainstreet USA with the castle in front of me is awesome. Oh before I leave you I must say that if you ever get to eat at "Be Our Guest" try the grey stuff it IS delicious, don't believe me... wait for it, wait for it... ASK THE DISHES!

THE TOPIARIES AT EPCOT WERE NEAT (MY FAVORITE)

WYATT'S GIRLFRIEND (SO HE SAYS)

TRY THE GREY STUFF!

HE THOUGHT HE BROKE MY CAMERA...

BEST GAME/RIDE AT WDW (IN MY HONEST OPINION)

THEY WERE A BITING!

ME WITHOUT MY MORNING COFFEE...

WHY DO I ALWAYS THINK OF MY WIFE AND I WHEN I SEE BELLE AND THE BEAST:)