Trip Report When can we do this again? A Fractal family Odyssey. *COMPLETED*

Definition of odyssey:

• : a long journey full of adventures
  
  
• : a series of experiences that give knowledge or understanding to someone

Not too long ago I had a lot of doubt this trip would ever happen. The financial cost of higher education, the fact my wife Val wanted to go anywhere BUT Disney, the crazy and conflicting schedules of the kids, made the odds of keeping our 2-year WDW trip tradition a large long-shot. But maybe things do happen for a reason...

A great deal came our way and before we knew it we were on our way back to the World. Not without a major sacrifice however as my eldest daughter Alexandra had to miss the trip due to her schooling ( she graduates this Friday as an Registered Nurse!). She is a bit of a kindred spirit to me with a personality closer to mine than the other two, so I knew I would miss her dearly on the trip.

Here she is at Christmas with my Mom (Yia-Yia).

Speaking of Yia-yia; she will join us again at WDW! We had a great time with her on our 2013 trip at the Poly. We would meet up with her, my Sister Marina (here with me)...

and my two nieces; Courtney...

and Mia...

at the Yacht Club on the second leg of our journey. The first part of our trip took us to my in-law's (Al & Sue) who moved to Florida (Tampa - St. Pete area) last year. They would also join us at WDW!

Here they are from a 50th anniversary party we had for them last Winter...

It was early evening Thursday July 20th when we began our Odyssey. My good friend Wally picked us up to take us to the Baltimore (BWI) airport.

Excitement was building for our trip but the real Disney excitement would come later.

Sterg and Toni occupied the back seat. They were almost late for the pickup as they decided a last second Starbucks run was in order. Sterg ended up paying for that about an hour later as his bladder protested strongly.

Val was next to me and could barely contain her enthusiasm.

Not only was she not fully in favor of another Disney trip, she was (rightfully) concerned with the potential problems, complications, and stress of merging these 3 parts of the family together in the already chaotic environment of managing reservations, room assignments, getting to the parks, fastpasses and dinner plans. I had much of the same worries, which were also amplified by the fact Yia-Yia and Al would be using electric scooters during our time at the World. But hey, it's Disney, what could go wrong?

 

[Bob]

Yet another "absolutely stunning" vote on your HEA photos.

I'm sure it's just that I've hung out with lawyers for way too long, but you should consider watermarking those with a copyright before posting them online. Wouldn't want to see those gorgeous images turn up somewhere without proper credit to you. Not that any of our members would do such a thing, but once they're on the internet...anything could happen. (I know, I know, I'm a horrible suspicious person)

Well, should have followed your advise. So far I've caught 2 people (that I follow!) on instagram that stole one of my photos and posted as their own.

The days of being able to watermark your digital photos might be coming to an end.

Google shows how easy it is for software to remove watermarks from photos

 

[Tiggerish]

Sterg and I discussed how people (including us) just did not want to leave Magic Kingdom.
The park was closed, the Kiss goodbye was over but there was still a nice sized crowd just milling around. I think it's the feeling you have just being in MK

How much you wanna bet at least 30% of those people might be WDWMagic members? We seem to be likely to linger.

Well, should have followed your advise. So far I've caught 2 people (that I follow!) on instagram that stole one of my photos and posted as their own.

That's a shame. I hope you called them out on it. Now you know why I founded the I Hate People Club--maybe you'd like to discuss membership fees?

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I had fallen quite far behind having not read along in about a week but am fully caught up now. Still amazed at the quality of photos you were able to capture during your trip. As many have said, the fireworks display was simply stunning. On a personal note, I really enjoyed the few Splash Mountain pics you took. My all-time favourite so anytime I get a little taste it makes me happy!

Great Boardwalk pics as well. MK at night is unbeatable but I really enjoy the sights around the Boardwalk after dark as well. Yet to experience Pandora at night but I think it's easy to assume it will be high up on the nighttime experience list.

Besides fawning over the photos, very cool that you and Sterg had the chance to spend that time together with no real plans in the way.

Looking forward to more!

 

[Billy6]

The photos are fantastic.... it seems as if we are all in front of you....err...I mean, behind you when you snap the picture.
A very "live" feel to them....

 

[fractal]

Update on stolen photos.

instagram account "floridaparkplans" initially denied it was my photo (the one I'm sitting behind Sterg in Space Mountain tunnel) then when I proved it the response was;

"I can credit the picture to you, I grabbed it off an image search"

I tried a google image search and could not find this photo - didn't seem likely since it was so new. I'm guessing they got it off of my flickr account. Now, I'm not naive. I know how the internet is so open and things get stolen often. I also know some photographers that would demand payment and if they didn't get any would get an attorney involved.

I simply asked for an apology first, then credit for the photo.

The response from FloridaParkPlans was to be blocked. They blocked my instagram account "TheFractalChannel" but not my personal one, where I can see the photo is still up and with no credit.

If by chance you follow this account, consider unfollowing it.

I feel a little better now. Thanks for letting me rant.

 

[Bob]

Update on stolen photos.

instagram account "floridaparkplans" initially denied it was my photo (the one I'm sitting behind Sterg in Space Mountain tunnel) then when I proved it the response was;

"I can credit the picture to you, I grabbed it off an image search"

I tried a google image search and could not find this photo - didn't seem likely since it was so new. I'm guessing they got it off of my flickr account. Now, I'm not naive. I know how the internet is so open and things get stolen often. I also know some photographers that would demand payment and if they didn't get any would get an attorney involved.

I simply asked for an apology first, then credit for the photo.

The response from FloridaParkPlans was to be blocked. They blocked my instagram account "TheFractalChannel" but not my personal one, where I can see the photo is still up and with no credit.

If by chance you follow this account, consider unfollowing it.

I feel a little better now. Thanks for letting me rant.

How To Report a Stolen Photo On Instagram

 

[gdisneyfans]

I think they came out pretty good.

I think they came out better than "pretty good"

Sorry to hear about the stolen photos. What a jerk. Don't blame you for venting when you worked so hard for what you took.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Update on stolen photos.

instagram account "floridaparkplans" initially denied it was my photo (the one I'm sitting behind Sterg in Space Mountain tunnel) then when I proved it the response was;

"I can credit the picture to you, I grabbed it off an image search"

I tried a google image search and could not find this photo - didn't seem likely since it was so new. I'm guessing they got it off of my flickr account. Now, I'm not naive. I know how the internet is so open and things get stolen often. I also know some photographers that would demand payment and if they didn't get any would get an attorney involved.

I simply asked for an apology first, then credit for the photo.

The response from FloridaParkPlans was to be blocked. They blocked my instagram account "TheFractalChannel" but not my personal one, where I can see the photo is still up and with no credit.

If by chance you follow this account, consider unfollowing it.

I feel a little better now. Thanks for letting me rant.

Ugh, that's so annoying. I unfollowed them. I don't care for accounts that just repost other people's photos anyway. I don't mind it if they're like promoting a brand or something, but just reposting a scenic shot doesn't make sense. Especially if you're trying to pass it off as your own photo!

 

[fractal]

Another stolen photo update. I followed the link @Bob posted and reported it. Within a few hours I got a response that the photo was deleted from his post.

Meanwhile my social media director was more concerned that I didn't post his video he made of our Boy's Day. So here goes.

Again, I'm no George Clooney but I do need to say that many of the wide angle shots of me are not particularly flattering. Especially the ones taken from low angles - like the one walking up Main Street shot from below my chin and up into my nostrils. Very nice camera work @fractal jr ! I look like the freakin' Carnotaurus. Anyway, I have thick skin and other than that it's a pretty entertaining video.

 

[riverside]

Another stolen photo update. I followed the link @Bob posted and reported it. Within a few hours I got a response that the photo was deleted from his post.

Meanwhile my social media director was more concerned that I didn't post his video he made of our Boy's Day. So here goes.

Again, I'm no George Clooney but I do need to say that many of the wide angle shots of me are not particularly flattering. Especially the ones taken from low angles - like the one walking up Main Street shot from below my chin and up into my nostrils. Very nice camera work @fractal jr ! I look like the freakin' Carnotaurus. Anyway, I have thick skin and other than that it's a pretty entertaining video.

Love it!!

 

[mousefreak]

Love the video, even though we can count your nose hairs (just kidding). Great choice of music @fractal jr.

 

[mousefreak]

WTH with people stealing your photos?!?! We all know they're awesome but for goodness sake why can't people ask before using them?

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Update on stolen photos.

instagram account "floridaparkplans" initially denied it was my photo (the one I'm sitting behind Sterg in Space Mountain tunnel) then when I proved it the response was;

"I can credit the picture to you, I grabbed it off an image search"

I tried a google image search and could not find this photo - didn't seem likely since it was so new. I'm guessing they got it off of my flickr account. Now, I'm not naive. I know how the internet is so open and things get stolen often. I also know some photographers that would demand payment and if they didn't get any would get an attorney involved.

I simply asked for an apology first, then credit for the photo.

The response from FloridaParkPlans was to be blocked. They blocked my instagram account "TheFractalChannel" but not my personal one, where I can see the photo is still up and with no credit.

If by chance you follow this account, consider unfollowing it.

I feel a little better now. Thanks for letting me rant.

FloridaParkPlans = Jerk

Sorry to hear about your stolen photos.

Love the new video too!

 

[Bob]

Another stolen photo update. I followed the link @Bob posted and reported it. Within a few hours I got a response that the photo was deleted from his post.

Meanwhile my social media director was more concerned that I didn't post his video he made of our Boy's Day. So here goes.

Again, I'm no George Clooney but I do need to say that many of the wide angle shots of me are not particularly flattering. Especially the ones taken from low angles - like the one walking up Main Street shot from below my chin and up into my nostrils. Very nice camera work @fractal jr ! I look like the freakin' Carnotaurus. Anyway, I have thick skin and other than that it's a pretty entertaining video.

This trip report has been so fantastic. The photos beyond stunning and videos incredibly well done. I formally request that @wdwmagic flies you and @fractal jr down to WDW once a year so that we can get these more often.

 

[Bob]

Another stolen photo update. I followed the link @Bob posted and reported it. Within a few hours I got a response that the photo was deleted from his post.

 

[disneypearl]

The video was really well done! You and @fractal jr have a talent for capturing the feeling of being at Walt Disney World!

 

[susan lees]

Well, should have followed your advise. So far I've caught 2 people (that I follow!) on instagram that stole one of my photos and posted as their own.

Can't like this

 

[susan lees]

WTH with people stealing your photos?!?! We all know they're awesome but for goodness sake why can't people ask before using them?

Or take @fractal advice on photography and learn how to take their own photos!!!!

 

[Songbird76]

Update on stolen photos.

instagram account "floridaparkplans" initially denied it was my photo (the one I'm sitting behind Sterg in Space Mountain tunnel) then when I proved it the response was;

"I can credit the picture to you, I grabbed it off an image search"

I tried a google image search and could not find this photo - didn't seem likely since it was so new. I'm guessing they got it off of my flickr account. Now, I'm not naive. I know how the internet is so open and things get stolen often. I also know some photographers that would demand payment and if they didn't get any would get an attorney involved.

I simply asked for an apology first, then credit for the photo.

The response from FloridaParkPlans was to be blocked. They blocked my instagram account "TheFractalChannel" but not my personal one, where I can see the photo is still up and with no credit.

If by chance you follow this account, consider unfollowing it.

I feel a little better now. Thanks for letting me rant.

Oh, them's fightin' words!! I can't believe that! Obviously they have no intention of fixing the issue and giving you credit. Can you report it somewhere?

Edit: I see you already did that. Well done! Glad they removed it!

 

[MinnieM123]

Update on stolen photos.

instagram account "floridaparkplans" initially denied it was my photo (the one I'm sitting behind Sterg in Space Mountain tunnel) then when I proved it the response was;

"I can credit the picture to you, I grabbed it off an image search"

I tried a google image search and could not find this photo - didn't seem likely since it was so new. I'm guessing they got it off of my flickr account. Now, I'm not naive. I know how the internet is so open and things get stolen often. I also know some photographers that would demand payment and if they didn't get any would get an attorney involved.

I simply asked for an apology first, then credit for the photo.

The response from FloridaParkPlans was to be blocked. They blocked my instagram account "TheFractalChannel" but not my personal one, where I can see the photo is still up and with no credit.

If by chance you follow this account, consider unfollowing it.

I feel a little better now. Thanks for letting me rant.

THIEVING MAGGOTS. Glad a few of them have been exposed. Your rant was more than justified.