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?

 

[fractal]

The afternoon with Sterg in DHS started a stretch of time with him where our main focus was just appreciating and capturing the environment of the park. While I was doing so with "stills" he was recording video. This was a vastly different dynamic vs. running through the parks making sure to hit all the rides. I was thoroughly enjoying it.

We discussed composing shots differently, what to shoot and how to shoot it.

He wasn't getting bored with my photography - so strange but welcome!

Never saw this before.

Took me awhile to find an angle on the SS Down the Hatch that I liked.

Made in the shade at Walt Disney World!

While Alex and Sterg were always playing sports, Toni is our dancer. I took this one for her (and Courtney who's also a dancer).

Hello? How much are lessons?

Love that the neon signs are lit during the day! Looks like it could use some new bulbs however.

My kind of store.

Daisy was meetin' & greetin'

The park was filling up.

Sterg in front of Sid's, which is now a PhotoPass center. He wasn't annoyed at me taking photos - even of him - he wasn't complaining or whining - he didn't need to rush to the next ride - yet was enjoying himself.
Amazing how much has changed since our trip to Disneyland.

Goodbye Hollywood Studios, we'll see you later (maybe). As Sterg and I were waiting for the Friendship boat, who should roll up but Al & Sue. They spent their time going through some shops - we couldn't have planned it any better. 10 minutes later we were back at the Yacht Club eager to enjoy some sand-bottomed pool time!

UP NEXT - Storm-along-fun, group photo (with or without the entire group), a new dinning experience, Epcot at sundown, Yia-Yia's reaction to Soarin' and more Long Exposure photos!

 

[Bob]

#FAKENEWS

We all know benches no longer exist at WDW.

 

[LieutLaww]

I think I may have to do some afternoons of wandering around a park and just taking pics.

 

[King Racoon 77]

I think I may have to do some afternoons of wandering around a park and just taking pics.

Just steal @fractal s scenery pics for yoir own trip report ... no one will notice

 

[senor_jorge]

A lot of rudeness that morning! Let me not only put my daughter on my shoulders but also have her hold an umbrella.

Perhaps they were afraid that you'd snap if you could see the iPad they were holding up?

 

[Songbird76]

Courtney, who was a whiz on the Disney app, spotting a 20 minute standby wait for Star Tours. Not only where we all pumped up but we now had a plan. Off we went, but not before engaging with Montgomery Dash...

He poked fun of my Animal Kingdom flip-flops. If only he knew the entire story.

and Betty Shambles who took a liking to Sterg and his tie-dyed shirt.

It was another hot and humid day, but the Park looked great.

Except for maybe all the cranes. I'm genuinely excited to see how Hollywood Studios (if it's still called that) will look by 2020. Of course for me the highlight will be Star Wars land but the Toy Story expansion also has me intrigued. 5 years from now WDW will look much different than today and for the most part I (along with Sterg) was thrilled by all the D23 announcements.

Work in Progress.

We reach ST and got in line. Immediately I knew our wait was going to be more than the 20 minutes posted time. But hey, we flew all the way to Endor for this so no turning back.

Those Ewoks are so crafty.

Hello R2!

C-3PO was as neurotic as usually.

Time to meet some other droids.

I think I say this in every one of my trip reports, but these "TSA" droids just crack me up!

While 90% of the people in line are absorbed with their smart phones, I'm listening to their spiel and cracking up. Check out this luggage going through the X-Ray...

This guy is even funnier. I'll have to look it to see if their entire loop is on You-tube.

While in line, Sterg and Toni reminisced about the time Val was the rebel spy after complaining the whole time about going on the ride. It was a great "cover".

Put on your 3D glasses for this next shot.

BB8 was the only part from the "new" trilogy that we got.

After our trip to a Galaxy far, far away, we got word that Al & Sue were on their way and would rendezvous with us at ToT.

I high-fived Goofy along the way.

and this time, spotted the "handler".

I really like the quick in-Park interaction with the Characters. It's been a long time since I stood in line for a meet & greet.

Sterg got his Churro fix.

Next time we see this it won't be The Great Movie Ride.

I had to do a double take!! Montgomery Dash looks so much like my Opera Theater director from college! If he wasn't still a professor there, I'd think he had gotten a new job!

 

[Songbird76]

OK - adding it to the plan!

The voice came on very quickly in our case. Seems like your maintenance was lost "In the Twighlight Zone".

It's still in my Mt Rushmore!

Lol! That's great! Brown Derby is on the list for next trip!

they are funny! I did find a You-tube of the droids.

Mt. Rushmore? Did I miss something?

 

[fractal]

All caught up with notes along the way!

Congratulations on your daughter’s graduation!

I’m stressed out reading your airport experience! So glad everything ended up working out.

Great photos! I’ve considered saving up for a mirrorless camera a few times. How do you like it? I have a Nikon D5100 right now and want to feel like I’ve just about mastered it before I venture into another buy.

St. Stefanos was beautiful!

Love your youtube channel! I’ve already watched several videos.

I can’t believe that was the first time that your kids saw Country Bears. Always has been and always will be a favorite of mine.

Great Space Mountain shots!

I think you found a great nook in Japan to take photos of Illuminations. Great foreground images mixed in with the fireworks. Fireworks photos are definitely something I haven’t tried yet, but I know a youtube video that can help me get started.

Now I have to convince my husband that he likes Disney as much as I do so he and our son can have the conversation you and Sterg did in Epcot in 19 years.

Your frat house story – gosh, I didn’t know you went to college with my dad!

I just realized I never answered your camera question.

The Nikon 5100 is very good camera. The sensor is a bit dated but still capable enough.

The benefits of mirrorless are size, weight and the Electronic View Finder (although a good number of people do prefer an Optical Viewfinder). If you find yourself hating to carry around your camera then mirrorless should be a consideration. I do know that Nikon is expected to roll out a new line of mirrorless cameras within the next year (or sooner) but that will be at a price point much higher than entry-level DSLR; more like the D810 and also full frame. I do not believe that the current F-mount Nikon lenses will be compatible with their mirrorless without an adapter and some compromises.

I would say for you, if you are ready to get a new camera, the biggest decision would be mirrorless or not. I wouldn't necessarily just get it "to get it" if you know what I mean.

 

[King Racoon 77]

I just realized I never answered your camera question.

The Nikon 5100 is very good camera. The sensor is a bit dated but still capable enough.

The benefits of mirrorless are size, weight and the Electronic View Finder (although a good number of people do prefer an Optical Viewfinder). If you find yourself hating to carry around your camera then mirrorless should be a consideration. I do know that Nikon is expected to roll out a new line of mirrorless cameras within the next year (or sooner) but that will be at a price point much higher than entry-level DSLR; more like the D810 and also full frame. I do not believe that the current F-mount Nikon lenses will be compatible with their mirrorless without an adapter and some compromises.

I would say for you, if you are ready to get a new camera, the biggest decision would be mirrorless or not. I wouldn't necessarily just get it "to get it" if you know what I mean.

I have to say the thing i miss most about my dslr over my mirrorless is the viewfinder. I still hate having to stare at a screen .

 

[fractal]

I think I may have to do some afternoons of wandering around a park and just taking pics.

Highly recommended.

Just steal @fractal s scenery pics for yoir own trip report ... no one will notice

good thinking!

Perhaps they were afraid that you'd snap if you could see the iPad they were holding up?

Not likely, but I can't rule it out.

Mt. Rushmore? Did I miss something?

In my "Mt Rushmore" of favorite rides. Top 4 (really Top 2 in this case).

I have to say the thing i miss most about my dslr over my mirrorless is the viewfinder. I still hate having to stare at a screen .

My friend is the same way. I on the other hand couldn't go back to an OVF. I love the WYSIWYG of the EVF.

 

[MinnieM123]

Really enjoying this recent group of retro-Hollywood inspired storefronts, windows, signs, etc. DHS is such a hodgepodge of things at the moment, that when I visited back in May, I didn't like walking through the park. I just went to the few attractions I enjoy, and sort of breezed by everything else, which is a shame.

Looking at your individual photos, brought me back to years ago when the park's theme was immersive and wonderful. Thanks for sharing these pictures--next visit, I'll slow down a bit and search out the remnants of the nicer displays, that you obviously found with your magic camera lens.

 

[newhorizons1]

I just realized I never answered your camera question.

The Nikon 5100 is very good camera. The sensor is a bit dated but still capable enough.

The benefits of mirrorless are size, weight and the Electronic View Finder (although a good number of people do prefer an Optical Viewfinder). If you find yourself hating to carry around your camera then mirrorless should be a consideration. I do know that Nikon is expected to roll out a new line of mirrorless cameras within the next year (or sooner) but that will be at a price point much higher than entry-level DSLR; more like the D810 and also full frame. I do not believe that the current F-mount Nikon lenses will be compatible with their mirrorless without an adapter and some compromises.

I would say for you, if you are ready to get a new camera, the biggest decision would be mirrorless or not. I wouldn't necessarily just get it "to get it" if you know what I mean.

No worries! One of the biggest reasons that I am considering mirrorless next is because of the weight. I enjoy taking photographs, especially when we travel. Now that I have a kid (and hopefully more within the next several years) I don’t want to be lugging around a lot of extra weight, but I also don’t want to be limited to taking photos with my phone. I still need to be able to justify it though. I know I have a base model DSLR right now, and I’ve been trying to learn more and more about it. Once I feel like I’ve outgrown it, I’ll look at my (budget friendly) options.

 

[ksr99]

Exiting River Journey I remembered the daytime view from the bridge. I placed my camera on the railing to take a long exposure shot of the waterfall from one of the floating mountains. What I didn't realize is that I still had on the darn Auto ISO. So this shot was taken at ISO 800 instead of 100; f/8 and 3.2 second exposure. I remember thinking that 3.2seconds seemed too "fast" for the amount of light available but the other gears in the ol' brain didn't make the rest of the connection.

Around this point Val and Sue decided to go back to YC. Marina, Sterg, Toni, Courtney and Mia made the brave decision to wait 120 minutes standby for FoP! I decided to use this time to take photos in Pandora.

More of the glow in the dark "pods". I found a trashcan to use for another 3.2 second exposure. This at ISO 2000 (which actually looks really good for ISO that high).

ISO 5000, same shutter speed and aperture. It should have occurred to me by now that the camera was on Auto ISO, but I was distracted by finding trashcans that offered good photo compositions.

This may be my favorite shot of the night. ISO 1600.

Right after this shot it started to rain. A good steady rain. Those that have read my other reports know that I have a habit of buying and bringing ponchos to our trip, only to forget them in the room when needed. Well, the habit remains. Ponchos were in the room. I put my camera in my camera bag and made a fast run to the Mercantile Gift shop just outside Avatar entrance and purchased a poncho. The last thing I wanted was to be stranded in AK and I didn't feel my camera was secure enough from the rain despite the camera bag. I put on the poncho, placed the camera bag in a Disney merchandise bag and held it like a football under my poncho. As I looked outside, the steady rain turned into a downpour. Then a blinding flash of lightning followed very closely by a booming thunder clap.

"Wow." I thought. I checked in with the other two splintered groups. Val & Sue were almost at the bus stop but soaking wet. Marina said they were still in the FoP line and also soaked but decided to wait it out!

"You are crazy!" I said. I made my way to the exit in the gift shop that was nearest to the park exit and waited for a lull in the rain - then took off. I joined the crowd of people leaving just as the rain started to intensify again. My glasses were fogging up making hard to see where I was going. My grip on the bag containing my camera bag was like a vise. I made it to the bathroom right before the park exit and parked myself under cover as the rain was now a full torrential downpour.

"Next break in the rain I'm making a run for the bus stops." I said to myself while wiping my glasses. I checked in again with Marina and the FoP crew. They were steadfast; sending back images as if to taunt me.

I can't stand being in wet clothing. I know most people don't enjoy it, but it really bothers me and i have a low tolerance for it. Even with the poncho on I was having issues as the bottom of my shorts were wet and my sperrys were soaked. No way I would have survived in that standby line.

About 15 minutes later the rain stopped, but people were still leaving the park.

"Hmmm" I thought in my contrarian natured brain. "Maybe I should go back to Pandora." envisioning a now 20 minutes wait for FoP after the mass exodus.

And I did just that. I made it all the way back to the FoP entrance and found...

Still a 120 minute wait! Are you kidding me? The CM said very few people got out of line, and a bunch of people had the same idea as I had. So much for being "contrarian".

Well, I thought, at least I can go back to taking photos. As I set up for my first shot; "Hey? why is this camera set at ISO 1600?" The horror and realization of my AUTO ISO mistake hit me hard but I endured.

Setting the ISO now at 100 I took some shots. Anybody want to figure out how long my exposure had to be? At ISO 1600 my exposure was 3 seconds. A drop to ISO 100 cut my light in half 4 times...

Finally, a long exposure shot at ISO 100!

The correct answer to my photographic quiz is 48 seconds. (3 X 2 = 6 X 2 = 12 X 2 = 24 X 2 = 48). Since I didn't want to deal with a 48 second exposure, I widened my f/stop until my EVF showed a good exposure at 25 seconds (f/6.3) or I could have bumped the ISO to 200.

I was a bit annoyed at the Imagineers during my night time photo voyage in Pandora. Using trash cans as a tripod can limit you to the shots you can take depending on were they are positioned. However, all the paths were bordered by a fence and posts. The top of posts were big enough for my camera, but...the top of the posts were also uneven to make them more "authentic". Most of them were useless, but I found a couple I could use.

For a second I wished I had my tripod, until I thought about having to carry that and my camera and bag under a poncho in the rain.

Final shot -

Then the rain started again. Followed by a series of very intimidating lighting and thunder! Once again I packed up and headed for the gift shop. This time there was no steady increase. We went from drizzles to full on rain forest deluge in about 10 seconds. I only made it to the entrance of Tiffens and took cover there. After a very slight pause I moved back to the gift shop and waited outside undercover with some others.

By this point the pathways were flooding - this was taken during a let up.

I finally "maned up" and exited the park in a steady rain. I made it to the bus stop area, then took a freezing cold bus alone back to the YC.

As I got off the elevator and started walking to my room, I took off my squishy shoes and treated my tired feet to the soft plush YC hallway carpeting. "This feels great." I thought. It would become a bit of a "thing".

Val was in the room with Sue having some wine when I entered. About 45 minutes later the FoP squad returned to base with the excitement and thrill that comes with a major accomplishment. "It was even better the 2nd time!" was the repeated mantra.

It was now around 12:30 in the morning. 15 minutes later we had a knock on the door. It was Mia. She wanted to give us a snack before bed. She told us she forgot where our room was and knocked on 3 doors before ours and she got yelled at.

"What did they say to you?" I asked.

"They said - where's your Mother? Go to bed little girl! - they were kinda mean."

"I guess they were." I replied.

Up next - We hit Hollywood Studios for some thrills, then later try a new restaurant in Epcot while Sterg goes youtube video crazy.

I'm with you im a baby in the rain! Being an ex college sprinter, I see clouds and I sprint to the bus!!!
With that being said, I've had some of the greatest time of my life with friends at Disney in the rain!

 

[ksr99]

The night of torrential AK rains? We in the MK area got nothing.....not even a drop!

Is it because ur a VIP maybe?!? Atleast that's the rumour going around.....

 

[fractal]

Cannot take enough photos of the Yacht Club lighthouse.

Love the symmetry.

Sterg liked playing with the globe.

Val, Marina, Yia-Yia and the girls were already poolside. We were encouraged by the heat to join them.

Storm-along-Bay is the best resort pool on property. The pool has a sand bottom, includes a jib slide, a floating river, waterfalls, "sinking sands" area, and two hut tubs. It is huge and is shared by the Beach Club and Yacht Club (and is actually made up of two pools) Having now stayed at both I observed some differences between the BC side and the YC side. The BC side looks more like a traditional pool as far as how you enter and exit, while the YC side has a sand "beach" on the sides of the pool which allow you to walk into the water as if you were on a real beach. Also plenty of sand for children to play in and build sandcastles.

The BC side however has the "sinking sand" area which offers a deeper layer of sand on the bottom (that feels great on the tootsies) and the floating river. The CM activities and entertainment take place on the BC side and was a big hit with our kids when we stayed at BC. The Poly version of this was a big letdown for us.

Life Guards are plentiful and very attentive. The lazy river is a stretch in the pool that gets as deep as 8ft (I believe) vs. the Poly pool never gets deeper than 5 ft.

I found the themeing, while not as good as the Poly, very pleasing.

The pool is completely fenced off and you have to use your magic band to enter. You are also given another paper wristband to wear if you intend to go on the jib slide.

Hurricane Hannah's is your nearby bar & food option (along with Beaches & Cream). It is right outside the fencing of the pool. They do have servers in the pool area that will fetch you food and drink.

I did go down the jib slide once. You do have to leave the fencing in area and cross the path to Epcot to get to the jib slide. The paper wristband allows you passage onto the slide. It is fun and fairly quick. Sterg lost his sunglasses he was wearing when he landed in the pool (did find them).

I spent most of the time in the pool with Sterg. The last time we were both in this pool together he was almost 2 foot shorter than me and I carried him around on my back. Now he's the taller one and in deep water could drown me with relative ease, which he likes to remind me off from time to time by pushing down on my shoulder while in the deeper parts.

More SAB photos.

Sue & Al treading water.

and some bathing beauties.

Nice view! But the clouds continued to grow and rise.

No real drama that afternoon. The scheduled Florida afternoon thunderstorm however did finally put an end to our pool time.

At least the ducks liked the rain.

 

[joshsprincess921]

Cannot take enough photos of the Yacht Club lighthouse.

I love how you can see a little boy with Mickey ears with the telescope in the first lighthouse pic. So cute!

 

[ATLmouselover]

We check in at the Yacht Club next Friday, and your photos are getting me very excited for our stay! Really enjoying your report - all of the pictures are beautiful. Looking forward to reading more!

 

[fractal]

I love how you can see a little boy with Mickey ears with the telescope in the first lighthouse pic. So cute!

I never noticed that! Good catch.

We check in at the Yacht Club next Friday, and your photos are getting me very excited for our stay! Really enjoying your report - all of the pictures are beautiful. Looking forward to reading more!

Have a great time ( I know you will)! Thanks for following along!

 

[fractal]

After pool time, I took Yia-Yia to the new Yacht Club Convention Center to check in on our convention. First off, the place is gorgeous.

Anybody else want to start some organization just so we can have conventions here?

It was done so classy yet inviting that it made you feel like you wanted to go to a meeting there. Which is what we did. We sat in on a quick meeting (kinda off to the side).

I enjoyed the paintings on the walls.

Then I took a photo of Yia-Yia.

I'm predicting this is going to be a big hit for YC as far as bookings. Not sure how it will effect the atmosphere of the resort however. I guess that will all depend on what conventioneers are there at the time.

With that, we went back to our rooms to prepare for dinner (and have a few cocktails).

I was ready for the night, sporting the Hawaiian shirt Yia-Yia got me for Father's Day !

 

[Zipadeelady]

That's a very nice Hawaiian shirt. Yia Yia has good taste!